Avila Beach

Avila Beach.

 Have you ever heard if it? Well neither had I. But what a wonderful little treasure of a resort. 160 miles north of Los Angeles it originated as a major shipping port. Named for Miguel Avila, the son of Jose de Santa Ana Avila, he was granted Rancho San Miguelito in 1842. Rancho San Miguelito is a Mexican land grant that was honored by the American government after the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war with Mexico in California.

The beach itself is .5miles long. It is protected by the 600 foot elevation of San Luis making it warmer than other beaches on the central coast. 

Avila beach is also known for its hot springs.

Avila Beach was the primary shooting location for a 1979 film titled California Dreaming.

There were kayakers and a curious sea lion following them.

 Some boys on Skidoos and one brave man walked into the surf in swim trunks and started swimming laps parallel to the beach that water must have been about 46 degrees. Brrrrrr….

If you are ever traveling the Pacific Coast Highway stop by and have a stroll along the 1,685 foot long pier. 

Climb down the rusty stairs and look out through the beams you might just meet a new friend. 

 Stop by Joe Mamma’s Coffee and have a cup. The staff was Moola friendly but one old cranky local asked me to leave once I had him convinced Moola was real. He will not long forget me.