Hearst Castle

CORNICE6 · 11:08 AM

Planning on visiting for the first time Hearst Castle San Simeon State Historical Monument. Any recommendations on which Tour to take. I guess the obvious is the Tour One for first time visitors. Any feedback is appreciated.

http://www.hearstcastle.com/tours/index.asp

btw, will be staying in San Luis Obispo. restaurants, shops, etc?

the · 05-30-2008, 11:01 AM

Hearst Castle is really a fascinating story and place.

I've done roughly tours 1 through 3 over the years, from what I can see of the current configuration, it seems like doing them in that order makes the most sense.

The place is huge, and crammed with incredible, priceless art and artifacts from all over the world. They have done a great job of preserving it. When you go, you really feel like you are stepping back in time, and can imagine the huge parties with all of the old school Hollywood elite there. There are so many interesting stories about how it was constructed, where everything came from, what went on there, etc.

I always thought an interesting room was Hearst's bedroom. Given the huge scale of the place, you think it is going to be some monster room. It is tiny! Basically just enough room for the bed, a dresser or two, a couple of nightstands and that's it. Pretty much the same size as one of the millions of little guest bedrooms in the place.

tc-sacto · 05-30-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CORNICE6

Planning on visiting for the first time Hearst Castle San Simeon State Historical Monument. Any recommendations on which Tour to take. I guess the obvious is the Tour One for first time visitors. Any feedback is appreciated.

http://www.hearstcastle.com/tours/index.asp

Start with tour one.

Also. In Cambria, moonstone beach grill and bar is nice place to have lunch. Right across the street from the ocean.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I've done Tour #1 and plan on going back for the others. Echo everything that's been said. Truly a fascinating place. . .

RoninLB · 05-30-2008, 11:34 AM

swimming pool is my fav.

one tour/visit is enough for me.

scottmandue · 05-30-2008, 11:38 AM

been there many times... I love it!

I think with tour one you get the movie too... don't miss it.

You will be outside for some of the tour so dress accordingly. Some stairs involved so wear good comfortable shoes.

Ask lots of questions... a lot of freaky art from all over the world and all different eras, very eclectic, Every lamp, doorknob, ceiling, table, painting, sculpture, has a story.

If you like walking (a lot) it is possible to take more than one tour in a day.

Very cool place IMHO with lots of intersting history.

I'm toying with the idea of becoming a tour guide when I retire.

looneybin · 05-30-2008, 12:02 PM

go for a dip in the pool, the docents love that

scottmandue · 02:13 PM

For food I like Morro bay and Cambria,

In Cambria I really like Robins:

http://www.robinsrestaurant.com/contact.fsp

In Morro I like Windows on the water:

http://www.windowsonthewater.net/

and Dorn's

http://www.dornscafe.com/

Lots of shopping on the Embarcadero in Morro bay and lots of great views of the bay.

I vacation on the central coast a lot... I could go on for pages.

Must add: Schooners Wharf in Cayucos...Not really on the wharf but the town is so tiny it is easy to find, Cayucos is a fun little town to check out.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

We took tour 1 on our honeymoon drive up the coast. Worth every minute and penny of it. Do it.

scottmandue · 03:04 PM

View from Great American seafood company on the pier in Morro bay IIRC:

I should add it was raining when I took this picture, not always that dark.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmandue

View from Great American seafood company on the pier in Morro bay IIRC:

LOL!

Great minds think alike - last time my in-laws were in town that's where we had dinner!

Cool place. Love the view of the rock.

scottmandue · 05-30-2008, 03:07 PM

On a nicer day, view from condo I rented:

CORNICE6 · 05-30-2008, 03:39 PM

Excellent recommendations! I'm taking notes.

onlycafe · 05-30-2008, 04:38 PM

you would think that with all the money that was poured into that place that his billiard tables would have been a bit more fancy. really pretty plain.
the pool, however is just amazing.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

If you go and you are 8 years old, you will get bored and sit in a chair. At which point a lady with blue hair will shriek at you to get off the antique.