Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and a California State Park. Construction of Hearst’s Moorish-style castle began in 1919, and it was his private residence until his death in 1951. La Cuesta Encantada, which means “enchanted hill,” opened to visitors in 1958. The home holds art collections and items collected by Mr. Hearst during his travels, such as monastery ceilings, Byzantine tapestries, European works of art, and fireplaces from Gothic castles. In its heyday, Hearst Castle also boasted the world’s largest private zoo.

To see any of the castle or grounds, you must purchase one of the Hearst Castle tours on offer. The Grand Rooms Tour, which includes the Assembly Room, refectory, gardens, theater, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool, is the most popular. Highlights on other tours include the Casa Grande, the guest houses, and Casa del Sol, in addition to the main house. Evening tours are also available—a great way to beat the Central Coast’s summer heat.

• Reserve Hearst Castle tickets or tours ahead of time; admission is available up to 56 days in advance.

• Accessibly designed tours skip much of the walking and stair climbing, and are available in the evening during spring and fall.

• The only dining option with food for purchase is at the Visitor Center.

• Wear comfortable shoes as visiting requires a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing.

• Summer temps in San Simeon can reach the high 90s.

Reach Hearst Castle from the north via Highway 101 to Paso Robles. The entrance is about five miles (eight kilometers) from Paso Robles atop the Santa Lucia Range, and five miles (eight kilometers) north of San Simeon State Park. You can also book a tour from Paso Robles or Los Angeles that includes transportation.

Hearst Castle is open from 9am every day, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer temperatures can be quite high; a spring or fall visit is lovely. Holiday time at the castle brings the Holiday Twilight Tour, with twinkling lights and decorations galore.

During Hearst’s heyday in the 1920s and 30s, he often entertained stars from Hollywood and members of the political elite. Famous guests included politicos Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt. Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Greta Garbo also famously stayed at the castle.

Hearst Castle offers visitors seven different tours, each with its own unique experience. From the Grand Rooms Tour to the Upstairs Suites Tour, guests can explore 145 acres of historic architecture and gardens, as well as view artworks collected by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. There’s also the Evening Tour and the Behind-the-Scenes Tour for those wanting something a little more unique.

The Grand Rooms Tour offers the most comprehensive experience and immerses visitors in the splendor and grandeur of the extraordinary property. It allows visitors to explore six guest rooms from the Casa del Mar suite up to the magnificent main building of Casa Grande.

Tour lengths vary depending on the package that you choose. The Downstairs Only Tour takes about 1 hour. The Grand Room Tour which takes about 2 hours, and the Upstairs Tour adds 30 minutes to the Grand Room Tour.

No. While admission to Hearst Castle requires a fee to enter, there are several opportunities for free admission through special offers such as “Castle Fridays”—when all visitors receive free admission after 11am—as well as community programs that provide complimentary passes year-round. Visitors can choose between guided or self-guided tours.

No, Hearst Castle does not allow individual visitors to walk or drive on the property without a trained guide. If you wish to drive around the castle grounds, book a tour in advance and bring valid identification.

When planning your trip to Hearst Castle, you’ll need to plan ahead. You can purchase tickets up to seven days in advance—more if a ticket package has been booked—which will allow you plenty of time to make travel arrangements and double-check all details before you go.