Called San Simeon, this enormous and eclectic collection of buildings and art overlooking the Pacific ocean was produced by William Randolph Hearst at a cost of thirty million dollars. Hearst gained notoriety as a newspaper publisher and mover of public opinion whose greatest influence was felt during the 1930s when he steered the California delegation to support Franklin Roosevelt’s campaign for president. The state park at San Simeon is located off Coast Route One, one hour north of San Luis Obispo, California.