Diamond Resorts San Luis Bay Inn

This trip should be a fun one. I have booked a stay at the Diamond Resorts San Luis Bay Inn, which is located in Avila Beach, California. I have not been to this part of California before, so I am excited to check things out.

Video by Diamond Resorts

Day One Travel & Arrival at Diamond Resorts San Luis Bay Inn

As any trip to the west coast does for me, it started with my flight. This time I was not able to find a direct flight since to get close to the resort you need to come to a regional airport. While you can check your bags all the way through, sometimes that hassle of changing flights is a pain. I did find a flight that only had one stop to get on the jump flight from an international airport to this regional one at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. When you fly into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, you are only about 11 miles from the resort so that is very convenient.

Being new to the area, I have rented a car. How close you are to the resort, could be a location where you choose not to if you like. The transfer from the airport would not be costly at all.

The cross-country flight was not cheap but even with the regional flight add-on, I thought the price was reasonable. Thanks to the layover for the regional flight, my travel time was over 9 hours. So when I landed and grabbed my rental car I was starving, so before I went to the resort it was time to get something to eat. I could have eaten at O’Hare International Airport, but that is a huge airport and I was focused on just getting to the area for my flight in the 1 hour layover time.

I was in the mood for something filling, but also different. I found a Thai Boat which was a Thai restaurant in the area. It had an almost fast food kind of vibe but the food was good. I enjoyed the Pad Ped Red with chicken and it was very flavorful. It was getting late, so I then headed to the resort to check in and get sorted so I could try to get some sleep. I always focus on sleep when facing the time difference and any possible jet lag.

To be honest, I think as a guy jet lag can hit me hard at times. It is kind of like how wimpy many of us guys are when we have the flu or cold. But if I force myself to sleep, even if it is not a full night’s rest, then it helps me adapt and deal better.

Often when I get to the resort, I do a tour and get to know the resort after I check-in. Tonight it will be after 9 PM so I will skip the tour and do that tomorrow morning.

I have booked a 1 bedroom deluxe villa which is 793 sq. ft. in size, so I am ready to check that out and get settled in. The villa has a full kitchen and is well laid out for comfort. The room and the larger resort itself have a southwest feel to them that I like. It is not as bold of a southwestern look as some of the resorts in Arizona, but still, I like everything I see here.

Villa Amenities

Then the resort itself offers all of these options.

Resort Amenities

Day Two Checking out the Area

Today I not only want to see the rest of the resort here, but I also want to explore this area. There is something special about learning about a new area that I really love. I enjoy digging in and learning about local history and finding touristy things to do. I am a sucker for all things touristy when I am traveling.

This resort offers a lot to take your focus and attention off of your every day. The view here at sunrise was worth getting up for. You have a tremendous water view from the resort and if you are lucky, like me, from your room as well. The sunset is best is that it is on the west coast. Still, each has a beautiful face here.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a great little city that has many art galleries. You could spend an entire day just seeing all the art and have a great time with it.

After some time with the art and talking to local artists, I was ready to get something to eat.

1865 CRAFT HOUSE & KITCHEN

I enjoyed the Filet Mignon from the brunch menu. The meat was incredible and a real show-stopper. I also enjoyed their Honey Comb drink, which was incredible.

Point San Luis Lighthouse

The Point San Luis Lighthouse is a hidden gem on the Central Coast, located on the north side of Port San Luis Harbor near Avila Beach. The 30-acre nature preserve can be reached by a docent-led hike of the Pecho Coast Trail, a classic trolley ride, or by kayak. I took the Docent-Led Hike, which was only $5.

SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN TROLLEY

This trolly is fun to ride but really serves to provide you with great easy transportation around town. It is just 50 cents for the ride and even 25 cents for seniors.

Day Three Tee Time

With all to do and see in the area, I did not think I would make time for golf. I enjoy it now, but it is normally an afterthought. Here at the Avila Beach Resort the course was so impressive I had to get the pro to find me, someone, to play 9 holes with to start my day.

The entire beach area here in Avila is impressive and beautiful. The beach itself runs in front of the resort and you can walk to it and on it every day during your stay. That very California thing off putting the road right next to the beach, and in front of any real estate.

My time in the area was great, but today at the beach, this simple yet ultimately peaceful activity was just what the doctor ordered. No better medicine other than laughter for me than watching the sea.

After hours of looking at the ocean and enjoying the salt air, I was hungry and realized I had missed lunch altogether, so I went for an early dinner.

Dinner at the Old Custom House

This great restaurant is one of the closest to the resort and is less than 1 mile away. For my dinner, I enjoyed the Teriyaki Mahi Mahi, which is one of my favorites when you can find the fish cooked correctly. This was fresh and cooked perfectly. For dessert, I had the Crème brûlée Cheesecake, which was exceptional. I would not miss this restaurant if you stay at the resort.

After almost two weeks in the area, I am having trouble picking a Diamond Resort I liked the most. All in the area are excellent and the staff is trained well and kind. Diamond resorts really do a great job and make for a wonderful location for your next dream vacation. Just make sure you book through Tzort.