Harford Pier and Fisherman's Beach, Avila

It's lovely to drive along Avila Beach Drive, all the way to the harbor parking lot at the end. Hundreds of pelicans bob in the blue-green water, and dive bomb 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. If it's rainy you can sit in your car and watch the busy working harbor and the waves crashing against the pier.

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 and watch the seals make trouble, barking like crazy for dominance.
Have lunch at counter-service Mersea's (open daily 11-8) with close views of the seals lazing out on the floating dock 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. Just below the seating, two seals often laze under the pier on the horizontal beams, sleepy eyed. It's fun to watch them try to get up onto the horizontal beam too.
On the east end of the harbor parking lot, listen to the fisherman's tales exchanged by the fishermen who gather at Port San Luis outside the little snack shop in the early mornings and evenings. And explore Fisherman's Beach. Further along is Olde Port Beach, where dogs run off leash. 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!
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 you can also explore a secluded beach, Point San Luis Lighthouse Beach while you're there. 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 town, 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