For thousands of years, Chumash Native American's made what is now Avila Beach their home. The Chumash were hunters, fisherman, and gatherers, utilizing all of the natural resources in the surrounding area. Using redwood-plank boats, called tomols, the Chumash traveled to and from the Channel Islands in the Pacific, where they manufactured specialized drills, stone blade tools, and beads from the island resources.
A revered Chumash story tells how the Chumash came to be on the mainland. It is said that the Channel Islands were becoming overpopulated, so the Goddess Hutash told the people that some should leave the Islands. Hutash created a rainbow bridge from the Islands to Huasna, and the Chumash made their way across to the mainland. As they crossed, some fell into the sea and transformed into dolphins. This is why the Chumash believe they are related to dolphins and whales.
10,000 years ago, the shore of the Avila Coast was at least a mile farther out than it is now. It has been said that village of Tsipxatu was, and to some still is, located where downtown Avila Beach is now. The main area of Tsipxatu is said to have been right under the Avila Inn. The word Tsipxatu roughly means "whale", or has the word "whale" in it, eluding to the importance of whales to the Chumash. Tsipxatu was a very important village and center for trade with inland dwellers. Chumash leaders, doctors, astrologists, and other important citizens resided in Tsipxatu, and when Spanish explorers came to the area in the 1500's, they considered Tsipxatu to be the capital of the area. Tsipxatu stood for some 5,000 years, an impressive timeframe for any city.
After the first Spanish explorers discovered Avila Beach and Port San Luis, the area became a place for trade with the Chumash, as well as a spot for ships to replenish freshwater supplies and take some rest from the open seas.
Over the centuries, from the 1500's to early 1900's, the area of Avila Beach was claimed by many different groups. Although the first Spanish explorers came in the 1500's, settlers did not make an impact until the 1700's. In 1820, California came under the jurisdiction of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. During this time land grants were made to settlers for several years after, until California became a territory of the United States.
Throughout the 1800's, Avila Beach became a place for agriculture, quarrying, fishing, whaling, and trade. In 1873 the Hartford Wharf was constructed by John Hartford to aid in trading and mail delivery. In 1876, as Avila Beach gained a reputation as a destination for rest and recreation, the Marre Hotel was built in Port San Luis. With the convenience of the Southern Pacific Railroad close by, access to Avila Beach and Port San Luis increased, and the area experienced a boom in growth. In the 1890's, the federal breakwater was added, largely created from rock quarried from the famous Morro Rock. By this time, Port San Luis had become a rather popular fishing and docking harbor. By the 1950's conveyors were built on the waterfront for unloading fishing boats. In 1954 the Harbor District for the Port San Luis area was created to maintain aging facilities and to generate commerce, and in 1955, the Harbor District was given the area's tidelands in trust. Today, the state owns the waters out for 3 miles, and is charged with managing and maintaining the resources within this area.
Through the later part of the 20th century, Avila Beach and Port San Luis had become a hidden jewel on the Central Coast, known mostly to locals and a small number of tourists. Idealic weather, beautiful beaches, estuaries, and the typical eclecticism of small California Beach towns were, and still are, beloved features of Avila Beach.
In the mid-1990's, an unfortunate oil leak prompted a comprehensive cleanup and restoration of the beach and surrounding areas. During the cleanup, nearly all of the Avila Beach downtown businesses were demolished, including the Avila Grocery and Custom House, both of which had stood since the early 1920's. In the end, the beach and shoreline were restored, the leak eradicated, and the downtown area revamped and enhanced.
Today, Avila Beach is a thriving paradise for locals and visitors alike, and retains the unique allure it has had for hundreds of years. The promenade, where Avila Grocery is located, overlooks the gorgeous pacific water, where whales and dolphins are frequent visitors. Avila Beach and Port San Luis boast a warmer microclimate, unique shopping, excellent eateries, and all around fun for everyone.
