From Club Alliance of AAA by Janna Graber
Beach vacations are tailor-made for family memories. This year, why not skip the hustle and bustle of overtouristed towns in favor of smaller beach towns? What they lack in size, they more than make up for in natural beauty and fun-loving local culture.
Over the years, my family and I have visited many of these lesser-known coastal gems. Here are four of our favorite beach getaways across the US.
Avila Beach, California
Avila Beach is a world all its own. Nestled on San Luis Obispo Bay—about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles—this beachside hamlet of 1,500 permanent residents has a small-town vibe that sets it apart from other California coastal communities. Its setting—framed by the sea, rolling hills, and vineyard-covered countryside—adds to its distinctive feel.
Avila Beach’s protected bay is perfect for paddle boarding; I’ve spotted playful otters and other sea life gliding alongside and beneath my paddle board. The main beach is wide and pristine, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
My husband and I enjoy strolling through Avila Beach’s walkable downtown, browsing the farmer’s market and quaint shops. Sometimes, we wander onto Avila Beach Pier to watch the fishermen, and then dine at Blue Moon Over Avila, savoring the sunset beneath strings of twinkling lights. Several wineries and tasting rooms dot the surrounding hillsides. For us, it’s the perfect place for a romantic beach getaway.
Read the full article on cluballiance.aaa.com.
