Summertime! Where to enjoy it in Avila Beach

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

The busiest month of the season has arrived. Luckily, California has a vast array of ocean spots along the coast. Beach towels, chairs, sunscreen, snacks, and volleyballs are in tote — time for summer fun.

Avila Beach is a well-loved unincorporated community with a population of approximately 1,455. Recently, Avila was listed as the fourth-best beach town in Central California. Three hundred fifty miles of California coastline from San Francisco to Ventura County were considered. Avila received that ranking for its warmer weather, quiet life, and scenic beauty. A fabulous sought-after south-facing beach that provides more sunny days compared to other Central Coast beaches. A foggy sky in Pismo usually means searching for sunshine at Avila. Nothing compares to the sight and sound of waves on a bright summer day.

Locally, the community has added much to Avila’s welcoming environment. Its artistically painted lifeguard shacks, along with a pedestrian-friendly promenade, add character to the charming waterfront. On most summer weekends, there are often musical tunes to be heard and enjoyed. The 1,685-foot pier that juts out over the water is currently being renovated. When the repair work is completed, it will once again have families and fishers strolling down its wooden beams, an enjoyable activity to do anytime. Both residents and visitors are anxious for the pier to be open from the first plank to the last plank, allowing visitors the ability to gaze out at the horizon while standing over the water.

Adjoining the pier is the snazzy Port San Luis Yacht Club, its blue awning and trim nicely coordinate with the area. If you are fortunate to peek in or attend a Yacht Club function, the interior will not disappoint. The woodwork, nautical flags, and memorabilia are delightful to view. Avila’s nearby children’s park is an additional asset, where tykes can run around, scream with joy, and play on a variety of equipment. Where else can you climb aboard a pirate ship? Hopefully, the little ones will use plenty of energy that might result in a quiet sleep night. We must not forget the bright blue aquarium with the colorful ocean life paintings, another favorite place for young ones to explore. Avila’s well-maintained storefronts, restaurants, and hotels are very inviting to visitors. They positively add to the overall resort appearance.

Avila Beach, as well as nearby city residents, take pride in the area. Recently, 15 Bob Jones Trail Keepers and volunteers weeded and trimmed shrubs along the Bob Jones Trail adjacent to Avila Beach Drive. This year’s abundant rainfall created growth spurts of all vegetation. Grasses, shrubs, weeds, and more weeds, grew like crazy. Who are the people that expended energy to tidy the pathway? The majority were Avila Beach residents, but Shell Beach, Pismo, and San Luis Obispo joined in. Those from neighboring cities enjoy sunny Avila, too, and are eager to participate in beautification activities.

Frequently, thoughtful community members collect litter from the beach and the Bob Jones Trail. Their attention is greatly evident and appreciated. Graffiti is quickly removed by different county agencies, the Port, or individuals simply wanting to keep the area clean and free of such vandalism. It is a well-known fact that keeping an area in good condition helps others be more responsible and conscientious of their actions.

That is not to say that the vicinity has a minimal amount of litter debris. It can be extensive. Especially throughout the summer season and holidays. Unfortunately, the more people, the greater use and abuse. However, our kindhearted local community members diligently help keep the region as pristine as possible. That same body persistently voices safety issues and development concerns, as evident from a well-attended May community town hall meeting. Avila truly is a caring district that looks out for surrounding wildlife, nature, and the entire ecosystem.

Outdoor activity by the sea is rewardingly good for the body and brain. It is a pure joy to ride a bike along the Bob Jones Pathway. The freedom of feeling the air and wind, like a bird in the sky. What can you do to help maintain a quality environment in Avila? We gently ask visitors and residents to practice courtesy on the beloved Bob Jones Trail, beach playground equipment, bathrooms, walkways, surf, and sand. Bathroom doors and walls are there for privacy purposes. Avoid the urge to use them as bulletin boards.

While riding bikes, practicing proper etiquette, such as traveling at safe speeds, alerting pedestrians when approaching, ringing a bell, or giving a heads-up shout that you are peddling and about to be in proximity, is appreciated. Trail users have had valid