Dawnville on the Road: Avila Beach

In search of a respite from the rigors of silicon valley life, we decided to take a brief weekday road trip to Avila Beach. We've often escaped to Shell Beach, and the Dolphin Bay resort, in the past. On our last trip, we took a detour to the Avila Valley Barn so that Giselle could take in the petting zoo and I could sample the baked goods. We ventured into the town and were struck by how perfect it seemed for a family weekend. There was a sunny yellow hotel on the corner with a pirate-themed park on one side and the ocean directly in front. In fact the whole town seemed like a postcard of a Disney version of a small California seaside town. I noted the hotel's name, Avila Lighthouse Suites and filed it for later.

Travelers may be the only people benefitting from the current economic decline. With gas prices remaining well below $3 per gallon, and even luxury hotels competing for your dollars, it's a great time for a short getaway. After checking the forecast for a few of our favorites, it seemed that the San Luis Obispo area was going to be the warmest, sunniest locale for our trip. I searched the usual suspects, Expedia and Orbitz, before checking out the hotel's own website. I found a couple of packages that had more than we really needed as well as some AAA rates. I entered our dates in the reservations system and was presented with several choices including parkview, partial ocean view and full ocean view rates, with either one king or two queen beds ranging from $139 to $169. Then, I noticed a small link that said "Promotional Rates." Of course I clicked it and was rewarded with a super special of 20% off a two-night stay. That brought the price of the lowest priced room to a very reasonable $103 per night. We decided to go for the full ocean view for $119.

Avila Beach is an easy three-hour drive down Highway 101 from the bay area. Along the way, there are plenty of pit stops including outlets in Gilroy (Le Creuset cookware) and wine tasting in Paso Robles. Just past San Luis Obispo, you'll see the turnoff for Avila Beach Drive and be instantly transported to a winding country road. Soon, you'll pass the aforementioned Avila Valley Barn. It's a working farm and a fun stop for the whole family. There's the petting zoo, a candy shop, dairy bar with homemade ice cream and of course, the homemade scones, pies and breads.

Avila Beach Drive dead ends into Front Street, the oceanfront main drag in the town of 1,000 residents. The Avila Lighthouse Suites occupies a beautiful block with it's two-story, vaguely New England buildings in yellow and blue. Every suite features a patio or balcony with two comfy chairs and a table. The complex encircles a wind-shielded pool and spa, a mini putting green, life-size chess set and ping-pong tables. Giselle could not believe her good fortune, a pool and the ocean!

The Master Suites are 550 sf of well laid-out space which is scrupulously clean. You enter a small living room with a desk, armoir with the first of two 32" Philips TVs, microwave and a small refrigerator. On the way to the bedroom, you pass the spacious bathroom with soaker tub/shower combo and double sinks. There's a large closet and handy hooks in the hallway for stowing all your beach gear. The bedroom is spacious too, even with two queen beds. There's also a table and two chairs that would work for snacks or as extra desk space. Most of all though, is the view to the gentle waters of Avila's namesake beach. We can see the Avila Pier which reaches out right in front of the hotel as well as San Luis Pier which has fish right off the boat and a casual fish take-out, Pete's Pierside that comes highly recommended.

Avila Lighthouse Suites also includes a souped-up continental breakfast in the daily rate. If you keep your expectations reasonable, you can find something you like from the selection of packaged oatmeal, boiled eggs, cold cereal, bagels, yogurt, and the kid-pleasing make-it-yourself waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Just down the street is Joe Mamma, a local-owned, fair trade coffee shop if you're in need of an espresso fix.

We had lunch the first day at The Custom House which overlooks Front Street and the beach. The restaurant is spacious and has a big comfortable bar. We enjoyed our lunch or mahi-mahi fish and chips and shrimp quesadillas. The bloody mary was spicy and delicious. However, I must admit that I was seized by a bit of stomach distress within a half-hour of our meal. In fairness to the Custom House, Georges and Giselle were fine.

That first night, we were lulled by the calming ocean sounds and did not get up in time to get dinner. It was a Sunday night, but be forewarned that Avila Beach is a bit of a sleepy destination so late-night dining options are few. Luckily, I had packed proscuitto, olives and cambozola with our wine, so we had an impromptu in-room picnic to go with our treasures from the hotel vending machine. Do not underestimate the pairing of chardonnay with Doritos and strawberry pop-tarts. :)

After a day of driving and fun in the sun, we turned in early. Eager for a full day on the beach on Monday.