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Wake up early in San Simeon, California, check out of the San Simeon Lodge,
and head over to the San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill for breakfast and coffee,
and then drive over to the Hearst Castle Visitor Center to catch a shuttle
and take a tour of Hearst Castle.
Virtual Tours of Hearst Castle are also available on the mobile app.
After the Castle, we motor on down Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH1)
to San Luis Obispo for a drink at the swanky Madonna Inn Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge
and a bite to eat in the Copper Cafe
before continuing on to Santa Ana, California for a few days.
But first…breakfast…
Meanwhile at Hearst Castle, the coastline overcast burns off
by the time our shuttle stops at the top of the hill,
as beautiful blues skies compliment the wondrous architecture of Hearst Castle.
Riding the shuttle to the top of the hill.
Unfortunately, the tour price does not include a dip in the stunning Neptune Pool.
In fact, to quote the Hearst Castle Tour Rules regarding pools and fountains,
“Visitors are not permitted to contact the water by wading,
jumping or placing any part of their body into the pools or fountains.”
Warm August day, the temptation to swim is so inviting…
With so much beautiful architecture, sculpture, and foliage,
we soon become the stragglers of the tour group…
The Hearst Castle Theater.
Now entering the astounding indoor swimming pool building.
Last sight on the tour, we step back out into such an incredible summer day
and take the shuttle back down through Hearst Ranch to the Visitor Center for a lunch.
Meanwhile, back at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center, we explore the amenities, including
the Chief’s Galley Cafe serving up tasty Hearst Ranch burgers
raised locally on Hearst Ranch (Hearst meats may be purchased at the Hearst Ranch Beef Kiosk),
the Hearst Castle Theater Experience which plays the short documentary film Hearst Castle, Building the Dream (1996)
about the construction of Hearst Castle designed by architect Julia Morgan,
the William Randolph Hearst Exhibit featuring various artifacts about William Randolph Hearst and Hearst Castle,
and Gift Shops featuring various souvenirs and artworks.
Firetruck!
Now entering the William Randolph Hearst Exhibit.
Tillie the Toiler comic strip by Russ Westover.
Canyon Kiddies by James Swinnerton.
Now entering the Hearst Castle Visitor Center Gift Shop.
We bought some refrigerator magnets.
Now entering the outdoor sculpture garden.
Now leaving the Hearst Castle Visitor Center.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and The Hearst Ranch Conservation Easement.
So long Hearst Castle!
So long San Simeon!
Onward to San Luis Obispo and the Madonna Inn.
Now passing through Cambria, California.
Our time in San Simeon ends,
but next we continue on to San Luis Obispo
to enjoy the atmosphere at the Madonna Inn,
and arrive in Santa Ana well after dark.
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