For many west-coasters, Hawaii is kind of like the perfect girl. You admire her beauty, you crave her touch and you live for her adventurous spirit. You want nothing more than to feel her waves caressing your sun-soaked skin and to be serenaded by her sunset.
If you’ve read my blog post, Kauai Not, or scrolled through my ‘gram, it’s easy to see that Hawaii has a big piece of my west-coast heart. Since the moment I stepped off that plane and got leid for the first time (you know, the flower necklace), I became enamored with the “HI Life” and have since held on to the idea that nothing can compare to that beautiful state. After I adopted this mentality, I found myself ignoring the beauty around me. It was as if the privilege to experience something so magnificent caused me to forget the greatness that surrounds me on a daily basis.
It wasn’t until I let go of the idea that greatness, or happiness, could only be found in one place, that I found myself here in Pismo Beach, soaking up a 180 degree view of pure coastline from my oceanfront balcony at the Kon Tiki Inn. As my blonde hair dances in the breeze and my diamond ring glitters like a disco ball, I watch the greyish blue waves crash along the tanish white sand and the sand dunes curve along the bend for miles. I admire the jagged cliffs and how they protect the oceanfront mansions from the voracious waves below. The grounds of my hotel are perfectly manicured with some of the greenest grass, the tallest palm trees and the pinkest flowers that I’ve seen all summer. At night, the edge of the property appears to become one with the ocean, and the view is a skyline of nothing more than the moon and the stars.
When I am deep in my thoughts, I realize it’s not about Hawaii or Pismo, or any other travel destination; it’s about me and my journey to begin appreciating all the good in my life. I learn that paradise isn’t a place, it is a mindset. And with this mindset, paradise can become a lifestyle.
Traveling to Pismo? Learn more about my recommendations!
(As always, this is based on my own personal experiences and preferences)
I enjoyed my stay at the Kon Tiki Inn this past August. The nightly rate for my room was about $192 including taxes and fees. All of the rooms at the hotel have an ocean view and the property is just steps away from the beach. My room was booked just a few days before my stay, and at that time, the Kon Tiki was cheaper than many other neighboring properties. The explanation the hotel gave for this is that they can charge less because they don’t advertise rooms on discount travel sites.
During my stay, the amenities included free parking, access to the Pismo Beach Athletic Club, complimentary WiFi, a noon check-out time and much more! The hotel is also adjacent to a restaurant called Flagship, which was extremely convenient. My nachos were delicious!
The town of Pismo Beach and the surrounding areas are perfect for people of all ages. Whether you’d like to rent dune buggies or ATVs (I’ve been to B.J.’s ATV Rentals and had a good experience), go wine tasting in Avila Beach or Paso Robles, check out Hearst Castle, or take the Port San Luis Lighthouse Tour on Wednesdays or Saturdays, there’s lots of fun in Central California!
See the oceanfront view from the Kon Tiki in my photos below!
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