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Hearst Castle on the California Central Coast
Susan Helene Kramer
Hearst Castle in San Simeon
overlooks the California Central Coast, about 40 miles north of San Luis Obispo
and about 250 miles south of San Francisco. In 1957 Hearst Castle, the former
home of William Randolph Hearst was donated to the State of California, and is
called California Historical Landmark Number 640.
I have gone on two of the
public tours and there was enough to see to justify both trips. I recommend the
Grand Rooms Tour for your first visit to get an overview of living quarters,
artwork, the large Roman pool, garden terraces and more.
There is a lot of walking maneuvering up and down106 stairs. There are
two scheduled Accessibility tours where you can use your own or borrow a
wheelchair provided free of charge - instead of walking you’ll be on a tour
tram.
Tour prices are $25.00 per
adult and $12.00 per child ages five to twelve. Children under age five are
free when with a paying adult. Now where else could you get so much for your
money for half a day’s adventure and sights that will be remembered for a lifetime.
I went on my tours in the
middle of the afternoon and then stayed on in San Simeon for a meal at one of
the beach side restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Both times I drove 150 miles
back to Santa Barbara in the evening, but you could choose to stay overnight in
a nearby town. The photo is typical of the hilly terrain in San Luis Obispo
County.
Driving directions from north or south – take RT 101 to San Luis Obispo.
Take CA-1 North/Cabrillo
Highway 39 miles to the right hand turn off to Hearst Castle Road for 2 miles.
You will be driving along the
Pacific coast through the towns of Morro Bay, Cayucos and Cambria.
Take your camera along to
record your trip, including the spectacular views. For comfort while on a day
trip I like to layer my clothes, carry water in the car and snacks to eat while
driving. It would be most convenient to refuel your car and eat your main meal
in San Luis Obispo, since it is the largest city and has the most options.
Don’t arrive at the castle
hungry - the tours last an hour and 45 minutes. There is free parking onsite.
References
Make reservations for one of
the several tours by visiting this web page - http://www.hearstcastle.org/tours/prices
For
driving directions all over North America - Rand
McNally Road Atlas
Article
and photo of San Luis Obispo County by Susan Helene Kramer
Copyright 2012-2015 Susan Helene Kramer
Santa Barbara, California USA
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Published by Creations in Consciousness
email susan@susankramer.com
web site http://www.susankramer.com