The 1,685-foot-long Avila Beach Pier that extends out from the beach is for pedestrians only. Recreational fishing is permitted.
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| Avila Beach Pier in Avila Beach, California |
●Harford Pier
In Port San Luis, (805) 550‐3347. This 1878 wood working pier is a great spot to hang for a while and watch the fishing boats unload and perhaps see a few pelicans up close with their own catch. A few fresh fish markets sell high quality local seafood and fish that is hand-filleted on the spot and packed to go. Though it is an enjoyable walk, you can also drive on the pier and even park at the end for a meal at Olde Port Inn.
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| pelican with fish in mouth on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California |
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| fisherman on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California |
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| Olde Port Inn on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California |
At end of pier, (805) 595-2515. 14 L Sat-Sun, D daily; $$$. Dining here includes a drive down the vintage wood Harford Pier and free parking. Arrive early to allow time to explore the pier itself. Good water views are available from both dining rooms, but only one has the famous tables with windows in the center that allow viewing right through the wharf to the water below. Note that you won’t be seeing into the water periscope-style. Instead the view is from above the water, but if you’re lucky you might see a seal go by. Though the menu is simple, some of the preparations are not. I enjoyed a cup of white clam chowder and a fresh Dungeness crab salad with mustard-vinaigrette dressing while my dining partner slurped up the house specialty cioppino. On my next visit, I plan to try the Dungeness crab cakes, fried fish, and housemade peach cobbler. Amazingly, corkage is complimentary, so do some wine tasting and bring along a favorite discovery.
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| white clam chowder at Olde Port Inn on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California |
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| cioppino at Olde Port Inn on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California |
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| Dungeness crab salad at Olde Port Inn on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California |
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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Avila Beach Pier looks like a great spot. After a few months in the desert, just the mention of seafood is enough to get my mouth watering. The food looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteWell what's not to like when you visit the coast and have a fantastic seafood meal with that view again of the coast, Avila sounds pretty good right now.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I miss most about living in California is the whole seafood/pier experience. So much fun. These two epitomize it.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, and looks to be uncrowded for Southern California.
ReplyDeleteRelatively uncrowded because it is on the central coast.
DeleteBeautiful pictures. The food looks very tasty. You should've put some more pictures with the view from Olde Port Inn.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in southern California and clam chowder is one of my all-time favorite foods. That and maybe some of the Olde Port Inn's peach cobbler would be a perfect meal!
ReplyDeleteHi Carole,
ReplyDeleteI so needed your post this morning as it is -25F here in Michigan! Yes, I need a pier, sand, and sunshine, please. Thanks for your little reminder that warmth still exists somewhere out there.
Josie
Eeekkkk!! Poor baby. Glad to hear this warmed you up a bit.
DeleteI love old fishing ports. And you can always get lovely fresh food.
ReplyDelete