Tourists snap photos of the extravagant architecture outside of Hearst Castle, part of a state historic park at San Simeon. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Tourists pass through Casa Del Sol, an 18-room guest house at Hearst Castle. To offset the cost of hiring more guides at the popular tourist attraction, the state park is now offering self-guided tours of the garden areas. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Park visitors take in the Greco-Roman-style statues at Hearst Castle’s Neptune Pool. State parks officials hope to address the longstanding budget problem with a voter initiative to levy an $18 surcharge on vehicle registration fees, providing the parks system a dedicated and consistent budget. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A sandy cliff at Montaña De Oro State Park makes for a striking photo backdrop. State parks in the Morro Bay area attract many visitors each year. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Ronnie Brown,14, of Bakersfield plays his guitar with friend Maria Sepulveda,14, at Montaña De Oro State Park. The two were camping nearby with their families. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A couple stroll along the beach beneath Moonstone Beach Drive at San Simeon State Park. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Paddlers dock their canoes at the shore along the Embarcadero heading toward Morro Rock. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
