Els Ports

I come here just for the view. So neat to be able to walk to the end of the pier and even take the stairs down to the water. Always be careful of the wildlife, especially when down by the water as the seals can sometimes find their way up on the lower platforms. There is parking at the end of the pier but just a handful of spots if you drive out there 😇 People fish and watch wildlife from the pier as well as have lunch at the restaurants that are on it.

Awesome place. You can drive down the pier (2-hour limit in paid parking lot). You get to see more marine life up close. Fish cleaning station, restaurant on the pier. It was a very nice walk and time spent at this location

We love going to Port San Luis to walk the pier. The Harford pier is a must go designation!! Especially at sunset or sunrise, beautiful! The fishing is also great for perch. I also enjoy going out deep sea fishing off Patriot Fishing's boats.

I use to live here with my boyfriend years ago....it was so . Beautiful..we lived on a 21 ft sail . Boat named Goast Rider...i woke up to cute little sea otters ever day.. I.miss that life....lt has never been the same since around 1978 or 79. I have had not so good of a life. After that...its now 2025. Im living in Texas....its an ugly place here in Texas i.may one day go back to visit Port San Luis California

It's always a plane and peaceful experience. Usually quite a bit of wildlife for the viewing, two great restaurants, kayak/SUP, sports fishing, fishing and whale watch tours all available.

Always a greater place to top when visiting the central coast. Great restaurants at the beginning and middle of pier. However the restaurant at the end of the pier is currently closed. Be sure to check out the Olde port fish market for some great steamed crabs!

Terika Smith

🌊🐚 San Luis Pier Adventure 🦭🦪 If you’re looking for a really cool place to take the family, San Luis Pier is absolutely worth the trip! It’s one of those spots that truly gives you that classic California coastal experience — peaceful ocean views, the smell of saltwater in the air, and the sound of waves gently hitting the pillars below. From the moment we arrived, the view alone was breathtaking — blue skies meeting the endless ocean, seagulls soaring overhead, and the distant calls of sea lions echoing across the bay. We took a nice long walk all the way down the pier, and the journey itself was part of the fun. Along the way, we stopped several times just to take in the sights — fishermen patiently casting their lines, kids peering curiously over the edge hoping to spot something in the water, and couples strolling hand in hand enjoying the breeze. It’s a great walk for anyone — long enough to stretch your legs but not too tiring, and every few steps you discover something new. At the very end of the pier, we found the fish market, and it was such a treat! We couldn’t resist trying the fresh oysters and smoked fish. Everything was so flavorful and perfectly prepared — you could literally taste how fresh it was, right from the ocean that surrounded us. We sampled different kinds of smoked fish — salmon, rockfish, and swordfish — and each one had its own delicious flavor. The oysters were chilled and briny, just the way they should be. Sitting there by the water, eating fresh seafood, felt like such an authentic coastal experience. But what made it even more magical were the animals we got to see! 🦭 There were sea otters floating on their backs, cracking open oysters and clams — it was adorable to watch. We also saw sea lions lounging lazily on the docks below, barking at each other like they were having their own little conversation. Overhead, pelicans glided gracefully across the sky, diving into the water for fish, and of course, there were plenty of seagulls circling around hoping for a snack. It was like being part of a living postcard — everywhere you looked, there was something beautiful and full of life. The views were absolutely stunning — endless blue water stretching out in every direction, the sun sparkling off the waves, and the gentle hum of the ocean all around. It was such a nice day when we went — not too hot, not too windy, just perfect weather to enjoy the outdoors. The entire place felt calm and relaxing, yet alive with activity at the same time. I would definitely suggest visiting San Luis Pier if you’re anywhere near the area. It’s a perfect family-friendly destination where everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you’re there to eat, take photos, watch wildlife, or just breathe in that fresh ocean air, you’ll leave with a full heart (and maybe a full belly too!). It’s one of those rare places where nature, food, and simple joy all come together beautifully. ❤️🌊 If you ever find yourself planning a day trip or looking for something peaceful but full of wonder, make sure San Luis Pier is on your list. It’s the kind of place that reminds you to slow down, take it all in, and just appreciate how beautiful life can be. 🌅✨

John Pobursky

A pleasant place to visit. There is a cool little restaurant, Mersea's, with good food, outdoor seating, and views of Avila Beach. They allow fishing from the pier and there are public restrooms. Good place to take a walk...

Sam Bawahab

The kids and I enjoyed walking on and exploring the pier. Half way up the pier, you will hear the sun bathing barking seals. The water around the pier is very calm and tranquil. You will see many little boats anchored off shore. The wooden pier is located next to the boat yard. Parking is free. Restroom open.

