Forty Five minutes from Morro Bay is situated this extraordinary 19th Century magnum opus Castle built by presumably the richest man, a revered media czar, a reputed producer and a renowned actor of his time – Mr. William Hearst.

You park your Car and enter this Castle’s impressive visitors’ center. Here you meet two smart ladies who welcome you and explain four different tours available to visit this palatial Castle.

The one that costs $25 seemed appropriate. So you pay $25 and board the scheduled Bus. During the next 45 minute drive up-hill, you listen to the pre-recorded voice that educates you on the history of this quintessential ostentatious structure. Built by architect Julia Morgan it contains 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms and is spread over 127 acres. Unsurprisingly attracts hundreds of visitors each day.

As you reach at the stairs of this epitome of opulence, you are welcomed by an immaculately dressed erudite guide Mr. John. After a short introduction, John leads the guests to witness the unmistakable display of affluence.

You first pass through an exterior swimming-pool that seemed quite huge but was incidentally getting renovated at that time. Next you visit places where Mr. Hearst, who died in 1951, once aristocratically entertained his “Who’s Who” guests that included the famous Hollywood Actors, renowned Directors, rich Producers and influential Political entities of those times.