neptune pool tours

Here’s your chance to swim in Hearst Castle’s freshly restored Neptune Pool—if you can afford it

Reservations for four swim dates in 2019 open to Foundation at Hearst Castle members on July 1

By Candace Dempsey & Roadtrippers

How would you like to make a splash in the famous Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle , on a hilltop above California’s Central Coast and legendary Highway 1? While zebras graze on the nearby pastures, you now have a chance to swim in the famous, and exclusive, Neptune Pool. 

During four dates this year, members of the Foundation at Hearst Castle (FHC) will have the opportunity to swim in this glorious pool, just as movie star Carole Lombard, billionaire Howard Hughes, and Charlie Chaplin once did. The 104-foot-long pool is a brilliant stretch of sparkling blue water floating over thousands of marble tiles. It’s bright and eye-catching—just as architect Julia Morgan intended.

Commissioned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1924, at the height of his enormous wealth, this 345,000-gallon, Italian-inspired masterpiece is 3.5 feet deep and 95 feet wide at its alcove. Giant white sculptures of Venus, swans, and nymphs by Parisian artist Charles-George Cassous grace the scene, balanced against sky and mountains, swathed in sea air.  

After its multi-million dollar restoration, FHC will open the Neptune Pool up to its members for the following dates in 2019: July 6, August 4, August 24, and September 21. The catch? A minimum donation of $950 per person is required—in addition to the $500 foundation membership. Visit the FHC website starting July 1 to participate. Spaces may go fast, since only 40 people per date get to take the plunge. A limited number of FHC members will also get the chance to swim in the indoor Roman Pool on October 20 at the same donation level.  

I was initially charmed by the party invite posted on the foundation website: “Begin your experience with a scenic ride up the iconic road leading to the Enchanted Hill. Then, head to historic changing rooms located off the Neptune Terrace to prepare to swim in the newly-refurbished Neptune Pool. Stroll spectacular surrounding terraces, take in the view and music, and relish a fabulous selection of fancy foods, as well as the Central Coast’s finest wines and craft beers.” 

Touring Hearst Castle

Since my husband and I couldn’t afford to be bathed in that much luxury, we were happy to see the castle on our own. More than 700,000 visitors per year board a bus for the zig-zag ride to the estate, which is now a state park. 

Like most first-timers, we took the “Grand Rooms Tour,” which took us inside Hearst’s 115-room main house, Casa Grande, to explore the very formal Assembly Room, the Refectory, Morning Room, Library Room, and Theater. At $25 per person, the tour is slightly more affordable than a swim in the Neptune Pool. The castle also offers an evening tour and access to other rooms, depending on time of year. 

After our tour concluded, we were free to return to the pools and explore the surrounding gardens on our own. We learned that the Hearst pools were designed to be both practical and luxurious. 

“It gets very hot up here on the mountain top in the summertime,” our guide explained.  “Remember, there was no air conditioning. So guests needed a way to cool off, and the pools provided that.” In fact, she said, Hearst commissioned the Neptune Pool because his wife and children asked him to. 

“Mrs. Hearst and the children are extremely anxious to have a swimming pool!” Hearst wrote to architect Morgan in 1924. She got started right away, but the construction went on until 1936, as plans became ever more extravagant.

While we didn’t get to dive into the Neptune Pool, we did get to see how the rich and famous live. We were happy and content. 

If you go: 

Hearst Castle is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations strongly suggested. Book at Hearstcastle.org . For events, including the Neptune Pool Swim Experience, book at Foundation at Hearst Castle . 

Meet the Authors

Candace Dempsey

Candace Dempsey is an adventure travel writer and author of Murder in Italy, the true story of Amanda Knox (Penguin). She grew up in Washington State and is addicted to long-distance driving.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.

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A dream come true: This month is your chance to swim in the iconic Hearst Castle pool

A once-in-a-lifetime experience could be yours if you are willing to shell out some cash to take a luxurious dip in the iconic Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle.

Hearst Castle, once owned by media mogul William Randolph Hearst, is an estate in San Simeon built by architect Julia Morgan. It is now the only art museum operated by California State Parks.

