Avila Hot Springs – San Luis Obispo, CA

Tucked away in the tranquil hills of the Central Coast lies Avila Hot Springs, a hidden oasis that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. This remote hot springs resort boasts natural hot mineral pools and lush surroundings, making it the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Avila Hot Springs has a rich history dating back to 1907 when it was unexpectedly discovered during oil drilling. For decades, it remained untouched until the Budan family established it as a mineral hot springs getaway in the early 20th century. Now, it stands as one of California’s smallest hot springs resorts, offering 29 private casitas and three pools fed by underground thermal springs.

Whether you’re a camper looking to pitch your tent or an RVer with a length of less than 25 feet, Avila Hot Springs has options for everyone. You can rent cottages by the day, week, or month, and the resort is only two miles away from the gorgeous beaches of Avila Beach. The Bob Jones Trail provides easy access to the resort and its amenities.

Avila Hot Springs offers various activities including massage therapy, group picnic areas, BBQ, bike rentals and hot springs to ensure guests’ ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Its location on the Central Coast provides favorable weather year-round, with pleasant ocean breezes and palm trees.

Campers can choose to pitch tents or stay in RVs with lengths of less than 25 feet now, in addition to renting cottages by the day, week, or month. It is all only 2 miles away from the beaches, and the gorgeous Bob Jones Trail provides rapid access.

The exceptional southern location on the Central Coast is responsible for some of the nicest weather throughout the entire year. It is one of the best places to get away from the heat because it has palm trees and winds from the ocean. In addition to massage therapy, group picnic tables and barbecues, bike rentals, and maybe most importantly, hot springs, are available.

The Basics

What is the history behind Avila Hot Springs? The Hot Springs was discovered in 1890 by loggers who found Native American artifacts near it. It remained untouched until 1970s when it was opened to public as a spa retreat. Today, it’s one of California’s smallest hot springs resorts with 29 private casitas for guests and three pools that feed from underground thermal springs.

Hours of operation

The Avila Hot Springs resort is open year-round. The public pools are open from 8am to 9pm daily. The earliest check-in time is 3 pm, and the latest check-out time is 12 pm. There is an additional cleaning fee if guests check in or out before 3 pm or after 12 pm.

Rates

The rates depend on the season, day of the week, and the type of room. During summer (May-August), the rates are higher than the rest of the year. There are weekday and weekend discounts for summer.

Room types and amenities

There are two types of rooms at the Avila Hot Springs: private casitas and dorm-style rooms. The private casitas are available in two levels: the deluxe casitas are $250 a night and the premium casitas are $300 a night. The dorm-style rooms can be booked for $100 a night.

The casitas have a seating area, a patio, a fireplace, a king-size bed, and a kitchenette. The rooms also have a shared bathroom. The dorm rooms have a shared bathroom and kitchen.

Noteworthy Tips for Your Visit

There is no public transportation to the Avila Hot Springs, so you will have to drive or get an Uber to get there. You can expect to spend a good amount of time in traffic on the way back to San Francisco. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you should let the staff know.

There is a minimum stay of two nights on weekends, and three nights on weekdays. You can cancel your reservation with a 72-hour notice, but there is a fee for doing so.

Soaking in the Natural Hot Springs

At Avila, guests can choose between a heated freshwater pool and a hot springs soaking pool for their aquatic experience. Each one is accessible at any time of the year. The natural mineral water that fills the 20′ x 20′ soaking pool comes from a source many feet below the ground. It is thermally heated to a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit and is 1 meter deep.

At a temperature of 130-135 degrees, it flows to the surface without the use of pumps. The water is then cooled to the therapeutic temperature by the addition of fresh water.

The swimming pool provides a great deal of enjoyment thanks to its uncovered deck and its two slides. It has been disinfected with chlorine to ensure your safety, and it is heated in an artesian hot spring in a natural way. There is at your disposal a pool lift that complies with ADA standards. In addition, there are options for both private and group swimming classes. The temperature is maintained at approximately 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visitors have the option of just stopping through for the day or staying for the night. Day passes can be purchased for a certain time period, such as the morning, the evening, or the entire day. Spectators also have the option to purchase a cheaper admission that grants access to the resort but does not permit them to soak or swim in either of the resort’s pools.

