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We visited Hearst Castle a few days ago. Parking was free and easy, which was a nice start to the visit. The estate itself is beautiful, and the views are absolutely stunning. It's definitely worth seeing at least once. The tour, however, left me a little disappointed. It lasts about an hour and moves pretty quickly through the rooms. For $35 per adult, I expected a more engaging experience. The biggest issue was being able to hear the guide. She wasn't speaking quietly, but with a group that size, a microphone or headset was really needed. Every time she turned to face another part of the group or started walking, it became almost impossible to hear what she was saying. I think adding some kind of audio system would make the tour much more enjoyable for everyone. The shuttle buses also need some attention. They're very noisy, and because they're gas-powered, it was difficult to hear the narration during the ride. Electric buses would make the experience much more enjoyable. Another surprise was the restroom situation. The main restroom near the visitor center was closed, so everyone had to use portable toilets outside. On a hot day, that wasn't a pleasant experience at all. With so many visitors every day, I would expect the regular restrooms to be open and available. Before boarding the bus, they also take your photo and offer it for sale at the end of the tour. The price was around $45 for a single photo, which honestly felt excessive. For that price, I simply couldn't justify buying it. At the end of the tour, they also ask for donations. Considering the ticket prices, that felt a little strange to me. Overall, I'm glad we visited because the property is beautiful, but I don't think the tour experience matched the price. With a few improvements, it could be so much better.
Parking is easy and free. The staff are helpful, and the tour was interesting with history about the castle. The indoor and outdoor pools are awesome. However, I'm not sure if it's worth paying $35 for a one-hour tour plus a short visit, especially since you have to leave right after the tour and aren't allowed to walk around the gardens. There are also some animals you can see along the way to Hearst Castle. Overall, I think I enjoyed Getty Villa more.
It had been nearly two decades since I was last at Hearst Castle. I'm not sure why I waited so long to go back. I'm not sure why everyone that lives in California hasn't visited. It's a great drive there whether you do the coastal route or drive through the valley. Situated halfway between LA na SF it's a perfect quick getaway. The beauty of the castle. The vision of the architect. The strength of the family. It's a great visit a great experience and a great way to spend a day. Do at least the grand rooms tour and we double up and also did the upstairs tour. We were fortunate to get a clear day so the views from the mountain were amazing. If you are thinking about it, just do it.
5 stars all the way! Wow, such a unique and fascinating tour! I highly recommend going. Between the history, architecture, art from around the world, and stardom... it was incredible. I definitely did not expect to be so blown away. Loved the home movies at the end. I've been already recommending this place to friends and family. I also felt the tours were really well timed, and didn't drag on or overload you with information. Excellently done. You just have to see this castle for yourself. The only critique I have is that their bathrooms have been out of order for like 6 or 7 months according to my local friend, and not sure when they are planning to fix it. There are porta potties.
It's fascinating to find European-style castles right here in America. There are several tour options, each covering a different section of the castle. We chose the Grand Rooms tour, which is recommended for first-time visitors. All tours are guided and run on a strict schedule. We visited on a weekend and had no trouble getting tickets, though we did wait 1 to 1.5 hours for the next available slot. We used that time to watch the documentary film about the castle, and I highly recommend it. The movie adds context that deepens your appreciation, even though the tour covers much of the same history. Note: Only porta potties were available during our visit, so plan a restroom break beforehand if needed. The welcome center has a café and gift shop. The castle feels like a true reflection of America: an amalgamation of history from around the world. As our guide explained, William Randolph Hearst was no purist. He brought in pieces from every corner of the globe. The art and architecture span centuries and cultures, including Egypt, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, China, and Persia. Persian rugs, Chinese art, Egyptian sculptures, Italian paintings, and Roman statues fill the rooms. The tapestries in the Great Hall are breathtaking. It's impossible to absorb every detail in one short tour, but soaking in architecture that has stood the test of time made the visit unforgettable. Both the pools are covered as part of all the tours apparently. These pools aren't huge but the tiles and century old artwork surrounding them made them extraordinary.
