We'll be in CA for the Big Sur Marathon at the end of April. We're thinking of staying in the Monterey area for a few days after the race. Is Hearst Castle worth the drive? I know it's subjective. I've been to Biltmore and to Newport, RI mansions - I've enjoyed them, but am thinking maybe it's just another mansion. It sounds pretty restrictive too - different tours only show you certain things and you have to make reservations. Thoughts?

Also, any ideas on where to stay in the Monterey Penninsula area? Looking for an inn or B&B, preferably on or near the water with rates under $200 a night.

Lastly, as far as activities, these are possibilities: Monterey aquarium, spa treatments, hiking, horseback riding. If you have input on these things (good time of year, best places) or other don't-miss activities/sights, let me know. (We've done the 17 mile drive before).

Thanks!!

I think Hearst Castle is great, as is the drive down there. IMO, not just another mansion. I'd probably opt to stay overnight in Cambria or Morro Bay so I didn't have to rush the drive, but it can be done in a day.

You should make reservations ahead of time just because the tours fill up. You take a bus from the bottom of the hill up to the castle for your tour. The views from the bus are great. There are several tours, each lasting a couple hours and you do have to stay on the tour. The main tour covers most of the house and there are other more specialized tours.

Hearst Mansion is more than just another mansion. It's a testament to what money can buy and a bit of European history too. Just take the regular overview tour, it will be enough!

The Monterey Aquarium is great. Definitely include that in your plans!

I too enjoyed Hearst Castle. Have also been to Biltmore. But as you drive up the hill, try and visualize hauling all that stuff up that hill back in the 20's.

xaimimgr: try and visualize building the pyramids approx. 3200 BC

Chrissy: I thought Hearst was worth the drive - he was one crazy homeowner. What struck me the most was how dark the place was - built all the way on top of that hill & it had relatively few windows. Or they were so small & so high up there was no view.
Do the busses that take you up to the castle still play the music "Oh, the tumbling tumble weeds"?

I was at "The Ranch" as W.R. Hearst called it last week. Went on a weekday and there was no need for reservations. It's a solid two hour drive from Monterey. Took the basic tour #1. Yes it is restrictive in that you only see certain parts of the property. My suggestion is to go as early as possible and take tour #1. If you like it and want to see more, you can sign up for one of the other tours that show different areas of the property. While you are waiting for the next tour, watch the movie (included in the admission) on the building of the castle. We ran out of time, otherwise we would have taken the tour that shows the upstairs including Hearst's bedroom and the main kitchen. I think it's #3.

coco-chanel. LOL. I relate more to the 20's than 3200 BC. But you are right. Amazing feats..

Absolutely worth it. Can't imagine being in the area and skipping this. Check out their website. I suggest that you make reservations. You might not need them, but how disappointing would it be to get there and not be able to go inside. There are several different tours. The place is so huge that you couldn't possibly cover it all on just one tour.

Definitely go to see Hearst Castle. It is well worth the drive, and as already mentioned, the scenery along Big Sur is reason enough to go down to San Simeon. Even though you may be able to get by without reservations at Hearst Castle, I would go ahead and make them anyway just to be on the safe side.

While in Monterey also check out Fisherman's Wharf and Carmel. As far as accomodations, you will probably be able to find more reasonable priced hotels in nearby Pacific Grove than in Monterey or Carmel.

www.hearst-castle.org
www.monterey.com

I think "The Ranch" is definitely worth it. Make time for the visitor's center and the movie. For restaurants, I like Robin's in nearby Cambria (the deck if the weather's nice). You can also picnic/rest at the small San Simeon beach/picnic area opposite the Hearst Castle entrance. I would definitely make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Yes, you may be able to walk up and get a ticket, but I'm a local (and a former guide there) and I've known of many people to make the trip there only to be dissapointed by sold out tours or very long waiting times. I think all of the tours are very interesting, including the seasonal garden tour which starts in April. Just read the descriptions online and go with what seems most appealing to you. I don't think you will be dissapointed. I would go on 2 tours if you have the time and stamina.

I am sure its obvious by now that Hearst Castle is worth the trip. Quite honestly, we felt the castle was pretty ugly architecturally compared to Biltmore and the Newport mansions. Hearst Castle was continually added on to over the years and it shows. However, the furnishings and the history of the place are all quite interesting. We had reservations and did all four tours in one day. For most people, though, one or two is enough. I agree with several of the above posters that the drive alone is worth it (there are many good places for short hikes along the way) and that it will be a more leisurely experience if you stay overnight in San Simeon or Cambria.

The end of April will be a good time to be in Monterey. For B&B's , I agree check out Pacific Grove. We've stayed at Gosby House and liked it. It is a two block walk to the shorepath which winds into Monterey and you are right on the bay. In addition to the places folks have recommended I would suggest a few hours at least at Point Lobos State Park. This is right on the water off HWY 1. Walks or hikes are easy and provide you with some spectacular vistas. I always recommend the Monterey Fish House as a place to eat. You can have exceptionally fresh fish cooked every way and then some. It's a loved locals' place. Make reservations..prices are quite reasonable. Good luck on the marathon.

