Avila Hot Springs is a community hot springs resort located just off Highway 101 near Avila Beach, California. It offers access to a 104°F mineral soaking pool, a heated freshwater swimming pool with water slides, and simple on-site lodging options like cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. The water is natural and untreated, and the atmosphere is casual, making it a popular stop for families, cyclists, and road-trippers exploring California’s Central Coast.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is a family-friendly facility with a relaxed, campground-style atmosphere. The property features a hot mineral soaking pool (around 104°F) and a separate freshwater swimming pool with double water slides, which operate on weekends. The hot pool is for ages 8 and up only, and lifeguards are on duty during peak hours. Guests are expected to shower before entering the pools, and proper swimwear is required. Towels are not provided, so it’s best to bring your own. The site also offers massage therapy, bike rentals, and access to the Bob Jones Bike Trail, a popular paved path leading to the beach. There’s no alcohol allowed in the pool area, and smoking is prohibited throughout the grounds.
How to Get to Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is located just off U.S. Highway 101, about 15 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo and 5 minutes from Avila Beach. The address is 250 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. It’s best reached by car, with free on-site parking available for day guests and overnight visitors. There is no direct public transportation to the springs, but rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available in the area. If you’re biking, the Bob Jones Trail runs nearby and connects the hot springs to the beach, making it a scenic alternative route for cyclists.
Best Time to Visit Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is open year-round, with both pools heated and accessible in any season. The best time to visit is during spring and early fall, when the weather is warm but the area is less crowded than in peak summer months. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, especially if you want a more relaxed experience in the soaking pool. The water slides operate only on weekends from 12 PM to 5 PM, which makes weekends more family-oriented and lively. Holiday periods and summer weekends can get busy, so plan accordingly if you prefer a calmer visit.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is open daily, with general hours from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. These hours apply to both pools, although they may vary slightly by season. The water slides are available on weekends only, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Admission prices vary by age and time of day. The Adult All Day Pass (16 & over) is $29.00, while Children (15 & under) and Seniors (55 & over) pay $26.00. A Morning Pass (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) costs $18.00, and the Sundowner Pass (after 5:00 PM) is also $18.00. If you’re not swimming, a Spectator Pass is available for $10.00.
Children under 8 years old are not allowed in the hot mineral soaking pool, in line with local health regulations. Reservations are not required for pool entry, but advance booking is necessary for massage services and recommended during peak times.
For the most up-to-date rates and seasonal changes, visit the official Avila Hot Springs website.
Where to Stay Nearby Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs offers on-site lodging options, including rustic cabins, tent camping, and RV sites, providing guests with convenient access to the hot springs and other amenities. The cabins are equipped with a queen bed, two single bunk beds, a kitchen, dining area, and living space, accommodating up to four people. Tent camping is available in designated areas, with seasonal overflow lawn camping during spring and summer; note that not all tent sites offer picnic benches or fire pits, and wood fires and charcoal BBQs are not allowed in overflow areas. RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet in length. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak periods.
If on-site options are fully booked or you’re seeking more amenities, the nearby town of Avila Beach—just 5 minutes away—offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.
Recommended stays nearby Avila Hot Springs:
Avila La Fonda Hotel
Just a 5-minute drive from Avila Hot Springs, Avila La Fonda Hotel is a boutique hotel in Avila Beach, known for its Spanish Colonial style and upscale comfort. Each room includes a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and luxury amenities.
Guests enjoy complimentary food and drinks throughout the day—like morning croissants, afternoon wine and cheese, and evening pie. The hotel also provides beach gear, a 24-hour guest pantry, and concierge service, making it ideal for a relaxed coastal stay.
Avila Village Inn
Located just a 5-minute drive from Avila Hot Springs, Avila Village Inn is a boutique hotel nestled in the serene Avila Valley. The inn offers 30 well-appointed rooms, each featuring a gas fireplace, wet bar, and luxury linens. Select rooms boast private balconies with hot tubs, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploration.
Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, and exclusive access to the nearby Avila Bay Athletic Club, which includes a fitness center, tennis courts, and a heated pool. The inn’s proximity to the Bob Jones Trail makes it ideal for scenic walks or bike rides to the beach.
You can explore more nearby accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Avila Hot Springs
After a relaxing soak at Avila Hot Springs, the surrounding area offers plenty of ways to explore the Central Coast. Just minutes away, Avila Beach is ideal for a seaside stroll, a wine tasting, or a bike ride along the scenic Bob Jones Trail, which passes right by the springs.
You can enjoy a visit to Avila Valley Barn, offering pony rides, farm-fresh produce, and seasonal events. Just a short drive away, Port San Luis Pier is perfect for spotting sea lions or grabbing fresh seafood by the water.
For something more active, head to nearby Pismo Beach, where you can take a group surf lesson with an instructor. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for some fun in the waves, the experience includes gear and expert coaching—ideal for trying something new on California’s iconic coastline.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Avila Hot Springs
If you’re relaxing at Avila Hot Springs, you’ll find plenty of other inviting mineral spring destinations along California’s Central Coast. Just a few minutes north, Sycamore Mineral Springs offers hillside soaking tubs surrounded by lush greenery and spa amenities. A short drive inland takes you to Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, a rustic and affordable spot popular with locals. If you’re looking for a more resort-style escape, the broader Paso Robles region is home to spas and retreats featured in our curated guide to Paso Robles hot spring resorts.