One of our absolute favorite day-off activities is to pack up the car and head to Avila Beach for the day. It’s been my go-to beach since I was a child. Being a Central Coast native we considered this our “locals only” beach as it was a secret compared to the well-known Pismo Beach. It was our sleepy little getaway beach with not much more to offer in the way of dining but Fat Cat’s in the heart of Old Port and The Old Custom House. Greasy hot dogs and shaved ice could be found on the summertime carts.
Since then the town has changed a bit with the Unocal clean-up a decade ago and the addition of a few new trends like wine bars, coffee shops and more upscale retail. While not all may agree that the changes have all been improvements, I think the sleepy feel of the beach is the same and there have been some definite bonuses — and the Hula Hut is definitely one of them.
Hula Hut
Phone (805) 627-0488
380 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
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Owned by long-time Avila Beach business-man Bill Price, this cafe and boutique has a little bit of everything. Featuring yummy breakfast and lunch options like breakfast burritos and egg sandwiches or scrumptious sliced turkey on fresh croissant with veggies and all the fixin’s. Featuring Doc Burnstein’s ice cream and a host of yummy baked goods and sweets, plus a great little coffee bar this eatery has a bit of something for everyone. Order at the bar and then browse their decidedly un-touristy gift shop or find a sidewalk table perfect for enjoying the sunshine or doing a little people-watching.
Right across from the beach on Front Street this is a great spot to stop and refuel if you’re walking the Bob Jones Trail or picking up a picnic to go for your spot on the sand! Hula on down to the Hula Hut and taste for yourself!