Forgot to mention the Monterey Plaza as a place to stay. It is on the water and does have water view rooms. It also has a good spa which includes some of the most state of the art equipment I've ever worked out on..the treadmills overlook monterey bay! You can also take hot tubs outside on the roof with views of the bay. The usual spa services (massages,wraps etc) are offered. I would also suggest checking out packages or discount room charges. I know they are running a special now for $195/noc for delux Ocen view rooms Sunday-Thursday.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like we should skip Hearst Castle. Just kidding! We'll make it a must-see after reading your posts. I'm thinking of changing plans a bit and staying near the Castle the night before to get an early start. Where would you recommend - San Simeon or Cambria? Any particular inns/hotels?

Pam - I'll pass along you good wishes to my husband who's running the marathon. I'm just a spectator!

Check out Cambria as a place to stay. Type it in and do a search. There have been several recommendations on places to stay in Cambria over recent postings.

I agree with most everyone else. The Hearst Castle is worth the trip. Yes, it is gaudy, tacky, big, and probably not the best example of american architecture; but, it is an amazing place, and the views are wonderful. One tour should be enough. I would like to do the evening tour sometime. I still have pictures from our May trip as screen savers on my computer. The only bad thing is my wife wants to know when we will be able to build something on the scale. ;-)

Also, Cambria is now my favorite town on the Coast. Nothing really special about it except it has not been developed to the level that the towns south and north of it have. It's probably too far away for the monied folks to move too. There are many small hotels along the beachfront where you can get a room with an ocean view and a fireplace. It has been developing an art community for a while. There is a really neat glassblowing place about 10 miles south. And some very good wineries are located about one hour east. My favorite is Wild Horse.

As for your husband, good luck with the race. I hope the weather is good for him. The views are incredible, but it can be be cold and wet.

The glass place to the south of Cambria is in a TINY town called "Harmony." Nice place to stop. I could think of a lot of really nice places to stay in Monterey that are over $200.00/night, including Lighthouse Lodge and suites, the last stop in Pacific Grove on the way to 17 mile drive. We stayed in a suite which was very nice, above average, and they served complimentary wine & hors d'oeuvres. They have hotel rooms which are under $200.oo that are standard. You can walk into the old downtown of Pacific Grove filled w/antique shops, bookstores and cafes. YOu can also walk the other direction to the beach. We combed the beach for hours for beach glass. Also having standard rooms, but in an AWESOME location in the middle of things is the Doubletree at Fisherman's wharf. http://doubletreemonterey.com/specialstext.html You can walk almost everywhere and there is a great little day spa/gym across the walkway called "Spa on the Plaza." http://www.spaontheplaza.com/ The hotel is on the plaza surrounded by historical buildings (you can self-tour some, or sign up for an interesting walking tour) adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf and Lover's Lane, the super awesome walking/bike trail. Right near the Spa is a little Italian cafe with good espresso, breakfast and snacks. For happy hour (and late night) I like "The Mucky Duck," irish (or english) style pub (1/2 price appetizers). Dinner I like The Chart House where I reserve a table next to a window right over the bay. The coconut shrimp appetizer w/plum sauce, king crab legs, and hot lava cake(filled w/melted Godiva chocolate~you must order at the start of the meal) are divine! This is great food for a chain, and you can't beat the location/atmosphere. Carmel is also a nice place to visit, but you should do a nother posting if you are interested in that, because I'm sure plenty of people will have a lot to say about that wonderful destination.

One other recommendation for a place to stay near Hearst castle: Ragged Point Inn. It's a very rustic hotel perched on a cliff off the Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the ocean, halfway between Big Sur and San Simeon. It's in a pretty remote area, but definitely a great location and rooms are fairly inexpensive. Book early, it's a popular place. (raggedpointinn.com)

Also, the area around Hearst Castle is so beautiful. Take some time to drive 20 minutes inland, to Paso Robles, to see one of the most beautiful areas in this country and enjoy their up and coming vineyards. You will understand why William Randolph Hearst chose this area to build his incredible estate.

Thanks everyone. My itinerary is shaping up nicely and I've done a lot of research so far on places to stay based on your recommendations.

LDLee - We're sure hoping for good weather. Thanks for the well wishes. I'm excited to visit Cambria - it sounds lovely.

SloPlugs - Loved your descriptions. I've been to The Chart House here in Boston and it is wonderful. I've had the lava cake you described and my mouth is watering thinking about it!

wagdvm - Perhaps we'll visit some wineries after the Castle; thanks for the idea.

Any other tips or recommendations let me know. I'm assuming I don't need to pre-book an aquarium time and can just walk in. Actually I'm sure I can get them at our hotel but let me know if it's best to pre-order. Thanks again.

Dear Chrissy4:

In the fall and spring, Hearst Castle has a special evening tour. We did this in the fall of 2001. We were on the first tour at 5pm. We saw the sun going down over the Pacific while we gazed across the outdoor pool. They had docents decked out in 1930's flapper outfits hanging around the pool. Then as we went in the main living room, the docents were playing cards, having cocktails etc. All in character. It was fun. This tour also went into WRH private suites and office. The kitchen also had a "chef" who told us what was on the menu that night!!

We noticed that there was not any king of grand staircase in the place, only small hidden staircases. We figured Hearst was never able to buy the staircase he wanted!!