There will always be something about the ocean that just grounds me. I love hearing the crash of the waves, feeling the sand in my toes, and smelling the salty air. Any chance I get I want to be near the beach and this winter we found a perfect, I mean totally fun and perfect family spot in Avila Beach that I’m dying to get back to! Avila Lighthouse Suites is an all-suite hotel just mere steps from the Pacific Ocean on California’s gorgeous central coast and is an ideal family spot to enjoy for a night or a luxurious spot to spend a week’s vacation!
Whether you’re in the area for adventure (beach activities, biking, golf), wine tasting, visiting Hearst Castle, or just getting away from it all, Avila Lighthouse Suites is close to some great hot spots. Lots of great restaurants line the main street within walking distance, along with some great wine tasting opportunities for mom and dad. The area reminds me so much of Catalina Island, it’s uncanny.
Sure you can drive to San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles or sightsee, but park your car and enjoy all that Avila Beach has to offer, family fun can be found in abundance on the hotel property alone! 
Checking in, you’re greeted with fresh, warm cookies that had our kids smiling from the get-go. Next best was finding out our oceanfront room was not only across the street from the beach, but right next door to a life-size checker board, ping-pong table, and the pool and hot tub! 
While my son and daughter played ping-pong, my husband and I tried our luck at the fun checkerboard as we gazed into the late afternoon sky. We could watch our kids play from our patio that captures amazing views all day long!
Our deluxe oceanfront suite had two queen beds in the main room, then a full-sized sofa bed in the living room. Each room included a flat screen tv, Bath & Body Works toiletries in the large bathroom, and there was plenty of space for the five of us to move around as well as have our own space. A wet bar, fridge, microwave and Seattle’s Best coffee round out the in-room amenities.
The nautical themed decor was so perfect matching the blue and yellow hues in the rooms, unique and fun. Exactly what I envision decorating my future beach house!
Before dark, my youngest was so excited to jump in the pool and spa, the view from the pool couldn’t be more spectacular! 
We had one happy girl. 
Sun-setting and the view from our bed. Yes, there’s a parking lot just outside but there is no noisy through traffic. We slept with the screen door open all night and were lulled to sleep by the soft sounds of the waves lapping at the shore. Pretty incredible.
Morning came and we decided to take a walk along the beach and the weather was perfect. Did I mention it was December and we had hardly a sweatshirt on? 
Your stay includes a large continental breakfast for the family that included cereals both hot and cold, muffins, bagels, breads, fruit danishes, hard boiled eggs, juices, hot cocoa, and of course delicious coffee.
If the property wasn’t enough, there is a community park adjacent to the hotel.
The view of the property from the beach.
As luck would have it, my husband and I walked around the corner to Alapay Cellars wine tasting room and ran into family! Our cousins were in town celebrating their anniversary so we joined in for a sip or two!
With an extended check out, more pool time, checkers, and relaxation was had. We were really not ready to leave, you’ll find that’s the case and immediately want to extend your stay for a week.
We have relatives with a timeshare just up the hill from this property and we’ve already asked to join their next trip to the area where we’ll be sure to stay again at Avila Lighthouse Suites. Let’s not forget there’s a Day Spa on site for an ultimate vacation perk! For more information, visit http://www.avilalighthousesuites.com/.
Our stay was hosted in exchange for this review, all opinions are 100% our own.
