Beaches on the Central Coast – Avila Beach

While enjoying your honeymoon on the central coast, you might enjoy checking out some of the local beaches.   For the next few blogs, I’ll be highlighting some of the beaches in the area.

AVILA BEACH

With some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the area, Avila Beach is a must-see.   Surrounded by gently sloping hills, this harbor has three piers, two that are open to the public and ready for you to explore.   You can even dine on the pier – either grab a fresh shrimp cocktail from one of the little stands or enjoy a more elegant meal at the Olde Port Inn for fresh, seasonal seafood.   While strolling on the pier, you may catch glimpses of elephant seals and sea otters swimming in the water or basking in the sun.   While walking along Front Street, you might stop at Custom House for breakfast, lunch or dinner, either served inside or outside on the patio.   If you are just looking for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or smoothies, you might try Hula Hut.   Or, if you are wanting some coastal California food from local farms and fisheries, you might check out Ocean Grill, also on Front Street.   If you are just in the mood for coffee, try Joe Momma’s and order a pastry to have with your coffee. My favorite is the lemon blueberry scone, hot from the oven.   For a yummy breakfast, try Fat Cats.   On Friday nights, April through September from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, enjoy the Avila Beach Farmers’ Market, with food, local produce, live music, and more. Or, venture down See Canyon for some wine tasting.   Try the award-winning apple chardonnay wine at Kelsey.   It is delicious!   For some walking or jogging activity, you might stroll the Bob Jones Trail which follows the San Luis Obispo Creek.   If you get hungry while walking, just go into Woodstone Marketplace for a delicious wrap, homemade soup, or salad.   (They even serve half-potion dinners between 4:00 and 5:30, if you just want a light dinner.)   Or, take a tour of Port San Luis Lighthouse.

If you are interested in a little history, steamboats from the bay area used to bring newlyweds from Los Angeles and San Francisco to the area to stay in a honeymoon hotel built around 1850.   In the 1990s, Unocal excavated the town to clean up decades-old oil seepage that caused a massive oil spill under the town.   After removing 6,750 truckloads of the contaminated material, the area was rebuilt using clean sand from the Guadalupe Dunes.      

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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Celebrate your wedding in Cambria! Come have your elopement or small wedding in Cambria. This wedding location overlooks the ocean, have a pretty tree grove and access to the beach. Let us plan your wedding in Cambria!
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