Pismo Beach & Avila Beach

 

Situated along the Pacific Coast and 101 Highways, Pismo Beach is a classic beach town, offering miles of white sand and spectacular sunset views. Near perfect weather and a cluster of nearby wineries attract both locals and visitors daily. There’s also plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, surfing, fishing, and shopping here, too. There are 37 Premium Outlets retailers to choose from along Pismo Pier, an award-winning boardwalk known for its gourmet food trucks and kitschy California souvenir shops.
 
Six miles away, just off Highway 1, lies the secluded paradise of Avila Beach. Featuring its own unique pocket of sunny and warm weather, this 6.23-mile stretch is home to many boutique hotels, charming oceanfront restaurants, and plenty of luxury shopping and spas. Coastal hiking trails are abundant here, as are water sports. Rent a kayak, learn to surf or paddleboard, or simply venture out into the tepid waters for a morning swim.
 
More than just an undisturbed vacation destination, both Pismo Real Estate and Avila Beaches are extremely desirable and diverse zip codes. Home styles here range from affordable beach bungalows to oceanview condos and expansively elegant estates.

 

With a little over 8,000 residents and a median age of 54, Pismo Beach is home to a diverse population ranging from young families to retirees. The cost of living here is a little higher than in other California areas, and the housing marking is competitive, so renting is a popular option. The parks, beach proximity, and close distance to schools make Pismo Heights very family-friendly.

 

Avila Beach is much smaller, with a population of less than 2,000. Properties here are more spacious and suburban, and the bulk of residents fall into the 18 to 64 category. The quiet seclusion of this area is what dwellers covet most.

 

Dining options abound in Pismo, ranging from small beachy burger stands like the Splash Cafe to the refined seafood and raw bar fare of the Oyster Loft. Cracked Crab, which is known for its “crack-your-own” shellfish menu, is also a popular spot, as is Italian spot Giuseppe’s and Ventana Grill, which is perched on a coastal bluff and specializes in Latin-inspired dishes. 

 

In Avila, diners seek out shrimp tacos at Mersea’s and hearty breakfasts on Fat Cats Cafe's cozy patio. Quaint shops along the Avila Beach Pier allow visitors to browse for local gifts when their meal is complete.

 

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is perhaps Pismo Beach’s most remarkable attraction. Homes for sale in Pismo Beach are close to this attraction which allures thousands of colorful monarch butterflies, which migrate to Pismo Beach each year, this eucalyptus tree-filled nature preserve offers majestic views of the creatures while they hang in the grove. Active from late October until February, the shady spot draws 10,000 butterflies annually.

 

Visitors will also want to stop along the Pismo Beach Pier, a popular spot for fishing and Instagramming. The Oceano Sand Dune Area, recognized by scientists, conservationists, government agencies, and the public as the finest, most extensive coastal dunes remaining in California, has become a welcome destination for ATV riding.

 

Highly-rated school districts are one of the many reasons people choose to live in Pismo Beach. A low teacher-to-student ratio and high test scores contribute to their desirability.

 

Several private preschools are also in demand in Pismo Beach, such as Blue Sky Preschool and Happytime Co-Op Preschool.

 

Avila Beach has a smaller school district that is also highly-rated.