SLO's little beach sibling offers tons of fun in the sun
Avila Beach is an enchanting beach town with tons of history. It’s developing – quite well and quite fast, actually. About 10 miles outside San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach is home to the popular Bob Jones Trail, as well as Pirate’s Cove, downtown Avila Beach, numerous piers and yes – great hiking on some of the best trails in SLO County. Rated by many locals as one of the top places to hike when the weather gets too hot in the town of SLO, Avila Beach offers the hiker:
• Coastal views
• Oak forests intermixed
• Shaded trails
• Lush vegetation
Ontario Ridge is likely the most popular of these trails in Avila Beach. It winds along the bluff top coast in the area between the piers and the Sunset Palisades to the south. Hikers can access the trailhead at the back of Sycamore Hot Springs. Heading uphill after Sycamore, hikers find a mix of dense oak forest and a steep incline. Climbing to the top of Ontario Ridge, one can head north or south along the coast.
Pirate’s Cove is a popular hiking and beach location for visitors to the Avila Beach and Shell Beach, CA areas.
Pirate's Cove is a great Avila Beach hike for the coastal hiker
Pirate’s Cove (aka Treasure Cove to some locals) has long been a popular spot for beach-goers – and a particular kind of beach goer that prefers to not wear much. That’s a warning to any visitors: this beach has its traditions, so be aware that if you prefer a “clothes on” mentality, this is probably not the beach and hike for you. However, during cooler months you get the whole beach to yourself: plus, it’s a great mix of cave exploring, secluded beach, up-and-down hike, and just some beautiful Shell Beach scenery looking toward the Avila Pier to the north and the coastal estates of Shell Beach to the south.
Some quick facts about hiking Pirate’s Cove:
• Short but somewhat difficult up-and-back down a hill to a secluded beach
• Awesome classic California vibe
• Caves for exploring
• Great for off-season hikes
Cave exploring in Avila Beach and Shell Beach has never been so fun
Cave exploring is just out your doorstep if you’re a resident or visitor to lovely Avila Beach, Calif. This iconic beachtown offers access to nearby Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Grover Beach, and also sees a lot of foot traffic from Arroyo Grande. On the nearby bluffs at Pirate’s Cove, San Luis Obispo County cave explorers can see the best coastal views from inside the big caves at Pirates’s Cove in Avila Beach.
Escape from the heat with expansive views south to Sunset Palisades near Shell Beach, CA hiking Ontario Ridge. The Ontario Ridge Trail offers a great view to Point Sal looking south, as well as north to the Point San Luis Lighthouse and Avila Beach working pier.
Winter rains make lush vegetation along the Ontario Ridge Trail in Avila Beach. For hikers who enjoy biodiversity, the Ontario Ridge Trail has offers plenty.
Looking south, Shell Beach comes into view along with the Pacific Palisades development and Point Sal to the far south.
