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) 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.
Hostel accommodation
The closest hostels are at Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
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
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