Avila Beach Golf Resort
Avila Beach Golf Resort presents a rugged coastal 18-hole layout that combines canyon terrain with ocean vistas. Players navigate elevation changes and a creek-lined rip through a course that balances approachable design with natural challenge in a scenic, wildlife-rich setting.
Course Overview
Avila Beach Golf Resort offers an 18-hole public course set against the rugged charm of California’s Central Coast. This layout blends canyon terrain with coastal influences, creating a playing experience framed by striking ocean views and natural waterways. Though the course currently faces challenges in turf condition and maintenance, its landscape tells an engaging story of contrasts between dry canyon slopes and pockets of greener fairways closer to the water. Golfers here navigate elevation changes that test club selection, with several holes running alongside a winding creek that eventually empties into the bay, lending a quietly dramatic backdrop to play.
Designed to appeal to a broad range of players, the course presents a mix of straightforward holes alongside those requiring careful strategy. While some areas show signs of wear, many guests enjoy the setting and the occasional sighting of local wildlife, including hawks and herons that patrol the skies. The 10th hole stands out for its stunning outlook over the Pacific, merging the challenge of the shot with a refreshing coastal breeze that can influence ball flight.
Players should prepare for varied footing and changing turf conditions, particularly in the spring and early summer months when parts of the course can become muddy. The cart paths and trails are reportedly rough in sections; golfers who prefer walking may want to wear sturdy shoes and plan accordingly. Mulligan's Bar and Grill, located on-site, provides a welcome retreat with homemade eats and friendly service, a spot where players can regroup after their round.
While the layout itself holds strong potential, upkeep remains a work in progress. Visitors seeking a unique coastal golf experience with natural features and scenic vistas will find Avila Beach Golf Resort an intriguing destination. Booking a tee time on a day with mild weather will help maximize enjoyment, and locals tend to favor early mornings when conditions are at their best. Overall, this course rewards patience and an appreciation for its environment, offering moments of beauty amid its evolving challenges.
Course Highlights
This course features significant elevation changes and a creek that winds near several holes, creating natural hazards and scenic views. Hole 10 is a highlight with panoramic ocean sightlines. The mix of canyon and coastal influences shapes a layout that tests players’ shot-making and club management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
J. Mark Pierce
This golf course is in a beautiful setting where a small river empies into the bay. It's surrounded by a rookery with birds of all kinds everwhere...we saw bald eagles, hawks, herons and many others too numerous to name, but the golf course itself is a mess. The greens are crusty, and bumpy...some covered with lots of bird poop. The sand traps are as hard as a rock, have weeds growing in them and haven't been raked in ages. The driving range balls were old, and mostly yellow and cracked, and the driving range only allows for irons to be hit, no woods. The driving range mats are all falling apart...you can't even use a tee in your warm ups. This course could really be something special, but it isn't. I would say they mostly cater to their regular locals who drive their carts right up next to the greens. Such a shame. This course has gone to ruin. It used to be maintained....not any more.
Marie Kang-Scott
We noticed a significant change in the Avila Beach Golf Course, once known as one of the most beautiful and unique courses on the Central Coast. The first 9 holes were muddy, and the fairways were overrun with weeds and high grass, leading to our cart getting stuck in the mud multiple times. The back 9 was dry and had somewhat better fairways. On the 18th hole, we had a gallery of people watching us tee off, which was an interesting experience amidst the challenges of the day.
Susan Huls
Played there 4 days ago, the condition of the course is deplorable! The parches of dead turf or bare dirt on the greens make putting impossible, fairways are riddled with holes from ground squirrels, rocks and dry grass. Cart paths are dangerous to drive on, there’s not 3 feet of level asphalt anywhere. Don’t waste your money, golf balls ( guaranteed you will lose several) or time.
Dee Shaw
Very poorly maintained greens, fairways and boxes. Driving range was a joke.
David
Place has a lot of potential, has gone downhill in quality a lot, a large portion of the greens are messed up in terms of quality. Some have craters, others look like a minefield. The fairways need major work, mainly more water, it's a dry cow pasture out there. People drive up to the greens here and worsen the conditions. A lot of people don't fix their ball marks
David
Place has a lot of potential, has gone downhill in quality a lot, a large portion of the greens are messed up in terms of quality. Some have craters, others look like a minefield. The fairways need major work, mainly more water, it's a dry cow pasture out there. People drive up to the greens here and worsen the conditions. A lot of people don't fix their ball marks
Jacob Bowers
Played last weekend. The course is getting in better shape. Cart girl Jackie was awesome. Super nice and made really great drinks. Made it back around to us pretty quick.
John O’Heir
Terrible condition waste of money half of the greens are unplayable
Frank Lovero
Lots of dead areas. Green were good.
Ruben Duran
Came to play 18 with some friends, drove 2 1/2 hrs from Visalia and it was the best decision we made. I really enjoyed the canyons that surrounded us and then hole 10 had the view of the beach. We will definitely come back. Well I made it back today 5/17/2025, this time I had a bacon breakfast burrito from Mulligans bar and grill and it was delicious. Weather was great. Only thing I would change is the cart paths and trails are horrible, they really need to be updated very uncomfortable cart ride. But I will do it again, I'll just stay off the paths.
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Course Details
Access & Location
6464 Ana Bay Rd, Avila Beach, CA 93424, USA
Mulligan's Bar and Grill, on-site dining and refreshments
Walking is allowed but paths may be uneven; sturdy footwear advised.
Tee times available to the public; booking recommended during peak season
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