california mansion tour

A Guide to California’s Hearst Castle Mansion (+ Best Tours)

Nestled in a prime San Simeon location on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean is Hearst Castle Mansion. What is this Hearst Castle in California all about? It’s sadly not operating as a luxurious lodging where you can feel like an elegant guest in for the night. However, it is open to the public in the form of a museum, giving each of us a chance to marvel at its incredible exteriors and even more incredible interiors for a couple hours—or a full day!—on guided tours taking you through its most impressive rooms and other luxuries on the property, namely the pools and the gardens.

A Guide to California’s Hearst Castle Mansion Including the Best Tours to Take

History/about.

The Hearst Castle in California is a mansion that has been designed as a National Historic Landmark. It was built and designed for one William Randolph Hearst by the architect Julia Morgan, between the years of 1919 and 1947. Today it operates as a historic monument and a museum of sorts, offering a variety of tours, including one focused around Julia Morgan, for the 750,000 or so visitors that the castle attracts annually. 

Interior Highlights of Hearst Castle 

Hearst Castle in general is filled with gorgeous interior choices, ranging across its 165 rooms. Inside the castle you’ll find William Randolph Hearst’s personal art collection on display, which is perhaps what Hearst Castle Mansion is most famous for. Of the rooms, one of the most notable ones is the gorgeous Gothic Study, which has an interior resembling somewhat what you’d expect the insides of a gothic church to look like, including its painted arches – definitely not a bad spot to have held an important business meeting or a few hours of leisurely reading time in! 

The Gardens at Hearst Castle

On the castle grounds you will also find a big and elegant garden that you’re allowed to explore freely. It’s located on a hill from where it overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also get to take in the castle exteriors and the garden pool during your walk in nature.

Hearst Castle Pools

There are two pools in Hearst Castle, both of which have been designed with as much elegant detail as everything else in the mansion. Outdoors, right in the garden, you will find ‘Neptune Pool’, which has received its name from the sculptures of Neptune decorating it. Indoors you’ll find the beautifully mosaic tiled ‘Roman Pool’, complete with statues of Roman gods, goddesses and other heroes, with careful detail taken place when designing the pool so as to give it a likeness to a pool from ancient Roman time. As of the summer of 2019, it has been possible for the public to swim in these pools, but only during special pool nights for which you need to have an advance ticket. 

The Best Hearst Castle Tours

There are multiple tour options for you to choose from when it comes to visiting Hearst Castle, each offering their own charm points. As the castle grounds are large enough that it’s rather impossible to see everything in a day, you’ll want to take good care about booking the tour that’s most suitable for you and a highly regarded one in general. Here are some of the best Hearst Castle Tours:

Grand Rooms Tour: This is a tour that Hearst Castle personally recommends for first-time visitors. It focuses on showing you the lavish social rooms located in Casa Grande, the largest house on the Hearst Castle property, but will also take you through several other important locations of Hearst Castle, finalizing with some home videos from Mr. Hearst himself. In general this tour has the fewest amount of stairs to climb up or down, and there is an accessible version of this tour available as well . {Book Here}

Upstairs Suites Tour: If your main point of interest with Hearst Castle is to see how the Hearst family and their guests, often incredibly famous ones, lived while in the castle, this is an excellent tour to take. As it focuses on the upper floors of Casa Grande, there will be quite a few staircases to ascend and descend, which may be tough, but will also give you the feeling as if you are the elegant guest at this castle. {Book Here}

Evening Tour: When you time your Hearst Castle visit to spring or fall, you may be inclined to tackle the evening tour. It’s a lengthier tour than the Grand Rooms Tour, although mostly visiting the same parts and rooms of the castle. The extraordinariness of this tour comes from the fact the staff will be dressed in attire from 1930s, silently making their way from room to room, as part of a Living History Program. {Book Here}

Julia Morgan Tour: This tour takes a deep dive into the career and life of Julia Morgan, the woman behind the castle. You’ll not only get to see photographic displays and other personal items, but also areas of the castle that are not often shown on the other tours. {Book Here}

Designing the Dream Tour: If architecture and interior design specifically interest you, this might indeed be the dream tour for you. On this 75 minute tour you’ll learn a whole lot about how the Hearst Castle came to be. Considering that it took three decades to build the castle and even so it never actually was fully finished, a bunch of cool stuff can be learned by taking this tour!   {Book Here}

Location/Planning Your Trip

Hearst Castle is located on a hill in the San Simeon region of Central California, along the California Highway 1 and quite near to Big Sur, and is relatively easy to get to. From both San Francisco and Los Angeles, it’s a 4 to 5 hour drive to get there. There are a variety of nice lodgings around the San Simeon area, so to save yourself from hurrying around, perhaps you’d like to book one for the night?

If you happen to get hungry during your tour of Hearst Castle, there are two café-like eateries from where you can get a fix of coffee and some simple foods like sandwiches in. During peak summer season, it’s also possible to enjoy meals at Camp Hill BBQ, which is located in the courtyard.

Before or after your adventure at Hearst Castle, do take the time to discover San Simeon beyond. Its beaches are some of the most beautiful in California, there’s an old light station to go take a look at and there are elephant seals migrating to the area every year! 

If you happen to explore San Francisco during your visit, don’t miss our San Francisco Bucket List: 60 Best Things to Do in the Fun City of SF

To get started on booking your tour and ticket to Hearst Castle in California, do visit their homepage . Hearst Castle Mansion is a gorgeous place to take yourself to for a day, not to mention a unique experience to have in the United States, especially when you’re on the West Coast! Hearst Castle has definitely earned its designation as a National Historic Landmark and an architecture plus interior marvel, and you won’t want to miss out on experiencing it with your own eyes.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure . here .

More california articles.

