Ana Rebeca 6/16/16 Ana Rebeca 6/16/16

California Road Trip: Travel Guide Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Ready for the road trip of your lifetime? If you're looking to do a fun road trip along California's Pacific Coast Highway, look no further than this handy travel guide to get you there. In this travel guide to Highway 1, you'll get an itinerary with all your stops, drive times, as well as "good to know" information before and during your trip. Buckle up! Here we go!

California Road Trip: Travel Guide Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Are you into road trips? I'll admit...I'm not much of a road tripper. I prefer to get wherever I want to go as quick as possible, and being a city girl has made me hate driving. BUT...the one place that changed my mind about road trips? California.

Have you ever seen the California coastline?! It's breathtaking! I really don't think it's fair to the rest of the country that California has that much beauty! It's incredible. Taking a road trip along the California coastline--and, more specifically, along the Pacific Coast Highway--should be on everyone's bucket list. You see beaches, mountains, valleys, cities, vineyards... Ugh! There's everything!

If you're looking to do a fun road trip along Highway 1, look no further than this handy travel guide to get you there. I've mapped out an itinerary with all your stops, drive times, as well as provided you with "good to know" information before and during your trip. Buckle up! Here we go!

Good to Know Information Before Your Trip:

For those of you who are planning your first visit to California, or maybe it's your first time doing the PCH drive, check out these FAQ's about planning your trip.

How long should I plan the trip for?

How long you plan for the trip is entirely up to you, but I would recommend at least 1 full week if you really want to get the full adventure. Of course, there are people who do it in 5 days, a weekend, or even 2 days, but I want you to have a really special experience with it! You're going to want to relax and enjoy when you can, pull over to see the views, or even spend an extra night in those special cities you fall in love with. Do at least 1 week minimum from start to finish.

Where should I start?

This is another personal preference. There's really no right or wrong answer for where you start or finish. We personally went from south to north, but I've heard that sometimes the traffic from north to south can be a little less hectic (can't confirm this from my own personal experience though!). You could even look up the price difference of flying into San Diego vs. Santa Ana vs. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco and make your decision that way! For this travel guide, I'll be giving you directions from south to north.

How much should I budget?

How much you budget will be based on the types of accommodations you're wanting to stay in during your trip and the entertainment costs you'll incur (including food). You can find budget friendly hostels or campgrounds along the way, or splurge on luxury 5-star resorts. You can buy groceries along the way and make food on the go, or you can dine at expensive restaurants. You'll also have to account for gas along your trip, so I'd say somewhere between $50-200+ per day depending on your travel style. *PS-If you're a budget conscious traveler, check out this post I did on how to spend $50 a day or less during travel!

Do I need a car?

Yes. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation that will allow you to do this trip, but that's half the fun of it! When you have a car, you get to pull over and enjoy the scenery as much as you want!

Can I go alone or should I go with people?

Yes, you can absolutely do this road trip alone! However, I will say that having another person or group with you during the road trip makes it a lot more fun. You'll be creating wonderful travel memories together; you can take turns taking pictures for one another; you can split all the travel costs; you can even take turns driving so everyone gets a chance to look out the window. Totally up to you though! I personally loved having Jay by my side through all of it (mainly because I never had to drive... hehehe!) and wouldn't have it any other way.

Where should I stay?

There a plenty of places you can get off and stay around PCH, but I would recommend spending some time in San Diego (or La Jolla) before/after the trip, Orange County (around Laguna Beach or Newport Beach), Los Angeles (around Venice or Santa Monica), Santa Barbara, Big Sur (or Carmel/Monterey for other options), and San Francisco.

The Road Trip Itinerary

Below you'll find the outlined itinerary we did for our Pacific Coast Highway journey. This itinerary is from south to north (starting in Orange County and ending in San Francisco), but you can easily invert it if you want to travel from north to south. Please keep in mind that all drive times are approximate and that traffic is a real deal in California. Always check your GPS or Google Maps for more accurate times. There will also be areas where you might have to merge onto other freeways besides Highway 1. Ok... Here we go!

