The Highway 1 Discovery Route through California's Central Coast should include a warning sign that reads "moving through this picturesque region on Highway One can be habit forming".  Certainly that is true for us since we return again and again.  We were  only home from a delightful stay in Moro Bay for a few weeks  when once again we were on the way to Highway 1.
This time to explore the Discovery Route that stretches from Ragged Point at the north to Edna Valley in the south.
 Leading attraction is Hearst Castle which attracts millions of visitors from all US states, one hundred and forty five foreign countries and every continent but  Antarctica.
The easiest  way to describe Hearst Castle is to say that it is truly one of a kind, unique and not likely to ever be  duplicated.  The enthusiasm of people, some from as far away as Taiwan, was contagious  and  our  tour was performed  most professionally by our guide, Cathy.
What has been created here is on such a scale that it is hard to grasp. The collection of antiquities, art works, carvings, statues, and tapestries is awe inspiring. 
We started our visit  at  the  Theater.  Here we viewed a spectacular  film that traces the history of the family.  Entitled "Hearst Castle--Building the Dream" it traces the history of the family from George Hearst's discovery of silver mines, and the early years of son, William.  Years that so shaped his vision to bring to America many of the Old World treasures he  first  saw as a young boy with his mother on a trip to Europe.  This film is viewed on a  five story tall theater screen. 
Our visit  was in the off season which is most advisable.  The vast majority of the one million visitors each year arrive between May and September.  Our day at the Castle was unforgettable.  The Fall weather was perfect with clear air offering views of the surrounding mountains in one direction and a shimmering calm sea in the other.
Five different  tours are available at Hearst Castle which is  part of California State Parks.  We  took Tour One which is generally recommended for first time visitors.  Other tours explore upper floors of Casa Grande, the main house; the other guest houses at the Ranch and an evening tour which recaptures the heyday life of the 1920s and 1930s.
The Hearst Castle is open daily except for three major holidays.  For more information call 805 927-2020 or log on at www.hearstcastle.org.