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San Simeon State Park/Hearst Castle/Paso Robles Wine Country/Cambria
The Ultimate Central Coast California Roa
d Trip
Hosted by Santa Barbara/Ventura and Palm Springs and Chapters
September 21-24, 2023
Hearst Castle, where dreams and celebrities mixed, is just one of our destinations on this fantastic experience-filled weekend.
The pandemic closure of Hearst Castle, designed more than a century ago by architect Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst, and a major road repair allowed time for a much needed rejuvenation. Now, at the spectacular indoor Roman Pool, the freshly scrubbed tiles have never looked bluer, and outside at the Neptune Pool, the newly polished Roman and Greek statues look like they just arrived to greet us.
Our campground is in nearby San Simeon State Park, one of the oldest and most popular campgrounds of the California State Park System. We have reserved an amazing 20 sites, most with oak tree shade, grouped together to host both tent campers, trailers, and RVs, so all are welcome. The campsite has showers, and each site has a picnic table; dry camping no RV hookups. You will have an opportunity to add days at the campground on your own before or after the outing.
Hearst Castle Tour
Our special 90-minute group tour will be the Grand Rooms. Our highlights include the Assembly Room, Refectory, Billiard Room, Theater, Gardens, Neptune Pool and Roman Pool. Reserve and pay for your tour ($30) when registering here for this event.
Mr. Hearst's guests gathered in the splendid social rooms on the ground floor of Casa Grande (Big House). Follow in their footsteps as you travel back in time and experience what it was like to be a guest at Hearst Castle. Other tours available on your own. Optional lunch at Hearst Castle Visitor Center Cafe.
Coastal Discovery Center (Across Route 1 from Hearst Castle Visitor Center)
Welcome to the Coastal Discovery Center, a joint venture between Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks. Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center celebrates the connection between land and sea.
The Center offers interactive exhibits and education programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California State Parks and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The interface of land and sea is unique here, drawing people for its rich bounty and inspiration. No charge.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is open and free for everyone to enjoy 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve with multiple trails, is an inviting, historic oceanfront sanctuary offering visitors a rare expanse of nature and solitude within walking distance of the California Central Coast village of Cambria.
The most outstanding natural feature of the preserve is the dramatic ocean bluff that runs more than a mile along the shoreline. The rocky coast rises to a 200-foot ridge with breathtaking views of migrating whales, birds, and playful otters before sloping southeastward to the willow-edged creek.
While there enjoy the nearby town of Cambria and famous Moonstone Beach.
Wine Country Route 46 (State Route 1 to Paso Robles). Dozens of wineries line both sides of the 20-mile route from Cambria to Paso Robles along State Route 46. Plot your own leisurely day down this remarkable road with many well-known labels and farm stands.
Lighthouse Tour and Group Dinner - Hearst San Simeon: RSVP Click Here
Piedras Blancas Light Station Now managed as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary, the light station is part of the federally designated Piedras Blancas Light Station and the California Coastal National Monument. Saturday, September 23, is Public Lands Day and the Light Station, as well as its surroundings, are available at no charge with a host of on-site activities to be announced closer to that date.
- Tours meet at 9:45 a.m. at the (former) Piedras Blancas Motel at 16420 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon, CA 93452, located 1.5 miles north of the light station.
- Tours will be met by lighthouse staff at the motel, given a brief orientation, and then travel in personal vehicles behind a lead car to the light station.
- A 30-40 minute introduction to the human and natural history of Piedras Blancas Light Station. You are then free to explore the historic buildings, watch a brief informative film, and enjoy the beauty of our trail and stunning ocean views - all at your own pace.
- The weather here is very unpredictable so dress in layers.
- Please RSVP to reserve a spot.
Revised Agenda:
Thursday Sept 21
- 2:00 pm Check-in and set up
- 5:00 pm Meet and greet tea Site # 82 - bring appetizer and your favorite beverage
- 6:00 pm Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm Campfire Site # 82 (bring bundle of firewood)
Friday Sept 22
- 7:00 am Peet's coffee available Site #90
- 9:00 am Depart for Hearst Castle Grand Rooms Tour
- 10:00 am Hearst Castle group tour
- 12:00 pm Optional lunch at the Visitor Center Cafe
- 1:00 pm Costal Discovery Center across Route 1 from Hearst Castle Visitor Center
- 6:00 pm Potluck Dinner at camp. Bring chairs & a dish to share Site #82
- 7:30 pm Campfire Site #82 (bring bundle of firewood)
Saturday September 23
- 7:00 am Peet's coffee available Site #90
- 9:00 am Depart for Piedras Blancas Light Station and Tour
- 12:15 pm Optional lunch on your own at nearby Moonstone Beach
- 2:30 pm Depart for Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
- 5:30 pm Main Street Grill Cambria (Optional)
- 7:00 pm Campfire Site #82 (bring bundle of firewood)
Sunday September 24
- 7:00am Peet's coffee available Site #90
- 12:00pm Check-out and Happy Trails
What to bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, one bundle of firewood per person, and recommended Ten Essentials.
Amenities: RV sanitation station, water-fill station, and token-operated showers. Firewood is also for sale from the campground host. Tents and RV's will be on separate sites.
Climate: Average: High 76°F low 60°F
Overflow parking - No charge, located just outside campground.
Directions: San Simeon is about 250 miles north of LA.; 2 miles north of Cambria Map
From the Palm Springs area take the I-10 to I-15 north to 215 west to the 134 west to 101 west (north) to San Luis Obispo.
From OC, LA and SD take the 405 north to the 101north to San Luis Obispo.
From SB/VC take the 101 north to San Luis Obispo From San Luis Obispo take US highway 1 north about 45 miles. The park is about 2 miles north of Cambria.
Trip Leaders: Contact Brian Miller SB/VC or Lloyd Queen PS
This event hosted by Santa Barbara/Ventura County and Palm Springs.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations for campsite must be received by September 1 to receive a refund minus a $10 service fee. No refunds for Hearst Castle tour tickets after July 20.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
