Harford Pier and Fisherman's Beach, Avila

At the western end of Avila Beach you can explore two long beaches called Fisherman's Beach and Olde Port Beach, and look out at the white masts that break up the horizon. Hundreds of pelicans bob in the blue-green water, and divebomb for food. Straight ahead the land juts out into the sea, with a cute monolith and island at the end. Behind, hills stretch up to the sky. Dogs run off leash at this beach. Between the two beaches is a rock formation, with waves crashing all around. What a pretty place to sit on a rock amid the sparkling water!

It's blissful on a hot day to park your car along Avila Beach Drive, with the windows open to the breeze, and watch the pelicans while in the shade of your car. You can also hear the seals going crazy at Hartford Pier. 
Listen to the fisherman's tales exchanged by the fishermen who gather at Port San Luis outside the little snack shop in the early morning and evenings.
Drive or walk to the end of Harford Pier and have lunch at counter-service Mersea's (open daily 11-8) with close views of the seals lazing out on the plank in the water. The outside seating is fantastic. There is also a small amount of inside seating for cold days, with big windows to look out. The drive or walk along Harford Pier is amazing, with the harbor, sailboats, seals, and Avila Beach Pier in the distance on one side, and incredible green water like the south of France, plus bobbing rowboats, on the other side. Look at the beautiful kelp wrapped around the pier pilings. 
If you want to see the picturesque Point San Luis Lighthouse, you must reserve a docent-led tour (Wednesdays at noon or 1pm, and on Saturdays at 11am or noon) which takes you on a bus to the lighthouse. The bus ride is half the fun, and so is the tall swing that hangs from a tree overlooking the views of the bay. The tour costs $25 and takes two hours, including the time spent riding the bus. It is a very fun outing and worth the cost!
While at Avila Beach, check out Pirate's Cove, where top-of-the-world views will fill you with joy! For kids, go to the Avila Beach Playground and Central Coast Aquarium adjacent to it.

Directions

Fisherman's Beach and Olde Port Beach are located on Avila Beach Dr near Babe Lane, San Luis Obispo CA 93405.
Harford Pier is located at 3950 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. There is parking at the end of the pier. Pay $3 at the machines, knowing your license plate number, and display the receipt on your dashboard. You can also park at the base of the pier and walk 300m to the end. 
Exit Highway 101 at Avila Beach Drive, and follow it to the end.

Click on map for interactive view