A Day Trip to Avila Beach

A two and a half hour road trip from Monterey will land you at Avila Beach! Just outside of San Luis Obispo, it’s a tiny little beach community and just where we go when we want a real beach experience. I say real beach because it’s hot enough there to wear a swimsuit… We haven’t hit all the spots there, yet, but we do have a few of our favorites.

our itinerary:  park  |  lunch  |  beach  |  farm

park | 

My boys love the park that’s right outside the Central Coast Aquarium. We haven’t been inside the aquarium, mainly because we’re members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but it looks like a neat little indoor activity! As soon as we get to the park, Ajax immediately commandeers the pirate ship and doesn’t leave…

Honestly any park is legit in my boys eyes, but the pirate ship is a nice touch that not a lot of parks have. Plus it right next to the beach.

lunch | 

We’ve eaten here a few times and love it. It’s easy (with the kiddos) and delicious. A place that serves a pb and j and a draft IPA… yes. Yes!

There are several restaurants right by the water, and with outdoor seating. But anyone under 21 will have a hard time getting in the gate. And if you’re traveling sans kiddos, there are plenty of wine tasting room around!

beach |

One of the best things about Avila Beach is there is a great little shallow spot for the kiddos to play. It’s under a bridge, and I know that sounds a little shady, but there really is shade, on a beach! It’s a neat little spot next to the ocean.

The beach itself is pretty great too.

swimsuit c/o Cleo Madison  | sunglasses

farm |

Avila Valley Farm is adorable. A maze, hay ride, all the animals – which is Brecken’s new favorite word – and all the pumpkins you could ever possibly want. Not to mention real lemonade (or tea, if you like that) ice cream, BBQ, taffy… you know, all the foods you shouldn’t eat but want too.

We haven’t explored SLO yet, mainly because after a day of the park, beach and the farm we’re wiped out. But I’d welcome any tips for next time!! Even tips for Pismo Beach!

  1. 10.9.17
    Lindsie said:

    Looks like a wonderful adventure!

  2. 10.9.17
    Aubry said:

    Looks like such a fun trip!

  3. 10.9.17
    Elizabeth said:

    This all looks like so much fun! The beaches and the pumpkins! Also that suit is ADORABLE!

    • 10.12.17
      Abi said:

      thank you=) Not the ‘normal’ fall, but I’ll take it!

  4. 10.9.17
    Amy said:

    So I’m moving out to CA next year and this post just made me so pumped!

    • 10.12.17
      Abi said:

      South CA?! You’ll go coast to coast! =)

  5. 10.9.17

    What great memories being made! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  6. 10.9.17
    Torrie said:

    Ooo, I love how kid-friendly all these ideas are! I feel like it’s easy to plan a vacation sans kids, but I always appreciate tips on how to enjoy a place when toddlers are along too!

    • 10.12.17
      Abi said:

      Haha right! They’re game-changers for sure.

  7. 10.10.17

    I love that suit, and I love the clean design of your blog. This post makes me miss our family vacation to Florida and all the beach time we got. I live in Indiana so a lot of beach – we do not have.

    • 10.12.17
      Abi said:

      thanks girl! You know, I’ve said it before – Colorado would be the perfect place to live (for me) if there was a large body of water close by! I know I’ll miss it when we leave!

Comments are closed.