Mendocino California Bucket List: 35 Best Things to Do Santa Cruz California Bucket List: 35 Best Things to Do Point Reyes National Seashore Bucket List: 25+ Things to Do California Bucket List: 75+ Fun Things to Do from Northern to Southern A Guide to the Fort Bragg Glass Beach in Northern California San Francisco Bucket List: 60 Best Things to Do in the Fun City of SF Half Moon Bay Bucket List: 30 Things to Do Along California’s Coastside Yosemite Valley Bucket List: 9 Best Things to Do in the Winter Getting Reservations at Napa’s The French Laundry & What to Expect Tips to Bike or Walk Across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge The Moaning Caverns Adventure Park in California Bodega Bay California Bucket List: 28 Fun Things to Do

3 thoughts on “A Guide to California’s Hearst Castle Mansion (+ Best Tours)”

California’s Hearst Castle the name itself attracts tourist. It’s incredibly beautiful and you’ve written about the history and major attractions. Amazing photos as well.

Nice Article. California Is A Great Place For Spending Vacations.. It is Beautiful And Attractive.

It’s always good following your blogs. Keep posting them. They are encouraging to those of us who are still trying to travel. Thanks

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Hey Bucket Listers! I'm Annette .

I’m a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. Let's Connect!

GET MY 2,000 free bucket list ideas

Jump right in and you will get your printable ideas by email:

Whatcha Looking for?

Home About Blog The Shop Partnerships Contact

Bucket list ideas travel facing fear & anxiety.

• Skip to the primary navigation.
• Skip to the content.

Details  here

• Search for: Search Search
• Retreat Login

Guided Tours

Tickets not available for the following dates:.

• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
• April 24 & 28 (no House Tours, only Open-Air available, Center & Gardens open)
• April 25—27 (no tours, Center & Gardens open)
• May 5, 10 & 11 (no House Tours, only Open-Air available, Center & Gardens open)
• May 8 & 9 (no tours, Center & Gardens open)
• May 31 & June 1 (Center & Gardens closes at 12:30 pm; morning tours only)
• Advance ticket sales are online only (no phone, email, or in person purchases)
• Tickets go on sale on the 15th day of each month starting at 9 am Pacific time for the following month’s tours .
• The minimum age for tour guests is 10 years.
• Tours are wheelchair accessible. Learn more
• No waiting list for sold out tours.
• Group tours are not available .

Guided 90-minute tour | $55 per person | 7 guests per tour

Explore the Annenbergs’ historic winter home—a 25,000 square-foot midcentury modern masterpiece. Walk through the spaces where history took place, including extravagant New Year’s Eve parties, nationally and globally important meetings, and intimate moments spent with the Annenbergs’ family and close friends.

Guests ride an electric shuttle to the house; walk and stand for a sustained period inside the home.

JUNE TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE MAY 15 AT 9:00 AM PACIFIC TIME.

Guided 45-minute shuttle tour | $28 per person | 7 guests per tour

Take a guided shuttle ride throughout the 200-acre estate. Learn about the Sunnylands landscape, outdoor sculpture, nine-hole golf course, and sustainability efforts. This tour brings guests to the doorstep of the historic house but inside access is not permitted.

Walking is not required on this tour; passengers must be able to board a shuttle.

Guided 90-minute shuttle tour | $39 per person | 7 guests per tour

Join an experienced local birder for this birding tour on the estate. Discover the variety of birds that prompted the Annenbergs to dedicate 25 acres of the estate as a sanctuary for resident and migratory birds.

This tour does not include access to the historic house.

OFFERED NOVEMBER THROUGH APRIL

Guided 60-minute walking tour | $26 per person | 12 guests per tour

Meet a knowledgeable guide and take a leisurely walk onto the estate. This one-mile walk focuses on the history of Sunnylands, the Annenbergs and their guests, midcentury modern architecture, and design.

This tour includes close-up outdoor views of the historic house. It does not include access to the house interior.

Virtual Tour: The Room of Memories

Virtual tour: the game room, yellow room, and pink room, the historic house.

Dining Room

Trellises provide shade

The Statement Roof

The Game Room

A modernist estate

In the mid-1960s, Walter and Leonore Annenberg hired interior designer William Haines and Los Angeles-based architect A. Quincy Jones (1913-1979) to create a midcentury modern residence in Rancho Mirage.

Integrated into the Landscape

As with most midcentury modern buildings, the house’s architectural structure is exposed rather than hidden. Trellises, steel beams, and coffered ceilings are all evident. Mexican lava stone walls on which were hung the Annenbergs’ collection of art create a bold style. And that statement roof? An iconic pink pyramid. The color was chosen in accordance with Leonore Annenberg’s wish to match the pink glow seen at sunrise and sunset on nearby mountains.

Many key figures of the 20th century enjoyed Sunnylands as guests of the Annenbergs. The list includes seven U.S. presidents, the British royal family, and Hollywood icons like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, Ginger Rogers, and many others.

The Annenberg tradition of being gracious hosts and extraordinary philanthropists extended to their final gift of Sunnylands to the public.

An Historic Course, Famous Golfers

Dick Wilson, a highly regarded golf course designer in the 1950s and ’60s, designed the Sunnylands course in 1964 in a parkland style. Golf course designers Tim Jackson and David Kahn, responsible for the course’s 2011 restoration, used painstaking research into Wilson’s original concept and created greens that average 8,000 to 9,000 square feet, allowing for a double-looping, 9-hole, par 72 course. Moreover, the course’s irrigation system was upgraded for efficiency and environmental sustainability and roughly 60 acres of turf grass was removed then to reduce water use.

The Sunnylands course is unique for its distinctive landmarks. A magnolia tree sits on the seventh hole, given to the Annenbergs in 1972 by President Richard Nixon, who kept a set of clubs on the property. The gift was cut from a magnolia tree planted on the White House grounds nearly 200 years ago by President Andrew Jackson. On the fifth fairway is a 30-foot Kwakiutl totem pole. A visiting Canadian official suggested the piece in 1976, and the Annenbergs then commissioned it from Canadian First Nations artist Henry Hunt. 

Be in the know. Get the latest news in your inbox and never miss an event.

• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

A place of history, hospitality, and diplomacy in the California desert.

