Hearst Castle
Explore the opulent 20th-century mansion of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, a breathtaking estate filled with art and stunning architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Hearst Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the opulent 20th-century mansion of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, a breathtaking estate filled with art and stunning architecture.
"This is really architectural wonder, a must visit if you have never been."
Book Tours in Advance 🎟️
Popular tours sell out quickly. Reserve your tickets online to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast estate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neptune Pool
Hearst Castle Estate
An iconic, opulent pool that once hosted lavish parties, holding 345,000 gallons of water.
Roman Pool
Hearst Castle Estate
A stunning indoor pool adorned with 24-karat gold mosaic tiles, a true testament to luxury.
Grand Rooms Tour
Hearst Castle Estate
The most popular introductory tour, showcasing the castle's most impressive public rooms and art.
The Estate Grounds
Hearst Castle Estate
Wander through fairytale-like gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the California coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Hearst Castle Tickets in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance 🎟️
Popular tours sell out quickly. Reserve your tickets online to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast estate.
Allow Extra Time ⏳
Factor in bus travel to the castle, tour duration, and time to explore the grounds.
Consider Multiple Tours 🗺️
If you have time, book more than one tour to see different parts of the magnificent estate.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance 🎟️
Popular tours sell out quickly. Reserve your tickets online to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast estate.
Allow Extra Time ⏳
Factor in bus travel to the castle, tour duration, and time to explore the grounds.
Consider Multiple Tours 🗺️
If you have time, book more than one tour to see different parts of the magnificent estate.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
While there are facilities, having your own refreshments can be convenient, especially during longer tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hearst Castle as an architectural marvel and a breathtaking experience, often describing it as stepping into a fairytale. The art collection and the grandeur of the estate are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most find the tours informative and engaging, some note that the tours focus more on the exterior and public rooms, leaving visitors wanting to see more of the private spaces.
"Drove from LA for 4,5 hours and arrived a bit early because it was Sunday early morning, it was peaceful driving with no traffics. The Hearts Castle is a Very beautiful place and peaceful. Every rooms were very enchanted and pretty. It’s an amazing, this is really architectural wonder, a must visit if you have never been. Me and friends went for one tour; Grand Rooms Tour on first day, we were amazed and excited then decided to get tickets for next day. We ended up going with another two tours in second day visiting; Upstairs Suites Tours and Cottages and Kitchen Tour. All of these tours are so beautiful and meaningful, all those European style architecture… oh we’re just amazed, it felt we were not in USA. Get your ticket reservation online through California State Park from Hearts Castle website, price for tours is $35/each. Parking is very convenient at the visitor center, then check in there with your online tickets. You should visit, you won’t regret."
Amanda Lenny
"As same as other first time visitors, We did the grand rooms tour and would recommend it. Better reserve your tour ahead of time because it is not just one hour visit. You will need another half an hour single ride for bus to reach the top. You will have two guides in a group around 40+ people. Our guide is So fun and knowledgeable and we appreciated that they keep us moving and on time. With each stop we had plenty of time to take pictures and ask any questions. There was enough stops and such that we were good to go. Half time will stay outside and very little time inside of the ground room. If you want visit more rooms then you need to prepare ahead of time. It is very fun and worth the money for visiting!"
Allison Buster
"We did the grand rooms tour and would highly recommend it. We had the sweetest couple guide our tour. So fun and knowledgeable and we appreciated that they keep us moving and on time. With each stop we had plenty of time to take pictures and ask any questions. Made us want to go back to see more rooms. We are both big people so was kind of worried about how much walking and stairs there were, but that ended up not being a problem. There was enough stops and such that we were good to go. Definitely worth the price and would highly recommend. We had a lighthouse tour earlier in the day and didn’t know how long that would go so didn’t purchase tickets in advance. With it being September and on a weekday we didn’t have any problems getting tickets same day."
Savanna Jensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hearst Castle is located in San Simeon, California, off Highway 1. It's roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Most visitors drive, and parking is available at the Visitor Center. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most common method.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. From there, you'll take a shuttle bus up to the estate.
The drive along Highway 1 to Hearst Castle offers stunning coastal views. It's a scenic route, especially the stretch between Cambria and San Simeon.