Alcohol and glass containers of any kind are not allowed inside. It is necessary to wear clothing.

Individuals or couples can schedule massage appointments, and appointments are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The treatments consist of either a massage followed by a thirty-minute dip in the hot springs pool or vice versa.

Lodging and Camping

Avila has a variety of camping options to accommodate every camper’s preferences, ranging from tents and RVs to cabins. The rear park offers primitive and dry camping year-round, while the front park provides lawn camping during the spring and summer seasons. To ensure a spot, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times.

Picnic tables and fire pits may not be available at RV and tent sites during high-traffic periods. On the other hand, portable grills that use gas or propane are preferred over wood fires and charcoal barbecues in the overflow tent camping area. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the tent campgrounds. RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet long.

Avila’s rental properties include comfortable and cozy cabins. Each cabin is manufactured by Cavco and has one bedroom, one bathroom, one queen bed, and two bunk beds. A kitchen, dining area, and living space are included in each cabin. Guests are required to bring their bedding or sleeping bags, but for groups of up to six, there is a fee. Standard amenities like a refrigerator, microwave, basic cookware and utensils, and cable TV are included in each cabin.

While guests can access Wi-Fi in the main building, there is no phone or Wi-Fi service in the cabins. Maid service is not provided daily, but there is a laundromat on-site for guests’ convenience. Whether you prefer to sleep under the stars in a tent or in a cozy cabin, Avila offers a fantastic camping experience. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot and enjoy your stay.

Additional Activities

Beach cruiser bicycles are available for rental. There are bikes sized for both children and adults accessible. The lodge is conveniently situated close to the beginning of the Bob Jones Trail.

The bike trail from San Luis Obispo Creek to Avila Beach is commonly referred to as the City to the Sea bike trail because of its location near the Pacific Coast Railroad.

The trail is extensively used not just by walkers and runners but also by skaters. On the path, you will go by a golf course, a bridge, as well as a charming restaurant where you may stop for a bite to eat and a glass of wine. You will conclude your journey on the beach or promenade in the heart of Avila Beach.

You can enjoy the beautiful landscape, the scenic trails, and the pristine coastline near the resort. Explore the outdoors with a trek to the Botanical Beach, a nearby beach full of wildflowers, or a walk to the Avila Beach Golf Links, a historic 18-hole golf course.

If you want to learn about the city’s history, visit the Avila Beach Museum. There are three pools at the Avila Hot Springs that feed from underground thermal springs. You can enjoy swimming in the pools or just relax on one of the lounge chairs.

If you want to take a refreshing dip in the cold water, you can walk across the street to the beach.

Summary

Avila Hot Springs is a must-visit destination for families and travelers who seek a serene and one-of-a-kind experience. Located on Avila Beach Drive near Pismo Beach, the destination offers visitors cabin camping, dry tent camping, and camping sites. However, the highlight of the destination is the hot springs oasis that features a thermal mineral pool with a constant flow of warm water. Avila Hot Springs is open year-round and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

The thermal mineral pool is the main attraction of Avila Hot Springs, offering visitors a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. In addition, the destination offers beach cruiser bikes, bath wood, tractor rides, and ocean breezes. The visitors cabin camping and dry tent camping options provide an opportunity to experience nature and the great outdoors. The camping sites are spacious and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Whether you’re looking for a place to camp overnight or just spend a few hours soaking in the thermal mineral pool, Avila Hot Springs is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The destination’s serene and tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind and relax. Don’t forget to check out the Pismo Beach Open, a popular event that takes place nearby and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Avila Hot Springs is a family favorite that offers a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.

Weather (5 day forecast)

The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are mild with little rainfall. The Avila Hot Springs is open year-round, but the pools may be closed to maintain the water temperature. You can check the resort’s website or call to confirm the pools are open before visiting.

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Local information

Address: 250 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, California 93405, USA
GPS: 35.180687,-120.702975
Phone: 805-595-2359
Season: Year-round
Clothing: Required
Website: avilahotsprings.com

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