Who can say that there is a better place than San Diego? Neither can I.
A short 5.5 hrs drive to San Diego was a short vacation I recently went on to get away from work and boredom of Fresno. I have been to San Diego several times in the past year and a half, but this time I visited two really cool places: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and came close to Cabrillo National Monument.
Fort Rosecrans was an unexpectedly beautiful place. Who goes to a cemetery to enjoy the views? I do!
Sunset was caught there by accident and was surely a pleasant add-on.
This year so far I have met a sunrise on the East Coast and sunsets on the West Coast. Incredible!
I also went Salsa dancing the first time in a few years. Great time at Marriott Hotel! See you very soon San Diego ;)
It's been too long since I last left Fresno. I had to get out. The number of places to visit is shrinking, and the distance to drive has become a nuisance. Nevertheless, driving 2.5 hours to see the Pacific Beach is worth it.
On the way out of Fresno I hit some dense fog, something I was warned about by the locals, but have never experienced it myself. You could see nothing ahead of you, really, check it out!
Here is what my schedule looked like. I generally go on Tripadvisor and Roadtrippers to get the sites I want to visit.
I bought the ticket to Hearst Castle online, it cost $25. It just gives you a reservation in case you travel during the peak months. In my case, it was really unnecessary as there were plenty of spots available. Besides, you still have to wait in line to pick up your ticket and wrist bracelet at the counter.
The wait was very minimal, they valued our time! The group was transported to the castle via a shuttle bus with a very nice audio recording in the background describing the history of Hearst Castle. On the way down I actually recorded the views.
The castle itself is more like an estate, not so much of a castle. When you mention the term "castle", I have a picture of medieval structure, but this was a luxurious building with beautiful architecture. It reminded me The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. Regardless, the tour of the Grand Rooms was educational, and you had as much time as you wanted outside.
Here is what it looked inside:
Outside it was even more magnificent! It was a relatively clear and sunny day, so you could see the water closely in the distance. I tried to imagine how it would be living in such luxury...
That was their indoor pool...
A little hummingbird was used to people and did not mind me taking fifteen hundred shots of him:
After taking a bunch of pictures on site, I headed out to my next destination. Luckily, it was right across the street. William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach is really unique in that you can go out on pier and fish! Well, me and fishing don't go together, but I certainly took advantage of the view.
Here is a short video of the view:
I attempted to visit Piedras Biancas Beach, but there was not much to see and certainly no seals.
I then went to the Moonstone Beach, parked right at the big red cross on the map below and walked about a mile along the beach on the boardwalk to the Moonstone Beach itself.
Really nice views along the way, pleasant atmosphere in a unique neighborhood.
Finally, the Moonstone Beach! The stones are really of different colors, see for yourself!
