Pirate's Cove Beach, Avila Beach
Pirate's Cove Beach is warm and sheltered because the cold northwest wind from Morro Bay is blocked by its cliffs. This is why it has unfortunately become a clothing optional beach, though usually only on the far end, past the rocks. The usual crowd of older men is there, but there are plenty of families at the first section of beach.
To get there, park at the large, dirt parking lot for Smuggler's Cave on Cave Landing Road and walk the wide path down to the cave. Once you've explored the cave and maybe even climbed up above the cave to see the views, take the narrow path that leads down to the beach. At the end you must use a rope to get down a steep slippery section.
Once at the beach, it's fun to skim rocks on the calm water. It's wonderful to sit in the sunshine on a clear day.
On weekdays, come with a friend because it can be a bit sketchy in the cave or on the beach.
The rope that helps you down the last part of the path that leads down to the beach.
Looking back at the beach and the path that leads down to it.
Fisherman and rock with cormorants.
Cormorants on a rock in the sea, and patches of kelp where you can sometimes spot sea otters.
Steps down to the beach!
A tiny, clear wave hitting the sand.
Cormorants on a rock, and cliffs reflected in the calm water.
Caves at the beach.
View of Whaler's Island, on the far west end of Avila Beach town. Taken from the parking lot.
Rocks and the second part of the beach.
Looking back at the first part of the beach.
The beach is lovely!
The color of the water! Above the beach are houses on Bluff Drive.
The houses on Bluff Drive, the cliffs, and the end of the beach.
The path from the parking lot to Smuggler's Cave and Pirate's Cove Beach.
The path from the parking lot to Smuggler's Cave. On the right, see the rocks you can climb up to above the cave.
The rocks above the cave, where you can get top-of-the-world views!
Pirate's Cove Beach and Smuggler's Cave parking is at 1500 Cave Landing Rd, Avila Beach. There is a large dirt parking lot with amazing views of the sea.
Last Updated: Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:41:57 GMT
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