A Visit to Hearst Castle

Memory feeds imagination. -Amy Tan


Back in 2006, I visited my brother Steve in California. We enjoyed taking photos together whether it was at the National Parks, Montery Bay Aquarium, along the Pacific Ocean, or at the Hearst Castle.
A designated State Park and State Historical Monument, Hearst Castle is located near San Simeon, CA, about 165 miles from Fresno, where Steve lived.

Left: A view of the Pacific Ocean from the Terrace off Casa del Mar.






Right: The Three Graces.

Although there are many tours to choose from going to various locations on the huge estate, we chose the tour that included Casa del Mar where Hearst himself spent his final years of residence on the hilltop overlooking the ocean, the swimming pools, wine cellar, hidden terrace and an overview of the gardens and grounds. The views were breathtaking and the flowers, balconies, sculptures and décor awe-inspiring.




Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether it was cracked plaster with gold leaf over wood or smooth marble sculptures, we were met with engaging scenes in our viewfinders at every turn. I hope you enjoy some of the photos of sculptures that I took while there.