Port San Luis Harbor is a shining jewel of the Central Coast of California. It's located just a few miles (1.5) down that same road that brings you into Avila Beach. The harbor (and some of Avila) is controlled by the Port San Luis Harbor District and the Harbor Patrol. They were established in 1954 to oversee the area. You read more about them on the history page. The harbor offers is a mix of tourist activities and fishing to its guests.

One of the most amazing parts of the port is the RV Camping. You can dry camp (no hookups) on one of the two turnouts. You really can't camp any closer to the Pacific Ocean then this. They also have full hookups up in the hills that provide a breathtaking view of the Harbor. People travel all over the world and pay hundreds of dollars a night for hotels with views not this good. Just load up the family and come experience this for just $30-$50 per night.

With the addition of the Coastal Gateway building there is now a laundry room, shower room, and bathrooms so bring your quarters. There is now also on site camp hosts to help you. The Port has plans for a full scale camping resort in the near future.

The port stores have most of the supplies you need while on a camping trip. The sport launch building has a new store, pub and coffee shop that offers many of the camping necessities. You can also pay to have your boat launched with the crane. When you spend too much time enjoying the scenery and forgot to cook some food, don't worry because there are three restaurants right within walking distance. Two of them are located on the very end of the Harford Pier.


The Harford Pier was built in 1878 by John Harford and is one of the last piers that the public can still drive a car on. The pier is 1,320-foot-long and is well protected by the breakwater. You can learn more about its history here. There are about 10 parking spots at the end for the local businesses.

On the pier you can dine at an outdoor cafe or an elegant sit down restaurant. You can also bring fishing gear and fish for FREE (no license needed from fishing off a public pier) or go deep sea fishing with a fishing charter. If you love fish but don't like fishing, you can buy some of the Central Coasts freshest fish from one of three fish markets. If you take a walk down the pier, take time to stop and read the history of the port on the plaques mounted on the railings.

After your stroll down the pier you should consider one of the many activities that the Harbor offers. You can rent Kayaks, take harbor cruises on a zodiac boat, fishing charters, or rent Jet Skis hourly or even take a guided Jet Ski Tour of the Coast. If the water activities are not your thing, you can take a hike up to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. Don't want to break a sweat? Try the new trolley rides to the lighthouse.

The port also has two of the beaches in Avila. Old Port Beach is the bigger of the two and has a ramp to load or unload boats. It also has about 8 fire rings so you can have beach bonfires. Well behaved dog are allow off leach on both beaches. Fisherman's Beach is the smaller beach and its called Dog beach by the locals because during the day there is almost always a dog playing in the ocean.

If you have large groups events or parties, the port has something for you. All of the restaurants offer catering and private parties. What a view to have your event at! You can get a special events permit from the harbor district and have an event on the beach, or rent out the new Coastal Gateway building. With a large room (58 people max) on top, it's perfect for small events, conferences, and more! Make sure to stop by and check the two tile murals.

With everything that the Port San Luis Harbor has to offer, you can spend just a few minutes, days or even weeks here without becoming restless. For more information please check out their website at www.PortSanLuis.com or visit the business pages below.