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1. How much does it cost to buy a mooring for my boat?

The cost ranges from $1,700 to $5,300 depending on the size of your boat. click here for further information

2. Do I need to have a permit to have a wedding ceremony or other group event on the beach?

Yes, all wedding ceremonies on the beach require a Special Event Permit. Additionally, all commercially supported events and some private group events require a Special Event Permit. click here for further information

3. Am I allowed to have a bonfire on the beach?

Bonfires are allowed seasonally on Olde Port Beach in the District provided fire rings only. NO OUTSIDE FIRE RINGS MAY BE USED. The District's fire rings are generally available from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November (from the start to the end of Daylight Savings Time), weather permitting. Please feel free to contact the Harbor office prior to your visit to verify if the fire rings are on the beach, M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (805) 595-5400, ext. 0, or admin@portsanluis.com.
No burning of trash or other materials; only wood and charcoal are allowed
No chemically treated wood, pallets or other wood with nails may be burned in the fire rings
Bonfires are not allowed on Avila Beach or Fisherman's Beach.
In case of inclement weather, the fire rings may be removed without prior notice to prevent the rings and/or debris from being swept into the ocean.

4. Am I allowed to have a BBQ on the beach?

Yes, small, hand-carried gas/propane BBQs with active on/off controls may be used on any of the District's three beaches [Avila Beach, Fisherman's Beach and Olde Port Beach]. Large towable BBQs are not allowed. Wood and charcoal burning BBQs are not allowed, with the exception of the use of charcoal in the District supplied BBQs on Avila Beach.

5. How do I obtain a license to operate a business on District property?

The District manages pier, beach and harbor operations in Port San Luis and Avila Beach. New business proposals are considered annually each fall in response to the District's Request for Proposals for Licenses (RFP), and the approved licenses become effective on January 1 of the next calendar year.

The next RFP for licenses is anticipated to be released in September.

The District issues annual licenses to a limited number of movable vendors and concessionaires who have responded to the RFP. A movable vendor is defined as:

“Concessionaires selling or renting beach gear (e.g., suntan lotion, beach chairs) or providing services (e.g., event planners, instructors) or other products from portable stands, carts, or other facilities that are removed from the site after business hours. A movable vendor does not have real property rights.”

Note: San Luis Obispo County Parks Department manages the Plaza (promenade) and Park in Avila Beach. Contact the Parks Department at (805) 781-5200 for information on commercial activities in these areas.

6. Who should I contact if I lost something while visiting one of the District Beaches?

Many items are lost or accidentally left behind by visitors.  Any items of value that are found or turned in to District Staff are kept at the Harbor Office at 3950 Avila Beach Drive in Avila.  If you have recently lost an item and would like to see if it is in our lost and found inventory, please contact the Harbor Office at (805) 595-5400 or by e-mail at lostandfound@portsanluis.com.  The District makes every effort to return lost property to its rightful owner.