The Neptune Pool is one of two truly unique pools at Hearst Castle and is rarely open to public use. Even those who work for the castle appear to be barred from dipping into the pool, though in the past staff claim they were granted a two-hour swim just once a year.

Now, there is a chance to swim in the Neptune Pool once again for anyone willing to pay the price. On Aug. 19 and 26, members of the Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests have two chances to attend an evening swim and it's all in the name of fundraising.

The cost to join the foundation varies , with an annual membership of $500 per person and going up from there.

If you are a member, you can book a reservation for $1,000 to swim in the Neptune Pool. Tickets are limited.

According to the foundation's website, the purpose of the event is to raise money for the Foundation's STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs which serve youth from underserved communities in the state. Tickets are also 95% tax-deductible.

The first event on Aug. 19 is limited to 50 guests and is called the Hollywood at Hearst Castle Neptune Pool Swim.

According to the foundation, this is 'reminiscent of the old Hollywood gatherings hosted by William Randolph Hearst himself, you will begin your experience with a scenic ride up to the Enchanted Hill. Then, head to historic dressing rooms and pick up a cabana towel in preparation to swim in the iconic Neptune Pool. Splash around or stroll spectacular surrounding terraces, and take in the sunset view and jazzy tunes. Satiate your palate with a curated selection of savory and sweet treats, and the Central Coast's exceptional wines and craft beer.'

There will also be a star-studded host committee for members to mingle with such as Nigel Lythgoe, creator of "So You Think You Can Dance"; Richard Wolffe, a U.S. columnist for the Guardian; Paul Scheer, one of the funny guys from the TV series "The League," and June Diane Raphael, an actress from "Grace and Frankie" and "Burning Love"

The swim on Aug. 26 is limited to 40 guests and also cost $1,000. This will be just a regular pool day with no celebrities, however, the money will still support STEAM.

The Neptune Pool is 104 feet long, 58 feet wide, and 95 feet wide at the alcove. It is 3.5 feet deep at the west end, 10 feet at the drains, and holds 345,000 gallons of water. The pool was built, with the castle's indoor Roman Pool, in the 1920s and '30s.

The pool underwent renovations and reopened in 2018 after a $10 million project to fix cracks that were leaking about 5,000 gallons a day before it was drained in 2014.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Visiting Hearst Castle: An American “Castle” along California’s Central Coast

Last updated: June 3, 2022 - Written by Jessica Norah 27 Comments

Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built by William Randolph Hearst, is located along the beautiful Central Coast of California in the tiny town of San Simeon.

The infamous newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst with the aid of San Francisco architect Julia Morgan began construction of his dream mansion in 1919, a project that would continue for the next 30 years. Hearst named the property “La Cuesta Encantada” (Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill”).

The architecturally eclectic property, now known as Heart Castle, had a private airfield, two giant swimming pools, a movie theater, tennis courts, over 100 acres of gardens, two greenhouses, and the world’s largest private zoo. The property was once open only by invitation to A-list celebrities and politicians, such as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin, and Winston Churchill.

But today Hearst Castle is a historical landmark offering tours to the public. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to visit Hearst Castle, how to buy tickets, what tours to take, tips for making the most of your visit, and things to do near Hearst Castle in the area.

Table of Contents:

Brief History of Hearst Castle

This history of Hearst Ranch begins with William Randolph Hearst’s father, George Hearst . George Hearst was born in Missouri in 1820 on a small farm, eventually heading west to California as part of a small wagon train crossing the California Trail in 1850 during the Gold Rush. Hearst was one of the lucky ones, striking it rich and eventually becoming a wealthy businessman and politician.

In 1865, George Hearst purchased 48,000 acres of the Piedra Blanca Rancho from José de Jesus Pico in 1865. Over time, he would purchase more land in the area and by 1886, the Hearst Ranch had 270,000 acres of land! The land would be primarily used for ranching and stud farming.

George Hearst did have a 18-room Victorian ranch house built in 1878 on the property, which is still standing today and still used by the Hearst family. But he left most of the property undeveloped and it would stay this way until it was later inherited by his only child, William Randolph Hearst.

