#339 Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is the former estate of famous newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Julia Morgan designed it between 1919-47 and is known for designing more than 700 landmark California buildings. She was the first woman admitted to the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France. Mediterranean Revival is the main architectural style with influences of Spanish Colonial, Beaux-Arts, Italian Renaissance and Gothic.

Hearst called his ranch 'La Cuesta Encantada' (The Enchanted Hill) with its dramatic mountain to ocean vistas. He entertained Hollywood & Political elite including Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The castle has been open to the public for tours since 1958 where visitors can tour a small selection of the 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms and 127 acres of landscaped gardens and pools making it one of the busiest destinations in the state. 

 

#71 Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a sure highlight for any road trip up Highway 1 on the Central Coast. Located just north of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the rookery is managed by Friends of the Elephant Seals, a non profit group where volunteers observe and share their knowledge of these amazing marine mammals.

Elephant Seals migrate twice a year for thousands of miles to rest, breed and birth. Thought to be extinct by the end of the 19th century, a small group survived on Isla Guadalupe in Baja Mexico. Through breeding and protection by Mexico and the United States, there are now an estimated 150,000 going strong.