Open Wednesday–Sunday, 8:30 am – 4 pm

760.202.2222 [email protected]

37977 Bob Hope Dr. Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

• Buy Tickets
• Administration
• Accessibility

Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Hearst Castle: Grand Rooms Tour & Photos from California’s Coastal Mansion

What is there to say about the magical castle nestled on the hills of San Simeon that hasn’t been said one thousand times before? I won’t try to say it myself as you can read about it on countless books and websites; I will, however, share some photographic inspiration that will hopefully inspire you to go out and explore this beautiful and historical spot on the California Coast yourself. Here is all the information and a boatload of photos, have fun. 🙂

• Cost: $25 a person, book tickets in advance
• Time: Plan a half day
• Location: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
• They have a new Holiday Twilight Tour you can read about here

• 28 years to build
• 770,000 people visit it a year
• Summer is 4,000-5,000 people a day, winter is 400-500 a day, so visit in the winter
• 115 rooms in the main building, 46 in the guest houses
• Neptune pool holds 345,000 gallons and indoor pool holds 290,000

If you are interested in the all of the history I would recommend you check out this site . That being said you can show up with very little understanding of the area and learn a ton on the tour and by watching the IMAX movie. The thing I found most interesting was that it was donated to the state of California, with all furnishings and art, in 1958 about 6 years after William Hearst died. It was donated to fulfill a stipulation in his will to leave something that honored his mother. You will learn all of this and more while you are there.

Visitor Center

When you drive up to the parking lot for the visitors center, you have to take a shuttle to get to the park, be sure to watch for zebras as they are often grazing the hills near the center.

After grabbing your tickets, I would recommend watching the IMAX movie. I usually am not a huge fan of museum movies, but this one is well made and gives a lot of history, as well as beautiful views of the area. After watching the video, you will board the tram for the 15-minute ride, narrated by Alec Trebek, up to the castle.

Depending on what tour you book it may or may not include all of the pieces mentioned here. Also, we went in November, which is why you will see Christmas trees in a few of the pictures.

The Entryway

Right when you get off the bus, you will see the central staircase that leads you up to the property. This staircase created a feeling of anticipation for me as I imagined what would greet me when I got to the top.

The Neptune Pool

Unfortunately, due to the drought, the Neptune Pool was completely dry. This is one of the best areas to see on a tour of the castle, so it was a bummer not to see it. I understand though as the drought has hit California hard, especially this area.

The Guest House

On the right when you come up, you will see the first of two guest houses. If you saw a photo of this place, not know what it was, you would swear it was the mansion, not just a guesthouse. Complete with a two-story fountain, golden door, and   ocean views, it is a pretty fantastic place. We didn’t get a chance to go inside, but the outside was cool enough.

The Gardens

Above the guesthouse is the central gardens that fill the courtyard leading to the house. This area is full of sculptures, art, beautiful plants and immaculate views of the main house itself.

After your tour is over, you can walk around this area as long as you would like.

The Interior

After exploring the grounds, you will be ready to enter the house itself. The house has over 100 rooms, and on the tour, you only see a half-dozen or so, but this is enough to get a good feeling for what the castle was like.

The Main Room

This is the first room we went into, and it was the room that the guests waited in before Mr. Hearst came and let them into the dining hall. This room features an amazing stone fireplace, lots of tapestries and multiple Christmas trees (we went in November).

The Dining Room

From here we headed into the dining room which is pretty awe-inspiring when you see it. The place is very long and features a table down the middle that looks like it could hold 50 people. Again there were tapestries and Christmas decorations here as well.

The Kitchen

While not as massive as I anticipated, the kitchen does have ample room for preparing epic meals. I was surprised that it actually looked quite modern as well.

They had a lot of unique pieces in here such as spoons used for bone marrow and chicken faucet handles (we should start this trend back up again).

The Wine Cellar

Depending on the tour you book you may also go down into the wine cellar. This two room cellar features many of the wine bottles that were present when Mr. Hearst passed away.

Fun Fact: You can’t donate alcohol to the government, so technically the Hearst family still owns the wine in here.

The Theater

The theater was said to have shown a lot of the movies from the famous guests that spent time at the castle. It could comfortably hold 50 people, so I am sure it was a fun spot to watch a movie.

The Billiards Hall

I imagine this room has a lot of fun stories it could tell since everyone from Clark Gable to Charlie Chaplin spent time in this house.

The Tennis Court

The tennis court was another popular attraction at the house. The glass windows that go down the center add light to the indoor pool below.

The Indoor Pool

Of course one of the main attractions on the tour is the indoor pool which is just as amazing as you would anticipate in person. The way the reflections play off the still water is mind-blowing, and the inlaid gold that is all over the pool and walkway is something you won’t forget.

The pool is much more prominent then I anticipated, with a section that T’s off to the right creating even more room. I wish I was able to swim in this pool as I bet it would be ridiculously fun.

If you book a private tour, you can sometimes see the back area of the pool, including the high dive itself. I was able to do this, but this is not standard on most tours.

This is one of those areas where you just can’t stop taking pictures. Every angle looks better than last, and I walked away with way more pictures than I needed to.

The Dressing Room

Some tours also include access to the dressing room, which has eight rooms for changing and getting ready to experience the pool. I liked the old look of this room and thought it was preserved well.

The bus then picks you up from the exterior of the indoor pool and takes you back down to the visitors center. The bus comes every 15 minutes or so, so you can take your time exploring and leave when you are ready.

As I am sure you already know, Hearst Castle is an entertaining stop on Highway 1 and a unique piece of California history you really should explore. If you are in the area, be sure to check out the poor mans Hearst Castle in Cambria and to see the elephant seals as well. Let me know your favorite spot at Hearst Castle in the comments.

Similar Posts

Little Baldy Dome Trail in Sequoia National Park

Donner Summit Bridge: Rainbow Bridge over Donner Pass

Great Wall of Los Angeles

Gold Bug Mine and Stamp Mill in Placerville

Mt Shasta Fish Hatchery: Oldest on the West Coast

Old Mission Dam: Mission Trails Regional Park

• Memberships

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Los Angeles for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Los Angeles without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Eames House

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Schindler House

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Lummis House (El Alisal)

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Hollyhock House

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Sam Maloof House

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Greystone Mansion

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Gamble House

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Neutra VDL Research House

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Avila Adobe

Architectural homes in Los Angeles: Frank Gehry House

House tour: Architectural homes in Los Angeles

Visit these important architectural homes from some of LA's pioneering greats like Eames, Gehry and Neutra.

