Summer is meant for getting out of the house and having adventures. For most college students, it’s also a struggle deciding whether or not they want to make more money or actually go out and have fun every night. I’m the exception. I don’t have that luxury but when I do embark on adventures, they are experiences I will never forget. A recent one I had was a family trip to Hearst Castle.

It took three hours down the coast to arrive with my family at the mansion's visitor center. It was bustling with tourists who were exploring the different exhibits. The exhibits helped explain the history of Heart Castle and how it came to be. In 1865, George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranch land by San Simeon Bay. His son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited it and purchased more land which is now about 250,000 acres.

As a child, William Hearst traveled all around Europe with his mother. This trip influenced his decision in building his castle. He realized that most Americans will not be able to travel to Europe so he decided to bring some “souvenirs.” He brought back artifacts from Egypt, Greece, China and Rome. He collected art that dated back to the Renaissance era. William Hearst wanted his home to be a museum for the public to come and experience Europe.

The master architect who built the large estate was Julia Morgan; it took 28 years for her to complete the project because William Hearst had a lot of ideas to contribute such as extravagant gardens, an indoor movie theater and an airfield. He even decided to open a zoo! Sadly, it was closed down but there are herds of grazing animals like zebras that roam around the ranch.

In the end, they created an architectural masterpiece. It truly is a magical place. You can’t help but feel at peace because of the beauty that surrounds you.