Harford Pier

USA / California / Pismo Beach / Avila Beach Drive, 3950

3950 Avila Beach Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 595-5400
www.portsanluis.com

The Avila Beach area was used by the Spaniards and Portuguese many centuries ago. It is rumored that Juan Cabrillo came into the natural harbor for fresh water and to rest after a rough passage around Point Conception. Richard Henry Dana also used the natural headlands to anchor up out of the wind, resupply and trade with the local Chumash Indians.

In 1873, John Harford built the Harford wharf. Smugglers used the Port for illegal nighttime movement of liquor. The G-Men had a hard time catching the persons involved as it was a community effort and outsiders were not welcome. Large quantities of liquor came ashore in the area now know as Pirates Cove.

In 1954 the citizens of southern San Luis Obispo County voted to create and fund a Harbor District for the Port San Luis Area. In 1955 the State Legislature granted the Harbor District the area's tidelands in trust. The State owns the waters out to three miles and usually manages this resource.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   35°10'10"N   120°45'16"W
This article was last modified 3 months ago