The Avila (Formerly Avila Beach Golf Resort)
The Avila, formerly Avila Beach Golf Resort, has been a Central Coast fixture since 1969. Many visitors still know it by the earlier name, and the championship golf course they remember is still here, laid out alongside the Avila Beach estuary and the Pacific Ocean. What has changed is the range of things to do. Dining at Mulligans Bar & Grill, live music, weddings and private events now share the property with the fairways, backed by renewed investment in facilities, amenities and guest experiences.
Book a tee time, catch an oceanfront show, plan a celebration or stop in for lunch with a view. The Avila is a coastal gathering place for golfers and nongolfers alike.
The Avila
Golf at The Avila
The Avila’s 18-hole course opened in 1969 and plays about 6,500 yards as a par-72 championship layout. Designed by Olin Dutra and Desmond Muirhead, this Avila Beach golf course moves through two distinct settings. The rolling front nine is lined with oaks, and the back nine runs beside the estuary, crossing tidal waters near San Luis Obispo Bay.
The property continues to invest in course conditions and infrastructure. New hitting mats and irrigation upgrades are in place, and a fleet of GPS-equipped carts carrying The Avila branding has been announced and is on the way. Practice facilities include grass teeing areas, a large putting green and short-game areas for warming up before a round.
Pro-Shop & Private Lessons
The Avila’s pro shop stocks apparel and accessories for men, women and juniors, including branded polo shirts, headwear, golf balls, towels, golf bags and bag tags. Gift certificates cover merchandise, green fees, lessons and memberships, and can be purchased through the online golf shop or at the on-site pro shop.
Instruction is led by PGA Certified Professional Colby Hartje. Private and group lessons are available by appointment, along with corporate clinics, junior instruction and multi-day packages for a range of skill levels.
Dining at Mulligans Bar & Grill
Mulligans Bar & Grill brings a casual coastal dining experience to The Avila, and no tee time is required. Golfers and nongolfers are equally welcome for quick-service breakfast and lunch, a full bar and rotating specials.
The beachside patio is the place to settle in, with patio heaters and fire pits for cooler evenings. Mulligans also serves as a gathering spot for live music and community events. During concerts and Beach Party weekends, Beach Club concessions add more food and drink options, and an upstairs deck with ocean and sunset views serves food and drinks during select events.
For anyone searching for Mulligans Avila Beach, this is the property’s main dining destination.
Avila Live: Concerts & Entertainment
Avila Live is the entertainment side of The Avila, built around oceanfront concerts and live music. Avila Beach concerts at the property range from major touring artists and festivals to recurring local live music and Beach Party weekends.
The setting does much of the work. Shows take place outdoors on the coast, with the Pacific, the estuary and the course as the backdrop. Check the official site for current listings before you plan your visit.
Food & Drink Festivals
Food and drink festivals give The Avila another way to bring people together, pairing tastings with the live entertainment and coastal setting that define the property. One example is the Macaroni & Cheese Festival, with chef tastings, beer, wine and spirits sampling, and live music.
Festivals like this suit food lovers and music fans alike, and they fit naturally alongside Avila Live concerts and Beach Party weekends. Check for current event information before planning a visit.
Weddings & Private Events at The Avila
Few Avila Beach wedding venue options match the setting here. The Avila offers indoor and outdoor coastal event spaces, with ocean views, the estuary and the golf course providing scenic backdrops for photos and gatherings.
The renovated Beach Club has updated event facilities and a new staircase leading to an upstairs deck that overlooks the course and the ocean. The spaces suit intimate gatherings as well as larger events, and Avila Beach events here include weddings, corporate gatherings, holiday parties, nonprofit events, reunions and private celebrations.
Other Courses Near Highway 1
Nipomo Courses
The spacious beauty of Nipomo provides a welcome home for two remarkable golf courses. At Blacklake Golf Course, enjoy a relaxed vibe and unique 27-hole course layout, plus practice facilities, instruction and a bar and grill. Monarch Dunes Golf Course is an award-winning pair of courses designed in the style of a Scottish links course, plus a driving range and restaurant.