What a beautiful place to visit! Everything was so peaceful and tells a story of one's life that had an impact. I went with my Boyfriend family to this trip and it went very well, the tour was give or take an hour or two. The walking is a no joke! So get ready for some cardio. If you love to take pictures this is definitely the place. I would love to go again once it's all open to all of the property. I only got to see some of the inside but was still very beautiful especially the air pieces. For sure a trip to take with the family!!
So much history and so much to see here. We took the tour of the grand entrance and pools. You learn the most in this tour but there are other tours available as well such as the upstairs bedrooms and library or even the kitchen. Each tour is about 2 hours long. It's great to visit and the views are AMAZING! There is also a theater showing after the tour on the hearts family. Totally recommend visiting and bring your walking shoes!
I was expecting a real "wow" experience, but unfortunately, that never happened. We drove almost four hours just to see what turned out to be an overrated mansion. The one thing I genuinely appreciated was the free parking. After that, the experience went downhill. First, the restrooms at the visitor center were portable toilets rather than permanent facilities. At least they had running water and soap, but on a hot summer day, it wasn't exactly the level of comfort I expected from such a famous attraction. Second, tours leave every 10 minutes, so everything felt rushed. There was barely enough time to look around, admire the architecture, or take photos before we had to move on. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable, but the staff member walking behind the group to make sure nobody wandered off came across as cold and unfriendly. I'm used to meeting smiling, welcoming people in the U.S., so her attitude really stood out in a negative way. Third, for $35 per person, I expected much more. Places like Winchester Mystery House or Filoli let you experience much more of the property and grounds. Here, I left feeling like I had only seen a small portion of what I had paid for. We also declined the souvenir photo before boarding the bus after seeing the price: $45 for a single photo felt excessive. Finally, the café prices were another disappointment. After a long drive and a walking tour, you at least want to buy a bottle of water without feeling overcharged. Before visiting, I thought I'd probably come back to take another tour and explore more of the estate. After this experience, I have no desire to return.
Hearst Castle was the home of one of America's first media tycoons during the Roaring 20s. It is a unique piece of history that is definitely worth visiting at least once. Hearst spent his fabulous wealth on things from all over the world, which were exotic at the time and simply aren't available today. Ancient relics, Roman antiquities, art, even entire buildings from Europe and the Middle East. The world used to be a much bigger place so it was quite a feat to move giant pieces of art, stone, and architecture basically by hand across the world and up the side of a very steep mountain dirt road. There are some breathtakingly beautiful areas of the grounds, including the famous pools that everyone knows about, as well as the residences and living areas, including the pool halls. Most of it is maintained just as it was left when Hearst died. Of course, its location on the Central Coast, overlooking the ocean is one of the best spots in the world also. Overall this place is worth a visit every few years. It is also fun to bring people who have never visited before including kids. Five stars.
This review has two parts. For background, this was my fifth visit. Every other one would have been a 5 star. First the tour itself was great, were the prior 4. I've always enjoyed them and the place is simply amazing. I adore the two pools and the outdoor one is spectacular! Now for the second part. In the past 4 tours at the end I've been told that you can wander the grounds at your leisure and take any bus you want to go back to the center. I'm a serious amateur photographer and have ways wandered taking lots of photos. This tour I deliberately didn't take many photos because i ASSUMED I'd have lots of time after the tour. NOT THIS TIME! As soon as the tour was over we were hustled directly on the bus and taken back to the center. There was no opportunity to stay. As serious photographer there's no time on the tour to really take serious photos. I doubt I'll ever go back.
