|
|
TAKE A TOUR OF HEARST CASTLE IN SAN SIMEON NEAR ADELAIDE INN
|
Just 42 miles away from the Adelaide Inn, Hearst Castle in San Simeon is a priority
destination for any California Central Coast trip. With its rich history, amazing
art collection, and stunning views, this state historical monument fascinates visitors
of all ages.
The History of Hearst Castle
In 1919, multi-millionaire and media mogul William Randolph Hearst, tired of camping
out in the open on his 250,000-acre ranch, instructed architect Julia Morgan to
“build a little something.” Twenty-eight years, four mansions and $10 million later,
Hearst left his dream home unfinished, just as it remains today.
The W. R. Hearst Exhibit
This exhibit offers guests an insightful look into the Castle, its architect Julia
Morgan, and its owner W.R. Hearst. Family histories, vintage photographs, and historical
documents provide a more intimate look at Mr. Hearst’s personal life. Beautiful
works of art from his collection give a glimpse of the treasures seen on tour. Children
can explore the exhibit with a free Treasure Hunt map-they’ll even get a prize for
participating! This permanent exhibit is free to the public.
Five different tours of the Castle are offered. For first-time visitors, Tour 1
gives an overview of the grounds and history and includes the National Geographic
movie, “Building the Dream.” Tours 2, 3 and 4 each focus on a particular aspect
of the Castle’s buildings and gardens. The 5th tour is an evening tour, and allows
for a special Hearst Castle experience.
San Simeon State Park
Five miles south of Hearst Castle is one of the oldest units of the California State
Park System. The coastal bluffs and promontories of this scenic park offer unobstructed
views of the ocean and rocky shore. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking,
hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. In 1990,
San Simeon State Beach was reclassified from a State Beach to a State Park because
of the significance of the natural and cultural resources within the area. North
of San Simeon is the home of the Elephant Seals. This is where they bask in the
sun and play in the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
|
|
|
|