Cypress Ridge Golf Course
The award-winning Cypress Ridge Golf Course in Arroyo Grande is set amidst stately cypress trees and cooled by coastal breezes. Named one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, Cypress Ridge is a Peter Jacobsen Signature course known for manicured fairways and greens. Enjoy the natural scenery, as well as practice facilities, a thoughtfully-designed event venue and a seasonal Music on the Mesa concert series.
Sea Pines Golf Resort
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Los Osos, Sea Pines Golf Resort is a scenic course with views of Morro Rock in the distance. Enjoy short wait times, challenging holes and well-kept grounds on this executive-style 9-hole course. The resort is also home to disc golf and footgolf courses, as well as a pro shop, bar and grill and seasonal concerts on the green.
More Activities Nearby
Tennis & Pickleball
For fans of tennis and pickleball, San Luis Bay Inn Courts is a fantastic playground by the sea. Located directly adjacent to The Avila, San Luis Bay Inn features three tennis courts, two pickleball courts and one basketball half-court. Enjoy these great facilities while taking in Avila Beach’s sun, fresh air and awe-inspiring views.
Oceanfront Basketball
Work up a sweat and enjoy the view when you pick up a game at the Oceanfront Basketball Court. Located at Avila Beach’s oceanfront Pirate Park, you’ll dribble and shoot just steps from the sand as well as downtown Avila Beach. This popular full court offering is well worth the visit and a great option for families who wish to enjoy the park’s Pirate-themed playground.
Bike Trail
Whether you’re an avid nature lover or just looking to get some fresh air, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love The Bob Jones Trail in Avila Beach. This flat, family friendly path leads pedestrians and cyclists on an enchanting journey from forest to sea. Enjoy the splendor of Avila Beach’s diverse terrain before or after your golf game: This well-paved trek meanders directly through The Avila. Featuring benches along the way, this accessible five-mile out-and-back adventure reveals creekside critters and picturesque views for all.
Kayak the Cove
Paddle along Avila Beach’s glittering shore with a variety of kayaking and paddle boarding tours suited for all skill levels. Experienced kayakers will get a kick out of a Dinosaur Caves kayak tour, a seafaring adventure that splashes through ancient sea caves and around dramatic rock outcroppings. Of course, you can also paddle board serenely along the calm bay waters with or without a local guide. The whole family will enjoy paddling back in time with a self-guided kayaking trip launching from Harford Pier to the historic Port San Luis Light Station. Whether you seek a challenging paddle or prefer a laid-back cruise along the water, the choice is yours in Avila Beach.
Zodiac Boat Tour
All aboard for aquatic adventure in Avila Beach. Explore the coast by boat with a Zodiac Boat Tour courtesy of SLO Tours. On this grand cruise of Avila Beach, launch from the Port San Luis Pier and enjoy a comprehensive tour of local scenery and wildlife along the way. During the 45-minute tour, float along cliffs of lava rock, explore the shores of Lighthouse Beach and set your sights on Whalers Rock. You’ll also brave Avila’s impressive sea caves, a sight to behold by boat. As you venture on, be sure to wave to local pelicans, otters and sea lions, all common inhabitants of Avila’s wild waters.
Shopping Downtown Avila
Bring home a piece of coastal California when you shop Avila Beach’s unique collection of boutiques, galleries and surf shops. Located steps from the sand, Avila Beach’s dynamic downtown has everything you need to enjoy a day on the sand. Whether you’re looking for swimwear and beach gear, whimsical garden art, local wine or gourmet candy, you’ll find an incredible selection of items to choose from along Avila’s diverse mom-and-pop storefronts. From artisanal products to great gifts, Avila Beach offers a one-stop shop under the Central Coast sun. Looking to rent a surfboard, paddle board, wetsuit or e-bike? Avila Beach is home to plenty of rental shops ready to outfit your next coastal adventure.
