Hello Travelers! I visited Hearst Castle last month and put together a travel video for you and hopefully it inspires you to see it for yourself! Enjoy 
Category Archives: Central California
Seeing Old Mission Santa Barbara Through A Telescope
Some places are so old that I have a hard time connecting with them. What meaning could I find in a California Mission built in the 1790′s? But I’m a curious person and the lure of experiencing and learning something new got the better of me so I entered Old Mission Santa Barbara with an open but detached point of view. That is, until I turned a corner and saw it, a telescope.
Hearst Castle at Night: An Evening Tour to Remember
Everything about it felt like a dream. I knew that I was on the Evening Tour at Hearst Castle, but there were moments when I had to pinch myself. Especially when I came upon people who were dressed in 1930′s dinner wear just roaming the halls, playing cards or reading a book. Living history tours is what they’re really called, but on this tour I call it a dream to remember. And like a dream it’s hard to recall every detail so here goes. I’ll begin from the beginning…
New Tours at Hearst Castle That Let You Free To Roam!
Can you imagine lounging by an outdoor Roman Pool? Or roaming the grounds to a castle where movie stars like Carry Grant, Carole Lombard and Charlie Chaplin once stayed? Oh, and did I mention that you’re surrounded by real ancient artifacts dating back as far as Moses? No replicas, no glass cases to separate you from the centuries old art and no way can you miss out on this unforgettable experience! I bring you Hearst Castle up close and personal! Read the rest of this entry
Old Mission Santa Ynez Makes Solvang More Interesting
Entrance facing Solvang
In 1804 Lewis and Clark set out from St. Louis for the Pacific Coast and waiting for them on the other side of the continent in California was Mission Santa Ynez. Read the rest of this entry
Horseback Ridding in the Santa Ynez Valley
Our view from the top!
The Santa Ynez Valley looks like a painting from any angle to me from my car to one of the peeks on a horse! Read the rest of this entry
Road Trip: Big Sur
Big Sur is located along the central coast of California. It’s basically on the west side of the Los Padres National Forest along HWY-1 & if you’re driving from LA then it will take about 5-6 hrs.to get there. Not too bad if you’re planning on staying for the weekend at one of their campgrounds or hotels, but the drive on HWY-1 is probably going to be your biggest challenge. Here’s why…
The Drive
HWY-1 is the only way in to Big Sur & that road is notorious for being dangerous. On my way home I drove through fog so thick that I couldn’t see more than 10′ around me! And with its hairpin turns, 30 mph speed limit, dramatic sea cliffs, falling rock, and constant construction you have to be an alert driver. On top of that you could have careless drivers who want to speed & run you off the road like what happened to me.
You just have to remember that if you get into an accident out there (even if you’re in the right) your insurance company is not someone you want to deal with when you could have just pulled over & let the jerk pass. Trust me, I’ve been in accidents before & it’s a big pain to not only prove that it wasn’t your fault, but get your insurance company to pay up if it was your fault. Save yourself from the head ache & just stay out of crazy driver’s way 
.
.Also, you don’t need a 4WD car but a high clearance one will come in handy when driving to trailheads or the campground. Don’t forget to get that oil changed & new windshield wipers! There aren’t auto shops around to help you with any car trouble & gas for me was $4.59/gal for Unleaded! Yikes! You know your car’s needs so just be prepared for them.
The Campground
I chose to stay at the largest campground with 200 sites called Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. They have hot showers, electrical plugs in the bathroom (I shower at night so I need to blow dry my hair so I don’t catch a cold), flush toilets, laundry facility, Redwoods, hiking trails, developed camp sites, & a general store/restaurant. It’s cheaper than staying in any of their hotels or cabins & I think a lot more fun! Oh, mind the poison oak that’s everywhere & you shouldn’t have any major problems with nature.
Also, I reserved a campsite ahead of time, but you could always chance it & pick an available site when you arrive. I just do this for peace of mind & to be sure that I get a site close to the restrooms. It’s so nice to be close to them when you have to go pee in the middle of the night; trust me on this one .
.Activities
Hiking, whale watching, & stargazing was on my list of things to do, but for you more artistic types there is an art gallery & plenty of vistas to paint or take photographs. The trails at my campground that I hiked are Valley View & Falls. They were very steep, but short trails with plenty of Redwood trees. At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is where you’ll find the famous McWay falls. It’s an easy hike from the parking lot ($10 parking).
A great beach to just hang out & no hike is required is Pfeiffer State Beach. You can also take the dog with you! I wouldn’t go swimming right now because it’s cold & stormy seas will knock you around onto the rocks. Yet, the view is spectacular!
Side Trip
On the way home we decided to go on tour #2 at Hearst Castle. I swear, I have been there every year for the past 3 years. That’s how much I enjoy that place. Also, just a few miles north is an elephant seal hang out! You’ll see the signs for the turn out to view them sunbathing.
Ok that about sums up my weekend road trip to Big Sur! I’ll entertain any questions in the comments section! 
Watch the 5 Minute Travels show I shot here!
