Lodging Near Hearst Castle Is A Great Idea For California Visitors

By Mary West


Whether you are a frequent visitor to Central California or find yourself there for the first time, there is much to see and do in this unique part of the United States. A good idea might be to research lodging near Hearst Castle in order to stay approximately mid way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You will be able to take interesting day trips and return to your home base for a good night's rest.

Some great examples of places that delight even the most jaded visitors are Hearst Castle, Carmel and Pebble Beach, San Jose and San Luis Obispo to name just a few. Each one has so much to experience, enjoy, and satisfy all different ages and pocket books.

For architecture buffs and classic Hollywood lovers, Hearst Castle is a must see. William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper tycoon, built this magnificent estate overlooking San Simeon Valley early in the twentieth century. You will marvel at the unique and incredibly ornate rooms that include vaulted Spanish ceilings dating from the fifteenth century. Here you will be walking the same floors and checking out the same rooms where Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Errol Flynn, Marion Davies, and hundreds of their closest friends partied and played.

San Luis Obispo is a short ride to the south and is certainly worth spending some time to appreciate its unique beauty and what it has to offer. The famous mission is a focal point in the city and rightly so. Music festivals are abundant throughout the year for everyone to enjoy. There are beautiful beaches to walk. If you are adventurous, you may just decide to spend the day on horseback or taking a hike.

You also should consider spending some time in Santa Barbara. If you end up here you will not want to miss the famous harbor with its abundance of seals cavorting in their natural habitat. The massive naval ships docked at the harbor are a must see as are the spectacular zoological gardens. There is plenty of culture, music, and fine dining perfect for the whole family.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a place not everyone thinks to visit on their west coast vacations, but they should. Aside from the world renowned golf course at Pebble Beach, it also is well respected for world class galleries, beaches and local wines. If you are headed north, you should stop in and look around.

San Jose is south of San Francisco, but an interesting city in its own right. You will find a myriad of parks, galleries, museums and dining experiences here. Beethoven lovers will know about the vast collections housed in the Brilliant Center and be anxious to check them out. The Japanese Art and Cultural Center is fascinating and a must see if you visit the city.

Central California towns and cities are often overlooked by those who automatically gravitate to their larger neighbors to the north and south. It would be a mistake to ignore the beauty and history that central California has to offer however. There is so much to see and do in this great part of our country. You may decide to come back again and again.




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