We have just booked a room at the Blue Dolphin in for a three day getaway. We live near LA so the drive shouldn't be that bad. We are going to take our time, stop in Santa Ynez for lunch at Grappolo, and then head the rest of the way up. We want to do a lot of relaxing but also see some sights.

Of course, Hearst castle is on the itinerary, but what tours should we pick? I think we could do two or three while we are there, maybe one a day. Are there any in particular that anyone would recommend highly? I read on another thread that the 1st one we could skip, and just pay extra to see the film. SO is an architect who has really been inspired by Julia Morgan.

We love great food, so any dining tips are welcome. It doesn't have to be fancy. We usually like places with a lunge where we can get appetizers as opposed to huge entrees. A picnic lunch is an option, too.

What are some other things close by that we might not want to miss?

Thanks!

Someone must have some ideas...

Pretty please?

We have taken the night tour twice and it is our favorite.

We had an 85 year old female guide and she was a character.
They have people dressed in the clothes from back in the day and they are posed among the various rooms.

I'm not sure that they still have the night tour due to budget cutbacks in the park department.

Also loved visiting Paso Robles. They have a delicious shop called "We Olive" with Olive Oil tastings.

Numerous wineries throughout the area. There are three great antique shops and a fun candy shop that has candies from decades past.

Enjoy your trip.


susan

Hi cat, I wrote a rather detailed trip report on Hearst Castle & the tour dilemma. Let me find it and I'll post the link here.

Hi cat, actually, this would be a good thread to read (with my response & part of my trip report):
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-to-choose.cfm

Also, you didn't say when you're going, but it was VERY HOT when we were there last July. Actually, it was cooler down in the parking lot (next to the ocean) than all the way up the hill (where the castle is). If you want to do the Garden tour, try to do it early or late in the day so you won't get fried.

My wife and I took all three tours one day, one right after the other. That way there was no dilemma! And I came close to memorizing the bus route. I recommend you not skip tour 1, which provides a good overview. yk's trip report is a good summary of what the different tours cover and you can get an outline of their highlights on the Hearst Castle web site.

yk, read your link above, and your trip reports. Luckily, we are going in a few weeks so I think the weather will be perfect.
Which was your favorite? Or is it just too hard to choose? Do you feel you missed out not doing tour# 1?

db, how long did it take to do all three? And why did you need to memorize the bus route? IS there no parking at Hearst Castle?

Any other fun things to do in the area? Any favorite wineries nearby? I love Cambria's Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay! Not sure how close that is, though.

cat, we only had time for one tour, so I can't tell you which one was my favorite. I picked tour #2 simply because that tour description interested me most.

The parking area for Hearst Castle is at the bottom of the hill, where the visitors center is. The Castle itself, is all the way up the hill, and can only be reached by the desginated tour bus (10-15 min ride).

therefore, as mentioned in the other thread, if you take more than ONE tour, you have to take the tour bus back down after your first tour, then board another bus for your second tour to take you back up the hill. They DO NOT ALLOW any guests to hang out up in the Castle area by themselves without a guide.

Cambria Vineyards is not in Cambria! It's doable as a day trip though... just an hour and a few minutes south of Cambria in Santa Maria. Just drive south on the 101 take the Betteravia Exit and turn east... follow the road around to where the road v's, go to the left and head out a few miles, turning left on Chardonnay Drive. Check their website for the exact name of the road where you turn left. I'm not remembering it. Lots of other great wineries nearby like Foxe, Rancho Sisquoc and Riverbench... all a ten minute drive from there.

My favorite restaurant in Cambria is Robin's. Wonderful apps and they serve lunch and dinner, iff they're still open, I havent been up there in ages.

Sorry... you should hit Cambria Winery after your lunch at Grappolo! I first read your post last night... forgot that part of your post. It's practically on your way!

Oh, onemoneygirl, thank you for pointing that out! That will be perfect for the drive up!

Are there wineries in San Simeon or Cambria, too?

yk, I get it now. Ok, we'll probably do 1-2 tours a day. We'll see. I wonder how far in advance we should get tickets.

cat, this is one of the wineries we enjoyed visiting during our stay in Cambria -
http://www.peachycanyon.com/about/

Thanks, starrs! We will check it out!

There is an interesting little lunch restaurant in a very old store, called Sebastian's (I think), in the Hearst property on the beach downhill from the castle. Really nice sandwiches. Can't recall how to get there from the highway, it's not far off, through some eucalyptus trees toward the cove where the old wharf is.

Also, do you want to look at the elephant seals? They are very close by and quite hilarious.

gigib, I think we could make time for some elephant seals.

Thanks for the lunch tip, sounds great!

There's also a cafeteria in the Visitors Center @ Hearst Castle - in case you are doing more than 1 tour and don't feel like driving elsewhere for lunch. The cafeteria is a bit drab, but the outdoor patio area is not bad. They serve meat from the Hearst ranch, quite delicious!

Good to know, yk. Thanks!

Leaving tomorrow! Woohooooo!

Have a nice trip, cat! After your trip, please let us know which tour(s) you end up taking.

I will, yk. We've made reservations for Tour 2 but may take more if they are available and we want to.