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Avila Lighthouse Suites is a cheerful boutique hotel only steps away from the beach. | Photo courtesy of Greg Aragon
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If I close my eyes, I can almost see the old wooden pier standing in the sea and hear the rocks rolling in the waves outside my window. I can almost feel the refreshing ocean breeze filter through my beach-front room. And I can almost taste all the wonderful food I had during my recent getaway to Avila Beach.
It all began on my last trip to Avila Beach, when a friend and I drove about three hours north of Los Angeles to the charming little beachside town. Here where we checked into Avila Lighthouse Suites (www.avilalighthousesuites.com) and set up camp for a couple nights.
Located across from the beach, Avila Lighthouse Suites is a bright and cheerful boutique hotel, reminiscent of a Californian watercolor painting. The hotel’s exterior is highlighted by an iconic wooden tower, sitting above an outdoor heated pool and spa, a small putting green and life-size chess board in a spacious plaza.
Inside, hotel’s 54 guest rooms are modern and comfortable. Our suite boasted a separate bedroom with two queen beds, a large flat screen TV, and a fireplace; a living room with sofa bed, chair, office desk and another fireplace; a full-sized kitchen, with large refrigerator and all the amenities.
Our quarters also came with free wireless Internet and a large private balcony overlooking the pool and the Avila Boardwalk and beach. From the balcony we watched boats sail past the pier, people relaxing in the sand, and all the action on the boardwalk. The lanai was also a great place to unwind at night with a bottle of wine.
Once settled in the room, we walked about 100 yards to Blue Moon Over Avila (www.bluemoonoveravila.com) for a classy seaside dinner. Inspired by European influences, Blue Moon Over Avila is a Wine Bar & French Bistro offering wines from around the world and expertly prepared dishes in a beautiful seaside setting on California’s Central Coast.
With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, the eatery showcases its passion for global cuisine by offering a rotating food menu that complements its boutique wine and beer selections. From imported cheeses and charcuterie to the freshest produce, seafood, and distinctive meats, Blue Moon Over Avila serves small plates, lunch/dinner entrees, and desserts in a setting that is unmatched in elegance and style.
Our meal at Blue Moon Over Avila began with Onion Soup A La Lyonnaise, with caramelized onions in beef broth with spices, croutons, cream and gruyere cheese. For the main course I had citrus smoked salmon with charred carrots and lemon risotto. My friend had a succulent seared New York steak. With dinner we sipped local wine from California’s fertile Central Coast vineyards and admired stunning views of the Avila pier and the Pacific Ocean.
After dinner we headed back to Lighthouse Suites and soaked in the Jacuzzi. In the morning I worked out at the fitness center and then enjoyed the hotel’s free continental breakfast. We then drove a couple miles down the coast to Port San Luis Harbor, where we strolled along the 1,320-foot-long Harford Pier. Originally built in 1878 by John Harford, this massive dock is one of the last piers that the public can still drive a car on. There are about 10 parking spots at the end for the local businesses.
On the pier we saw fishermen preparing their daily catch, while giant pelicans watched over them and we encountered a herd of sea lions jostling for sleeping spots on the wooden deck below. While here we had a plate of fresh ceviche and an order of deep-fried Washington oysters at Pete’s Pierside Cafe & Fish Market.
Our next stop was historic Point San Luis Lighthouse (www.pointsanluislighthouse.org). Founded in 1890, the Point San Luis Light Station has served as a beacon over San Luis Bay for 128 years. The two-story main keeper’s structure is sometimes considered prairie Victorian in its design, as well as prairie Gothic.
The Coast Guard still maintains a light at the station, which blinks every night, and is visible up to 17 miles away. The rest of the station is operated as a historic site open to visitors who can reach the property by trolley, by hiking with the Pecho Coast Trail Guides, or by kayaking to Whalers Beach. The park is open from sunup to sundown.
For more information on Avila Lighthouse Suites, call 800-372-8452 or visit: www.avilalighthousesuites.com. For more info on Avila Beach, visit: www.visitavilabeach.com/.