Our 31st state is an absolutely gorgeous one with a history very unique since it joined the Union 175 years ago on September 9, 1850. Hollywood, the sign on the hill, the breathtaking beaches, the Joshua Tree National Park, the Golden Gare Bridge, Yosemite, Disneyland, Universal Studios and of course the magnificent and rich Hearst Castle. This 250,000 acre estate took 28 years to build and expand ( 1919-1947) and was the brainchild of William Randolph Hearst who brought on the amazing architect Julia Morgan to design and build " La Cuesta Encantanda" or the Enchanted Hill. We opted for the Grand Rooms tour( $35 pp online reservation and prepay via cc) which gave us a mini glimpse of the sheer magnitude and magnificence of this beautiful landmark. We got to tour the opulent and majestic social rooms - the Assembly, Billiards, Refectory, Theater, Gardens and the outdoor Neptune pool and lovely indoor Roman pool; we were told by our wonderful and fun guide Kim that we were literally in the same chairs and locations where President Eisenhower, Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Vanderbilt, Hollywood's elite, AP Gianni( from Bank of Italy and founder of Bank of America swam, ate, played mahjong, enjoyed polo and the biggest zoo then featuring polar bears and kangaroos. This estate highlighting architectural gems and marble and designs directly from Italy, Egypt and other countries was donated to the state of California after WW II and it has been preserved and maintained very well. This is a must see. We had a great time. There is a museum, theater ( with a free 40 minute movie), souvenir section and food for purchase counters. The restrooms were out of commission when we were here in early October and there were plenty of Porta Pottys by the outside free parking lot. There are 7 other tours as well. The views of the ocean are fantastic. This should be one of the 7 Wonders of California.
What an incredible place to revisit again. I have been here with my husband thirty years ago and now finally came back with our boys. Going up the mountain with the bus is just breathtaking. The beautiful mountains and the ocean views are incredible. How did they even build this castle on the top of the hill over a hundred years ago. Our tour guide was amazing. We had a great time hearing the story of William Hearst and his passion for collection art and antiques. The collection here is unbelievable. So many unique and one of a kind antiques from all over the world. Very impressive. So much beauty in one place. Now the state of California owns this amazing place and us visitors can go see it for just $35. Isn't that amazing? A must visit if you ever come to central California.
Heart Castle has been on the bucket list for a while. It's a bit a drive to get there, and we were passing through on our Pacific Coast road trip. We booked a reservation on the state parks website about a month in advance and had no problem getting a spot. We came by on a Sunday in late August and it wasn't too busy. You start with the visitors center and they tell you to be there 20 min prior to your reservation. Check in was a breeze, there was no wait. There are coffee and food options. Then it's the bus ride to the castle. We did the Grand Rooms Tour which is recommended for the first timer. It also included the outdoor Neptune pool and the indoor pool. You have to stay with your group and they are pretty strict about wondering off. The guides were informative and the tour is kid friendly. There is a movie at the end that you get to watch in the castle theatre. I had thought you'd be able to wonder the grounds when done, but apparently that's not allowed anymore. After the last stop, we were whisked back on the bus back to the visitor center. They offer another movie there, but we skipped it. read more
2 years ago
Jessica did the absolute best job we could have asked for! She did the most amazing tour with everything being entertaining, understandable, and so kind! We did the grand rooms tour which allowed us to see the two pools, the dinning area, and the front rooms. The bus ride up was id say was a bit more rugged than expected so if you're afraid of heights sit on the inside seat lol! Over i think the price was amazing for all that we got to see and i believe you get a very well rounded understanding of the goals, architecture, and history of the land. Pricing was fair and online you can buy the tickets ahead of time online! Parking was good with plenty of space and the parking lot is easy to find with a sign outside. Merchandiser is pricy but it's consistent with other museums and attractions we've been to. read more
