Kayakers and fishing boats coexist in Avila Beach’s charming Port San Luis Harbor. 
After a successful haul, crabs are unloaded — literally — fresh off the boats. 
Avila Beach’s beaches are dog friendly. 
The clam chowder at Mersea’s Restaurant on Harford Pier is comfort food at its finest. 
Can you beat this sunset?
Avila Beach is my happy place. It is my favorite city on the Central Coast — for a long walk on the golden sand, delicious seafood and spectacular sunsets.
Most important, Avila Beach is my go-to place when my soul needs calm.
Beginning a new year is when many of us think about our experiences of the past and our hopes for the future. I’ve found that the best place for soul searching is on the same road that takes you into Avila.
From the south, take Highway 101’s exit 195 onto Avila Beach Drive. The view is stunningly gorgeous, and the destination is unrivaled for many reasons.
Captivating beauty, the sound of the ever-present seals and boats gently swaying on the water can be magical. Avila can put the busiest mind at peace, awaken the soul and bring clarity.
There are three piers in Avila and two of them are public. Most people visit the touristy area near the children’s playground and promenade. This neighborhood is the quintessential beach town, full of interesting shops, artwork, good restaurants like Custom House at 404 Front St. and a great wine bar called PierFront Wine & Brew at 480 Front St.
If you’re not a local, you most likely won’t head down the road far enough to reach the true hidden gems.
About a mile past the promenade is Port San Luis Harbor. The beach here is serene and calm, and you are likely to see seals, dolphins, sea otters and, on occasion, whales. Bring your dog and take a long walk along the surf to build up your appetite.
If you’re a camper, the Port San Luis RV Campground allows you to park your RV right above the beach. The spots are few, and you have to make your reservation online. Click here to reserve a camping spot.
The harbor is also where you will find the Harford Pier, which was built in 1873 and is one of the community’s coolest places to visit. It is the second and farthest public pier in Avila Beach, about 1½ miles past the main touristy area. It’s literally at the end of the road.
Park your car in the big lot and take a walk out onto the wharf. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, you can drive to the end of the 1,230-foot pier to see if one of the eight parking spots is open.
This pier is a mecca for fresh fish and wildlife. Underneath are tons of seals, pun intended. They are huge!
If you like fresh seafood, you’re in for a treat. The Olde Port Fish & Seafood Company at the end of the pier has the freshest fish and shellfish available. The fishing boats off load at its back door.
If you’re a crab lover, you’ll be in heaven. Crab cages are hoisted right onto the wharf, and it is comical to watch hundreds of them hang onto the wire mesh while fishermen try mightily to dump them into huge bins to be sold.
Mersea’s Restaurant is also on the pier, and it is open daily at 11 a.m. It’s an excellent dining choice for seafood with a spectacular view. The clam chowder is comfort food at its finest, and the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip a beer, eat fresh oysters and watch the seals frolic in the water below.
If your day at the beach isn’t sweet enough, stop by Avila Barn for a fruit pie, fresh out of the oven. Avila Barn, at 560 Avila Beach Drive, is a great place to take the kids to see farm animals and enjoy a variety of baked goods, jams and jellies, and local produce.
Now you know where you can go for a soulful walk on the sand, have a delicious meal and enjoy a beautiful sunset. You’ll love Avila Beach, from your head to your sandy little toes.
— Donna Polizzi is a regional travel expert and founder of Keys 2 the Coast, offering honest recommendations on the “Best Places to Wine, Dine and Explore.” She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. Connect with Keys 2 the Coast on Facebook. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.
(Donna Polizzi / Noozhawk video)