As you ponder where to go on a mini-vacation, make sure you do not overlook Hearst Castle. This world-renowned landmark is only 112 miles from Santa Ynez. There are a number of great golf options for the trip there or on the return.
The castle
Over the years, I have visited Hearst Castle many times, and still it is the ornate pools that I remember most. The Neptune Pool was enlarged three times by Mr. Hearst and the final version is Olympian in size. The Roman Pool is an indoor replica of the great pools used by the emperors such as Caesar. The entire pool area is decorated by 1-inch Mosaic tiles.
Hearst employed famed architect Julia Morgan to plan every last detail at The Castle. Morgan was the first woman ever to graduate from the Ecole Nationale in Paris, which at the time was the best architectural program in the world. It was Hearst’s mother Phoebe who first employed Morgan, and this relationship continued throughout the 28 years that she worked on The Castle.
Make sure you take some time to just enjoy the view the way William Randolph and all his guests did. The scenery is breathtaking, as you take in the 180-degree view of the Pacific and the coastline below. Looking out from the Neptune Pool at this remote mountaintop location is almost like viewing from an airplane.
A trip to Hearst Castle would not be complete without spending some time with the Elephant Seals. Just a couple of miles North on Highway 1, Point Piedras Blancas is home to one of the largest and most accessible gathering of these creatures in the Northern Hemisphere. You can walk just above these sleepy monsters as they bask in the sun and sand.
People come from all over the globe to visit Hearst Castle. Many of them may be unlucky and visit during overcast or foggy weather. Valley residents have a lot more flexibility and can dash up the coast on short notice. There is no excuse for us as, all we have to do is check out accuweather.com for some clearer skies and make a last-second reservation. There are many hotel options in San Simeon or neighboring Cambria ranging from moderate to expensive.
The golf
There are several courses right on the way to Hearst Castle. I would suggest playing a course on the way up and then stay overnight in Cambia or San Simeon. Take in the Castle the next day and then take your time coming home.
Morro Bay Golf Course may well be the most scenic option but it is also the most popular. Tee times may be hard to come by on this tree-lined traditional layout, but the ocean views are spectacular for those lucky enough to get on. Along the road from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay there is a relatively new option with Dairy Creek.Dairy Creek was designed by John Harbottle, who has become the leading golf course architect in the Pacific Northwest. His local work also includes the remodeling of Saticoy Country Club just a few years ago.
Another option for golf would be to take in one of the great venues in the Nipomo area. Monarch Dunes is the most recent creation, and it is a good one. This links-style layout weaves its way through rolling terrain and large Eucalyptus trees. It is always in great shape and well worth the visit. Cypress Ridge Golf Course is another very good track. Set in similar terrain it is a bit more traditional in its routing. The third golf option in Nipomo is Black Lake Golf Resort with 27 tree-lined holes.
A mid-morning tee time on the way up or back to Hearst Castle is probably your best choice. This will allow for a leisurely wakeup call on either day, and who wants to rush in these scenic settings?
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