Avila Beach is a small, picturesque beach town on the Central Coast of California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s a popular destination for families looking for a fun seaside escape and for couples looking for a relaxing beach getaway destination.
Located in San Luis Obispo County, the town of Avila was established in the late 19th century and served mainly as a shipping port for the nearby city of San Luis Obispo. Today, the town still has a working commercial fishing pier and the surrounding hills are home to apple orchards and other agriculture.
If you’re planning a trip to Avila Beach, whether it’s for a weekend or a whole week, we’re rounding up the best hotel options to help you make the most of your stay in this gorgeous area. Whether you’re on a California road trip or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, here are 30 of the best hotels to stay at in Avila Beach.
Top 10 Things To Do In Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a small city with a population of around 1,500 as of 2020, but despite its size, there is still a lot to do and see. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Avila Beach.
1) Run, hike, cycle, or walk the beautiful 2.5 miles Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail.
2) Spend some time at Avila Valley Barn, with its shopping area selling fresh fruits, baked pastries, canned goods, chic farmhouse decor more. Kids will love that they can feed all the animals that love at Avila Valley Barn including goats, cows, lamas, and chickens. They also offer hay ride tours of the property and pony rides on the weekends.
3) Spend the day at Avila Hot Springs, with a freshwater heated pool and spa facilities.
4) Relax on the beach; some great beach options are Pirates Cove, Olde Port Beach, or Avila Beach.
5) Take your kids to Avila Beach Park and the Central Coast Aquarium which is right next to the park.
6) Go wine tasting at the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo or take a day trip up to Paso Robles for a fun wine-tasting tour.
7) Visit the Point San Luis Lighthouse. The Lighthouse has a rich history dating back to 1890 and offers tours every Wednesday and Saturday.
8) Head to the beach to surf. There is good surfing near the Avila Pier and near the Pismo Beach Pier. You can book this group surf lesson near the pier in Pismo which is less than 10 minutes away from Avila.
9) Shop and walk around the Avila Beach promenade and the Avila Beach Pier.
10) Take a self-guided audio tour of downtown San Luis Obispo.
The 31 Best Hotels In Avila Beach
Avila Beach offers an array of great hotel options despite being a small community. There are accommodations available for every preference and budget. Below is a list of the top 31 hotels in Avila Beach categorized by luxury, mid-range, and budget options.
The 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Avila Beach
Avila Beach is not an ultra-luxury destination. If you are looking to stay at an Aman Resort you won’t find that level of luxury in Avila Beach. This is a cute, down-to-earth little beach town on the Central Coast and that is the draw and charm of this place.
However, there are some good luxury hotel options. Here are 10 of the best luxury hotels in Avila Beach.
1) The Cliffs Hotel And Spa
Located in Pismo Beach, The Cliffs Hotel and Spa is located less than a five-minute drive from the Avila Hot Springs and the Pismo Beach Pier.
The hotel features 160 rooms in two configurations: a deluxe mountain view room with a king bed and a mountain view room with two queen beds, which can sleep up to four people.
Within the hotel grounds, there is also an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a garden and an on-site spa.
Book Your Stay: The Cliffs Hotel And Spa
2) Avila Village Inn
Located in Avila Beach in the suburbs on a river, close to San Luis Obispo Lighthouse and the Price Anniversary House. The hotel is situated on an 18-hole golf course with a coffee shop, a hair salon, fitness classes and two onsite restaurants.
The hotel has 30 rooms with features such as fireplaces, premium bedding, and a Deluxe room option with a hot tub.
Book Your Stay: Avila Village Inn
3) San Luis Bay Inn
The three-star San Luis Bay Inn has a mixture of studios, rooms, two-bedroom and one-bedroom condos, sleeping between two and six guests.
San Luis Bay Inn is situated in the heart of Avila Beach and is near the beach.
Book Your Stay: San Luis Bay Inn
4) Avila Lighthouse Suites
The Avila Lighthouse Suites has a mixture of premium, luxury and standard suites which sleep between two and six people.
Avila Lighthouse Suites is conveniently located near Avila Hot Springs and offers a complimentary self-serve breakfast, an adjacent golf course and a lovely terrace.
Book Your Stay: Avila Lighthouse Suites
5) South Carriage House at Chateau Noland
South Carriage House Suite is a guest house just a two-minute drive from Avila Hot Springs and a five-minute drive from Pismo Preserve.
All guest houses feature bathrooms, kitchenettes and a separate bedroom area.
