The use of three beaches in the Avila Beach area will be restricted beginning Wednesday.
The Port San Luis Harbor District says there have been "significant beach crowds and crowded beach parking on Front Street," and they hope the new restrictions will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Avila, Fisherman's and Old Port beaches will remain open, but only for people to walk on for a short time, described as less than an hour.
"No loitering on the beach and no beach set-up including towels, chairs and blankets are allowed. In addition, social distancing will be enforced," the harbor district said in a press release, adding that lifeguards and harbor patrol will be enforcing the new restrictions.
The harbor district is encouraging people to "limit outdoor recreation to their immediate neighborhood" and discouraging discretionary travel.
The change come a few weeks after parking lots at all coastal San Luis Obispo County parkswere closed to also help eliminate the spread of the coronavirus.