LA to Hearst Castle
Apr 2nd, 2002 | 10:38 AM
#1
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LA to Hearst Castle
Hello, is it reasonable to travel from LA (West Hollywood) to the Hearst Castle and still be able to do one of the day tours and then an evening tour? We will be staying at Pelican Suites in Moonstone Beach. Thanks for all the advice in advance.
Melissa
Melissa
Apr 2nd, 2002 | 12:21 PM
#2
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Hi Melissa,
Driving from LA to Hearst Castle takes about 4 hours (with traffic, tack on 2 more hours). The tours run from about 8am to 4pm. So, yes, it's possible to drive and do two tours in one day, but that might be really frantic.
My suggesetion would be to save the day tour for the next morning. You can leave LA after breakfast around 10 and take a leisurely drive up. Rest in the hotel or walk around Cambria until the evening tour, then in the morning after checking out of the hotel, go back to Hearst Castle for another tour. Moonstone Beach/Cambria is only 20 or so minutes away from Hearst Castle.
Driving from LA to Hearst Castle takes about 4 hours (with traffic, tack on 2 more hours). The tours run from about 8am to 4pm. So, yes, it's possible to drive and do two tours in one day, but that might be really frantic.
My suggesetion would be to save the day tour for the next morning. You can leave LA after breakfast around 10 and take a leisurely drive up. Rest in the hotel or walk around Cambria until the evening tour, then in the morning after checking out of the hotel, go back to Hearst Castle for another tour. Moonstone Beach/Cambria is only 20 or so minutes away from Hearst Castle.
Apr 2nd, 2002 | 01:28 PM
#3
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Hello Melissa. Having done the drive from LA to Cambria several times, I would not recommend doing two tours that same day. The traffic coming out of the LA area into Santa Barbara can be awful. When at the castle, you do have to come back down the hill and go back up again between tours which can be tedious when done back-to-back. I agree with the other poster that one on the first night and then another the next day would be best. Cambria is such a pleasant town that you will find lots to do. BTW, book the evening tour ASAP as they sell out months in advance. Also, Tour Two is the best of the day tours!
Apr 2nd, 2002 | 01:45 PM
#4
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Thanks for the advice. I just found out The Hearst Castle only does evening tours on Friday and Saturday. We will be there on a Monday. I guess we will just do one of the tours. I'm confused I heard the best tour was tour #1. Give me some more advice please. Thanks again
Melissa
Melissa
Apr 2nd, 2002 | 01:56 PM
#5
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I don't think you can pick a "best" tour of Hearst Castle. The one that gives the best overview and a sample of everything is #1. #2 includes the incredible library. Plan on taking a relaxing walk along Moonstone Beach and enjoy the town of Cambria. Two good restaurants are Brambles and the Sow's Ear. On your trip from LA to Cambria you might want to stop for lunch in Santa Barbara and see the mission and walk out on Stearns Wharf.
Apr 3rd, 2002 | 04:25 PM
#6
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If this is your first time to Hearst, definitely take #1. You will get le grande tour and see a good overview of the grounds, whereas the other tours concentrate on specific areas.
Another cool idea is to have a picnic by the water. There's a few stores in Cambria that feature fresh bread, pastries and cheeses. Rather than go to any of the beaches, we drove through the residential area and found this amazing, very quiet bluff with a walking trail and benches. We only saw 3 other walkers during the hour we sat. It was really beautiful and serene area. Have a good trip!
Another cool idea is to have a picnic by the water. There's a few stores in Cambria that feature fresh bread, pastries and cheeses. Rather than go to any of the beaches, we drove through the residential area and found this amazing, very quiet bluff with a walking trail and benches. We only saw 3 other walkers during the hour we sat. It was really beautiful and serene area. Have a good trip!
Apr 3rd, 2002 | 04:25 PM
#7
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If this is your first time to Hearst, definitely take #1. You will get le grande tour and see a good overview of the grounds (the gardens, main hall, pool), whereas the other tours concentrate on specific areas.
Another cool idea is to have a picnic by the water. There's a few stores in Cambria that feature fresh bread, pastries and cheeses. Rather than go to any of the beaches, we drove through the residential area and found this amazing, very quiet bluff with a walking trail and benches. We only saw 3 other walkers during the hour we sat. It was really beautiful and serene area. Have a good trip!
Another cool idea is to have a picnic by the water. There's a few stores in Cambria that feature fresh bread, pastries and cheeses. Rather than go to any of the beaches, we drove through the residential area and found this amazing, very quiet bluff with a walking trail and benches. We only saw 3 other walkers during the hour we sat. It was really beautiful and serene area. Have a good trip!