Starting Point: Orange County

Fun fact: A lot of people think that PCH goes all the way to San Diego, but it actually ends around Dana Point in the O.C.! Southern California is a beautiful area filled with beaches, incredible food, surfing, epic coastal views, cute towns, and more. When you're starting out in Orange County, I recommend you visit spots like Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. There are lots of little towns right in a row along the coastline, so maybe pick 1-2 and explore. Use my travel guides for Laguna & Newport to find out what to do/eat while you're there. **If you're starting out here, you can fly into either San Diego and drive up, or fly into Santa Ana and hang around the area to explore before heading north.

Also consider stopping by: San Diego, La Jolla, or San Clemente before you start the official Highway 1 Adventure. It's technically not part of the official route, but it's worth exploring if you have time!

Los Angeles

Drive time from Orange County: Approx. 1hr 30min

After spending time in the O.C., your next stop will be Los Angeles. I recommend getting off PCH to see Santa Monica and/or Venice since they are closest to the coastline (and the cutest I.M.O.). Both towns are right next to each other and offer that cool Cali beach vibe that you've probably seen in movies and TV shows. Walk around Main Street, rent a bike to go along the boardwalk, stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or get something to eat along the water. Use my travel guide to Venice to see what you can do/eat while you're there.

Also consider stopping by: Long Beach or Malibu

Santa Barbara

Drive time from Los Angeles: Approx. 1hr 40min

Santa Barbara might be my favorite city in all of California (it's a toss up between this and San Francisco). I guarantee you'll fall in love the minute you arrive to this "American Riviera," as the locals call it. There's endless Spanish-style architecture throughout the city, incredible places to eat, wonderful beaches, and tons of culture to explore and experience. See my travel guide to Santa Barbara for things to do, places to stay, or where to eat when you pass through.

Also consider stopping by: Montecito, Summerland, or Solvang. Solvang is a little off the path of Highway 1, but it is such a gorgeous, little town that is worth exploring. You can even stay over at this ranch resort that's like a luxury camp for adults!

San Luis Obispo

Drive time from Santa Barbara: Approx. 1hr 40min

After departing Santa Barbara, the next area you might want to stop in is San Luis Obispo. The town of SLO has a super cute and trendy downtown area, making it a great stop to get out for a bite to eat or to walk around. It's a lovely town that you'll enjoy seeing or driving through.

Also consider stopping by: Pismo Beach or Morro Bay

San Simeon

Drive time from San Luis Obispo: Approx. 1hr

Just before you get to Big Sur is the town of San Simeon. I definitely recommend getting off here to explore Hearst Castle. It's a remarkable hilltop mansion that was once the home of media mogul, William Randolph Hearst. The castle is a must-see along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Check out this post on Hearst Castle to see all the details of booking your visit there.

Also consider stopping by: Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a great spot to pull over and get a glimpse of the elephant seals along the beach!

Big Sur

Drive time from San Simeon: Approx. 30min

Big Sur is a must-see destination that should be on everyone's bucket list. The natural beauty of this area is one you'll never forget and will absolutely take your breath away. Visit the epic waterfalls of McWay Falls, hike through one of the many state parks, or snap a picture near the historic Bixby Bridge. Check out this full travel guide to Big Sur for more details on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat there.

Also consider stopping by: McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and Bixby Bridge

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Drive time from Big Sur: Approx. 40min

Just north of Big Sur is the charming little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The quaint downtown area and lovely houses around the city makes you feel like you've stepped into some sort of West Coast fairytale. Stop around here to walk around downtown or grab something to eat. It's such a cute stop on your way up the coast. This is also around the area of the famous Pebble Beach golf course!

Also consider stopping by: Monterey

San Francisco

Drive time from Carmel: Approx. 2hr 15min

We've reached the final city along our California road trip: Good 'ol San Francisco. The city of San Francisco is such a unique and magnificent destination. You'll surely fall in love with it the minute you arrive. Here you've got iconic landmarks, sprawling city views, one-of-a-kind street art, world class dining, and so much more. I recommend staying a few days in SF once you arrive so you can truly enjoy and experience the city. Check out my detailed city guide to San Francisco for more tips, where to stay, and things to do while you're there!

Also consider stopping by: Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay

Have you ever done the California Road Trip along Pacific Coast Highway? -or- Are you going soon? Comment below with more tips or suggestions!

PS--Don't leave for the road trip without picking up some new travel gear! Check out my favorite travel things here!

