The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Southern California That Is Worth the Day Trip

How far will you travel for a great meal? To me, good food is ALWAYS worth the drive, and some restaurants themselves are a day trip destination. On a recent trip to California's central coast, I was introduced to an out-of-the-way eatery at the end of a pier. You probably wouldn't even know it's there unless you're a local. With a menu filled with fresh and fried seafood, Mersea's Seafood Restaurant in Avila Beach is a day-trip worthy destination in Southern California.

Avila Beach is an unincorporated beach community within San Luis Obispo. Located off California's famous Highway 1, you'll find beaches, a charming downtown area, a number of hotels, outdoor recreation, hot springs, and wonderful dining option. Mersea's Seafood Restaurant is one such restaurant you must try when in the area.

Located on Harford Pier, a historic fishing pier, Mersea's Seafood Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. With waterfront views, I'm not sure why anyone would want to sit inside unless it's raining! Out on the pier are tables and barstool seating to enjoy the scenery al fresco. But first, you must order your food. This place is casual, so you'll place your food and drink order at the counter. In addition to an extensive menu of seafood dishes are beer, wine, and cocktails.

When my group came here, I ordered a Louie Salad with shrimp—it was fantastic! The shrimp and vegetables were so fresh and flavorful. While I tend to eat as healthy as possibly, I couldn't help but indulge in some of the fried dishes that were ordered for the table. One was the garlic fries with parmesan and, I have to say, they were worth every single calorie I consumed. The fries were just piled with garlic and parmesan and I found myself going back for more without even thinking.

The Combination & Chips plate was another dish ordered for the table. Here we had a melody of fried seafood including calamari, clam strips, fish, shrimp, and oysters, all perfectly breaded, deep fried, and served over French fries with sides of tartar sauce and ketchup. Delicious!

As we dined, we watched and listened to dozens of sea lions swimming by the pier or basking on a small barge on the water. We also saw pelicans flying by and, of course, there were gulls on standby just waiting for us to drop something on the ground. The animals certainly provided entertainment as we ate!

Would you drive to Mersea's Seafood Restaurant in Avila Beach? Honestly, you can't beat it's off-the-beaten-path location, the coastal views, and the delectable seafood dishes. For more photos, visit the official Mersea's Facebook page.

Want to spend the night within walking distance to a dog-friendly beach and Mersea's Seafood Restaurant? Book a stay at Flying Flags Avila Beach which offers campsites, RV sites, jupe tents, and cottages with ocean views, and is also dog-friendly. I spent two nights in a cottage here and loved every minute!