Page 89 - FHM - Australia (December 2019)

DEATH VALLEY, INYO COUNTY BIG SUR, CENTRAL COAST HEARST CASTLE, SAN SIMEON

Here’s something different. Have you ever heard Maybe you’re eager to take a road trip and Feeling like experiencing something a little more ‘rich’
of the Death Valley National Park? It’s located riding with the top down is more your in heritage? Then stroll on over to the Hearst Castle
near the border of California and Nevada, in style? Then why not visit Big Sur which in San Simeon. This historical monument was started
the Great Basin. The Death Valley National is a rugged and mountainous section of in 1919 and took 28 years to complete. Although it did
Park is the principal feature of the Mojave the Central Coast of California between take long to finish, that’s not all too bad, because with
and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Reserve and Carmel Highlands and San Simeon. that much time and effort put into the Hearst Castle
contains some of California’s most inhospitable Here, you can cruise along the coast with it was able to incorporate a mix of architectural styles
terrain, with extreme heat that has left this magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Big that have made it uniquely lively and fun yet also very
desert area strangely beautiful. Witness its salt Sur offers a chance for visitors to relax and stately. The 165-room monument rests atop a hill that
fields, incredible mountains, sand dunes and get back in tune with nature. Aside from the offers spectacular views out over the Pacific Ocean and
dry parched land with a lake that lies below sea awesome drive and splendid views, travels the Santa Lucia Range. It’s not just the castle that’s cool,
level - that creates an extremely dry yet uniquely can make stops at State Parks like Pfeiffer but also what’s inside with its large collection of art and
beautiful landscape. Visitors can drive through and Garrapata where they can camp, odd wildlife like zebras can still be found wandering the
the park and take in the sights by stopping at sunbathe, hike and reconnect with nature. grounds. The castle is located almost exactly halfway
designated lookouts. Other activities on offer Really, Big Sur is all about calm and quiet. between Los Angeles and San Francisco so maybe
include short hiking trails and paddling in the Finding your peace or enjoying moments you could stop by after you visit Universal Studios
shallow Badwater Lake - if there’s any water! with those that are closest to you. Hollywood - on your way to the Golden Bridge.

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