From tract homes to Case Study Houses, Southern California has always been at the forefront of residential home design ( even Ice Cube knows it ). Whether you’re interested in local history, celebrity digs or plain old house porn, we’ve got a spot for you. So get off the beaten museum track and check out these landmark architectural homes, all within a few mile radius and (mostly) open to the public.

An email you’ll actually love

Eames House

• Historic buildings and sites
• Pacific Palisades

Designing couple Charles and Ray Eames were known for their intelligence and their joie de vivre , both of which are apparent at the Eames House nestled in the Pacific Palisades. One of Southern California’s most beloved examples of modernist residential design, with its Mondrian-style color-block exterior and environmentally-sensitive siting, this home was the Eames’ residence from the time they moved in—on Christmas Eve of 1949—until their deaths in the '70s and '80s, respectively. Visitors park a couple blocks away and walk up the hilly driveway for a self-guided tour of the exterior ($10, reservations required). Interior tours are more difficult to come by: Members are invited for an appreciation day, always scheduled near the Eames’ June 20 anniversary. Anyone can book a one-hour personal tour ($275; $200 for members), but if you’re a real Eames fan, you may want to splurge on the picnic for four in the meadow ($750; $675 for members) and recreate the opening shots of the duo’s popular Powers of Ten video.

Schindler House

• Things to do
• Walks and tours
• West Hollywood

Sleeping baskets on the roof, communal kitchens and a revolving-door salon of artists. Nope, not a Burning Man camp: This is the Schindler House, designed by Austrian architect Rudolf Schindler, who built it as a dual-family residence in which his family cohabited for a time with his frenemy and fellow influential architect Richard Neutra. A quiet, Japanese-influenced concrete building hidden behind a bamboo grove on a street of condos, this experiment in living now houses the Mak Center , a Vienna-based institute that runs a fantastic program of events in the space, including experimental fashion shows, innovative performance art and concerts of new, original compositions. During the week, visitors can wander around the empty house and imagine themselves part of the freewheeling LA bohemia of the 1920s and '30s.

Lummis House (El Alisal)

• Highland Park

Where would we be without those energetic civic boosters that built Los Angeles? The prolific Charles Fletcher Lummis founded the Southwest Museum, was an editor at the Los Angeles Times , and still managed to design this house (the name of which means “the Sycamore” in Spanish) on the banks of the Arroyo Seco. Its exterior is made almost entirely from river rock and the interior is heavily influenced by Pueblo Indian dwellings. Fans of today’s DIY movement will appreciate the rustic Craftsman charm of this home, which is furnished with hand-crafted wood pieces; it’s interesting to see how closely modern-day bohemian design mirrors that of Lummis House. The Historical Society of Southern California is now headquartered here, and it holds several Sunday afternoon programs a year, as well as an annual holiday open house in December.

Hollyhock House

This 1921, Mayan-inflected Frank Lloyd Wright house was originally built as a “progressive theatrical community” space by activist and oil heiress Aline Barnsdall. Today it’s the centerpiece of Barnsdall Park and is open for tours during the park’s popular Friday night wine tasting events . Rudolf Schindler, a protégé of Wright’s, was the overseeing architect on this project (unusual for Wright, who typically was on-site for all of his buildings) and by all reports it was a contentious building process, with the same delays and cost overruns familiar to anyone who’s attempted construction. After it was completed, frequent flooding of the living room in the short yet destructive rainy season and seismic concerns prevented Barnsdall from living in the gorgeous but impractical concrete and stucco house for long—though she did spend the rest of her life in a smaller house on the property, which the family called Olive Hill.

Sam Maloof House

• Inland Empire

Master woodworker Sam Maloof and his carpenters designed and built this lovely, thoughtful home piece by piece in his on-site workshop; no two door openings are the same here, and each joint is a wonder of craftsmanship. A MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, Maloof has had his iconic rocking chairs shown at the Smithsonian; he also designed the chairs that were used on-camera at the history-changing Nixon/Kennedy debates. Visitors can see some of this furniture, as well as the wide-ranging collection of arts-and-craft pieces that he and his wife of 50 years, Alfreda, amassed together. The garden, which he tended, and the house are both open for tours; if you ask, you might be able to peek into the workshop, where he continued building until his death in 2009 at the age of 93.

Greystone Mansion

• Beverly Hills

Is the Greystone Mansion haunted ? The society that runs it certainly wants us to think so—haunted house tours and a popular interactive play capitalize on the 1929 scandal in which the owner of the mansion, oil heir Ned Doheny, died in a mysterious murder-suicide with his boyhood friend and employee. Doheny’s father was mired in the Teacup Dome Scandal at the time, and the deaths meant that he was excused from testifying; rumors also abounded that Ned, who was married with children, was trying to cover up a same-sex affair. Either way, a tour of this 55-room Tudor estate is a good way to get a glimpse into the lives of LA’s historical 1%—costly slate clads the façade and walkways, the windows are leaded glass and guests were entertained in the bowling alley and two movie theaters. When the home was finished in 1929, it cost a reported $3M, making it the most expensive private home in the city at the time.

Gamble House

• Cultural centers
• price 2 of 4

Pasadena may think it owes much of its traditional Arts and Crafts style to Charles and Henry Greene, the brothers and architects responsible for designing many of the city’s landmark buildings, but really, they should be honoring Thomas Greene, the architects’ father. He was the one who decided on their profession, sending them off to MIT and then demanding they move out to Pasadena once they graduated. No word on whether he determined their style as well, but no matter who the progenitor, this graceful house originally built for one of the heirs of the Proctor & Gamble fortune remains one of the best examples of their work. Programming at the Gamble House is exceptional—there are tours that focus on things like the art glass or the details and joinery in the house, as well as more casual events like Brown Bag Tuesday, when visitors bring their own picnic lunch to eat on the grounds, followed by a 20-minute tour. However you decide to experience it, don’t miss the remarkable zig-zag staircase, a joyous element that adds a bit of fun to the perfection of the house.