William Randolph Hearst & His Dream

William Randolph Hearst became well-known for his participation in politics, use of yellow journalism, extensive artwork collection, and his long-term affair with actress Marion Davies. But perhaps his most lasting legacy is his former home, Hearst Castle.

As a child, William Randolph Hearst enjoyed camping holidays with his parents on Hearst Ranch, favoring an area they called Camp Hill. Hearst saw very little of his busy father as a child which likely made these summer camping holidays very memorable.

Because of George Hearst’s great wealth, he was able to send his wife and son on grand tours of Europe. Young William first visited Europe with his mother at the age of 10. This trip, and subsequent trips to Europe, made a great impression on him. He was fascinated with the history, the architecture, the castles, and the art in Europe. As an adult he became an avid collector of art, furniture, and antiquities from Europe.

Although William had great advantages from his father and family wealth, he went on to build a media empire of his own which still exists today. After Hearst married and had his own children, he and his wife Millicent and their children often visited San Simeon to go camping on Camp Hill.

After his mother’s death in 1919, William Randolph Hearst would commission architect Julia Morgan , whom he had already worked with on prior Hearst projects, to build him a house on what was then known as Camp Hill. At first, he just wanted a modest bungalow so that his family and friends would not have to sleep out in the open on camping trips.

Heart’s initial ideas became grander and grander over time. Hearst and Morgan started their project in 1919 and construction would continue on the hill until 1947! Camp Hill would be transformed into La Cuesta Encantada, and Hearst would have his very own “castle” filled to the brim with his massive collection of art and furniture.

In the end, Hearst and Morgan would construct one giant house (Casa Grande) and 3 bungalows of varying sizes (Casa del Sol, Casa del Mar, and Casa del Monte). There is a total of 161 rooms across these four buildings!

There would also be 2 giant swimming pools, a tennis court, a wine cellar, a private zoo, a private theater, an airfield, greenhouses, and elaborate landscaped gardens. Not to mention the many ranch buildings they were built elsewhere on the large ranch, which included barns, warehouses, and homes for the ranch employees.

The planned work on Hearst Castle was actually never completed as it was ongoing until Hearst’s health began to decline and he had to leave the Hilltop. Some parts of Casa Grande for instance were left unfinished and undecorated, and plans for a large ballroom and more guesthouses were never begun.

Hearst had his American castle, although he referred to it simply as “the ranch”. In 1919, he stated:  “I would rather spend a month at the ranch than any place in the world.”

Hearst Castle as a Hollywood Party Spot

Hearst Castle was initially intended as a family home, but by 1926 he and his wife had separated (although never divorced) and he was living openly with his mistress Marion Davies. Hearst spent most of his time in California in either San Simeon or Los Angeles, while Millicent stayed in New York. She rarely visited the house after 1926.

William Randolph Hearst owned the largest media conglomerate in the world, which included a number of newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and even a film company. He was also very involved in politics, even unsuccessfully running for President of the United States in 1904. This meant he had connections that ranged from actors and writers to senators and presidents.

From the late 1920’s to 1940’s, Hearst and Marion Davies would regularly entertain a stream of the rich, famous, and powerful. Hearst Castle became a popular and coveted getaway for Hollywood celebrities who could enjoy first-rate amenities at an isolated spot far from the paparazzi.

Visitors over the years included Clark Gable, Sir Winston Churchill, Howard Hughes, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, George Bernard Shaw, Jack Warner, Calvin Coolidge, Charlie Chaplin, and Louis B. Mayer. While his guests enjoyed the amenities, Hearst would spend most of his days in his office running his businesses, and then join his guests in the evenings for dinner and entertainment.

P.G. Woodhouse, an English humorist, was a guest at Hearst Castle along with his wife Ethel and dog Winks in 1931. They stayed in the Venetian suite and he wrote the following in a letter to his friend William Townend on February 25, 1931:

“The house is enormous, and there are always about fifty guests staying there. All the furniture is period, and you probably sleep on a bed originally occupied by Napoleon or somebody.”

