Hearst Castle: Home Away From Home

One of the best things about camping in San Simeon is that the campsite is literally five minutes away from the iconic Hearst Castle. I know, we've been there probably a half dozen times before, and we even wrote a blog post about it in 2006. And yet, each time we're in the area, I can't resist taking another tour.


Tim in front of Hearst Castle. (06/06/2010)

There are five tours in all, each covering a different section. I'm pretty sure we've been on all of them by now. So this time we started over with Tour 1. Plus, our pal Sergio had never been there before, so it was a good excuse.


James inside one of the guest houses. (06/06/2010)

I think one of the main reasons I'm drawn to Hearst Castle was that it was so exclusive for so many years. In its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s, the only way to set foot on the grounds was to be invited by William Randolph Hearst himself. It's like getting invited to the 3rd floor of the White House, or Camp David, or Neverland Ranch. The only difference is now anybody can go for $24.


Sergio in the Hearst Castle billiards room. (06/06/2010)

The other reason I'm drawn to Hearst Castle is — let's face it — I was meant to live that lifestyle. Champagne taste and beer bottle pockets. Story of my life. But until I can build my own mountain-top compound, I'll just have to keep paying a visit to my home away from home every few years.