Neutra VDL Research House

• Silver Lake

The original Neutra VDL Research House, a living laboratory for architect Richard Neutra’s theories on residential design, was built for $8,000 (including the site!) in 1932; it burned down in 1963 and two years later his son oversaw the rebuilding of an updated version. Neutra was something of a control-freak as a designer—he made recommendations to his clients that included the ideal flowers to display, and would occasionally make unannounced visits to see how, exactly, people were living in his homes. This remodel retains Neutra’s clarity of vision and is still a stunner. Today, this glass-walled paragon of modern design overlooking the Silver Lake Reservoir is an active part of LA’s design community and home to occasional art installations. Each Saturday, students in Cal Poly Pomona’s architecture program lead half-hour tours.

Avila Adobe

Visit this 1818 home to see what life was like in California when it was still governed by Mexico. This is the oldest standing residence in the city, built by wealthy cattle rancher Francisco Avila, whose extensive 4,439-acre land grant covered much of Beverly Hills and the Miracle Mile district. Built of tar from the La Brea Tar Pits , clay from the LA River and wood from the riverbank, this adobe structure is located near the Zanja Madre (in English, "mother ditch"), the original aqueduct that brought water to the LA River for El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles (the original name of our fair city). Though visitors only see about half of the original house, it’s well-preserved with an interesting mix of Spanish, Mission and ranchero influences.

Frank Gehry House

• Santa Monica

The neighbors love to hate it, carloads of architecture students drop by to gawk at it: This unexpected intersection of chicken wire, plywood, corrugated metal and traditional Santa Monica house is famed architect Frank Gehry’s actual place of residence. This year the AIA gave it the Twenty-Five Year Award, for a building that has stood the test of time for 25 to 35 years. Rumor has it that when Gehry had a party for his firm here, design enthusiast Brad Pitt knocked on the door and invited himself in. You probably shouldn’t do the same, but you can take it in from the outside. There are no official visiting hours or tickets, but the house is very easy to view from the street.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

Protect Your Trip »

6 top-rated newport mansion tours + tips from a local.

Newport's famed mansions are a must-see in the City by the Sea.

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Gavin Ashworth | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Experience peak luxury and elegance at these stunning properties.

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island , along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.

The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.

The Breakers

Courtesy of Andrea McHugh

Price: From $29 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: The Breakers offers an audio Family Tour that engages young visitors with stories about the lives of the children who summered there, the staff who ran the home and interesting things to see in the mansion, such as the playful dolphin sculpture beneath the grand staircase.

Considered the grande dame of all the Newport mansions, The Breakers was no doubt built to impress. The summertime escape of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family was designed by the Gilded Age's preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and boasts a classic Italian palazzo design with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace via the self-guided audio tour available in nearly a dozen languages on the Newport Mansions free app, which will come in especially handy if you plan to explore more than one mansion. Take some time to explore the beauty of the 13-acre grounds as well, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes .

Those with a curiosity of how a mansion of this magnitude worked – after all, The Breakers was considered a modern marvel when completed in 1895 – will enjoy the Beneath The Breakers Tour. This guide-led tour takes you through the boiler room, tunnel and basement. Guests will learn how the home was outfitted with electricity, still considered a novelty during the Gilded Age. This tour requires a separate ticket from The Breakers' audio tour and is best suited for visitors 13 years and older. Advance reservations are recommended.

Local tip: As The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport, a good time to visit is either when it opens or toward the end of the day, especially in the busiest summer months. The early evening light can be ideal for photos, but plan accordingly as the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission. Before you visit, save time by downloading the free Newport Mansions tour app.

View & Book Tickets: The Breakers | Viator | GetYourGuide

Marble House

Price: From $25 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: While it's hard to rival the splendor of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House on the end of the mansion's lawn parallel to Cliff Walk is an unexpected visual delight. For $35 extra, tour ticket holders to Marble House can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments at the cafe at the Chinese Tea House or make a reservation for brunch and afternoon tea service, offered on weekends May through December. The service is operated by Stoneacre Restaurants, which owns two popular restaurants in downtown Newport.

From the moment visitors walk under the four towering Corinthian columns fronting this mansion, they know they are in for a treat. Like other Newport Mansions audio tours, Marble House has a self-guided tour available via the organization's free app, allowing visitors to peruse the property at their own pace.

Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles , Marble House is an architectural masterpiece. Made from 500,000 cubic square feet of marble, the mansion was a 39th birthday present from businessman and philanthropist William K. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva. He spared no expense for their summer escape. Later in life, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became a suffragist and hosted events at Marble House in support of women's right to vote. Viewers of the popular HBO series "The Gilded Age" may recognize rooms in the mansion as it was used for filming on location and also inspired sets.

Local tip: Don't miss the ballroom on the first floor – while it's not the largest in Newport, it's widely considered the most ornate, with gilt details from floor to ceiling.

View & Book Tickets: Marble House | Viator | GetYourGuide

Standout perk: While The Elms is spectacular, its formal gardens – 10 acres' worth – are extraordinary, complete with nearly 40 species of trees plus terraces, gazebos, fountains and colorful blooms, depending on the time of year.

Fashioned after an 18th-century French chateau, The Elms is a must-visit mansion, from the sun-soaked conservatory and the drawing room to the handsome library and the breakfast room bearing Chinese-style lacquered wall panels. A self-guided audio tour is available in nearly a dozen languages, but any fan of "Downton Abbey" or those curious about life behind the scenes of Newport's mansions will appreciate the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.

On this newly updated, guide-led tour, visitors start in the basement, where you'll see the operations of the house such as the kitchen and butler's pantry, all the way up to the domestic staff's living quarters on the third floor. Along the way, travelers will learn more about the personal lives of staff, and see rare photographs of servants at work and in their free time. You'll even get to learn about topics like immigration and labor disputes on this tour.

Local tip: The Servant Life Tour is not only fascinating, but you'll get the rare opportunity to go on The Elms' rooftop and be rewarded with an amazing and unexpected view of Newport Harbor.

