Destination Guides > North America > USA > West Coast > California > San Simeon & Hearst Castle
San Simeon & Hearst Castle
This small town sits half-way between Los Angeles and San Fransisco. It is best known for the palatial Hearst Castle.
Coming & Going
San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority's (tel (805) 541 2277; website www.slorta.org) route 12B connects San Simeon with Cambria, Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The fare from Hearst Castle to San Simeon is $1.25 and the one-way fare from San Luis Obispo is $2.50. An all-day ticket is $4.
Accommodation
The closest hostels are at Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.
Sights
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (Hearst Castle)
William Randolph Hearst’s dream home is a massive 165-room monstrosity surrounded by gardens dotted with Greek and Moorish statues. Visiting Hearst Castle means taking one of four expensive tours and most opt for the Experience Tour, which gives a good overview of the castle and includes a screening of a 40-minute-long film on a giant screen at the National Geographic Theater. If your budget won’t extend to one of the pricey tours at least take a look at the free exhibit on the history of Hearst Castle.
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
Tel (805) 927 2020 or 800 444 4445
Website www.hearst-castle.org & www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=591
Tours cost $20-30 1 Jan-14 May; $24-30 15 May-15 Sep; $20-30 16 Sep-31 Dec
Tours depart regularly 8.20am-3.20pm
