I drove across the central valley to San Simeon, to see Hearst Castle.  I took 2 tours of this fascinating complex, with its breathtaking views of foothills and ocean.

Designed by a female architect who began working on it in 1927, it was completed in 1945 and was a favorite gathering place of the rich and famous. 

Check out these incredible views!!

To maintain his personal serenity, Hearst forbade any guests to enter his floor of the castle.  There was always a scandal going on!  The grounds are are filled with statues which Hearst saw, and admired, on his travels to Europe.  If he couldn't purchase the originals, he had replicas made...

Scattered about the grounds were "guest houses", each of which had several bedrooms and baths, and a sitting room.  This shot shows the beautiful tilework and intricate carving on the front door of a guest house.  Nothing was spared!

All meals were taken in the main castle. Breakfast was served in a lounge with a gorgeous view; lunch was "on your own", from food found in the well-stocked kitchen.  Dinner was served in this grand dining hall, where the guests could also feast their eyes on intricate, ancient tapestries from Europe.

The detail work inside the build-ings boggles the mind! Library ceiling;        Tile by pool

Before moving on, I shot the views to the south and north from San Simeon.

San Simeon | Big Sur | Monterey | Yosemite | Kings Canyon/Sequoia