View & Book Tickets: The Elms | GetYourGuide

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Rough Point

Price: From $20; free for children 12 and younger

Standout perk: Rough Point sits at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, so getting here allows you to enjoy views of both private mansions and those open to the public along the way. The mansion's oceanfront perch offers an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Cliff Walk Bridge, a stone arch bridge across the rocky inlet where Doris Duke would swim regularly.

Though a Gilded Age mansion through and through, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident: Doris Duke. The late heiress, collector and philanthropist – dubbed the "richest little girl in the world" when she was born – spent considerable time at Rough Point until her death in 1993. A self-guided audio tour leads visitors here through the art-filled home room by room, highlighting eclectic sculpture, family portraits, centuries-old tapestries, renowned furnishings and many pieces Duke collected as an avid world traveler.

While the formal rooms such as the Yellow Room and jaw-dropping Music Room are a sight, the ocean-facing Solarium affords the best views. Whether before or after your tour, visit the house tour on the website for footage of Doris Duke at the home as well as behind-the-scenes videos. Note that Rough Point is typically open seasonally from spring through mid-November.

Local tip: On Rough Point's grounds, you'll find a pair of life-size topiary camels inspired by Doris' pet Bactrian camels, Princess and Baby. Both enjoyed the summer months with the tobacco heiress at Rough Point and have become the unofficial mascots of the mansion. The Newport Restoration Foundation encourages taking a #camelgram photo with the Princess and Baby topiary to share on social media.

View & Book Tickets: Rough Point | GetYourGuide

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Standout perk: Rosecliff's signature feature – despite being home to Newport's largest ballroom, which hosted lavish society events throughout the Gilded Age – is its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Rosecliff resumed tours in September 2023, much to the delight of Newport's visitors. Architect Stanford White, who was the mastermind behind Newport's historic Casino Theatre and myriad other important buildings, modeled the mansion after the Grand Trianon at Versailles for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Its European influence is felt throughout.

Explore the mansion at your own pace via the self-guided audio tour on the free Newport Mansions app. Don't forget to look up in the ballroom, where the trompe l'oeil ceiling creates an air of whimsy and romance, making it the ideal setting for the filming parts of "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, as well as the more recent "27 Dresses."

Local tip: Rosecliff hosts many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, which features dinners, events and seminars with wines and other libations from around the world.

View & Book Tickets: Rosecliff | Viator

Chateau-sur-Mer

Standout perk: A new audio tour is your guide to this National Historic Landmark, considered Newport's first true mansion. Learn about the lives of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than a century.

Until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in Newport in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the seaside city's most palatial residence. Today, visitors can explore the home, an Italianate-style villa built for wealthy China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore, who did quite a bit of entertaining at this summer cottage.

Local tip: While Chateau-sur-Mer is essentially a Victorian Era time capsule, the mansion's grounds are home to amazing tree specimens, shrubs and more, including a striking weeping beech tree. If you explore deeper into the grounds, you'll find a cool circular maze made from mounds of grass; this earthwork by artist Richard Fleischner is known as the "Sod Maze" and makes for a relaxing place to meditate.

View & Book Tickets: Chateau-sur-Mer | GetYourGuide

What to do nearby

In addition to the historic mansions, Newport offers a variety of historic attractions, walking trails and museums. To help you fully explore the area, here are some recommendations for things to see and where to eat.

Things to do:

• Wander along the Cliff Walk
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore the historic Fort Adams
• Discover automotive history at Audrain Automobile Museum
• Explore The Sailing Museum
• Visit the Redwood Library and Athenæum
• Discover the oldest synagogue in the U.S.
• Browse the private collection at the Newport Car Museum

Nearby restaurant recommendations: 

• Breakfast: Annie's, Lucy's Cafe & Bakery or Corner Cafe
• Lunch: Cru Cafe, Belle's Café or The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
• Dinner: White Horse Tavern, Clarke Cooke House or Castle Hill Inn
• Drinks: Midtown Oyster Bar, The Roofdeck at the Vanderbilt or The Lounge at The Chanler

Why Trust U.S. News Travel 

Andrea McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, where the famed mansions of the Gilded Age are common sights along her daily run in the City by the Sea. Though she regularly visits the mansions as they play host to local business and social events, such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport Classical Music Festival and Newport Film, she spent a recent "staycation" touring these turn-of-the-century behemoths to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

Tags: Travel , Tours

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Flight canceled or delayed what to do.

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

GUIDED MANSION TOUR

A Guided tour through 110 of the 160 rooms.  Guests will be able to see the infamous rooms of Sarah’s stately mansion, known around the world as the Winchester Mystery House®, and see the bizarre attributes that give the mysterious mansion its name.

With the purchase of the Mansion Tour, access to the gardens is complimentary and an individual ticket for that is not required.

Tour Duration:  1 Hour, 5 Minutes

Price: $41.99 adults, $34.99 seniors, $19.99 children 5-12.

mansion Tour FAQs

The daily Mansion Tour at the Winchester Mystery House guides you through 110 of the 160 rooms in the home. During this tour you will learn about the amazing woman at the heart of this home and see all the unique architectural designs and features it holds. Come delve into the mystery and find out why this home is so captivating!

All that talk of paranormal sometimes worries parents that the tour will be to scary for children. Not to worry – all ages are welcome and the tour is very family friendly! Children five and under are free and ages 6-12 will need a ticket. 

That’s just part of the mystery, right? Since 1923, many guests and employees have experienced strange phenomena while inside Sarah Winchester’s beautiful mansion. We have been listed on plenty of “world’s most haunted places” lists, but we encourage you to come and find out for yourself.

Please visit https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/discounts-promotions/ for our current discount and promotions.

