(Above): Hearst Castle, San Simeon, Calif. [Photo: Siliconeer]
Set in the hills facing the Pacific Ocean, in San Simeon, Calif., Hearst Castle is a must-visit landmark for people who love history, art and heritage. It is located near Cambria, and about 30 miles from Paso Robles, Calif.
Hearst Castle was completed in 1947 on top of the “Enchanted Hill.” You have to purchase one of the three tours, Upstairs Suites, Grand Rooms, and the Kitchen and Cottages tour, in order to visit the castle. All of these tours are also available in the evening.
The castle is full of amazing artifacts from the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
(Above): On our way to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif., we stopped for a view of the Pacific Ocean. [Photo: Siliconeer]
Tours start from the Visitors Center where there is a gift shop, an eatery, and a coffee shop. Then a bus takes you to the top of the very high Enchanted Hill or as William Randolph Hearst named it “La Cuesta Encantada.” On the bus you will hear interesting facts like how it was built and the history of the castle. Also during the ride you will see magnificent views of the castle surrounded by an uncomparable scenic treat of nature, the Pacific Ocean and mountains.
As you reach near the castle entrance, tour guides greet you and take you on a journey beyond time, straight in to Renaissance and Medieval times.
Inside the castle, depending on which tour you take, you will see old architectural styles, artifacts, and art from different parts of the world, and a huge library and more.
(Above): From the Hearst Castle, a view of the garden, and horizon above the Pacific . [Photo: Siliconeer]
There are about 165 rooms and the castle estate sits on about 130 acres spread in the mountains. The estate also has cottages, gardens, farms, two pools, and lots of stairs. The two pools are located both indoors (the Roman Pool) as well as outdoors (the Neptune Pool). The outdoor pool has beautiful marble sculptures surrounding it, built to give a feel of Roman architecture and taste.
The pool also has a seating area to relax if you were tired, which you would sure be, once you complete the tour!
The indoor pool has a dark glowing feel with few beautiful lights and walls full of artwork. According to our guide, parts of the indoor pool were made of gold. The indoor pool is bigger than the one outside.
It is really intriguing how this place was built and maintained when we look around at the lush garden, exquisite architecture and the artifacts and interiors.
If I tell you more about this mesmerizing castle then I will spoil the surprise that awaits if you choose to go.
(Above): The outdoor Roman Pool at Hearst Castle. [Photo: Siliconeer]
So you took a tour at the castle and now its dark, you are hungry and tired. Fear not, a very nice place where delicious food and a decent rooms await is just 30 minutes away.
Paso Robles is a town where you will find great hotels and delicious food and also great wine, as my dad pointed out. For once, he did not mind the long drive, guess the reward was fulfilling enough!
Paso Robles is a combination of the wineries in Napa Valley and natural beauty of Calistoga, both in Northern California.
For a place to stay, two hotels seemed like a nice bet. If you like live large, you could stay at La Bellasera Hotel and Suites. It is an exquisite hotel with beautiful ambience, comfortable rooms, and excellent service.
For the more conservative and practical spender, the Hampton Inn and Suites is right across the street. We stayed here, as you would imagine.
Hampton Inn offers free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. They even have wine-tasting events on some evenings. The hotel has good service, nice comfortable rooms, and a fairly good ambience, not to forget, the pool and hot tubs, which is highly recommended, especially after the Hearst Castle trip.
Paso Robles also has a lot to offer downtown. There are many restaurants with amazing food.
(Above, from left): Wine and Cheese at Hampton Inn; Wonton, Pad Thai and dessert at Basil Thai in Paso Robles downtown were absolutely delicious. [Photo: Siliconeer]
We ate at the Basil Thai Restaurant. It was, if you ask me, by far the best Thai food I’ve had, and I am an avid foodie.
Paso Robles, like Napa, is also a wine country. Going through Highway 46 towards the Hearst Castle, you will find a scenic route full of wineries just like Highway 29 in Napa.
Hearst Castle is a bouquet of history and art while Paso Robles is filled with food, wine, and hotels. Both are fun and exciting.
Overall, if you want to go on a short vacation, Hearst Castle and Paso Robles should make a great vacation.
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Vansh A. Gupta, 12, is an eighth-grader at Hopkins Junior High School in Fremont, Calif.
