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North America United States Avila Beach, California Do & See Hearst Castle

Overview

Hearst Castle

The guide was updated: 2022-12-12

Built by William Randolph Hearst in a cliff overlooking San Simeon in 1919, Hearst Castle now offers tours exploring its grand rooms, upstairs suites, cottages and kitchens. The Neptune pool has been fixed in 2018, and provides a fitting setting for its surrounding sculptures. If you want to know more about the history of the building, a theater with explanatory screenings is also available.

Useful Information

Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon
Opening hours: Daily 9am–4pm
Website: www.hearstcastle.org
Phone: +1 800 444 4445
Email: aja.milne@parks.ca.gov

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Central Coast Aquarium

Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium has been providing a close look at marine life for visitors of all ages since 1994. With desires of cultivating ocean stewardship in the community, Central Coast provides opportunities for hands-on science and oceanic exhibits and programs. They invite all to "dive in and connect below the surface."

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Built by William Randolph Hearst in a cliff overlooking San Simeon in 1919, Hearst Castle now offers tours exploring its grand rooms, upstairs suites, cottages and kitchens. The Neptune pool has been fixed in 2018, and provides a fitting setting for its surrounding sculptures. If you want to know more about the history of the building, a theater with explanatory screenings is also available.

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

San Luis Obispo county is the third-largest producer of wine in California. Below are some of Avila Beach's finest wineries. Avila Wine & Roasting Company 54 San Miguel Street +1 805 627 1918 www.avilawinecompany.com Peloton Cellars 470 Front Street +1 805 627 1080 www.pelotoncellars.com Morovino Winery 76 Landing Passage +1 805 627 1443 www.morovino.com 2nd Chance Winery 65 Landing Passage +1 805 595 9500 www.cottonwoodcanyon.com

Bob Jones Bike Trail

Bob Jones Bike Trail

Nature enthusiasts have little issues finding fun in Avila Beach. The Bob Jones Trail is great not only for biking, but for hiking as well. Bike rentals are available at the beginning of the trail, which will guide you along plush gardens and peaceful streams.

Avila Hot Springs

Avila Hot Springs

A hot mineral soaking pool is just one of the many amenities on the site of the natural Avila Hot Springs. Camping and other lodging, as well as a heated pool, showers, and an arcade are also available. The Springs themselves have a history that's over a century old.

Avila Beach Surfing

Avila Beach Surfing

Surfing is just one of the many ocean-centric activities popular in Avila Beach. Equipment rentals and lessons are available. Avila Beach Surf School 101 First Street, Avila Beach +1 805 602 1349 www.avilabeachsurfschool.com Van Curaza Surf School +1 805 543 7873 www.vancurazasurfschool.com

Charles Paddock Zoo

Charles Paddock Zoo

Charles Paddock is the only zoo on the central coast. The Zoo is home to hundreds of species of animals from around the world. They are dedicated to conserving both exotic and local species of animals, from lemurs to geese.

Oceano Train Depot

Oceano Train Depot

The Oceano Train Depot has been converted into a museum, but it was once a bustling stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad line. Commercial and transportation activities took place from the hub of the Oceano Train Depot from 1904 until the 1950s.

Avila Beach Golf Resort

Avila Beach Golf Resort

One of the most popular courses on the Central Coast welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Golf to a backdrop of sparkling blue waters and rolling hills. Just one of the course's myriad features is its fairways of kikuyu grass, which hearkens to the Riviera Country Club.

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

Patriot Sportfishing is a favorite among Avila Beach enthusiasts. With Patriot, guests are invited to not only deep sea fishing, but whale watching and private charters as well. While deep sea fishing, expect the likes of long range rockcod, albacore, and salmon. Between the two fishing boats, the Patriot offers a cold galley and the Rita G offers a hot galley.

Port San Luis Lighthouse

Port San Luis Lighthouse

The site of the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, which has undergone a number of renovations since 1995, is a park open to the public. The Lighthouse is home to numerous opportunities for exploration. For those seeking an educational experience, there are historical tours of the lighthouse itself, and for those seeking to indulge in the outdoors, there are beach coast trails.

Piers of Avila Beach

Piers of Avila Beach

Once used for shipping in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the piers are now used for their views, as well as for recreational fishing. The Avila Beach Pier is the first of the three piers and was first constructed in 1908 by the county of San Luis Obispo. Over two thousand local residents gathered there April 30, 1908 when President Teddy Roosevelt's “Great White Fleet” anchored offshore. The Harford Pier was developed in 1873 and now is used for fishing, restaurants and commercial fishing. The last pier, the California Polytechnic State University Pier, is an educational/marine research facility.

Art on the Beach

Art on the Beach

Art on the Beach is a weekly event held each summer. It celebrates local artists with a showcase of their work on the beach. As one of the Promenade's more unique events, Art on the Beach draws crowds seeking one-of-a-kind drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more.

Avila Beach Boat Charters

Avila Beach Boat Charters

Avila Beach Boat Charters offers tours that explore the coastlines of Avila Beach and Shell Beach. They even take riders on an adventure into coastal caves via the Seaweed Express. It's a great opportunity to see some of the marine animals that call these waters home.

Avila Beach Paddlesports

Avila Beach Paddlesports

Avila Beach Paddlesports provides kayak and SUP rentals, lessons, and eco-friendly Adventure Tours all year-round. Traverse across the calm and scenic Port San Luis Harbor Adventure Tour, and bound into the riveting sea caves at Fossil Point and Shell Beach. All ages and ability levels are welcome.

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park is home to several natural attractions, the most notable being Morro Rock, one of the coastal volcanic peaks known as the Nine Sisters. It also contains a natural history museum, a public golf course, camp sites, and opportunities for an array of outdoor activities. The bay's northeast edge is a saltwater marsh that even serves as home to a thriving bird population.

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