Tour the Legendary Hearst Castle Estate

A renowned Central Coast landmark, the captivating hilltop retreat of William Randolph Hearst is one of the world's greatest estates and a California Historical Monument. Located on top of a hillside near the Santa Lucia Mountains in San Simeon, Hearst Castle invites travelers to tour the estate's 165 rooms and browse its European artwork, ornate swimming pools, gardens and walkways. In its heyday, the castle's walls saw the likes of celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant and Greta Garbo. Its exceptional artifacts offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of America's legendary publishing tycoon.

Details

Hours -

Tour times vary. Daytime tours usually starting at 9:00 am. Evening tours only take place in the spring and fall. Last tour time varies by season.

Prices -

Daytime tours: $25 for adults, $12 for children, ages 5 to 12. Evening tours: $36 for adults, $18 for children. Tours are free for children under 5.

Events -

Hearst Castle can be rented for special events and group functions provided the event does not interfere with any of the estate's regular tours. Each event must feature either an educational or interpretive element. Because of that, the estate requires a tour to be associated with any function.

Activities

Guided Tours
Strolling the Grounds

Gift Shop
William Randolph Hearst Exhibit

Historic Film
Artwork Showcase

FAQs

What Tours Are Available?

There are three distinct guided tours of Hearst Castle that are given during the day. They are the Grand Rooms Tour, Upstairs Suites Tour, and the Cottages & Kitchen Tour. Evening tours include one of the guest houses, Casa del Mar, and several of the rooms in the main house, called Casa Grande.

Is Photography Permitted?

Guests can take non-flash pictures and shoot video inside the buildings and all around the grounds. Flash photography is not permitted inside any of the buildings. Visitors are encouraged to keep interference with the tours and other guests to a minimum when shooting video or taking photos.