The drive from Cupertino south about a hundred miles to San Simeon was uneventful. Map.
Why did we go to San Simeon? Because the Hearst "castle" is there. The town is right on the ocean and the "castle" is about a mile inland, on a hill up a winding road not open to normal traffic, only to family, staff, and ticket-buying tourists. It has magnificent views of the ocean and surrounding hills. It is a sight worth seeing, even more than once. Don had been there decades ago, but was eager for another tour. Back in the thirties, when it was still Hearst's private "vacation cottage", celebrities of all stripes were eager to get invitations here.
See their website for more. Tourist flash cameras are not allowed inside. Wikipedia is also good.
We had a motel on the beach. Quite a step down from the Holiday Inn on Fisherman's Wharf, but an excellent location. And beach strolling is free.
