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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Hearst
Castle Central Coast
Day Trip
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Hearst Castle
at San Simeon is the one place you must see when
visiting the California central coast. Hearst Castle is
located about nine miles north of Cambria,
California along Highway one.
Hearst Castle was occupied by William Randolph Hearst
from 1919 until 1947 and was used to entertain high profile
guests and Hollywood celebrities. The huge estate is about
five miles inland and sits atop a hill overlooking the
Pacific Ocean. Hearst Castle is surrounded by a 40,000
acre ranch some of which is still owned by the Hearst
family.
Your trip to San Simeon begins at the visitor center where
you can purchase tickets for the various tours. Tours
depart about every 30 minutes and only during the busy
summer season will there ever be a need to make reservations.
The night time tour is popular and may sell out all others
you should be able to get tickets with little or no waiting.
Cars are not allowed to drive up the hill to Hearst Castle
you must board one of the buses (included with the tour)
and then take the winding road up to the estate. Once
there your guide takes your group on a walking tour of
the castle.
First time visitors can get the most out of their trip
by taking the "Experience Tour" which covers
all the major highlights and gives you a good overall
view of Hearst Castle. If this is your second trip then
there are several other tours which visit different areas
of the estate.
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World famous Hearst Castle swimming
pool |
Tours are
on the expensive side, a family of four will end up spending
close to $75.00 for a one hour and 45 minute tour. On the
other hand Hearst Castle at San Simeon
is really a fascinating place to If your visiting the central
coast or driving up Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco
Hearst Castle is defiantly worth checking out.
Hearst Castle's the total square footage on the estate exceeds
90,000 square feet . The area of Casa Grande, the "castle",
is 60,645 square feet.
Hearst Castle joined the National Register of Historic Places
on June 22, 1972 and became a United States National Historic
Landmark on May 11, 1976. Hearst Castle
is located approximately 250 miles from both Los Angeles
and San Francisco, and 43 miles from San
Luis Obispo.
Hearst Castle was designed by architect Julia Morgan for
newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The Castle features
56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of
gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts,
a movie theater, an airfield, and at one time had the world's
largest private zoo. |
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The
Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
- Cambria and San Simeon's only oceanfront accommodation,
is located just three miles south of Hearst Castle.
A destination for discovery and unbelievable natural
beauty, where classic luxury and gracious hospitality
ensure you a memorable stay. View
on map. |
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San
Simeon Lodge - Located in a resort area,
San Simeon Lodge is the closest hotel to Hearst Castle.
The property is across from the San Simeon Beach on
the beautiful central coast. The hotel is just 3 miles
north of the charming village of Cambria. All the
hotel rooms are newly remodeled and some ocean view
rooms. View
on map.
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Sea
Breeze Inn is located on Highway One
near several restaurants and just down the street
from the San Simeon Chamber of Commerce visitors center.
At the visitors center you will be able to get more
information on what to do while visiting San Simeon.
Pool and in room coffee makers. View
on map. |
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Hearst Castle visitor Center |
Hearst Castle Main Entrance |
Campgrounds
near San Simeon |
San
Simeon State Park - Enjoy
the scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean while camping at
San Simeon Creek Campground (water + showers) or Washburn
Campground (water fill-up in lower campground + no showers).
Closest camping to Hearst Castle. |
Morro
Bay State Park- Morro Bay State Park features
lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent
landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing
fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Pismo Beach 16 miles.
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Montana
De Oro State Park - Park features over 8,000
acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal
plains, streams, canyons, and hills. Naturalists and backpackers
enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park trails.
Pismo Beach 13 miles. |
| Hearst Castle is located
on California Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco
and Los Angeles. Driving time from either city is four to
six hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Hearst
Castle San Simeon, CA 93452 750 Hearst Castle Road |
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Pismo
Beach - Classic California beach town
perfect for a long weekend or vacation. |
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San
Luis Obispo is
located in the heart of California's central coast.
43 miles to castle. |
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Cambria
is a quaint English
style village located along the California central
coast |
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Avila
Beach one of the best places beach
towns to stay at along the central coast. |
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Morro
Bay Fishing trips, dinning, kayaks
and harbor tours. 25 miles from Pismo Beach. |
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