Hidden Gems on Your RV Trip: Exploring the Trails and Tastes of Avila Beach

If your perfect RV getaway blends coastal trails, small‑lot wines, and family‑friendly finds, Avila Beach is your lane. Use Avila Pismo RV Resort as your basecamp, steps from the Bob Jones “City‑to‑the‑Sea” Trail and a short ride from tasting rooms, harbor eats, and winter‑only spectacles. On‑property you’ll have a pool & jacuzzi, bike rentals, a dog park, a playground, a game room, and a general store – everything you need to reset between adventures.

Trails Worth a Detour (and a Second Cup of Coffee)

Bob Jones City‑to‑the‑Sea Trail: Paved, Peaceful, and Perfect for Families

Start at the Ontario Road trailhead and follow San Luis Obispo Creek through oaks and sycamores to the Avila Beach promenade. The route is paved, gentle, and stroller/wheelchair‑friendly in sections, with benches sprinkled throughout, an easy out‑and‑back for all ages. Pro tip: grab bikes on‑site at the resort and roll to the sand.

Ontario Ridge + Shell Beach Bluff Loop: A Local‑Feeling Lookout

Two parallel trails form a quick loop with outsized views: the wheelchair‑friendly Shell Beach Bluff segment and the steeper Ontario Ridge single‑track that crests ~700 feet above the water. Clear days bring postcard looks at the cliffs and coves between Shell Beach and Avila.

Pecho Coast Trail to Point San Luis Lighthouse: The “How Do I Get There?” Hike

This one is special and limited. Access is by guided hike only across PG&E land, with docents sharing geology, wildlife, and harbor history en route to the restored Point San Luis Lighthouse. Book ahead; spots are capped and dates fill up.

Tastes You’ll Talk About on the Drive Home

The Avila Wine Trail (Yes, You Can Taste This Close to the Beach)

Avila’s tasting rooms and nearby valley wineries are minutes from the sand. Think boutique pours, ocean air, and walkable convenience. Use the Avila Wine & Beer Map to pin stops like Alapay Cellars, Morovino, and Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards; visit in winter for smaller crowds and cozy patios.

Harbor Bites Over the Water at Port San Luis

At Harford Pier, Mersea’s serves chowder and seafood right above the bay, while Fat Cat’s Café anchors breakfast and casual all‑day fare near the launch ramps. Keep an eye out for sea lions on the pilings. (Port San Luis Harbor District)

Avila Valley Barn: Pies, Produce, and Petting

A few minutes inland, Avila Valley Barn pairs u‑pick and farm stands with hand‑feeding for friendly barn animals; plus ice cream, baked pies, and seasonal treats. It’s an easy all‑ages add‑on to any trail day.

Avila Hot Springs: Quick Soak, Big Reset

Set between the Bob Jones trailhead and Highway 101, Avila Hot Springs offers a 104°F mineral‑soaking pool and a large heated freshwater pool (slides on select days). It’s the perfect muscle‑melt after Ontario Ridge.

Winter Bonus: Monarch Magic Down the Road

From November through February, western monarch butterflies overwinter in eucalyptus canopies at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, about a short drive from the resort. It’s free and open from sunrise to sunset. Bring binoculars and step quietly beneath the clusters.

Your Avila Pismo Basecamp: On‑Site Comforts Between Hidden Gems

Sleep Easy (RV Sites & Cabins)

Choose from full‑hookup RV pads (including Super Premium pull‑throughs with deluxe patios, propane firepits, and BBQs) or family‑friendly cabins with kitchens and bunk spaces. Our cabins are great for grandparents, new RVers, or “glampers” who want a little extra comfort.

Recharge & Play

Reset in the pool & jacuzzi, let pups zoom at the dog park, and let kids loose on the playground or game room. Forgot anything? The general store has you covered. Want to ride the Bob Jones but didn’t pack bikes? Grab on‑site bike rentals. Check out our Amenities.

Plan Ahead (and Save)

Snag midweek rates or seasonal deals when they’re available.

Sample 2‑Day Hidden‑Gems Itinerary

Day 1: City‑to‑the‑Sea Ease

• Morning: Coffee, then Bob Jones Trail from Ontario Road to the sand; picnic or stroll the Avila promenade.
• Afternoon: Avila Wine Trail hop. Split tastings and walk between rooms near the beach.
• Evening: Sunset chowder at Mersea’s on Harford Pier; watch the boats and sea lions.

Day 2: Views + Soak

• Morning: Ontario Ridge + Shell Beach Bluff loop for big ocean vistas.
• Afternoon: Avila Valley Barn for treats and animal feeding; cap with a mineral soak at Avila Hot Springs.
• Seasonal (Nov-Feb): Add the Monarch Butterfly Grove before dinner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Bob Jones Trail suitable for kids and wheelchairs?

Yes. It’s paved, mostly gentle (≈5% or less), and wide. Many families walk, bike, or push strollers from the Ontario Road trailhead to downtown Avila Beach.

Do I need a reservation for the Pecho Coast Trail and Point San Luis Lighthouse?

Yes. Access runs only on guided, pre‑booked hikes (or via scheduled van tours) due to private‑land restrictions. Plan ahead as dates can sell out.

When can I see monarch butterflies near Avila Beach?

The overwintering season is November through February at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, which is free and open from sunrise to sunset.

Where can I wine-taste without driving far?

Use the Avila Wine & Beer Map for walkable tasting rooms near the beach (e.g., Alapay, Morovino) and close‑by valley wineries like Kelsey See Canyon. Winter is a particularly relaxed time to sip.

What on‑site amenities help between hikes and tastings?

At Avila Pismo RV Resort, you’ll find a pool & jacuzzi, bike rentals, dog park, playground, game room, and a general store – ideal for recharging between outings.

Ready to Find Your Hidden Gems?

Make Avila Pismo RV Resort your home base for trails, tastes, and winter‑only magic. Choose your RV site or cabin, check current offers, and lock in your dates today.