A Weekend Guide to Big Sur

Big Sur is an incredible destination that everyone should see at least once in their life. If you're heading to Big Sur, use this travel guide to be prepared with everything you need to know! Uncover good tips to know before you leave, along with recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do during your visit to Big Sur.

A Weekend Guide to Big Sur

I would argue to say that Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. Deep blue waters that crash along miles of glorious California coastline, the breeze against your face as you drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, and endless adventures and opportunities to explore nature. It is a truly magnificent place that you must see at least once in your lifetime.

If you're heading to Big Sur, or doing the great "California Road Trip," use this travel guide to Big Sur to be prepared with everything you need to know! I've got "good to know" tips for your journey (some of which I wasn't even aware of before going), recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do during your visit to Big Sur.

Good to Know Information Before Heading to Big Sur

Normally I just jump right into these travel guides with places to eat, sleep, and play, but Big Sur is different. This place requires a little bit of info beforehand, or else you're going to be baffled when you get there; so here are some good to know tips before you venture out to Big Sur:

Before You Go

There is absolutely ZERO cell phone service in Big Sur. Like, seriously, the second you cross over into Big Sur territory, your phone will go off the grid. It's kind of nice once you get used to the shock of not being constantly connected!
There's usually wifi at most of the popular restaurants, bars, and hotels, but don't count on it when you're out and about. Unplugging in nature is what it's all about!
You can do Big Sur in 1 day, but you should really spend at least 2 days there to see everything and take your time.
Big Sur is pricey (because they can be), so be prepared to spend some $$ while you're there. Those of you from NYC or other large cities will feel right at home spending about $15-18 for a cocktail and $20-30 for an entree.
Make your reservations as far in advance as you can since things tend to book up fast!

Tips for the Drive

Rent (or have) a car. That's the only way to do it.
Safely stop along the road wherever you want to get out and enjoy the view. It's magnificent and you deserve to soak it in! Make sure your cameras are charged!
Pack snacks and drinks ahead of time so you can avoid paying astronomical prices at the convenience stores or restaurants in Big Sur.
Have some cash handy because certain state parks require a small entrance fee before you head in.
Have hiking and/or beach clothes readily available for you to grab and change into if the mood strikes you to get out and have an adventure. I'd recommend checking the weather ahead of time so you know which one to pack.
Pick up a copy of Big Sur's free tourist newspaper (available at almost any establishment in the area) so you can utilize the map. You won't have cell phone service, so it will be your life line. You can also just take a screenshot of this, which was the exact map we used to get around:

*Map courtesy of Big Sur Chamber of Commerce*

Alright... Now for the good stuff. Where to eat in Big Sur! Like I mentioned earlier, Big Sur is pricey. You're not going to have an easy time trying to avoid paying high prices for everything you eat, but it is possible to find some affordable options. There are also incredible luxury options if you want to splurge and go all out. The good news is that the food in Big Sur (at least the food that we had) is pretty damn good and typically comes in generous portions!

Budget:

Big Sur Taphouse, 47520 Hwy 1 -- Great spot to grab a beer, big portions of comfort food, and watch whatever sport they have on TV
Big Sur Deli, 47520 Hwy 1
The Maiden Publick House, Village Center Shops, Hwy 1

Also try: Packing food before your trip, or driving to grocery store in Carmel-by-the-Sea for affordable groceries. Unfortunately, "budget" and "Big Sur" don't typically go together very often.

Big Sur Taphouse

Big Sur Deli

The Maiden Publick House

Moderate:

Big Sur Bakery, 47540 Hwy 1 -- Ask any local where to eat in Big Sur and I guarantee this will be at the top of their list. Definitely a popular spot in the area! On the more expensive side of "moderate"
Deetjen's Restaurant, 48865 Hwy 1 -- Another popular spot for both locals and travelers
Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill, 47200 Hwy 1 -- AKA Fernwood Tavern. Tasty pizzas, bar food, and a great spot to hang out in a "pub" environment
Nepenthe, 48510 Hwy 1 -- Food with a view!
Cafe Kevah, 48510 Highway One -- Just downstairs from Nepenthe and supposedly more affordable

Also try: Big Sur Roadhouse (especially after they finish redecorating their space!), Big Sur River Inn Restaurant, Big Sur Lodge Restaurant, or Ripplewood Resort Restaurant (breakfast + lunch option)

