Not much has changed since I was a child. Zebras still roam the ranch; we saw some grazing along the edge of the highway as we drove in. The architecture and decor is still larger than life.
The tours themselves have changed. All now include viewing the gardens unescorted (a boon for photographers as you have as much time as you want exploring and capturing the details). It was in the 70s when we visited, a little too hot for me to comfortably tackle stairs and explore the grounds while pregnant. The "gardens" include both the outdoor Neptune pool as well as the Indoor Roman pool. (More photos of the Indoor Roman pool - my favorite spot at Hearst Castle are on Flickr.) Getting to walk on the gold leaf tiled floor after years of tours warning you to be careful not to was a little disconcerting. On the downside, tours of the interior are shorter. Tour 1, the tour we took, covered only the Grand Salon, the Dining Room, and the Movie Theater.
I want to go back when the weather is a little cooler to explore the grounds more and to take cubes on the Guest House tour, my favorite tour growing up.
What were your favorite childhood haunts?
Happy Travels!
Eden
