There is a must visit place off the 101, the perfect stop before going to Downtown San Luis Obispo. Avila Valley Barn has been serving the SLO community since 1985. First, as a single roadside umbrella and now it has grown into the ultimate family experience.
When is it open? Daily from 9am- 6pm, BBQ Hours Thursday – Monday 11am - 5pm, Sweet Shop Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
How much and what is included? Entrance to the Park is free. Extra cost for the activities such as pony rides, feeding the animals, U-Pick, and restaurants. Cash and Credit Card are accepted payments.
What Can You Do?
General Store and Bakery: The general store sells fresh produce from the farm as well as foodie favorite’s oils, honey, jams, sauces, and souvenirs. They also sell baked goods, such as pies, cobblers, bread, and pastries. Come early, once these baked goods sell out, that’s it for the day. What you have to get is the Olallieberry Pie. What is an Olallieberry exactly? It’s a mix between a raspberry and a blackberry.
Feeding the Animals: Our favorite activity at the farm is feeding the animals! The general store offers a head of romaine lettuce for $3 to feed the goats, sheep, and baby llamas!
Chicken Shack & Smoke House: The Chicken shack serves up giant portions of fried chicken and all the fixings. There is also freshly smoked BBQ like tri-tip and pulled pork is also offered. We didn’t try their bbq, but we did try their mini donuts that were freshly made and so delicious.
Sweetshop: After all that fruit picking I think you deserve some sweets. The sweetshop at Avila Barn sells ice cream from SLO-maid, fudge, candy, coffee, and soda pop.
U-Pick Produce: Peaches( July & August), Raspberries (July-October), Apples (August- December), Pumpkins (September – November), Blackberries (July-November), and Apricots (June-August). Check their newsletter, calendar for more information
Logistics: The Farm is right off the 101 freeway. Parking is free, first come first serve. We would suggest budgeting a couple of hours at the farm, to feed the animals and maybe have lunch or a sweet treat. COVID: Masks are required for guests over 3 years old,
What to expect & tips?
Get to the Farm the earlier the better, the parking lot and farm get crowded right about lunchtime.
Outside food is allowed and there are plenty of picnic benches to eat
Forgot picnic food? There are cheese, meats, and snacks available in the general store for purchase
You have to try the cold apple cider at the Sweetshop
Before going check their website for the latest news
Wear close toe shoes, it gets dusty
This place is dog friendly
What they are famous for is the Olallieberry pies but they only sell them as whole pies, not a slice. If you really want to try this fruit filling they do offer pastries
