Hearst Castle (San Simeon)

About the Attraction

A visit to Hearst Castle offers an extraordinary journey into the opulent world of America’s most famous media tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, and the rich history of the Hearst family. Here’s what to expect:

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• Architectural Grandeur: The estate features the magnificent main house, Casa Grande, with 165 rooms including the famous billiard room and the assembly room on the third floor, plus three guest cottages. All were designed by pioneering female architect Julia Morgan. The design blends Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean styles, incorporating authentic European architectural elements that Hearst personally collected, many restored by artist Camille Solon.
• Unparalleled Collections: Discover one of the world’s most impressive private art collections, including ancient Greek vases, Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, rare tapestries, and countless European antiques. Hearst’s passion as the “Great Accumulator” is evident throughout the estate’s decorative art and furnishings.
• Spectacular Grounds: Explore 127 acres of meticulously designed gardens, terraces, and pools. Highlights include the iconic Neptune and Roman Pools—the Neptune Pool, renowned for its classical Roman temple façade, and the exquisite indoor Roman Pool adorned with Venetian glass tiles in blue and gold.
• Historic Tours: Visitors can experience various tours such as the Grand Rooms Tour, Upstairs Suites Tour exploring the upper floors, and the Kitchen Tour showcasing the estate’s working kitchens. For a unique experience, the seasonal Evening Tour on Fridays offers a glimpse into the castle’s golden era with docents in 1930s attire.
• Hollywood and Social History: Experience the glamour of Hearst Castle’s golden era when William Randolph Hearst and his companion Marion Davies hosted an array of illustrious guests, including Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, and Calvin Coolidge. The estate was originally known as Camp Hill, a favored camping spot for Hearst and friends before the castle was built.

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This remarkable site, perched atop La Cuesta Encantada—the Enchanted Hill—is a breathtaking testament to one man’s dream and vision, famously described by George Bernard Shaw as “what God would have built if he had the money.” The location is easily accessible from San Francisco and Los Angeles, with the Hearst Castle Visitor Center at the base of the hill providing tickets, a helpful Hearst Castle app for visitors, and contact information to plan your visit. Note that tours depart promptly, so be aware of your scheduled tour times to make the most of your experience.