Big Sur Bakery

Deetjen's Restaurant

Fernwood Tavern

Nepenthe

Cafe Kevah

Luxury:

Sierra Mar, 47900 Hwy 1
The Restaurant at Ventana, 48123 Hwy 1

Also try: Driving to Carmel-by-the-Sea for other luxury options

Sierra Mar

The Restaurant at Ventana

Budget:

Ripplewood Resort, $$, 47047 Hwy 1

Ripplewood Resort offers guests minimalist cabins in a woodsy setting. Some cabins even come equipped with full kitchens and private decks. Another great part about the property is the convenience store, restaurant, and gas station that are available for traveler's needs

Also try: Fernwood Resort, Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, Lucia Lodge, or Big Sur Campground and Cabins. There are quite a few other locations that provide campground or RV spaces as well.

Moderate:

Glen Oaks Big Sur, $$, 47080 Hwy 1

Glen Oaks is a beautiful getaway in the heart of Big Sur that it is comprised of multiple fireside motor lodges and numerous single and multi-room cabins, all of which are newly renovated and remodeled. These separate options allow you to choose the exact type of experience you want to have during your stay: either "immersive glamping in the forest" or "comfortable luxury with a side of nature." I personally love the accommodations at Glen Oaks Big Sur (it's my preferred location to stay in Big Sur) because of the modern, luxurious comforts they provide within each lodge or cabin. Read more about what to expect during your stay at Glen Oaks Big Sur right here.

Also try: Treebones Resort (they also provide budget friendly options) or Deetjen's Big Sur Inn (some of their private rooms are on the moderate side)

Luxury:

Post Ranch Inn, $$$$, 47900 Hwy 1

If you really want to splurge on luxury in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is your spot. This incredible, contemporary ranch-style hotel is set on a cliff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Guests will enjoy rustic-chic suites or tree-houses, private decks with mountain or ocean views, 2 cliff-top infinity pools, and much more. No luxury is spared at the Post Ranch Inn.

Also try: Ventana Inn & Spa ($$$)

Things to do in Big Sur:

Visit the iconic McWay Falls -- Probably one of the most breathtaking sights you'll see.
See the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach -- **HOW TO GET THERE: The road to get to Pfeiffer Beach is a bit hidden and narrow. When you're heading southbound, take the 2nd right after Big Sur Station. There will be a sign that says "NARROW ROAD: NO RV's OR TRAILERS." It costs $10 once you make your way down the narrow and winding road, but it is well worth it. Use caution while driving.
Stop at Bixby Bridge to admire the architectural beauty
Check out the "Portal to Big Sur" at Ragged Point Inn & Resort
Walk down to Sand Dollar Beach and enjoy the view
Hike through the Redwood Grove at Glen Oaks Big Sur and see Grandmother Pfeiffer -- The Redwood Grove near the BIg Sur River is a beautiful experience. Grandmother Pfeiffer is the second largest redwood in all of Big Sur.
Visit any of the numerous parks to enjoy hiking, waterfalls, or campgrounds. -- There is Limekiln State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Salmon Creek Falls Trail, and much more. Some of these parks cost money to park or enter, so check ahead of time what the fees are or carry cash with you in the car.
Safely stop anywhere along the road while you're driving to get out and take pictures. Big Sur is such a beauty that you should savor and enjoy.
Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey before/after your trip depending on which way you're driving.
Visit Hearst Castle before/after your trip depending on which way you're driving. Check out this post for tips!

Have you been to Big Sur? What are your favorite things to eat, places to stay, or things to do? Comment below with more recommendations!

Thank you to Glen Oaks Big Sur for sponsoring my visit during my trip to Big Sur. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.

Where to Stay in Big Sur: Glen Oaks Big Sur

Last Stop of the California Road Trip: Big Sur! Are you traveling to Big Sur too? Check in to Glen Oaks Big Sur, where you'll be able to choose between luxurious comforts with a side of nature or immersive glamping in the heart of the forest.

A Weekend at Glen Oaks Big Sur: A Luxurious Haven in the Heart of Big Sur

You've seen pictures of Big Sur, California, haven't you? The stunning pictures of those deep blue waters from the Pacific Ocean that come crashing onto a shoreline filled with magnificent, towering rocks... Or maybe you've seen the pictures of those endless coastline views that seem to be more and more breathtaking with every turn you make. Yeah, I've been seeing those pictures for so long that I had developed serious travel envy. I needed to get to Big Sur, stat.

After spending some time in the Santa Barbara area, it was time for Jay and I to continue our journey north. We grabbed our hiking shoes, our cameras, and our chicest "Big City-meets-Big Sur" outfits (ok, maybe that was just me...) and headed up Highway 1 to get a look at the enchanting Big Sur area for ourselves. And since I'm a big believer that where you stay can make or break your travel experience, I knew that we had to stay somewhere amazing to make our Big Sur adventure magical.

I was sort of into the idea of staying somewhere "outdoorsy" since I'm constantly surrounded by urban structures, but I still wanted the comforts of modern living (you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl). I spotted Glen Oaks Big Sur on a list that premiered the most romantic outdoor getaways in the United States and was immediately hooked in. The luxurious, newly remodeled guest cabins and lodges, the lush and pristine Redwood Grove, the on-site restaurant, and the ideal location in the heart of Big Sur all sold me on this perfect glamping getaway.

Arriving to this Natural Hideaway

Getting to Glen Oaks Big Sur is really half the fun of staying here! You'll be coming from either north or south on Highway 1 and encounter so many incredible opportunities to stop, pull over, and soak in the majestic views. You could see the beautiful, secluded McWay Falls, the legendary Bixby Bridge, and the miles and miles of incredible, untouched beauty around the California coastline. *Since check-in doesn't start until the afternoon, I'd recommend leaving with ample time in the morning to be able to stop and enjoy the views as many times as you want.

We drove up north on Highway 1, which gave for a longer, more scenic route into Glen Oaks Big Sur. We probably stopped along PCH at least a dozen times before arriving at the lodge. When you take this route, you can stop and see the "Portal to Big Sur" at Ragged Point Inn & Resort, the McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the purple sand beaches at Pfeiffer Beach, countless hiking trails and stunning views, and all of the adorable, local restaurants, like Big Sur Roadhouse. The entire road trip kept building up our anticipation to arrive at Glen Oaks!

Choosing Your Experience

After spending the day exploring Big Sur, we were finally ready to check into our room at the lodge. What I love about this property is that it is comprised of multiple fireside motor lodges and numerous single and multi-room cabins, all of which are newly renovated and remodeled. These separate options allow you to choose the exact type of experience you want to have during your stay: either "immersive glamping in the forest" or "comfortable luxury with a side of nature."

The upscale cabins are all in the heart of a Redwood Grove, which makes for a perfect, quiet nature experience. The stately fireside motor lodges are a little bit more suitable for those who want the beauty of nature with a little more modern, luxury comfort. Since it was our first time staying in an outdoor getaway like this, we opted for the Adobe King Fireside Lodge because we wanted that comfortable luxury with a side of nature experience. It was perfect for my "Big City-meets-Big Sur" mentality :)

Luxury Comfort Meets Rustic-Chic

Entering our elegant fireside lodge was such an unforgettable experience. After we pulled up to the property, we got out of the car and followed a path around high fences covered in fresh Jasmine that danced alongside the towering trees. We opened the gate to our lodge and were greeted by a lovely, private outdoor patio that came with a two-way gas fireplace, which was visible from the outside and interior of our room.

Our King guest room was beautifully decorated in a rustic/retro style with a modern twist. The room had bright, colorful decor, gorgeous wood furnishings, fun activities to keep you busy (like yoga mats, board games, and a Buddha Board), and even a complimentary s'mores kit! The bed and pillows were a fabulous highlight of their own... I think I fell asleep within 2 seconds of putting my head down on that pile of plush pillows.

However, my favorite part of the whole room (and probably the thing that I was most excited about) was the bathroom. The glamorous bathroom came with heated floors, modern fixtures, and a large, two-person shower with stone flooring. I wanted to cut this room out of the lodge and take it home with me!

How to Spend Your Time Here

After exploring Big Sur all day, it's nice to know that you have stylish comforts to come home to at Glen Oaks Big Sur. However, the homey lodge is much more than just a place to sleep. There is plenty to experience right outside your front door around the property!

Here are some things I would recommend doing during you stay at Glen Oaks Big Sur:

Walk to the Big Sur River

The Big Sur River is located near all of the cabins on the west side of the property. Follow the paths down to the river and enjoy the soothing sounds of the water. If it's warm enough, you can even go in the water for a quick, refreshing dip!

