Avila Beach is a charming coastal town, tucked into a sheltered cove and cradled by the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo. Situated just north of Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, it lies roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a perfect hidden gem along California’s scenic Central Coast.

I stumbled on Avila Beach by chance, and it instantly became one of my favorite places. My trusted traveling companion, Hallie, was in heaven on the dog-friendly shoreline. She raced through the sand, while I soaked in her joy… with an ocean out front, hills rising  to the side and behind, and an oak-draped valley that set the tone on the road in. The evenings were magic, with fire pits glowing on the beach and sunsets that painted the sky. One late afternoon still stays with me as a soft fog rolled over the hills and along the coast, wrapping everything in a dreamy haze, creating a memory I’ll never forget.

The Port San Luis Pier, one of two in the area, added its own charm. This working wharf, with room for a handful of cars, buzzed with fishing, and even a restaurant for visitors who preferred to let someone else catch their dinner.  Then there were the real stars… an extremely noisy crowd of sea lions sprawled on platforms that ran along the pier. Their rowdy chorus drew everyone’s attention, a wild little show that was equal parts entertaining and a reminder of the signs: these playful “sea dogs” really do bite!