tl,dr: nice destination to check off the bucketlist. Likes: + Absolutely stunning architecture. Lavish building design and sculptures. + Immaculate, impressive outdoor Neptune Pool and indoor Roman Pool. + During the hot summer, thankfully they installed misters for guests to cool off during the midpoint of the tour. + Polite, helpful, professional staff. Non-likes: - The tour is guided. That means you can't scroll through the grounds at your own pace. I would've liked to browse some areas longer like a museum. I prefer plaques and the staff to be available on the side so if you have questions about a particular room, you can choose to read or ask about it, while other guests are free to roam. On that very hot day, the outdoor sections felt too hot and long while the indoor sections felt too short. - I went during the summer. There was no indoor A/C anywhere in the castle! Just a few fans. - I didn't like that the first part of the tour was outside and sunny. Kinda wish they provided cold water. I thought they wanted us to melt with the tour guide's boring lavish articulations (kidding). Like, deliver the same speech but indoors with A/C please? - Their only restroom was closed. They wanted us to use the porta-potty outside. Why didn't they install more restrooms instead? - Limited basic touring options. One standard ticket gets you one run-through of the castle and that's it. There aren't more parts of the castle to explore for free or to roam in general. I like the open world format more. read more
1 year ago
We had an amazing time at the castle today. My husband and I did the grand rooms tour. Suzanne was our guide and wow she was absolutely amazing and such a great storyteller. She is great at making the history and facts like a casual conversation with a friend. Highly recommend getting on her tours! read more
1 year ago
Hearst Castle NEVER disappoints. We were fortunate enough to have Donnell for our tour guide on 3 different tours. She is absolutely the best and made our tours a real adventure. Make sure you plan on taking more than one tour. We took all three, and we're extremely satisfied with them. read more
After seeing PBS specials and other documentaries on the Hearst Castle, I was finely able to schedule two tours on the same day. It totally exceeded my expectations. The history is intriguing and highlights the industrial age of our country. Hearst Castle is in San Simeon, just north of San Luis Obispo. The pre-movie at the Castle is about the mogel and takes you back in time. The staff here loves their job and is full of never ending stories. Our guide was fabulous and answered all questions. The castle is beautiful, beyond words, and have a treasure of precise art pieces. Our tour included the main house and upstairs. If you get a chance to enjoy this treasure from WR Hearst estate to share with the public. Do yourself a special day and book a tour. To the staff, your are infectious with your knowledge and love in sharing details. Please keep up telling this story. read more
Great tour, I want to go back and do more tours. I guess there are so many tours happening at once, and apparently some people book a few tours back to back while they are there, which makes sense since you can't see the entire castle on the way they separate tours by certain areas. It's also interesting our tour guide was not able to say if they donate the fruits that grow at the castle. When we went in November, the mandarins and other fruit trees were filled with ripe fruit. It's the museum property the tour guide did not disclose if anyone does eat them or if there just decor. It would be a such a waste for it not to get eaten because there are lots of hungry people in this world. I hope they harvest them and serve them at charity events or something my goodness!!!!!! After reading some of the one star reviews, I can also attest that they are true. The inside fushavke bathrooms were closed November 2024 and portable toilets lined right outside the front door and some spread out in the parking lot, and they are very very adamant about not wandering, herding people like sheep, and remaining on the cheap padding on the floor as not to ruin anything. There is not much time to just sit, ponder, admire the architecture on these $50/person tours. It's a summary; I think if you were a billionaire, I'm sure they might make a way to spend a longer time at this place, no doubt. So not the best toddler friendly tour unless you're just going to the main shuttle area to use the 25cents viewer to see the zebra and look at the tiny museum and gift shops or buy there jerky and homemade fudge :) read more
1 year ago
Amazing. Everything from the architecture to the guide tours are top tier. 10 out of 10 would recommend. read more
Returned a year later to enjoy the Upper rooms tour. Loved the endless spiraling staircase and all the cool nooks and crannies, the absurd luxury of 2 bathrooms adjoining each of the double bedded cloisters, the spectacular views of the hillside and ocean from the many windows, the intricately ornate ceilings. My favorite room of all was the library. If I were a guest at a party here and got overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle and festive noise, you can bet that's where I'd disappear for a bit to refresh before returning to the dance floor. read more
5 months ago
11 months ago
10 months ago
We decided to do the unique Julia Morgan estate tour so we could learn more about this great American story. It was exceptionally good, with our guide - CA State employee, Camille F. She was thoroughly knowledgeable about the family, Architect Julia Morgan and so many special guests and related historical facts. Great storyteller! We are giving a gift to the Hearst Foundation in Camille's honor. CA. State Parks has a real gem of an employee! Thank you Camille! read more
