Everyone knows the best way to break up a long, hot summer day is with a sweet treat, and there’s no shortage of options when wandering around Avila Beach. Whether it’s a quick snack on the pier after an ocean dip or a full-on adventure to one of the farm stands, chasing summer sweets is one of the best ways to spend the day.
Here’s where to go when the craving hits.
Hula Hut Shave Ice
391 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 934240
Hula Hut is a one-stop shop for something sweet or something hearty. They serve up smoothies, coffee, tea, and a full breakfast menu. You’ll also find a tempting selection of house-made fudge, available in rotating flavors like classic chocolate and salted caramel. And for an extra local treat, they feature cookies from @cowboycookie_805, known for their giant, gooey, small-batch perfection. It’s the kind of place you pop into for a snack and end up leaving with breakfast, dessert, and maybe a few souvenirs too.
Shaka Shak Island Treats
354 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
It’s hard to miss Shaka Shak, and even harder not to order a treat when you walk by. Sitting at the start of the pier, the longtime favorite makes for a quick stop to get Hawaiian-style shave ice. With dozens of syrup flavors, plus the option to add extras like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a snow cap of sweetened condensed milk, everyone can customize their perfect cup. Grab yours and head back to the beach to enjoy it!
Reimer’s Candies & Gifts
324 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Stepping into Reimer’s is like entering an old-fashioned candy dream. Handmade chocolates, buttery caramels, and rows of truffles line the cases, while their in-house ice cream scoops come in over 20 flavors. Find almond praline, banana cream pie, or seasonal hits like peach cobbler and blackberry swirl. Their fudge counter is another fan favorite, with options like peanut butter chocolate and marshmallow swirl. This place is pure nostalgia.
Avila Valley Barn
Photo by @capturedquests
560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Just a few minutes inland, the Avila Valley Barn is a must-stop for families and food lovers. In summer, taste your way through the seasonal fruit cobblers, pies made with just-picked berries and stone fruit, and massive cookies baked fresh daily. Their ice cream window serves cones and sundaes using local fruit and dairy, with rotating flavors like strawberry shortcake or cinnamon peach. Come for the sweets, stay for the goats, chickens, and hayrides.
Photo by @capturedquests
Credit: wakeywakeycoffee12
Kraken Coffee Co.
Credit: wakeywakeycoffee12
1211 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Right at the entrance to Avila Beach, Kraken Coffee offers fun, creative takes on espresso and iced drinks. Known for their creamy blended mochas and espresso shakes, Kraken also serves seasonal treats like the strawberry matcha or the chocolate cherry latte. Their drinks often blur the line between coffee and dessert.
Sweet, chilled, or chocolate-dipped, Avila Beach has something that hits the spot for everyone. Take your time, try them all, and make this summer one to savor.
Hungry for more?
The full dining guide, and somewhere to stay when you have eaten your way through it.
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