San Simeon, Calif.--Be sure to bring a camera when visiting the Hearst Castle. While you may be able to purchase one at the gift shop on site (includes souvenir postcards), you'll find greater pleasure in snapping your own images with family members or other tourists capturing you in front of some towering spire, marble statue or scenic hills and ocean visible from the hill top mansion. One of the most interesting California museums that once was an actual home of an extremely wealthy man, be sure to wander the grounds on your tour and notice the Hearst Castle Tower and various details that make this a memorable place most of us wish we could live in, if even for just a short time.

Certainly recognized as one of San Luis Obispo County's landmarks and the most profitable asset in the California State Parks system, the castle and land was willed to the state as a gift that people would be allowed to view and enjoy. While San Simeon hotels are just a mile or two away from the castle, tourists really love Cambria Hotels and the romantic city with a tea house, Moonstone Beach with many hotels overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Drive just a bit further north and to enjoy another attraction, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, during your Hearst Castle visit.

Looking up and down are a large part of your tour experience to Hearst Castle. Constantly looking up in the large halls and rooms, you'll see so much detail that you would miss if you didn't crank your head in that direction. Murals, original artwork and accents prove the devil's in the detail in this luxury estate built by the 20th century newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst.

The views from the estate offer 360 degree panoramas to the burnished hills of the California Central Coast. On a clear day, you can look to the ocean and the grounds below at San Simeon. There's a pier, beach, dining, some hotels and spectacular coast that includes an overlook to watch elephant seals.

Now owned by the California State Parks, the Hearst Castle is open to the public for tours and is well worth the small change (around $20) you'll spend to gain a glimpse into the collections, accommodations and grounds of one of California's most beautiful estates. 

There are approximately five daily tour options and special holiday and fundraising events at this magnificent castle. For tickets and information, visit: hearstcastle.org