Hearst Castle and California Coastal Highway

The wind finally calmed down last night and today is gorgeous. Perfect day to drive up the coastal highway. The Hearst Castle is only about 20 minutes north of our campground so we stop there in the morning and take a tour and see their IMAX movie about the house. The house was built by Randolph Hearst in the early 1930s and has amazing architecture and craftsmanship. The house itself is way too fancy for my taste, but I loved the guest house and the pools.

The drive up the coast had phenomenal views. I was taking picture after picture. My battery was exhausted by 4pm from taking too many pictures. By the time we got to the famous Bixby Bridge I had no battery power left to take a photo – very frustrated with myself. Take my word for it, it was a phenomenal view.

We also stopped at a place where elephant seals, dozens and dozens, were laying on the beach.

We stopped at a café overlooking the ocean for a late lunch and ate outside on their patio overlooking the surf and seashore. It was a GORGEOUS view.

We got to Monterey around 5pm and drove around a little, but we knew we had a long drive home down highway 101, so we didn’t stay long. Very picturesque town. Of course my camera battery died so no pictures of that town either.

We filled up with diesel and headed home inland on highway 101. Long day, but fantastic scenery and wonderful drive. I can understand why some people say it is the most scenic drive in the country.