Hearst Castle, San Simeon, CA - December 1, 2023 We arrived at about 4:15 pm for the 5 pm Christmas Holiday Twilight Tour. Since we were early, we headed over to the gift shop and looked over what they had to offer. I ended up getting a Hearst Castle lapel pin. They have a pretty nice history museum that you can check out for free. You could probably spend at least a half hour or more looking at displays with information about the Hearst family and the history of the castle. They also have a movie you can watch for $6. You want to begin to line up for the bus ride to the castle a little before your reservation. They asked that you arrive at least five minutes before departure. We got there about 10 minutes before departure and there was already a pretty good line started. You'll still make the bus. It just takes longer to get seated. It was a packed bus that took us 5 miles up the hill to the castle. We were very fortunate that it was a clear night and we got some beautiful night sky views looking out to the ocean with hues of blue, purple, and orange over the twilight ocean. The Holiday Twilight Tour includes the Neptune Pool, the Casa Del Monte (Mountain View) and Casa Del Soul (Sun View) guest bungalows (2500 and 3700 sq. feet respectively), Casa Grand, the kitchen, living room, dining room, smoking room, billiards room, theater, and Roman pool. It was decorated as it might have been for the Hearsts during Christmas, and as our guide told stories of events that happened at the castle back in the day, it was easy to imagine how it might've been. I really recommend doing the twilight tour. The views of the outdoor grounds are much different at night than they are during the day because the lighting on the statues and the gardens really changes your perspective. It really does have the feel of an enchanted castle on the hill (La Cuesta Encantada as they called the castle). Your tour lasts about 70 minutes and is well worth the $35 per person cost. read more
1 year ago
So many people had recommended Hearst Castle to me, but I didn't realize just how cool it was until I saw it in person. The pictures just don't do it justice! We bought our tour tickets upon arrival for $30/person and decided to skip the movie to make it onto an earlier tour. The bus took us up the hill of the massive property and we saw deer-like animals along the way. Unfortunately, we didn't see any zebras. Our tour guide was so professional and knowledgeable, and learning about the Hearst family history was fascinating. The property was also absolutely stunning! My favorite areas were probably the two pools, but the entire estate was incredible. Between all the details and ongoing renovations, it's the kind of place where you'd probably get a slightly different experience each time you visit. Overall, Hearst Castle is definitely a must-see! read more
11 months ago
Oh my I never finish my review. Our guide Donelle was amazing. We really enjoyed our visit there in February. read more
We stopped by on a recent trip to California & took the Grand Rooms Tour. I didn't know a lot about this state park prior to visiting so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was blown away by the beauty & pieces in the collection that Mr. Hearst accumulated on this property, I saw more centuries old art work and antiques on this tour than I have in some art museums I've visited. It was lovely seeing it decorated for the holidays. My family enjoyed this trip, even the kids (ages 11 & 15) had a wonderful time on the tour. We'd love to go back and take some of the other tours as well to see different areas of the estate. This is definitely a great stop for anyone wanting to see old pieces of artwork & history from around the world, it is amazing what he was able to buy & have transported here to his home from Germany, Italy, Egypt, Spain and more. I can see how some people might not be the biggest fan of this state park especially if art isn't really your thing, but my family loved this. I also love seeing old architecture in buildings so I enjoyed that aspect of it as well. The weather was perfect and the views of the ocean from the top of the hill is breathtaking. read more
1 year ago
My husband and I took a tour late on Christmas Eve day in 2024, and we were the only ones booked for the upstairs package. It was so amazing to have Jan O'Brien, our tour guide/docent, all to ourselves. She was such a wealth of knowledge and very patient with our barrage of questions, going above and beyond to ensure our experience was memorable. read more
My last (and first) visit to Hearst Castle was 15 years ago, so it was time to refresh my memory. Back then, the famous Neptune pool was being renovated, so I got jipped! We opted for the Grand Rooms tour ($30/pp) and had no issues getting tickets onsite for the next tour. I finally got to see the Neptune pool in all its glory! (I also had to watch Lady Gaga's GUY video afterwards!). Other highlights were the indoor Roman pool and dining room. It's amazing to see all the little details that went into the castle in over 28 years of construction! The 45 minute video included with the tour was well done. It was worth it to stay and see what a visit would have been like as a guest of Mr. Hearst's. Currently, all the toilets are portable toilets because they're saving water in case of a fire. Luckily, the one I used was well maintained. Hopefully they all are. read more