CONNI BERRY

ALWAYS have to stop here every year! Absolutely love the seals

John Humphries

great place to bring kids and or learn to fish. Bean going since I was old enough to walk, so 43 years. no pay to park after 8 pm. open 24 hours for people like me who prefer the night .

Donna L Carpenter

My husband and I had lunch at Mersea’s restaurant on the Avila pier today with my Dad and his wife. We savored clam chowder and crab cakes, paired with beer and Chardonnay wine. We opted for outdoor dining and the view was spectacular.

Lynn VanCleve

I use to live here with my boyfriend years ago....it was so . Beautiful..we lived on a 21 ft sail . Boat named Goast Rider...i woke up to cute little sea otters ever day.. I.miss that life....lt has never been the same since around 1978 or 79. I have had not so good of a life. After that...its now 2025. Im living in Texas....its an ugly place here in Texas i.may one day go back to visit Port San Luis California

Rita Figueroa

Pay to park now in the Green lined areas....the white lines are still free. If you overnight it to fish you have to get a parking pass..up to 72 hours (free) to park/fish. The public bathrooms are kept clean and maintained, coined operated showers from 7am to 7pm. You can still walk to the end of the Pier and fish while construction is going on. Fat cat's is still going strong after all these year's.

Irene Koutny (Irene'sCuriousAdventures)

Can drive to back of pier - $3 for 2 hours. If ever find hurt wildlife in the area (i found a seagull with a hurt wing) call Pacific Wildlife Rehab/Care at 805-543-WILD (9453). Beautiful pier!!!! Few small catches.

Linda Kay Rakestraw

Such a Beautiful Place!!! Yes, I am driving down the pier ! If you love to fish, you will find plenty of friends!

Justin Shaver

A beautiful place this time of year to visit. Small pier off if the main pier with seals for the kids to see and if you're lucky you get to see an otter or two. Two restaurants to eat on at the head and one in the pier itself. A great fish market at the end of the pier with live and filet fish, crab and other awesome seafood and treats. If you have kids park at the end and walk it or you can park out at the end in one of about ten spots.

Robert George

A fun place to stroll, look at seals and just relax. I've been coming here for years and recently introduced my kids to it. If you're waiting to get into Fat Cats Cafe, take a walk down the pier to burn some time. If you've just eaten at Fat Cats, take a walk down the pier to burn some calories.

Sparky

I come here just for the view. So neat to be able to walk to the end of the pier and even take the stairs down to the water. Always be careful of the wildlife, especially when down by the water as the seals can sometimes find their way up on the lower platforms. There is parking at the end of the pier but just a handful of spots if you drive out there 😇 People fish and watch wildlife from the pier as well as have lunch at the restaurants that are on it.

Ana Boss

Awesome place. You can drive down the pier (2-hour limit in paid parking lot). You get to see more marine life up close. Fish cleaning station, restaurant on the pier. It was a very nice walk and time spent at this location

roberto moreno

Really nice pier that has restaurants, fish market, kayak rental, sea lions, seals, and sea otters that always hang around the pier.

Brad Hollenbeck

Public fishing. You can see sea otters and seals

David O'Kane

We love going to Port San Luis to walk the pier. The Harford pier is a must go designation!! Especially at sunset or sunrise, beautiful! The fishing is also great for perch. I also enjoy going out deep sea fishing off Patriot Fishing's boats.

Wonderful walk to see seals and sea lions. Sometimes otters will hang out too.

Great spot to go for a stroll. There is a little restaurant on the pier, very cute. It's a great place to watch wildlife. You can rent kayaks at the entrance of the pier.

Great weather and views, couple of seals having fun (see video), charter tours running (see video), and lots of ⛵ boats around. Most of the shops on the pier were closed for repairs.

Roselyne Soto

Great spot to go for a stroll. There is a little restaurant on the pier, very cute. It's a great place to watch wildlife. You can rent kayaks at the entrance of the pier.

Rob Haworth

Great weather and views, couple of seals having fun (see video), charter tours running (see video), and lots of ⛵ boats around. Most of the shops on the pier were closed for repairs.

Not sure if it was because we were there mid week, but it was very quiet and easy to walk the pier to see the sea lions. Would highly recommend if you want to avoid crowds and just see the ocean.

Matt Dittemore

Not sure if it was because we were there mid week, but it was very quiet and easy to walk the pier to see the sea lions. Would highly recommend if you want to avoid crowds and just see the ocean.