SAN FRANCISCO: Fairmont (1906-07). Morgan was called in to rebuild the hotel (designed by another architect) after it was destroyed preopening in the 1906 earthquake and fire. She had gained acclaim for her reinforced concrete structures when her buildings survived the quake. 950 Mason St., San Francisco; www.fairmont.com or (415) 772-5000.
PACIFIC GROVE: Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds (1913-28). Eleven of Morgan's 16 buildings still stand at the lodge and conference center. A free pamphlet available at the park store describes Morgan's designs. 800 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove; www.asilomarcenter.com, (831) 372-8016 (conference center), or (831) 372-4076 (state beach).
SAN SIMEON: Hearst Castle (1920-39). William Randolph Hearst modified plans for his fantastically luxurious hilltop mansion nearly as quickly as they were drawn up. The property includes a huge main house and three guest cottages. Morgan also designed the two swimming pools, animal shelters, tennis courts, warehouses, and a chicken farm. Tours by reservation. 750 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon; www.hearstcastle.org or (800) 444-4445.
BOOKS ON MORGAN
Sara Holmes Boutelle's Julia Morgan, Architect ( Abbeville Press Publishers, New York, 1995; $40; 800/343-4499), is a handsomely illustrated, valuable reference. Though written for young adults, Ginger Wadsworth's Julia Morgan: Architect of Dreams (Lerner Publications, Minneapolis, 1990; $25; 800/328-4929) is a good short biography.
