Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Elegant sculptures surround the palatial pool at Hearst Castle, the opulent estate of publisher William Randolph Hearst.
13.
Hearst Castle
About one mile north of San Simeon, Piedras Blancas is a year-round gathering spot for
elephant seals. Stop for a while and admire these grotesque creatures
Officially known as Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument, the castle was built
by publisher William Randolph Hearst on a hill overlooking the coast. The palatial estate
took nearly 30 years to complete and contains a museum-quality collection of art—antique
furniture,sculptures,paintings,mosaics,andtapestries—tocomplementtheMediterranean
Revival architecture.
In the 1930s and 1940s, floods of famous guests—movie stars, politicians, ath-
letes—were invited to the estate. Departing from the visitor center in San Simeon, shuttle
buses climb to Hearst's paradise, one of the state's most popular tourist destinations. Four
guided tours are offered each day to the public. Visitors can also enjoy the movie, Hearst
Castle: Building the Dream, which is shown in the home's own theater.
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