FRIDAY THE 13TH FLASHLIGHT TOURS

Starting Friday the 13th we will be hosting Flashlight Tours every Friday evening till February 24th. These self-guided tours give guests the opportunity to roam through the halls of the purportedly haunted Victorian mansion while hearing tales of its former and (possibly current!) inhabitants. Guests will guide themselves through the mansion that is famous for its dizzying floorplan and lack of formal blueprints. Tour Hosts will be stationed throughout the house to ensure guests don’t get lost.  Advanced tickets are required.

holiday tours

Built during the Victorian era, Sarah Winchester’s eccentric house is a sight to behold any time of year, but it’s especially inspiring during the holidays. From  November 25, 2022 through January 1, 2023 , Winchester Mystery House will present daily mansion tours developed specifically for the holiday season. Guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Victorian holiday traditions, beautiful décor, festive music, and more.

Flashlight tours

Looking to roam the halls of the mansion in the dark? Book the Flashlight Tour.  This self guided tour that allows you to walk the halls at your own pace in the dark with a flashlight. Limited time event.

Price:  $49.99 adults, $29.99 children 5-12.

Due to the historic nature of the Winchester Estate, the Mansion Tour is not wheelchair accessible.  An ADA Tour is available for guests with mobility issues.  The ADA tour includes a video tour and the self-guided Sarah Winchester Garden Tour.

Price: $19.99 Adults (13 and up)

IMMERSIVE 360° TOUR

The Winchester Mystery House is offering guests unprecedented access to the most beautiful and bizarre Victorian Mansion. Enjoy unlimited virtual access in 360° and go behind-the-ropes.

Price:  $8.99

SARAH’S GARDEN TOUR

Looking to enjoy the sunshine and stay outdoors? Book the Sarah Winchester Garden Tour.  This tour does not include access to the mansion.

Price:  $19.99 adults, $15.99 seniors, $9.99 children 5-12.

Explore more TOUR

Experience the ultimate exploration of Winchester Mystery House with our Explore More Tour —an exclusive opportunity see even more rooms in this historic mansion. Prepare to uncover hidden secrets and unlock doors to the oldest sections of the home.

Building upon the foundations of our classic mansion tour, Explore More promises to reveal new dimensions of the mansion’s history, architecture, and intrigue!

Explore more Tour FAQs

Building upon the foundations of our classic mansion tour, Explore More promises to reveal new dimensions of the mansion’s history, architecture, and intrigue. As we delve into the decades-long construction saga spanning 36 years, guests will witness the evolution of Winchester Mystery House from its humble beginnings to its current iconic status. From Sarah Winchester’s initial visit to San Jose to the present day, every step of the journey unveils a new chapter in the mansion’s rich tapestry of history. With additional unique architectural elements and captivating stories to share, Explore More promises a deeper look into our story like never before.

We offer the Mansion Tour for guests to learn about the amazing woman at the heart of this home, and to see all the bizarre architectural designs and mysterious elements of the Winchester Mystery House. But there is only so much we can show you and tell you about in one hour. The Explore More Tour expands on more of the history and architecture of the mansion, taking you through the rooms you do not see on the Mansion Tour.

All that talk of paranormal sometimes worries parents that the tour will be to scary for children. Not to worry – the tour is very family friendly!

However, due to the exposed areas of the basement and the third floor, which require safety helmets, children under 5 are not permitted. It is recommended that children must be 5 and up and be able to walk unassisted. We do ask that any minor be accompanied with an adult at any time. 

• Venues & Facilities
• Group Housing
• Group Dining
• Facilities & Venues
• Local Services & Resources
• Board of Directors
• Our Mission & Services
• About the FCVBER Foundation
• Internships & Scholarships
• Team Members
• Become A Member
• Member Directory
• Stay in Fresno
• Near Fresno Airport
• Convention Center/Downtown
• Stay in Clovis
• Pet-Friendly
• Calendar of Events
• Submit Your Event
• This Season
• Cultural Events
• Yosemite National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Attractions
• Farms & Agritourism
• Arts & Culture
• Family Friendly
• Treasured Cities
• Farmers Markets
• Food Trucks
• Bars & Distilleries
• Coffee Shops & Bakeries
• Farm-to-Table Restaurants
• Visit Fresno County app
• Visitors Guide
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport
• Public Transportation to Yosemite National Park

Kearney Mansion Museum

• Address: 7160 W Kearney Blvd, Fresno, CA 93706

Description

About fresno county.

Fresno County is the heart of California; home to a diverse community, all of whom have a deep pride in our area—and once you’re here, it’s easy to see why. We have something to offer everyone: from thrilling outdoor adventures and affordable family-friendly activities to the heartland of farm-to-fork dining and unique shopping and entertainment. Whether you’re here with family and friends or out on a solo journey, when you stay in Fresno and Clovis, you really can experience it all.

• VISIT FRESNO COUNTY
• 1180 E. Shaw Ave, #201
• Fresno, CA 93710
• (559) 981-5500 / (800) 788-0836
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau. All Rights Reserved.

These 12 Unique Houses In Northern California Will Make You Look Twice... And Want To Go In

Joanne Kraft

Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.

More by this Author

California has a million different types of houses, but there are some mansions in Northern California that will blow your mind. Where we lay our heads at night is important. It’s the place we call home. It’s our sanctuary spot, and looking at the place we live says a lot about ourselves. Spanish style, ranch, colonial, or just a good old suburbia design might be your cup of tea. But there are a lot of houses that are way different than you can imagine, and a lot more that have been around a long, long time. Either way, each one deserves a good old-fashioned shout-out for just being awesome. Here’s a list of some historic houses in northern California that are sure to catch your eye.

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Unmarked Building In Northern California Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Easy 3.4-Mile Trail In Northern California Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

The Little-Known Salt Cave In Northern California That Will Melt Your Worries Away

Not everyone can live in a mansion, but it sure would be nice! Do you have some other famous mansions in California in mind that you think should make this list? Let us know below in the comments section.

Looking for more NorCal content? Check out these 11 must-visit historic landmarks in Northern California .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Northern California in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Northern California!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

More to Explore

Mansions in northern california.

What are some fun things to do outside in Northern California?  

Northern California is known for its natural beauty. It’s home to some of the most amazing state parks and recreational areas. Northern California is also a great place for all the outdoor activities like camping, hiking, climbing, and fishing, and many more. And for those who love being on the water, there’ll be plenty of opportunities! Check out our NorCal article that showcases 10 epic outdoor adventures in Northern California that won't cost you anything. Such adventures await you like sunset beach walks, prehistoric petroglyph sightings, and wilderness hikes. Happy exploring!