Book Your Stay: South Carriage House Suite
6) North Carriage House at Chateau Noland
North Carriage House is close to Pismo Beach Pier, Avila Hot Springs, The Spa at Dolphin Bay and the Pismo Preserve.
All guest houses feature bathrooms, kitchenettes and a separate bedroom area.
Book Your Stay: North Carriage House
7) Spyglass Inn
Spyglass Inn is a waterfront hotel with king and two queen bedrooms; some rooms feature ocean views and fireplaces.
Located in Pismo Beach, Spyglass Inn is on the waterfront with a terrace, firepit, garden, and a restaurant with incredible ocean views.
Book Your Stay: Spyglass Inn
8) Shell Beach Inn
Each guestroom at Shell Beach Inn is individually furnished with its unique decor. The rooms vary from sleeping two people to three and four people in premium comfort.
Shell Beach Inn is located in Shell Beach, just five minutes from the Avila Hot Springs.
Book Your Stay: Shell Beach Inn
9) Shore Cliff Hotel
The Shore Cliff Hotel is situated in the heart of Pismo Beach and is close to the beach. The Pismo Beach Premium Outlets are a must-visit for those who love shopping, while nature lovers can enjoy the beauty of Pismo State Beach and Pismo Preserve.
The hotel offers a mixture of two-bed queen rooms, king rooms with or without ocean views and signature rooms which sleep up to four guests.
Book Your Stay: Shore Cliff Hotel
10) Pismo Lighthouse Suites
With one and two-bedroom suites, Pismo Lighthouse Suites is ideal for larger groups with space between four and six people in a mixture of two queen beds, king beds, sofa beds and a combination of both.
The waterfront hotel has an outdoor pool, complimentary self-parking, a buffet breakfast, a terrace, bike rentals and a hot tub.
Book Your Stay: Pismo Lighthouse Suites
11) Vespera Resort
The luxury Vespera Resort has a significant variety of room types, sleeping from two to six guests with a variety of ocean view rooms, accessible rooms, suites and rooms with balconies.
This four-star hotel offers 124 rooms with premium bedding and luxurious amenities.
The hotel offers guests cooked-to-order breakfasts, concierge services, an outdoor pool, bars, a restaurant and a terrace.
Book Your Stay: Vespera Resort
10 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Avila Beach
1) The Palomar Inn
The Palomar Inn is close to Shell Beach in the Pismo Beach neighborhood. It is close to attractions such as Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar and Shop, Sans Liege Wines, and The Spa at Dolphin Bay.
The hotel features just 14 rooms, with complimentary self-parking, barbecue grills, air conditioning, and free bottled water.
Book Your Stay: The Palomar Inn
2) The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages
The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages offer rooms that sleep four guests, cottages that sleep up to six guests, and standard rooms which sleep between two and four.
With 28 rooms, the hotel offers guests the ultimate relaxation with a garden and a four-minute walk to Pismo State Beach.
Book Your Stay: The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages
3) SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel offers rooms ranging from sleeping two people to four people comfortably, with a mixture of king and queen beds.
Located in Pismo Beach, this hotel is within a seven-minute walk of Pismo State Beach and a 14-minute walk from Sana Liege Wines and Old West Cinnamon Rolls.
Book Your Stay: SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
4) Studio Home
If vacation rentals are more your style of accommodation, this Studio Home in Avila Beach, next to a golf course and the beach, is ideal.
The studio has a yard, parking space, a king bed, and a bathroom with a shower. The studio also has an outdoor terrace with a dining table and a great view.
Book Your Stay: Studio Home
5) Avila Sun Shak
An excellent option for a couple or solo traveler, the Avila Sun Shak has plenty of space. Complete with parking, a terrace, outdoor space, and all just one block from the beach.
Book Your Stay: Avila Sun Shak
6) Vintage Avila Bungalow
Located just one block from the beach, this vintage-inspired bungalow sleeps up to four people, with a king bed and a sofa bed.
The bungalow is light and airy, with plenty of space to relax and comfortably explore the area.
Book Your Stay: Vintage Avila Bungalow
7) Classic Avila Bungalow
This Classic Avila Bungalow is ideal for couples, solo travelers, or small families. The charming studio is just one block from the beach, the Central Coast Aquarium, and a 13-minute walk from the Avila Beach Golf Resort.
Book Your Stay: Classic Avila Bungalow
8) Historic Avila Bungalow
This charming studio bungalow has modern amenities, a private patio, and a fire pit and sleeps two with plenty of space.
Located in Avila Beach, close to the Sunset Drive-In Theatre and San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.
Book Your Stay: Historic Avila Bungalow
9) Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach
Complete with rooms sleeping between two and five people, the Inn at the Pier is an ideal place for families or large groups of friends.
