Smuggler's Cave Lookout, Avila Beach
It's a great delight to discover the view at Smuggler's Cave. You stand high above and look down at yellow cliffs, headlands, and waves rushing into sea caves below. You can walk down a steep, though easy, gravel path on the west (right) side of the parking lot and see the caves from closer. There is a lot of erosion in this area, as is attested to by Cave Landing Rd, which used to connect to The Bluffs neighborhood in Pismo Beach but collapsed. The road is now closed to cars but you can walk this wide, cracked asphalt road, and connect up with Shell Beach Bluff Trail in Pismo Beach.
There's another path on the east (left) side of the parking lot that leads to more views: an arch of white rock, rock formations in the ocean, and the beach across the water. It lies below ritzy The Bluffs, a development of mansions. This is a fun path because there is plenty of climbing to be done up steep sandstone rock. Kids love it! They are on top of the world, where they believe they undeniably belong!
Another path on the east (left) side of the parking lot (with a white scratched-up sign at the beginning) leads down (on the right fork) to Smuggler's Cave, which is more like an arch. If you stand in the cave you look out on one side at Shell Beach and on the other at Avila Beach. It's very beautiful. Come on a sunny day to see the amazing colors. There is some graffiti in the cave. The left fork of this path leads to a lovely sheltered beach, Pirate's Cove Beach, where boats are anchored. This path is steep and you have to hold onto a rope at the end. It's fun to skim rocks on the calm water. The far end of the beach, east past the rocky point, is a clothing optional beach with the typical crowd of older men.
While you're in the area, check out Avila Beach, a lively town with cafes, a pier, and a beautiful beach to stroll along. There is a great playground, Avila Beach Playground, beside Central Coast Aquarium, with plenty of marinelife to check out.
View over the yellow cliffs.
The path on the left, and the rocks above the cave on the right. You can climb up to these rocks for top-of-the-world views!
Standing in the cave looking at the sea.
The view from inside the cave.
The path down from the parking lot on a warm August day.
Sitting on towels enjoying the view.
View to the east from the trail on the west side.
White arch.
Beach below The Bluffs neighborhood.
Looking down at the beach from the Smuggler's Cave hike.
Smuggler's Cave.
View from inside Smuggler's Cave.
View toward Avila Beach from Smuggler's Cave.
Catamaran at the beach near Smuggler's Cave.
I love rocky coastlines!
Pathway with views!
Hikers at the top!
Boulders.
Headlands.
Hiking path.
Standing on the boulders.
Looking toward Pismo.
The cave.
Looking down at the end of Pirate's Cove Beach and the mansions on Bluff Drive.
The yellow rock of the headland.
Looking toward The Bluffs.
The view toward Pismo!
The old road that leads between Smuggler's Cave and the Shell Beach Bluffs Trail. A steep and excellent hike.
Sea otter playing in the ocean.
Women talking in the cave.
Looking south. You can see the kelp in the water at Pirate's Cove Beach. The Shell Beach Bluffs Trail is above it.
Rock, plant, bluest sea, and Avila in the distance.
Looking toward Avila.
Pretty plaque about the Chumash people.
Path from the parking lot to the cave, with views of Pismo.
A rock you can sit on!
View from the cave, of yellow cliffs and the harbor at Avila.
Boats at the harbor in Avila. The color of the water is wonderful!
Shiny water and rockface.
Exit Highway 101 at Avila Beach Drive. From Avila Beach Drive, turn left on Cave Landing Rd and follow it as it heads uphill. You will come to a parking lot. Park and enjoy the three fantastic short walks!
The address for the parking lot is 1501 Cave Landing Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Bruce
Sun, 20 Sep 2009
Views were outstanding. Last person was hiking back up the trail as we arrived. At the beach there was no one in sight. A private beach for the rest of the day!
ARTURO
Fri, 09 Oct 2009
Wow bella fotografia que hermosa playa
Last Updated: Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:23:47 GMT
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