Staying in Bev. Hills for 4 days in October & wondering if it's possible to do a round trip to Hearst Castle in a day? We would like to take the PCH for the trip up, but wouldn't rule out a quicker, less scenic route for the trip back. Don't mind leaving LA early and/or getting back late. How long should we allow for the drive each way? Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a good restaurant along the route?

It would be stretching things to try to do it in a day. I would think it's around 5 hours each way (plus stops, meals etc) by the most direct route.

Personally I would make it a shorter trip, maybe to Santa Barbara.

Allow at least 4 hours in each direction. There really isn't a faster alternative to US 101 to the jct with SR 1 near San Luis Obispo, same returning.

If it was us we'd stop at Mousse Odile in Santa Barbara twice, once for a late breakfast, again for dinner. Rumor that it's closed!? Otherwise, go look around downtown SB anyway; plenty to choose from. Otherwise, there's always the Madonna Inn just off the 101 freeway. The men's room is the highlight.

In addition to the long drive, remember that the tours of the castle take quite a bit of time and are very comprehensive. Take and extra day

we've done this roundtrip from anaheim several times. takes about 4 hours each way, if you drive about 75m/h.

leave about 8am. take the carpool lane, and take the most direct route. we arrived around 1, purchased tickets, had lunch at the little stand in the visitor entrance area, and then took the next tour. The tour is about 1-2 hours with walking and some stair climbing. and then started the drive home around 5pm. definately doable and worth it if you like architecture, art, and history.