This European-Style Castle Is A Popular Stop Along California's Pacific Coast Highway

Typically, when travelers picture a California castle, the image comes with a mouse in overalls. Yet surprisingly, California holds a few magical surprises outside of Disneyland. Scattered across the Golden State are more than twenty stunning, fairy tale-esque landmarks, each with its own charm and historical background. While they may not have the towering spires or medieval splendor of Germany's famous fortress Neuschwanstein (the inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty's castle), these California castles offer visitors a unique look into the state's creative past. One castle in particular has had its share of interesting stories, and remains one of the most extravagant estates built in the U.S. to date. 

Nestled above the Pacific Ocean, less than an hour's drive from San Luis Obispo on California's popular Pacific Coast Highway, sits The Enchanted Hill, otherwise known as Hearst Castle — a magnificent vision brought to life by newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and California's first female architect, Julia Morgan. Together, they spent nearly three decades transforming this still unfinished masterpiece into a stunning piece of Californian history.

Today, it's comprised of 165 rooms, 123 acres of lush gardens, lavish terraces, stunning pools, and an art collection to rival even the best European museums. Beyond its lavish architecture, the estate tells a fascinating story of William Hearst's ambition, the incredible artistry put into the castle's design, and the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age, when the mansion played host to society's elite and cultural icons of the era. Today, visitors can fill their day by perusing the grounds and the many rooms on a guided tour, enjoying lunch with a view, and exploring nearby San Simoen.

California State Parks now owns this historic piece of land, and continues to maintain it through ongoing preservation efforts. Visits to the castle are only available through guided tours, and there's an array of options for travelers to choose from. Every tour begins at the visitors' center, where visitors watch an informative film about the mansion and its history. From the center, a complimentary shuttle will take you up a winding hill to the castle, where, along the way, you may see the odd zebra, leftover from a time when the hills were once populated with free-roaming exotic animals. Once at the castle, you'll embark on your decided tour — the most popular of which, especially for first-timers, is typically the Grand Rooms Tour, which provides an overview of the castle and includes visits to the main building, featuring numerous rooms, a theater, stunning gardens, and the glittering Roman pool. 

Those seeking a tour that offers a deeper dive into the estate's grandeur can opt for one of the specialized experiences, such as the Upstairs Suites Tour or the Cottages and Kitchen Tour. If you're looking to learn more about the architect behind the mansion, consider partaking in the Julia Morgan tour, which offers visitors an inside look at her life and successes.

No visit to this opulent location would be complete without allotting time to explore the grounds. The sweeping terraces, manicured gardens, and dazzling Neptune Pool create an atmosphere that feels as though you've stepped into a fairy tale. From nearly every vantage point, visitors are met with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and hillsides, and the Pacific Ocean sparkling in the distance — all reminders of why Hearst chose this incredible location for his castle atop the "enchanted hill". 

Beyond the grandeur of Hearst's enchanted hill, the surrounding area offers visitors plenty of opportunities to continue exploring the Central Coast's natural beauty. Those looking to stretch their legs will find solace in the nearby William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, a great spot for a stroll or a picnic by the water's edge. A short drive north from the castle, along Highway 1, sits the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, the best place to come and see thousands of massive elephant seals lounging, sparring, and basking on the beach. Those looking to enjoy even more time outdoors will love one of the many other nearby state parks, ideal for hiking, biking, camping, and exploring more of the California wilderness. Less than an hour southeast of Hearst Castle sit the rolling hills of Paso Robles. With over 200 wineries, it makes for the perfect detour for wine lovers. 

Driving back towards the coast and heading south, visitors will find the underrated town of San Luis Obispo, where, upon wandering its streets, travelers will find quaint shops, cafes, breweries, wineries, and funky hotels like the Madonna Inn. If your travels allow it, head further south along Pacific Coast Highway towards the beautiful, golden sands of Pismo Beach.

If you're lucky enough to be at this beach during winter, you may see the migration of millions of Monarch Butterflies, one of the largest over-winter colonies in the U.S. Hearst Castle and the surrounding areas are a slow-paced traveler's dream. With sweeping coastal views, beautiful sandy beaches, and casual, charming towns, planning a trip up Pacific Coast Highway should be high on the list for anyone seeking the very best of California's coastline.