Most extraordinary experience and I will keep coming back for tours! Grand rooms and Upstairs tours are my favorite and recommend getting here midday as it's all about the views; wait til the fog burns off to see the expanse of the property. It's like stepping back in time and all the guides are in incredibly informative! read more
1 year ago
Such an amazing location, and experience. Tour guides are very knowledgeable, shared the back stories of design, decor, and house guests. We Happened to arrive on a beautiful day so had great views of the landscape, beach and ocean. There is walking involved so wear comfortable shoes. read more
11 months ago
Not a castle. Very awesome looking 'crib' with room for a few hundred guests, not really a castle at all. Neptune pool (tiled with what looks like marble squares) open, but not to jump in. A brief review of this place is doing it an injustice. There is so much here and you can get it only in small doses of docent-led tours. They start out reasonable and you can always pay more to see more with fewer people. In a number of rooms, you get a view of the mountains on one side and a view of the ocean on the other. Each time you go up the hill from the visitor center, you are played an informative Alex Trebek narrated shpeel, describing things you see on the road up as well as what you'll see when finally there. Also of note, a lot of this place is due to a woman named Julia Morgan. Hadn't even heard of that name before this. Not a castle. Hearst himself even called it the Enchanted Hill. "La Cuesta Encantada" Enjoy the views on the ride down. Pretty spectacular stuff. read more
11 months ago
We took an awesome ADA tour with Donnelle who was amazing with my friend who needed accommodations. The small group nature of the tour made it easier for my friend to enjoy, and also provided us with an opportunity to learn more from our amazing tour guide. They do an excellent job making this an awesome experience for people who would otherwise struggle with the larger group tours. And Donnelle was so knowledgeable and made it all so interesting. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
We visited Hearst Castle with friends and we all really enjoyed the Grand Rooms tour. You can't imagine the grandeur and scale of it all, it is really amazing! There is so much to do and see, you really need more than one day to take it all in. read more
Four of us took the private tour with Krys. ($1000 for up to 6 people). We had 4 hours which was exactly right to see all of the tours without going up and down four times on a bus. Krys was fantastic. One in our party has walking and balance issues. While it was not easy for him, we could take it slow and he made it up and down all the stairs. There IS an elevator for people that might need it. You would need to arrange that in advance. It was a foggy morning so the views to the sea were still visible, but not as vibrant as it would have been on a sunny day. The landscaping around the castle is gorgeous in April. The inside was dust free with furniture and art from around the world. We LOVED our tour! We are into history and have visited other sites such as the Biltmore in Asheville and the "cottages" in New Port Rhode Island, so we had those to compare. If you like Hearst, DO go to the others too. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
My family and I reserved our tickets online a day before visiting. It took us around 4 hours to get to Hearst Castle from LA, and it was a beautiful drive. We got our bracelets for the bus very fast, and took the 20 minute ride up the hill with breathtaking views. For a first time visit, the grand rooms tour really covers most of the well-known attractions. It takes around an hour and 15 minutes, and involves a decent amount of walking and stair climbing, so be aware. You do get to sit in the theater and watch a nice silent film from back in the day. There's also no toilets or water fountains at the top, so be sure to take care of any business at the visitor center Overall, it's a very pleasant experience, but it is kind of pricey for what you get. They do have other tours if you are interested in specific areas of the manor as well. I'd recommend you giving this place a visit, and maybe touring the nearby areas as well! read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
We booked the garden tour and it didn't disappoint. First we had a long informative bus ride to the top where we learned about Hearst Family history. When we disembarked we were greeted by our guide who kept us entertained with anecdotes and history. We were able to take ample pictures and videos of the views, the artifacts, the artwork and the architecture. After the 90 minute tour we returned to view the movie which explained about the famous woman architect who worked for 28 years with Mr Hearst to create this amazing structure. The tour cost was very economical as was the gift shop. However, two tips 1. Bring snacks because the food is overpriced and a very limited selection. Eat at one if the amazing restaurants in Cambria instead. 2. The restrooms are under construction so bring hand sanitizer to use the porta potties. They have many tours and we will be back. You cannot possibly see it all in one day! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
