Hearst Castle

Commissioned by publishing tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, and designed by architect Julia Morgan, this estate is also known as San Simeon and took over 20 years to construct. Hearst and his lover, Marion Davies, hosted lavish gatherings here attended by Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, and Winston Churchill, to name a few. Fittingly, the ticket prices aren't cheap - $25 and up per adult and $12 and up per child. Most areas aren't accessible unless you're on a guided tour. The most popular Grand Rooms tour ends in the movie theater where you get to see neat old timey Hearst home videos.