What are the most haunted places in Northern California?

Northern California is known for lots of things: gorgeous landscapes, high-tech cities, wine country, and fabulous beaches. But many don't realize that there are some pretty haunted places in this area. Take a look at these places that supposedly have paranormal activity. Number one on the list is the Battery Point Lighthouse. According to reports, this stunning landmark is haunted by a former lighthouse keeper. Those who have made the visit have noticed a ghost climbing the spiral staircases... spooky! Other claims have been made indicating that guests have felt a person touching them when no one else was present. Another spot you probably haven't guessed to be haunted is Humboldt Brews. This bar has experienced its fair share of paranormal activity, like drinks sliding by themselves and other odd phenomena. A few other haunted places in Northern California are: Samoa, Fort Humboldt Historic State Park, Ferndale Repertory Theater, the Scotia Inn, the Grey Whale Inn, and the MacCallum House. Take a look at all of these locations of haunted places road trip through Northern California .

Related Articles

• The Largest Sticky Buns In Northern California Require Two Hands At Yaks On The 5
• Enjoy A Water-Filled Weekend At This Oceanfront Hotel In Northern California
• This Remote Treehouse In Northern California Is The Best Place To Spend A Long Weekend
• 5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Northern California To Start Planning Now
• Here Are Our 13 Favorite Eco-Friendly Travel Items To Celebrate Earth Day
• Here Are The 14 Most Unique Beaches In The United States
• The 8 U.S. Properties On Vrbo's 2024 Vacation Home Of The Year List Are As Dreamy As Can Be
• 12 Airbnbs That Are Available To Rent For The 2024 Indianapolis 500

Featured Addresses

News | Pasadena’s Tournament House opening for…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Investigative Reporting
• Environment

News | Pasadena’s Tournament House opening for tours. Here’s how to get a spot

On Jan. 1 each year, the Tournament House in Pasadena is a busy place. There are the floats, the princesses, the out-of-town guests, the media. It’s all quite a scene ahead of the Rose Parade.

But now’s your chance to check out the historic spot long before the New Year’s hustle and bustle.

Starting on Thursday, May 2, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association will offer guided tours of the Tournament House, which was once owned by William Wrigley Jr. and wife, Ada. Wrigley’s fortune was made as a chewing gum industrialist back in the late 1800s. When his widow, Ada, died in 1958, their Orange Grove Boulevard mansion was given to Pasadena, on the condition that it become the home of the Tournament of Roses.

The guided tours will be offered free, though reservations are required in advance through the Tournament of Roses website . Eighty slots are available for each tour, which will last for about and hour and a half to two hours, led by volunteer docents at 2 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 29.

Organizers tout the scenery — roses, of course. They also are inviting tour-goers to have a picnic on the mansion grounds. But they also tout what you can learn on the tour, from the hub’s history to how it plays into the tradition of the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl.

Guests are asked to arrive about 10 minutes before the beginning of a tour.

For more information, check out: https://tournamentofroses.com/house-tours/ .

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in News

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

News | from letter carrier to pasadena’s postmaster.

Crime and Public Safety | Monrovia nursing-home chain to pay $7M to settle false-claims allegations

National News | US will send more Patriot systems in Ukraine aid package

Biden administration shelves ban on menthol cigarettes

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Lori Loughlin Is Seeking $17 Million for Her Lavish L.A. Mansion

Aunt becky's hidden hills home includes nearly 12,000 square feet of living space and sits on 1.5 acres of land., james mcclain, james mcclain's most recent stories, inside a $3.3 million one-bedroom condo in l.a.’s famed sierra towers.

• After Two Years, Sofia Vergara Finally Unloads Her $13 Million Beverly Hills Estate
• Matt Damon Just Snagged an $8 Million L.A. Condo
• Share This Article

Related Stories

• Exclusive: This $19 Million Mansion in Florida Makes You Neighbors With Michael Jordan
• Historic Charm Meets Bespoke Modern Design in This $5.6 Million English Country Manor

Behind equestrian-oriented Hidden Hills’ ubiquitous white picket fences, a short pathway leads to the house itself. Inside, guests will be impressed by the colossal foyer, which features soaring ceilings and clerestory windows that bathe the interiors in light.

The decor theme of warm tones — reinforced by creamy white walls and maple floors — continues throughout the home’s open-plan living spaces. The great room offers a chunky marble fireplace and a unique ceiling with parallel rows of skylights, while the dining room lies directly across from a temperature-controlled wine closet—which is currently equipped with a motorcycle—and can easily seat a dozen merrymakers.

Other luxe spaces include a home gym with plenty of space for a row machine or two, a movie theater, and a large executive office. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a bedroom with a marble fireplace and private balcony, plus a spa-style bath and a bespoke dressing room.

Even if Giannulli and Aunt Becky were to sell their Hidden Hills house tomorrow, they assuredly won’t be homeless. The couple also still owns a $13 million desert vacation retreat at the Madison Club in California ‘s Coachella Valley, where some of their nearest neighbors include Apple’s Tim Cook, Nike’s Phil Knight, Justin Bieber and multiple members of the Kardashian clan.

Read More On:

• hidden hills
• Los Angeles
• Real Estate

More Celebrity Homes

Martin Short Just Bought a Secluded L.A. Home

Exclusive: The Founder of Starz Lists His Manhattan Apartment for $10 Million

‘For All Mankind’ Creator Matt Wolpert Picks Up Historic Pasadena Home for $4.6 Million

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Celebrity Homes

Amir Ensani’s Sierra Towers Penthouse in Photos

Martin Short’s House in Photos

More from our brands, anitta embraces sharp shoulders in edgy mugler dress, becky g sparkles in cutout gown and more latin american music awards 2024 red carpet arrivals, vince mcmahon lists final tko shares for sale, annecy selection ‘the glassworker’ unveils first trailer, sets cannes market, pakistan release dates (exclusive), at americas society, artists look at the myth that started natural resource extraction in latin america, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.