Beloved by both locals and tourists, Avila Valley Barn is your go-to destination for locally-grown produce, farm-fresh snacks and family fun!

Avila Valley Barn sprang to life during the eighties – a decade often associated with MTV, fluorescent fashions, and stacks of jelly bracelets…but farmstands? Not so much. Avila Valley Barn began in 1986, when Debbie Smith was hired by a local apple grower to sell his excess produce on an empty lot. It started small, not much more than an umbrella and boxes of produce from Gopher Glen Apple Farm and neighboring local farms. 

Since then, the Smith family has transformed the roadside farmstand into a San Luis Obispo County destination. As more people began seeking out fresh, local food, Avila Valley Barn grew to meet the demand. Today, the former farmstand is more than just a place to get fresh produce—you’ll find u-pick fruits and veggies, tasty eats, a petting zoo, and plenty more for the whole family to enjoy.

Farming with families in mind

Since the early days, the focus at Avila Valley Barn has been providing people with what they value most – safe, delicious food that’s full of flavor. They proudly offer locally-grown, sustainable produce, much of which is grown organically. The Smith family believes that healthy soils are the key to premium produce. Because of this belief, they employ sustainable practices like composting, animal grazing, cover crops and promoting biodiversity. Their U-Pick fields are completely pesticide-free, allowing families to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies straight from the field.  

What to do at Avila Valley Barn

There’s something for everyone at Avila Valley Barn – whether you want to kick up your feet and sip on a cold drink or get your hands dirty in the fields. Here’s how to spend an afternoon:  

Enjoy produce-inspired snacks and sips

Our best advice for visiting Avila Valley Barn is to come hungry. They’re famous for their smoked artichokes, roasted corn, SLO Maid Ice Cream and homemade pies made with local, seasonal produce. Adults will enjoy sipping on Gopher Glen Cider, made with organic apples from their sister ranch in See Canyon. 

Hit the fields for U-Pick fruits, veggies and flowers

From June through November, you’ll find a variety of u-pick fruits, vegetables and flowers at Avila Valley Barn! Spend the day frolicking through the fields, picking the perfect bouquet or plucking olallieberries straight from the vine. Exact dates vary annually, so always call ahead to confirm u-pick offerings. 

When is U-Pick available?

Peaches: July – August

Raspberries: Summer – fall

Apples: August – December

Pumpkins: September – November

Olallieberries: June – July

Apricots: June – August

Cut Flowers: July – October

Shop for local produce, honey, jams and more!

Avila Valley Barn is a produce-lover’s dream! The farm store is filled to the brim with colorful, seasonal produce – think succulent strawberries (from nearby Hayashi Farms), juicy tomatoes and sweet citrus. Avila Valley Barn also produces their own pickled fruits + veggies, jams, jellies, marmalades, fruit spreads, syrups and honey! 

For the animal lovers: farm friends, chicken coops + pony rides

The collection of farm animals at the barn was inspired by a pair of goats that graced the original roadside stand. Debbie observed how much kids seemed to enjoy interacting with them, and decided to stock the barn with various farm friends – including miniature donkeys and cows, emus, alpacas and goats. Don’t skip the chicken coup, where you’ll find fabulously fluffy chicks of all sizes and colors!

Where is Avila Valley Barn? 

Avila Valley Barn is located in San Luis Obispo, just minutes from Avila Beach. It’s conveniently located near Highway 101, so it’s easy to stop by to stock up on snacks before you head to the beach or make a quick detour on your way from Pismo to Paso Robles. 

Visit Avila Valley Barn

560 Avila Beach Drive 

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

(805) 595-2816

Open Daily  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

More to do in San Luis County!

Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Paprika Studios.