We were on the gate 1 10:40 am tour on 06/23/24. Our guide was really subpar. Frequent phrases like, "Good stuff," I don't know details," and "I can't remember," were disappointing and unprofessional. We expected more from a paid guide. Grounds and castle were breathtaking and very well maintained. read more
7 months ago
I am a California native. This was my first time. Such a unique adventure. So many tours to choose from. We did the Grand Rooms Tour. It says it's a 60 minute tour which is true but when you add up the bus up/down the hill to the estate, it's close to 2 hours total from the time you get there (early), check into registration, and board the bus at your gate. I knew Hearst splurged on this 28-year project. I didn't know that this was his family's cattle ranch where they camped for decades, long before he started building in 1919. I also didn't know that Hearst purchased amazing finds from church sanctuaries that were damaged after the WW1. Hearst had the money and the desire. But it was Morgan, the first licensed female architect in CA, who made the dreams a reality. Earthquakes were no match for her. She was prepared. Incredible. Book your tour online and make sure you check into the Ticket Counter where you get your bracelets. If you don't buy ahead, you may have to wait for a later time. read more
More info about Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA 93452
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(800) 444-4445
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http://www.hearstcastle.org/
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Ask the Community - Hearst Castle
Which tour did you enjoy best? Which tour allows you to see both pools indoor/outdoor?
We took all 5 tours over 2 days - they all begin with the outdoor "neptune" pool & end with the indoor pool
How much are tickets?
The tours vary slightly in price. The Grand Rooms tour is $30/person. The web site has the pricing for each tour.
Can you take strollers?
I think strollers stayed at the "Visitor's Center" before boarding the bus to the Castle.
Are there renovations currently being done?
There are currently no major restoration projects being done at the Castle. There are almost always some smaller restorations being done on some of the art objects in the many rooms but nothing major as of this moment.
I would like to go with my family on 2 tours the same day - the Grand Room and the Upstairs Suite. If I book them back-to-back, is there a chance one will run overtime and we'll miss the second tour? Which tour should we take first to avoid that?
Each tour has a specific start and end time. When booking more than one tour we ask that you leave at least one hour and 20 minutes between the start of the first tour and the start of the second tour. This will allow just enough time to finish the…
Are the tours stroller friendly?
They are state operated and handicap (ie wheelchair) accessible with ramps, at least to the great rooms tour on the first floor. May be tough doing some of the upstairs tours though, not sure about those. I think the handicap accessible tours…
How long do the tours take and do you have to buy tickets in advance or can you buy them at the door? We are trying to plan our trip up the coastal highway. Also, which of the tours is the best? Thanks!
Hi! The tours vary in length but most of the daytime tours are 60 minutes long (not including the 10+ minute bus ride to the Castle). We recommend advanced reservations if possible as waiting until the day of can cause you to not get the exact tour…
Does anyone know when Neptune pool's renovation is expected to be done?
I went on a tour at the end of October '17 and the guide said the Neptune pool renovation should be done by the end of 2018. However, it sounded like the planned completion date has changed a few times.
Which tour would be best for a 10 year old?
The Grand room tour was very much enjoyed by my 10yr old and myself. =)
I have two 4year old kids, and upon reading the tour descriptions, it seems like a lot of work for them (and eventually us since we'll end up carrying them). Is it possible to see some areas without buying any guided tours? Thanks in advance!
I don't think you can go up to the castle without buying tickets. I have been twice in the past year and didn't see any way for you to get up there free. I honestly don't think your children would like it enough for the cost of admission ($25) Plus…
I'm trying to choose between the Grand Rooms and Upstairs Suite tour. Which one is better and why? Is it possible to see the indoor pool on the Upstairs Suite tour (which I'm leaning more towards bc of the library)?
You can see the indoor pool on all tours! The tours had been switched around since I'd gone in years past. I chose the grand rooms tour a few months ago and was slightly disappointed. I felt like I didn't see enough of the property.... But if you…
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Hearst Castle - tours - Updated August 2026
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