Hearst Castle is the magnificent estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, who built the largest newspaper empire in the United States. In 1919, Hearst inherited the large ranch originally purchased by his father in 1865 and decided right away to build a new home on the property. Over time the scope of the project expanded greatly, and the castle complex remained under development for almost 30 years until Hearst moved away due to ill health. Hearst called his home “La Cuesta Encantada” (the Enchanted Hill).
During the 1920s and 1930s, Heart Castle was a magnet for the political and Hollywood elite, who passed their days enjoying the many diversions available on the estate followed by formal dinners together in the evening.
The centerpiece of the Heart Castle is the Casa Grande (Big House), a 68,500 square foot home built in Mediterranean revival style. It is one of the largest homes in the United States.
The Hearst Castle estate has 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, over 100 acres of gardens, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a private cinema, an airfield and the world’s largest private zoo. Highlights include the Neptune Pool and patio, offering expansive vistas and a Roman temple front imported from Europe. furnishing and decoration includes many items from Hearst’s extensive art and antiques collection.
Hearst Castle was donated to the state of California in 1954 and has been open to visitors since 1958. The estate is a California State Historical Monument. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on 22 June 1972, and on 11 May 1976 was named a United States National Historic Landmark.
Hearst Castle Tours
Visitors have a choice of tours to choose from. With so many thing’s to see and do on the property, it is best to choose something in advance. Multiple visits are necessary to experience the whole estate!
Hearst Castle tour options:
Grand Rooms Tour See the most famous rooms in the Casa Grande: the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room, and Theater. Recommended for first time visitors. Accessible option available by advance reservation.
Cottages and Kitchen Tour Visit the ornate guest houses; tour the gigantic kitchen and wine cellar.
Upstairs Suites Tour Visit William Randolph Hearst’s private Gothic Suite, climb the 332 step spiral staircase to the Celestial Suite, visit the library and its collection of 150 ancient greek vases, and more.
Designing the Dream Tour A longer tour exploring how Hearst’s dream became reality. Learn about his collaboration with Julia Morgan, the first female licensed architect in California history.
Evening Tour Available spring and autumn, when the Castle is illuminated at night. A 100-minute tour including the Grand Rooms, main library, Gothic suite, kitchen and a guest cottage. Accessible option available with advance reservation.
In addition to the regular tour schedule, special tours are available by advance reservation. The Art of San Simeon is a two hour semi-private tour emphasizing the estate art collection. During the winter holiday season, the Holiday Twilight Tour offers an enchanting experience for children. Accessible option available with advance reservation.
For information and tour reservations, call +1 (800) 444-4445 or visit HearstCastle.org
Hearst Castle Visitor Details
Mailing Address:
Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452-0741
Hours of Operation:
The visitor center opens at 08:00 daily
First tour of the day starts at 09:00
Hours vary by season
Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The Hearst Castle Visitor Center
The visitor center hosts a free museum exhibit explaining historical and biographical background, as well as an up close look at some of the art collection from the estate. The movie Hearst Castle — Building the Dream, is shown on a 50 foot screen.
Refreshments available include a coffee bar, hot dishes, pizza, salads and sweets.
A gift shop sells books, clothing, and souvenirs.
Directions to Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is located on the Central Coast of California, nestled in the hills above the town of San Simeon. The location is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, about 5 hours drive by car.
From Los Angeles: Take U.S. Route 101 north too San Luis Obispo, then California Highway 1 north about 39 miles to Hearst Castle Road.
From San Francisco: Take U.S. Route 101 south to California Route 46 west, then 46 west to California Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 north 13 miles to Hearst Castle Road.
From Monterey: Take California Highway 68 east to U.S. Route 101 south, then California Route 46 west to Highway 1 north. follow Highway 1 north 13 miles to Hearst Castle Road.
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