Meander through the Redwood Grove (and see Grandmother Pfeiffer!)

Along the path to the Big Sur River is a stunning Redwood Grove that boasts some of the oldest and largest Redwoods in the area. Make sure you stop and see Grandmother Pfeiffer, which is the second-largest Redwood in all of Big Sur. She is truly magnificent!

Take a hike around the property

You can walk around the property to enjoy all of the natural beauty that surrounds it, or even ask about some of the nearby trails to continue your journey further into Big Sur.

Enjoy the communal campfire

Every night around sundown, Glen Oaks Big Sur hosts a private campfire for their guests at the communal campfire site until 10pm. Bring your s'mores supplies (and maybe a glass of wine), ask the front desk for some skewers, and enjoy!

Stop in at Big Sur Roadhouse for breakfast

The Big Sur Roadhouse, which is currently undergoing a wonderful redecorating process, is a great spot for Glen Oaks guests to stop in for breakfast. They provide complimentary donuts and coffee for guests, as well as an assortment of other small breakfast items. Once the redecorating is complete this year, they will also be serving a full menu with other meal options. The restaurant is so chic and decorated with a variety of unique and hand-made furnishings. It's a must-see!

Chill out in your private outdoor patio

The best part of staying in our guest room was having the private outdoor patio to enjoy at our leisure. You can come out and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, a glass of wine in the evening, or just relax out there with a book or your Buddha Board! I loved that our room had the dual two-way gas fireplace because we were able to turn it on and enjoy it from both the inside and the outside.

Good to Know Information

All of the accommodations at Glen Oaks Big Sur are undergoing an exciting redecorating project to allow for more luxurious comforts throughout the property.
There are no televisions in the rooms to allow for a full nature immersion experience.
There is no cell phone service in Big Sur, but you will have Wi-Fi access in your cabin or lodge.
Coffee and beverages are always available in the front office, as well as across the street at Big Sur Roadhouse. Make sure you pick up a maple donut for breakfast there too! I promise you will be licking your fingers after you eat it... It's that good.
Parking is available on-site near your accommodation.
There is a general store next to the front office in case you need groceries, supplies, or anything you might have forgotten at home.

Staying at Glen Oaks Big Sur really made our Big Sur experience so wonderful! It was perfectly located for what we wanted to see and do, the staff was incredibly friendly, the prices were very affordable for the area, and the accommodations were the excellent combination of "comfortable luxury with a side of nature." We will definitely return to Glen Oaks Big Sur the next time we visit!

Glen Oaks Big Sur
47080 Highway One
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2105

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW

Visit Glen Oaks Big Sur

Thank you to Glen Oaks Big Sur for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.

Hearst Castle: A Stop at San Simeon's Enchanted Hilltop Mansion

If you're taking a road trip along PCH, make sure to stop for a visit at the enchanting Hearst Castle to experience this "never-never land" yourself! Come explore this opulent palace in San Simeon where Old Hollywood royalty would gather together for a night of fun.

Hearst Castle: A Stop at San Simeon's Enchanted Hilltop Mansion

The legendary Hedda Hopper once said, "A visit to the Hearst Ranch was a ticket to never-never land. Never has there been such a place and never will we see its like again." If you're taking a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, make sure you pencil in a visit to the enchanting Hearst Castle during your journey to experience this never-never land yourself! This magnificent estate, once owned by the media mogul William Randolph Hearst, sits upon a beautiful hilltop in the heart of San Simeon. Some have argued that it is the closest thing to a "royal palace" that we'll ever see in the United States.

After the turn of the 20th century, Mr. Hearst commissioned Julia Morgan, an incredibly talented architect and designer of her time, to bring the house of his dreams to life. The two worked together on the project for over 28 years, and never quite finished due to Mr. Hearst's failing health. However, much of the project was completed in that time allowing for guests to enjoy the property as it is today. The opulent Castle--including its many gardens, pools, terraces, priceless works of art, and 165 rooms--takes up 127 acres of the entire estate. In its prime, Hearst Castle became widely known as a popular gathering place for some of Old Hollywood's elite.

Join along our journey of Hearst Castle so you can properly plan your trip, or just get serious wanderlust looking at the pictures of this incredible estate!

