We’ve been wanting to expose the kids to camping but given
that our littlest one is only 2 we opted for a glamping trip instead. We decided to book a cabin at a KOA. If you’re not familiar with KOAs, they are
tent, cabin and RV campgrounds all across America (hence the name Kampgrounds
of America). Since we had already
planned to take a drive to the Bay Area we decided to find a KOA along the
way. Avila/Pismo KOA was our
choice. This campground only offers
cabins or an RV space. Upon check-in
they give you a list of the activities going on during your stay. The day we arrived there was a wine tasting,
movie night and ice cream social. I was
very impressed with our 2 bedroom cabin known as the Park Model. It’s basically a mobile home but it was very
clean and came stocked with basic toiletries, towels, dishes and cookware. The campground itself was nice, with mostly
RV’s. They did seem very close together
so keep that in mind if you opt for RV camping.
There’s a decent sized playground and heated pool with jacuzzi. One thing the kids were looking forward to
that we didn’t get to do was make s’mores.
I was hoping for a campfire outside the cabin but unfortunately there
weren’t any.
As for activities, they do have bicycles for rent. The Avila Barn is within walking distance,
literally across the street. It’s a
large farm with lots of animals to feed.
You can purchase goat feed in the produce store for $1. There’s also a bakery and ice-cream shop and occasionally
they sell fresh roasted corn right out front.
I believe they also have u-pick fruits and vegetables. This was a fun little stop for the kids. 
If hiking is more your thing, just up the road is the Bob
Jones Trail that takes you on a 2.5 mile road to Avila Beach. This is a wide path and stroller friendly,
thank goodness as my 2 year old would not have made it on her feet. Halfway through the hike is a little coffee
shop where we stopped for a drink and potty break. The trail ends right across the street from
the beach. Cross over and you’ll see Central
Coast Aquarium, playground and a whole row of shops and restaurants. When we were done, we hopped on a free
trolley at Avila Beach Dr. and San Juan St. which takes you back to Avila
Barn. This trolley goes all the way to
the Pismo Outlets so stay on if you want to do a little shopping. The trolley takes approximately 1 hour to make
a full loop and get back to where it dropped you off.
We also spent a bit of time at Pismo Beach. There are a couple well known spots there,
Splash Café, known for their award winning clam chowder and Old West Cinnamon
Rolls. Expect crazy lines at both
places!
Know Before you Go:
Avila/Pismo Beach KOA7075 Ontario Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
805-595-7111
http://koa.com/campgrounds/avila/
Avila Valley Barn
560 Avila Beach Dr,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
805-595-2816
Hours: M-Sun 9a-6p
http://avilavalleybarn.com
Splash Café Pismo Beach
197 Pomeroy Ave
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
805-556-4324
http://splashcafe.com
Old West Cinnamon Rolls
861 Dolliver St
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
805-773-1428
Hours: M-Sun 6:30a-5:30p
http://oldwestcinnamonrolls.com
No comments:
Post a Comment