I Experienced the Most Relaxing Beach Getaway While Glamping Along California’s Central Coast

I'll find any excuse for a beach vacation in California, so I jumped at the chance when I was invited to check out a glamping resort near San Luis Obispo. With ocean views, walkability to beaches, a pier, and dining, outdoor recreation, and amenities, staying at Flying Flags Avila Beach was not only relaxing but unforgettable. Whether you're here on a solo trip or with others, including children or dogs, this is a the place to stay and play at Avila Beach along California's Central Coast.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the creator of this content was invited to this location by 360view and Highway West Vacations, and some expenses were covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.

Where is Avila Beach?

Part of San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach is an utterly picturesque and charming beachside community on San Luis Obispo Bay. It's just north of Pismo Beach, and you can get there via Avila Beach Drive off the 101. Flying Flags Avila Beach is at the end of Avila Beach Drive at 6450 Babe Lane, just before Harford Pier.

Jupe Tents at Flying Flags Avila Beach

There are four distinct accommodation types at Flying Flags Avila Beach accommodating all types of travelers. Throughout the tiered property, there are ocean views and the higher you go up the hill, the better the views!

Perfect for one or two guests, a jupe tent is similar to a safari tent with a canvas covering that can be peeled back to reveal views or closed for privacy. Inside each of the 10 solar-powered, 100-square-foot jupe tents is a bed with a comfy Nectar mattress, birch floors, and storage space. There is no private bathroom, but guests can use the clean, on-site bathhouses. This option is a great glamping option if you don't want to rough it in a tent.

Staying at the Cottages on the Beach

I spent two nights in a Couples Cottage and loved every minute of it! It reminded me of a tiny house, and its tall ceilings and windows made it look rather large. The cozy bedroom had blackout shades, a queen-sized bed, and a wardrobe for my clothes. There was also a full bathroom with a shower, and the open and airy living room space had a TV, a small table with two chairs, a comfortable couch, a coffee table, and a kitchen area with a mini fridge, coffee bar, and sink. Aside from that, I had my own private patio with ocean views and another area with two chairs and a fire pit. It felt very private with walls and a gate to get to my cottage, and I couldn't see my neighbors. There are 14 cottages on the property, including an ADA-accessible option.

RV Sites at Flying Flags

Are you traveling with an RV or camper van? Flying Flags Avila Beach is the perfect spot for them. This glampground has 46 full hook-up sites and nine dry sites. Each site has a picnic table and a natural gas fire pit. There is a 21-day max stay for RVs.

Tent Camping Sites Availability

Last but not least are the tent sites, each with a fire ring and either a private picnic table or communal picnic tables, depending on the area of your campsite. Just imagine camping under the stars while listening to the ocean and sea lions barking in the distance. How relaxing!

Amenities at Flying Flags Avila Beach

There are a few amenities at Flying Flags Avila Beach, including large, clean bathhouses for those in jupe tents, RVs, or tent sites. The on-site market sells a number of provisions, plus souvenirs and branded merchandise to remember your trip. There's also an on-site coffee bar to get your caffeine fix in the morning, and a guest laundry facility. For fun, there are yard games like corn hole and ladder golf as well as fire pits.

Your Four-Legged Companions are Welcome Here

Flying Flags Avila Beach caters not only to humans but also to their four-legged companions. To say this place is dog-friendly would be an understatement, as dogs are treated like special guests. In fact, my cottage had a whole welcome basket for dogs complete with food and water bowls, towels, and more.

On the property are pet-relief stations, a small enclosed dog park, and a dog-wash station where they can be rinsed off after time at the dog-friendly beach across the street. Additionally, Flying Flags Avila Beach hosts a pup parade every Saturday and gives out free dog treats!

While dogs are allowed in the cottages, tents, and RV sites, they are not allowed in the jupe tents.

Things to do in Avila Beach

Whether you hang out at the beach or in town, there's quite a bit going on in this tiny beach enclave. As Flying Flags Avila Beach was our homebase in this town, we could walk to the dog-friendly beach across the street or to Hartford Pier, where there are dining options like Mersea's for seafood and Avila Beach Paddlesports, an adventure outfitter from which we rented paddleboards.

Paddleboarding around Hartford Pier in San Luis Obispo Bay was a magical experience. As we paddled, we saw sea otters lying on their backs eating kelp in the water, passed by sea lions on a barge, and saw baby seals and a large flock of pelicans on a giant rock known as Smith Island. Right by Smith Island, we parked our paddleboards on the beach and hiked up a flight of stairs to see the Port San Luis Lighthouse. This was one experience I feel everyone should have. If you don't want to paddleboard, Avila Beach Paddlesports also has kayaks you can rent.

If you take a long walk or drive along Avila Beach Drive, you can turn onto San Luis Street for downtown Avila Beach. Here you will find a number of restaurants, tourist shops, a park, an aquarium, a pier, a beach, and tasting rooms. The buildings in town are colorful and absolutely charming, and the people are quite friendly. I have to say, I loved everything about Avila Beach!

Have you ever visited Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo? Before this trip, I had never been. Honestly, I had never even heard of it before. Now that I'm in the know, I can't wait to go back. Of course, I will be staying at Flying Flags Avila Beach next time. Want to have your own trip to the beach? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.