Pre-Trip Planning

Because of the long lines you may encounter at the Visitor Center of Hearst Castle, I recommend you start planning your excursion before your arrival. Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours, with ticket prices starting at just $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased on their website here. You can still purchase tickets at the Visitor Center; however, reserving your tour in advance will allow you to save some time and headache when you arrive, especially if a tour becomes sold out.

The Tours

Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours for guests to be able to enjoy different parts of the estate. Signing up for a tour is the only way you can gain access onto the grounds. Depending on how much time you have for your visit, you can book 1 or as many of the tours as you want! We only booked 1 tour, but wished we could have had time for more!

The main tours of the Castle include the following:

Grand Rooms Tour: Recommended for first time visitors. This tour provides an experience of Casa Grande (the main house of Hearst Castle) and all of the opulent social rooms.
Upstairs Suites Tour: Explore up the winding staircases into the Castle's most private rooms, including Mr. Hearst's own personal quarters.
Cottages & Kitchen Tour: Discover the Castle's surrounding cottages, wine cellar, and enormous kitchen.
Evening Tour: Turn back time to the 1930s and come experience the house at night! Book your reservation for a night tour, where Living History Docents will be dressed up as if they were heading to an evening soiree at the Castle with Mr. Hearst himself. This tour is the longest tour available and can only be booked at certain times of the year.

*Additional tours, including private and accessible designed tours, may be found on the booking website.

After the tour(s), you're allowed to explore the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and the gardens at your leisure. Unfortunately, you can't gain access into any of the other rooms without a tour, which is why I advise reserving multiple tours if you want to see more rooms! You can purchase your tickets for any of the tours here.

Arriving at Hearst Castle

When you arrive at the estate, you'll pull up to a large parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Once inside, you will have the option to view "Hearst Castle Building the Dream," which is a 40-minute film about the history of Hearst Castle. It helps set the stage for what you're about to see on the incredible hilltop. You can choose to watch it before or after your tour, but I recommend watching it before your departure. *This short film is included in most daytime tour tickets. Check your reservation to be sure!

Once you're ready to start your journey to the Castle, you'll head to the bus area to catch a 15-minute shuttle ride up the Enchanted Hill. The bus ride, where you'll be able to see thousands of acres of beautiful land, includes an audio narration from none other than Jeopardy's Alex Trebek. You'll learn interesting bits of Hearst history and info as you ascend towards the mansion at the top of the hill.

While You're There

After you exit the bus, you'll be greeted by your tour guide who will take you along your path through the house. Once your tour(s) is concluded, you're able to explore the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and the gardens on your own before heading back to the Visitor Center on the shuttle.

If you're interested in doing a walking tour of your own, download the Hearst Castle app on your smartphone to listen to a guided tour of the grounds! There is a ton of really interesting information that you'll learn about all of the public spaces around the Castle.

Once you're finished exploring, simply head back to the shuttle area to catch a bus back down to the Visitor Center.

Good to Know Information

Booking your tickets in advance is recommended, but not required. You can select your tour and book your reservation here. You must have a tour reservation in order to gain access to the grounds. *I also recommend booking your ticket in advance because they can sell out!
As of right now, the world famous Neptune Pool is empty because it is undergoing a massive restoration project. At this point in time, the pool is expected to be completed by Summer 2017.
You cannot bring any food or drink on your tour of the Castle, with the exception of bottled water. The property can get pretty hot on sunny days, so definitely bring your H2O!
Download the Hearst Castle App on your smartphone to enjoy a virtual guide while exploring the grounds on your own! We did this and loved it!
There is a food court available inside the Visitor Center, but you can also pack a lunch or some snacks to eat by your car to save money.
Movie times for the film "Hearst Castle Building the Dream," vary, so you can plan to see the screening either before or after your tour.

One thing I wish we would have planned for was more time for tours! We only did the Grand Rooms Tour, but would have loved to stay and go through the other ones. You can easily spend an entire day and evening at the castle taking tours because there is so much to see and learn! We're definitely planning on returning for more tours (especially the night tour!) once the Neptune Pool is fully restored!

Have you ever been to Hearst Castle? Comment below with your favorite part of your trip!

Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Rd.
San Simeon, CA 93452
(800) 444-4445

Thank you to Hearst Castle for hosting our visit. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.