San Simeon Vacation Home Rentals
Stay luxurious vacation homes, some located right on the beach. Many feature a peace of history. Non-Smoking and fully equipped with appliances. Nightly and weekly rates are both available.

More San Simeon Area Lodging:
More hotel accommodations:
Cavalier Oceanfront Inn - Best Western
Courtesy Inn
Days Inn Inn
San Simeon Lodge
Morgan Hotel
Quality Inn
Sands Hotel
Sea Breeze Inn
Silver Surf Motel

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
La Cuesta Encantada
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452; (800) 444-4445; Park Website;
Tours Daily: 8:20-3:20 (or later during summer);
Evening Tours & Living History Program;
For group travel and special events call: (800) 401-4775;

La Cuesta Encantada, "The Enchanted Hill" high above the ocean at San Simeon, was the creation of two extraordinary individuals, William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. The main house itself, "La Casa Grande," is a grand setting for Hearst's collection of European antiques and art pieces. It was also a most fitting site for hosting the many influential guests who stayed at Hearst's San Simeon ranch. Guests included President Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw, Charles Lindbergh, Charlie Chaplin, and a diverse array of luminaries from show business and publishing industries.



At its heyday, the Hearst Castle was the ultimate weekend getaway for the rich and famous. Visitors enjoyed the many pools, epicurean delights, lavish costume parties and magnificent gardens. It is one of the most popular attractions in California.

The Castle was started in 1919 by newspaper publisher William Randolf Hearst on 250,000 acres of ranchland overlooking San Simeon and the Pacific Ocean. Construction continued to 1947 by which time there was an estate of 115 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.

The estate's main house, "Casa Grande," and three guesthouses are of Mediterranean Revival style, with the imposing towers of Casa Grande resembling a Spanish cathedral. The estate also houses a suberb collection of European and Mediterranean artworks, tapestries, marble sculpture, magnificent gardens, and much more.

The Visitors Center has the Museum Shop, Gift Shop, Snack Bar, Expresso Bar and the National Geographic Theater.

Hearst Castle is located at San Simeon, forty-three miles north of San Luis Obispo. Visitors park at visitor center located just off SR-1 and take shuttle to the castle. Tours include a lot of walking, stairs and outdoor gardens in a very cool climate - so please dress appropriately. Call ahead if will need assistance with accessibility challenges. Strollers are not permitted.

Several Tours are available:


Tour 1 (Experience Tour)- Includes ground floor of the main house, an adjoining guest house, gardens and pools. Also includes National Geographic Movie - Hearst Castle - Building the Dream. (Recommended for first time visitors.)
Tour 2 - Visits upper floors, Hearst's private quarters and library.
Tour 3 - Northwing of The Castle and special video presentation about the construction.
Tour 4 - Covers the gardens, wine cellar and largest of the guesthouses.
Tour 5 - Evening Tour

San Simeon California
While tourism lodging dominates this coastal strip town, San Simeon has many fine restaurants, gift shops, and miles of raw unspoiled beaches. Recreational resources include famous Pico Creek surf spot, ocean fishing, arrow head hunting and of course beach walking.

Cambria California
Cambria is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and has dramatic rocky cliffs and beaches. There are many hotels and bed & breakfasts, especially on Moonstone Beach Drive.

More Hearst Castle Website
For more information try here:
HearstCastle.org
FriendsofHearstCastle.org
National Geographic Theater
Hearst Castle Press
Wiki Biography of William Randolph Hearst
California Famous Landmarks

San Simeon Quality Inn 9260 Castillo Drive, San Simeon, CA 93452; Experience elegant county charm in San Simeon at the Gateway to Hearst Castle. This quaint hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms. Jacuzzi and family suites are also available. Courtyard rooms look onto lush gardens. Soak in the afternoon sun by our pool and outdoor spa. Relax in the evening by our outdoor fire pit. Great for Romantic getaways or family vacation.

San Simeon Cavalier Oceanfront Resort Best Western Vacation Resort 9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA 93452; The Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, Cambria and San Simeon's only oceanfront accommodation, is located just three miles south of Hearst Castle. A destination for discovery and unbelievable natural beauty, where classic luxury and gracious hospitality ensure you a memorable stay.

Avila Lighthouse Suites 550 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA 93406; Location: Beachfront; Experience ocean front luxury just steps from the sand in Avila Beach at the Avila Lighthouse Suites. An all suite beach front resort featuring non-smoking spacious two room suites with microwave oven, refrigerator, coffee maker and private balcony. The property boasts a fitness room, day spa, conference center and family activities including ping pong, putting green and a life size chess board. Complimentary continental breakfast included.

Morro Bay Tradewinds Motel Best Western Vacation Resort 225 Beach Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442; Location: Corner of Market Ave and Beach St near the Harborfront; AAA 3-Diamond hotel where guests can enjoy warm and friendly atmosphere. The Best Western Tradewinds in Morro Bay, California offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Morro Rock from the hotel sundeck and spa. This Morro Bay hotel was renovated in 2002 and offers unique amenities that every Best Western guest will appreciate including complimentary breakfast and newspaper, spa, and hot tub.

Pismo Beach Shore Cliff Lodge Best Western Resort Hotel 2555 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449; Location: Just off US-101, Cabrillo Highway - South of town Travelers are pampered with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean at this California Beach Hotel and receive warm, friendly service. The Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge is found along California's Central Coast in Pismo Beach overlooking the beautiful oceanfront cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Each guestroom at the Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge is nicely decorated and has a balcony overlooking the ocean.

Monterey Munras Comfort Inn 1262 Munras Ave., Monterey, CA 93940; Location: Uptown Monterey across from Don Davee Park The Comfort Inn is situated in historic Monterey, minutes from many local attractions, including the Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Pebble Beach, and premier golf courses. Walk to shops and restaurants. These are inviting and affordable vacation accommodations.