We're about to tour the coast with kids aged 11 and 6. Is it worth staying over at San Simeon to catch Hearst Castle, or should we head straight from Monterey to Santa Barbara?

My fear is that HC may be a little boring for the kids.

Sam

I think it depends on how inquisitive your kids are. I had NO IDEA what the tour would be like, but my 9 year old niece was right up at the front, asking lots of questions of the tour guide. She really loved the tour.

the tours are pretty short and the setting should impress them, especially if sunny day.

We did the California coast last year with two boys. While they dreadded the long ride (I suggest you stop several places along the way), they enjoyed Hearst Castle. The views and the pool were great. (They wished they had one like it at home. Told them to save their money for when they grow up!)
The coastline was foggy when we arrived, but the fog broke up as we drove up to the castle for some great views. Stayed in San Simeon overnight and went to see the elephant seals on the beach the next day as we headed northward. (Any place in San Simeon can tell you where to see them.)

As is often the case, it depends on the kids. While they may not always grasp the splendor, the winding ride up to "a castle" will probably be fascinating. And those pools!!!!!!

I'd say it's definitely worth it. The 11-year-old will probably get more out of it than the 6-year-old, but alll in all, it's worth the trip. (P.S. Take the intro tour if it's your first time at Hearst.)

we did the coast 2 yrs ago with our kids (8 &10). we stopped and toured hearst castle. i think it's worth it. we spent the night in solvang which is adorable. it's a little south of san simeon.

Solvang is probably around a 2 hour drive from San Simeon, so you might want to stay a little closer to the castle. There are a number of hotels in Cambria and Morro Bay, which are significantly closer.

I thought the castle was great. I would go but make sure you have reservations. It'll break up the drive. We drove from Carmel and the drive was long because there was lots of El Nino related highway construction going on but on usual days during non-commute hours I bet it would take around 2 hours. I didn't see many options for hotels or dining near San Simeon. As for the kids, they will get bored if you do not have reservations in advance. The visitors center is like a highway restarea with a bunch of fastfood counters. The kids will go crazy waiting. I was 27 at the time and I think I was driving my wife nuts while waiting to go up.

Thanks for your answers, they're really useful. Any more suggestions?

Just got back from trip to castle.We looked up the web site and found that you could take a night tour.I don't know if that would work for your 6 year old, but we really enjoyed it. It was much more inclusive than Tour 1 (then again we took it 10 years ago!).Things have changed! When you arrive at the visitor center there is the obligatory gift shop, but they have a I-max type movie ($6.00) as well.It was 40 min long. Seemed like a bit of propaganda to me, but made me more curious about Hearst's grandfather. I am a Julia Morgan fan so that made it worthwhile.During the day we found a tri-tip BBQ happening on the patio. You can take your meal to a table ourdoors or in the indoor museum coutyard area.
Atascadero has "the best pee-wee golf". It is fairly close and th children might enjoy that.They have those small submarine type observatory boats you can tour on in Morro bay as well. Have fun!
P.S. Be prepared to smile as they take your picture before you get on the bus to the castle.