Complete with two bars, a gym, an onsite Californian cuisine restaurant, a lobby bar, and a cooked-to-order breakfast.
Book Your Stay: Inn at the Pier
10) Inn at the Cove
The 3.5-star hotel provides a complimentary breakfast, a terrace, a garden, an outdoor pool, bike rentals and 52 rooms with premium comforts.
The Inn at the Cove has many nearby attractions, such as Margo Dodd Park, just a ten-minute walk away, and Pismo Preserve, just a 15-minute walk away.
Book Your Stay: Inn at the Cove
10 Best Budget Hotels in Avila Beach
1) Cottage Inn by the Sea
Cottage Inn by the Sea has 80 rooms with laptop-friendly workspaces, bathrooms and TV with cable. The hotel features a terrace, firepit, garden, hot tub, outdoor pool, complimentary self-parking and an electric car charging station.
The hotel is located just an eight-minute walk from Pismo State Beach.
Book Your Stay: Cottage Inn by the Sea
2) Avila House
Sleeping two the Avila House is just a two-minute walk from Avila Beach, a three-minute walk to Central Coast Aquarium and nearby local attractions.
This vacation rental has parking and a small front patio just one block from the beach.
Book Your Stay: Avila House
3) Dolphin Cove Motel
With just a two-minute walk to the Pismo State Beach and Pier, the Dolphin Cove Motel is in the perfect location for exploring the local area and relaxing on the beach.
The hotel offers standard rooms, oceanfront suites, two-bedroom suites and accessible rooms. All 21 rooms have premium bedding, bathrooms and TVs.
Book Your Stay: Dolphin Cove Motel
4) Motel 6 Pismo Beach
Motel 6 Pismo Beach is located conveniently in Downtown Pismo Beach in the Pismo Beach neighbourhood. The hotel is close to the beach, surf shops, and entertainment.
Book Your Stay: Motel 6 Pismo Beach
5) Vista House
With space for six guests, the Vista House is an excellent option for bigger groups visiting the area. The house has two bedrooms, both with king beds and a sofa bed in the common area.
The house is on the mountains with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, Seven Sisters, rolling hills and valleys.
Book Your Stay: Vista House
6) Amazing Avila House
If you are visiting Avila Beach with your family or a large group of friends, this vacation rental is a great option. The home has two bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with a queen bed and two sofa beds.
With over 1,200 square feet of living space, this home has plenty of room for everyone.
Book Your Stay: Amazing Avila House
7) The Grove at Pismo Beach
The Grove at Pismo Beach is in the city centre, close to the beach. The hotel offers a business centre, a hot tub, an outdoor pool and complimentary self-parking and all 100 rooms have premium bedding, bathrooms and all the amenities you need for a great stay.
Book Your Stay: The Grove at Pismo Beach
8) Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
Offering the amenities and premium services you would expect from a Hilton, the Hilton Garden Inn San Luis/Pismo Beach is no different.
The three-star hotel is just six minutes from Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve and eight minutes from the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets.
Book Your Stay: Hilton Garden Inn
9) Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
The Oxford Suites Pismo Beach offers family two queen suites, queen suites, king suites, executive king suites and balcony executive king suites.
With complimentary breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle and a shop onsite, this hotel is excellent for a stay without renting a car.
Book Your Stay: Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
10) Best Western Casa Grande Inn
The Best Western Casa Grande Inn is situated in Pismo Beach, close to the beach. The area boasts several local landmarks, including Swinging Bridge and Price Anniversary House, while the natural beauty of Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve and Monarch Butterfly Grove can also be enjoyed.
Book Your Stay: Best Western Casa Grande Inn
Best Time Of Year To Visit Avila Beach
Avila Beach offers great California weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for any season. However, the warm sunny summer months and the beginning of fall are the warmest months.
Summer can be expensive and crowded due to the town’s small size, so I suggest visiting during shoulder season if you can. May is a great month to visit because it is warm but the busy summer season hasn’t started yet.
However, my favorite time to visit is mid-September to mid-October. The crowds have gone, the weather is perfect and the sea has been warming up all summer so the ocean is the warmest it will be all year during this time.
Best Hotels In Avila Beach Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found this Avila Beach hotel guide helpful. If you have questions about Avila Beach or tips for our readers, please let us know in the comments below.
And if you’re interested in visiting other areas in this beautiful state, you can check out all our California articles for inspiration as well as all our where to stay guides.
We hope that this article has inspired you to want to visit Avila Beach. If you have questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
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