The Best Things to do in Avalon Beach: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play
An insider's guide on the best things to do in Avalon.
A natural utopia, Avalon is surrounded by lush bushland that flows down to the calm bays of Pittwater on one side and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean on the other.
Avalon Beach is at the heart of this Northern Beaches pocket with its rich surfing culture and its intimate cafés and shopping village. It’s a captivating lifestyle that is all about the beach, pottering about barefoot, healthy living, and a tight-knit community. It's little wonder this charming suburb keeps locals here for the long haul.
So, if you're planning a day trip from Sydney or a longer escape, keep reading as we break down the best things to do in Avalon.
The Best Things to do in Avalon: Eat & Drink
Avalon is a laid-back little village, but when it comes to the foodie scene here, it packs a very impressive punch. With its selection of organic and alfresco dining, health food stores, and buzzing restaurants, you won't be short of options.
Pocket Pizza
When it comes to out-of-the-box pizzas that are not only hilariously named but next-level yum, Pocket Pizza knows how to deliver on both fronts. The cool and intimate venues make for the ultimate date night location or a catch-up with friends. Be sure to order the Can You Pig It and finish your meal with a serving of their ridiculously good tiramisu.
1 Simmonds Lane, Avalon Beach
Randy’s Wine
Pink marble accents and beachy accents invite you into this casual wine bar with seating for just 26. At Randy's Wine, the vibes are low-key, but the offering is anything but. Come for the progressive wine list and stay for the curated snack menu, which focuses on fresh seafood.
50 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Bar Elvina
When it comes to bringing good vibes and even better wines, Bar Elvina more than delivers, and just wait until you see the stunning interiors. This gorgeous little joint brings together an eclectic menu of seafood, craft beers, an interesting wine list, and carefully curated cocktails – and Beaches-based locals can't get enough!
50 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Classic Coffee
Seven days a week from 6am till 11am down at South Avalon Beach headland, you will find Classic Coffee set up and serving the early birds. This retro mobile coffee kombi van gets the two most important things right: friendly service and good coffee.
South Avalon Headland, Surfside Avenue, Avalon Beach
Paloma
Fans of Avalon's Classic Coffee Van were chuffed when the team opened its sister cafe, Paloma. A second venture from local couple Izzie and Otta, that serves up all of your brunch favourites from the classic smashed avo on toast to colourful burrito bowls, topped off by a cruisey atmosphere.
43 Elvina Avenue, Avalon Beach
Things to do in Avalon Beach: Shop
From cute boutiques and charming gift shops to more mainstream brands like Witchery, the main drag of Avalon has a great offering of shops to browse.
Peggy Concept Store
Peggy Concept Store in Avalon Beach is more than just a retail space; the store is a hub for creativity, inspiration, and connecting the community. Named after the original curator, Peggy Guggenheim, the Peggy Concept Store has a uniquely European jet-set feel with a nod to the relaxed Australian lifestyle while curating a beautiful edit of designer clothes (think Deiji, Karen Walker, Bondi Born, Gucci, SIR., Posse and Prada), art and lifestyle pieces.
62 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Deesse Boutique
If swoon-worthy jewellery, luxe fashion (for grown-ups and minis!) and other divine beauty and lifestyle treats speak to you, then make a beeline to Deesse Boutique. While it's hard not to buy everything in this lovely shop, we're eyeing the gorgeous Arms of Eve Darling earrings currently in store.
Shop 3/72 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Bassike
Whether it’s a crisp white tee or perfectly tailored pants, Sydney-based Bassike’s (pronounced “basic”) cool and casual threads are far from ordinary. Where sustainability and wearability meet, co-founders Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan are big on everyday pieces that won’t just sit at the back of your wardrobe. A one-stop shop of everything from swimwear to outerwear, Bassike’s innovative interpterion of classic pieces will keep you turning heads from the beach to the coffee shop.
41 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
The Best Things to do in Avalon: Wellness
Feels Pilates
Feels Pilates offers dynamic reformer Pilates classes with a focus on form. Their Northern Beaches-based studios are all about being inclusive, meaning anyone at any level is welcome to join. Located in Narrabeen and Avalon, the studios offer multiple daily Beginner Feels, All the Feels and Circuit Feels (HIIT Pilates) classes, with Strength Feels and Stretchy Feels classes each week. Plus their Avalon studio has a state-of-the-art Sunlighten Infrared Sauna so you can unwind after your class.
46 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Paradise Yoga
Paradise Yoga is a tranquil haven for sensitive souls ready to embrace gentle yoga to reduce stress and anxiety. The studio boasts one of the best views in town, situated in the lush, gum-tree-lined bush looking out onto Pittwater.
Behind the Owl Door, 75A Riverview Road, Avalon Beach
Sauna Amalfi
Sometimes, a European holiday isn't on the cards, but that's not to say you can't carve out a little time to revel in Mediterranean wellness experiences right here in Sydney. The Northern Beaches recently welcomed its very own luxury sauna and cold plunge studio, Sauna Amalfi, and it's fast become a much-loved institution for locals. You can expect opulence from the get-go with serene interiors, luxe details and state-of-the-art facilities.
2 Simmonds Lane, Avalon Beach
Best Things to do in Avalon: Explore
Avalon Beach takes centre stage with its rugged coastline, deep golden-hued sand and crashing waves. Surfers can be seen year round vying for the perfect wave. At the southern end of the beach, the ocean pool attracts young families while the adventurous take to the rocky ledges to jump into the deep blue sea.
Boating culture reigns supreme along Pittwater. Many homes cascade down into the bay, many come with their own jetty. Avalon Sailing Club is a focal point for seafaring adventures – whether by kayak or yacht, all take to the water with Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park as the backdrop.
Avalon Beach
There’s a reason Kelly Slater lived in Avalon for well over a decade, this is one of the best surf beaches in Australia. Whether you’re chasing the perfect wave or just after a stunning beach to call home, it’s an alluring slice of Northern Beaches paradise.
Avalon, NSW
Clareville Beach Reserve
Just a short walk from Avalon, Clareville Beach Reserve is where locals come to splash around in the shallow waters and relax with a picnic under the leafy treetops. The beautiful beach runs from Taylors Point in the south and north along the Pittwater foreshore. There's also a grassy area with a barbecue that's ideal for picnics.
Delecta Avenue, Clareville
Finished our edit of the best things to do in Avalon Beach and after some Northern Beaches gems to unearth? Check out our round-up of the best restaurants on the Northern Beaches, then take a look at our deep dive into the best hairdressers on the Northern Beaches.
