Avila’s Most Iconic Hikes

The Central Coast is filled with rocky seaside cliffs and rolling vineyard hills—and that makes it home to a collection of stunningly beautiful hikes too. Avila, California’s three most iconic hikes offer impressive views and varying levels of physical challenge. And they’re all easily accessible from Avila Pismo RV Resort & Campground. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll to the beach or a strenuous climb with rewarding views, you’re sure to find a trail you won’t soon forget.

Bob Jones Trail to Avila Beach

For both hikers and bikers, the Bob Jones Trail offers an easy and enjoyable journey to the beach. The 5.2-mile out-and-back trail is paved, so it can be traversed in footwear of all kinds. And with only 104 feet in elevation gain, it’s considered an easy path. Begging just next door to Avila Pismo RV Resort, much of this trail runs alongside the San Luis Obispo Creek. The old oak trees that grow along water offer a decent amount of shade, and you’ll find benches scattered along the trail where you can stop and rest along the way. If you’re looking to get out and stretch your legs without necessarily working up a sweat, the Bob Jones Trail is a great choice.

Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluffs Trail Loop

Avila’s top-ranking hike is a moderately difficult 2.8-mile loop with a 744-foot elevation gain. The most popular route begins with a steep and challenging incline that delivers sweeping ocean views at the top. There’s a photogenic tree swing along the ridge. And—if you begin the hike with the incline—there’s a decline followed by a nice level walk waiting for you on the backend. You can walk to the trail from Avila Pismo RV Resort, and doing so adds an extra 0.8 miles to each end of the hike, for a total journey of 4.4 miles. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water, because this hike doesn’t offer much shade.

Cave Landing and Pirates Cove from Shell Beach Bluffs Trail

The Shell Beach Bluffs Trail offers you a tour of some of the stark rock formations the Central Coast is known for. This hike covers some of the same ground as the Ontario Ridge Loop, but as a 2-mile out-and-back trail with just 265 ft. in elevation gain, it’s both shorter and easier. Part of the trail is paved, and when you reach the end of the pavement, a dirt path will take you up a steep incline where you can either walk through a graffiti-covered sea cave overlooking the ocean or head down to the beach. This trail is also rather exposed, so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water.

From sweeping ocean vistas to meandering creek-side paths, the hikes in Avila pack a lot of scenery into each and every mile. And when you stay at Avila Pismo RV Resort, you’re less than a mile from several different trailheads. So you can take advantage of the area’s most memorable hikes, and make it back to the campground with plenty of time to enjoy a game of shuffleboard or a dip in the pool.