Weekend getaway: Hearst Castle - Morro Bay - San Luis Obispo - Pismo Beach

On my very first American road trip, my friend took me to Hearst Castle and I still remember how weirdly awesome it was to see a grand European-influenced castle in the middle of Highway 1. For this month's trip, I decided to go back to Hearst Castle for the second time and relive those moment. On the itinerary, I also added a couple of neighboring spots like Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. A couple of highlights...

We did the general tour that covers mostly the first level of the house. Everything inside was thoughtfully curated by the designer, this painting from Spain, that sculpture from Italy. What does it feel like to live like that?

Oh my gosh, the pool. The freakin indoor pool. Rich people can be so extra sometimes :D 

Later that day, we drove towards Morro Bay to spend the evening at. It was such a beautiful place to end the day at and they have delicious seafood place too. We even made friends with the local! 

The next day, we paid a little visit to the infamous Madonna Inn which is famous for its unique themed rooms and suites.  

On the way back home, we decided to take a little detour to the south and went to Pismo Beach Dunes. Tried riding ATV for the first time and I was terrified :p

Here's a quick itinerary from the Bay Area if you're interested:

Friday

• Drive to Paso Robles after work

• Stay a night at La Quinta Inn & Suites

Saturday

• Go to Hearst Castle and do an early tour

• Lunch at Sebastian’s Store

• Get cookies from Brown Butter Cookie Company

• Go to Morro Bay and watch sunset

• Dinner at Tognazzini's Dockside

• Stay a night at La Quinta Inn & Suites

Sunday 

• Visit Madonna Inn - have breakfast at Copper Cafe

• Get coffee at Kreuzberg Coffee 

• Go to Pismo Beach Dunes - ATV / sun buggy!

• Drive back home