My favorite place on the Central Coast. Beautiful and rich with wildlife, harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans and more recently we were blessed with humpback whales visiting in the harbor. I went to Avila almost every day when the whales were visiting hoping to catch a glimpse, let alone a photograph! They have never come so close into the bay before so it was a rare treat. Some of my photos were taken in the early morning fog, others during the day and many at dusk and sunset. Some are not perfectly sharp, however I thought they still may be worth sharing. I hope you enjoy them.

All photographs are available for purchase as Prints, Canvases, Stock Photography and on gift items. To order Tiles, Magnets, Puzzles, Coasters, Playing Cards, Greeting Cards, Towels, Mugs, T-Shirts, Key Chains or other items, contact me at photobyvivian@gmail.com If your favorite site or photo is not pictured here, let me know, I may have it in my files and just not listed yet. Thank you for visiting Emotions and come back often as new items are added on a regular basis! 20% of my profits are donated to charity.


The name Avila commemorates Miguel Ávila, who was granted Rancho San Miguelito in 1842. The town was established in the latter half of the 19th century, when it served as the main shipping port for San Luis Obispo. Although Avila Beach still has a working commercial fishing pier and the inland areas have extensive apple orchards, tourism is now the main industry. There are few historical structures remaining; among the oldest is the Point San Luis Lighthouse, built in 1890 after a series of shipping accidents.