Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway from one of California’s many bustling metro areas or you just want to be steeped in history, Hearst Castle is the ideal spot for an oceanside vacation. Here’s why.<\/p>\n
Brief<\/p>\n
The sprawling Hearst Castle in San Simeon offers viewers a look into American luxury at its finest. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean on California’s central coast, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres in 1919 and added even more over the years, which eventually led to his 250,000-acre hilltop retreat that he called La Cuesta Encantada (Spanish for “Enchanted Hill”).<\/p>\n
Worked on by architect Julia Morgan for nearly 30 years, the estate, which was never officially finished, includes 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, where Hearst displayed his impressive art collection. Hearst Castle became a retreat for Hollywood elite, including Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo and Cary Grant, and even politicians such as Winston Churchill. Today, it’s a state park and National and California Historic Landmark enjoyed by visitors daily.<\/p>\n
Location \/ State<\/p>\n
San Simeon, California<\/a><\/p>\n Why it matters<\/p>\n Not only is the Hearst Castle an impressive architectural landmark, but it also honors one of the nation’s most prominent newspaper publishers in history. Hearst was a pioneer of sensationalized “yellow journalism,” and the Visitor Center has a section dedicated to his work, which also features old cameras and other items. The media baron was so influential that the 1941 quasi-biographical film “Citizen Kane” was largely influenced by him.<\/p>\n What to see today<\/p>\n The Hearst Castle has a number of tours available to give visitors a feel of what it was like to be one of W. R. Hearst’s lavish guests. Take in the marvel of the grand social rooms of Casa Grande, explore luxurious mansions that housed the Hearst family and see the grounds come alive during the holiday season. Tours also include a visit to the Roman Pool where pop star Lady Gaga filmed her “G.U.Y” music video. The grounds were once home to the world’s largest private zoo, and several animals, such as deer, elk and zebras, can still be seen today.<\/p>\n Ask a local<\/p>\n A lively elephant seal viewing area is located 4.5 miles north of the Hearst Castle at Piedras Blancas. Most visitors flock to the area December through March, which includes the breeding, birthing and molting seasons, but seals can be seen on the beach year-round.<\/p>\n Plan your visit<\/p>\n Best time: Year-round, but the winter holiday season offers a special Holiday Twilight Tour<\/p>\n Hours\/admission: Open daily at 9 a.m.; ticket prices start at $35 (adults) and $18 (children)<\/p>\n Getting there: Visitors from Los Angeles and San Francisco can take scenic Highway 101 on their journey toward San Simeon. You will park in a big lot and a bus shuttle will take you up to Hearst Castle.<\/p>\n