24 hrs in Avalon Beach

With the arrival of Summer, what better way to spend the day than at the beach. We're lucky enough to call Avalon Beach home, but even if you don't live near the beach, for most of Sydney it's an easy enough day trip for what's sure to be a very rewarding 24 hours in and around Avalon.

Read on below for the tourist landmarks & must-sees of the northern part of the Northern Beaches, as well as some hidden gems only known to locals.

Get in the right mindset by joining a Saturday morning session at Paradise Yoga, and let Claire clear your mind. Classes start at 8am and you'll be sure to feel both rested and full of positive energy. Then kick start the morning with a taste of the best coffee in town at the Sneaky Grind, a buzzing cafe tucked away in a small side street and a local favourite.

While you're there, take in some of the local shops and make sure to stop by at Haven & Sarah, where you'll find the freshest flowers in town, an amazing collection of homewares and of course the lovely Sarah! It's also a great place to get touchy-feely with our candles wink-wink nudge-nudge. Looking for the perfect beach read? Head over to Libby's Beachside Bookshop and let her guide you to your new favourite reads.

If food for thought makes you think about food, head to North Avalon for the best pork-belly salad bowl and banh mi this side of Sydney at family-run Graze n Cakes. Have a chat with the charming Sandy & Viet and make sure you save some space for the home-baked brownies. Or stay in town and sit yourself down at Beco at Chelsea's Summer Lounge and dig into one of their delicious wraps.

Walk it off with a spectacular hike along the Bangalley Headland; it's an easy enough stroll and the uphill effort will be more than rewarded by the spectacular vistas over Pittwater and the South Pacific. On a clear day you'll see all the way south to Sydney and up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Box Head beyond. Whale season might be over but you're likely to spot some dolphins while you're up there.

Cool off at one of the many pristine beaches, take your pick from Whaley, Avalon Beach or Bilgola, where you can take a swim at the rock pools and work up an appetite.

There are many great options for dinner (Alma, Bistro Boulevard and Beach House Avalon to name a few), but if you're in town for one night only you really wouldn't want to miss Clareville Kiosk. Part of its charm is the winding drive it takes to reach this tranquil slice of Pittwater. The dusky blue cottage restaurant is intimate and relaxing, and you're in for a world-class dining experience. Need some help telling your Shiraz from your Syrah? Ask Nathan for his wine pairing recommendations.

If you're still standing, go for a night stroll along Clareville Beach, or head back into Avalon for a nightcap, pick-me-up, or classic cocktail at Alma. Their tequila cocktails are quite spectacular. Call ahead for an Uber...