Yes, there are several hotels and lodging options in nearby towns like Cambria and San Simeon. Cambria Pines Lodge is a popular choice, offering ocean views and a quick drive to the castle.
While there isn't a direct public bus service to the castle itself, many visitors arrive by car and then utilize the Hearst Castle shuttle bus to reach the estate from the Visitor Center. Some tour companies may offer packages that include transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Hearst Castle tours vary depending on the tour selected, generally ranging from $30 to $55 per adult. Children's tickets are typically half price. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
You can purchase Hearst Castle tickets online in advance through the official California State Parks website or at the Visitor Center. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for popular tours.
Hearst Castle is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours and tour availability before your visit.
Yes, access to Hearst Castle is by guided tour only. You cannot explore the estate independently. Various tours are available, each focusing on different aspects of the castle.
The Grand Rooms Tour is the most popular introductory tour, offering a comprehensive overview of the castle's main public rooms, including the Assembly Room, Refectory, and Billiard Room. It's a great starting point for first-time visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tour durations vary, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hours depending on the specific tour selected. Remember to also factor in the bus ride to and from the estate, which adds about 30 minutes each way.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be on your feet and navigating stairs. Dress in layers, as the weather can change, and it can be cooler at the top of the hill.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Hearst Castle, but tripods and flash photography may be restricted in certain indoor spaces. Always follow the guidance of your tour guide.
Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and also at the top of the hill near the main estate.
Some tours offer limited accessibility, and the Visitor Center is accessible. However, due to the historic nature and terrain of the estate, not all areas may be accessible. It's best to contact Hearst Castle directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe and gift shop at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center where you can purchase food and drinks. Dining options on the estate itself are limited to maintain the historic atmosphere.
Bringing your own snacks and water is generally permitted, but it's advisable to consume them at the Visitor Center or designated areas to help preserve the estate.
The nearby towns of Cambria and San Simeon offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Many offer fresh, local cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The Neptune Pool, Roman Pool, the Grand Rooms, and the panoramic views from the terraces offer incredible photo opportunities. The gardens and architectural details are also very photogenic. 
Photography is generally permitted inside the rooms, but always check with your guide. Tripods and flash photography might be restricted to protect the artifacts and artwork.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors and textures of the castle and its surroundings. Morning light can also be lovely and less crowded.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a good amount of walking and stairs, so ensure children are comfortable with this. Bringing snacks and water is advisable, and the Visitor Center has a cafe. Consider the length of the tour to match your children's attention spans. The sheer scale and opulence of the castle are often captivating for younger visitors.
🚗 Road Trippers on Highway 1
Many road trippers choose to stay overnight in nearby Cambria or San Simeon to break up their journey. This allows for a more relaxed visit to the castle without feeling rushed. The drive to and from Hearst Castle along Highway 1 is itself a highlight, so savor the coastal views.
🏛️ History and Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Consider booking specialized tours that delve deeper into the history, art, or specific architectural features. Engaging with the knowledgeable guides will provide invaluable insights into the life and times of William Randolph Hearst and the creation of this extraordinary estate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of William Randolph Hearst
Hearst's vision was not just about building a house, but creating a personal museum and a statement of his immense wealth and influence. He meticulously curated the art, furniture, and architectural elements, often incorporating pieces from ancient Roman and Greek ruins, as well as Renaissance and Baroque periods. This eclectic mix, combined with Morgan's innovative design, resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind architectural marvel that continues to fascinate visitors today.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures
+1Beyond the architecture, Hearst Castle is a treasure trove of art and antiques. Visitors are awestruck by the sheer volume and quality of the collection, which includes ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance tapestries, and intricate mosaics. The Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool are particularly famous, showcasing Hearst's extravagant taste and his desire for grand entertainment spaces. The Roman Pool, in particular, is a dazzling spectacle lined with over 24-karat gold mosaic tiles.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Tips
When planning your visit, remember that the estate is located atop a hill, requiring a bus ride from the Visitor Center. Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking and stairs involved. Consider the time of year and day of the week for your visit, as weekdays and mornings tend to be less crowded. Bringing water and snacks is also a good idea, though facilities are available.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit