With over 165 rooms and 123 acres of lush gardens, the magnificent Hearst Castle would never have been possible without the vision of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and master architect Julia Morgan. Once a luxurious playground for the rich and famous, Hearst Castle is now a historic house museum and a California State Park, set high up in the hills commanding stunning views over the Californian countryside. Filled with artefacts and works of art from all over Europe, Egypt and China, this stunning museum even has around thirty historic carved and painted ceilings from Renaissance Italy and Spain. Open daily and with various tour options, this is a great day out to learn about its fascinating history.