Future British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his son were guests of Hearst and his wife in 1929, staying at Hearst Castle (in Casa del Mar) for 4 days as well as being Hearst’s guest in Los Angeles. Churchill wrote the following in a letter to his wife Clementine on September 29, 1929:

“Hearst was most interesting to meet, & I got to like him – a grave simple child – with no doubt a nasty temper – playing with the most costly toys. A vast income always overspent: ceaseless building & collecting not very discriminatingly works of art: two magnificent establishments, two charming wives [he met both Millicent and Marion Davies]; complete indifference to public opinion, a strong liberal & democratic outlook, a 15 million daily circulation, oriental hospitalities, extreme personal courtesy (to us at any rate) & the appearance of a Quaker elder – or perhaps better Mormon elder.”

Despite the glitzy house and elaborate parties, Hearst still tried to maintain the ranch atmosphere that he had always loved. He took guests horseback riding and on overnight camping trips (much to some visitors’ discomfort) and had the grand dining table set with paper napkins and ketchup bottles.

In 1941, Hearst and Hearst Castle would not just attract movie stars, but would be the inspiration (partial inspiration anyway) for the film Citizen Kane by Orson Welles. In the film, Hearst Castle serves as an inspiration for Xanadu, the home of Charles Foster Kane. The film enraged Hearst, especially in its poor depiction of his mistress, and he tried unsuccessfully to have it banned and suppressed.

Hearst Castle as a Tourist Attraction

Hearst left his beloved home for the last time in 1947 because of deteriorating health. He died in 1951 in Beverly Hills. He wanted to donate La Cuesta Encantada to the University of California but they did not accept the gift as they felt they would be unable to manage such a large undertaking.

In 1957, Hearst Corporation and the Hearst family donated the Hilltop and its buildings to the State of California. in 1958, the State of California opened up Hearst Castle to the public as the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument. The first regular public tours of Hearst Castle began in June 1958.

Today there are several different tours offered at Hearst Castle along with a large Visitor Center and theater. Over the years, Hearst Castle has become the most visited paid attraction in Central California. It often attracts over 700,000 visitors a year.

Although the Hearst family donated Hearst Castle, the Hearst Corporation still owns Hearst Ranch in San Simeon, which includes over 80,000 acres of land and is one of the largest working cattle ranches in Central California. The Hearst family remain active in the management of the land around the castle and some family members still visit and even stay overnight occasionally (usually in the original Victorian ranch house, not open to the public).

I am not sure what Hearst would make of the hundreds of thousands of uninvited visitors wandering around his home, but it is pretty amazing that Hearst Castle still attracts so many people fascinated with his dream home.

Planning Your Visit to Hearst Castle

Here is all the information you’ll need to help plan your visit to Hearst Castle and the surrounding area, including how to get there, what tours are offered, how to book tickets, things to do near Hearst Castle, and where to stay nearby.

Where is Hearst Castle located?

Hearst Castle is located along California’s Central Coast in the small town of San Simeon, which is located near the town of  Cambria . It is about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452

How to get to Hearst Castle?

Hearst Castle is most accessible for drivers by car. If you are visiting California, it is a great stop to make if you are driving the Pacific Coast Highway . But you can also get here via public transit, day tour, or taxi.

Hearst Castle By Car

Hearst Castle is most accessible for drivers by car. It is about a 1 hour drive from San Luis Obispo, 3.5 to 4 hour drive (240 miles) from San Francisco, and 4 hour drive (230 miles) from Los Angeles.

There is free visitor parking located at the Visitor Center.

Hearst Castle By Public Transit

You can reach Hearst Castle by bus or a mix of bus and train. It depends on where you are coming from but local buses stop at Hearst Castle and are easy to get from nearby towns such as Pablo Robles, Cambria, San Luis Obispo, and Morro Bay.

The nearest bus stop is Hearst Castle, which is just a 1 minute walk from the Visitor Center. Check local bus schedules and fares here .

If you are coming from further away (e.g., San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles), you’ll probably want to check connections to the area via Greyhound bus serves and/or Amtrak train services and then connect to the local bus network from a place like San Luis Obispo or Pablo Robles.

Hearst Castle by Day Tour

If you don’t want to drive or take public transit, you might consider a day tour, such as this one (transport from Los Angeles) or this private tour from San Francisco .

Hearst Castle by Plane

The nearest airport to Hearst Castle is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport which is about a 1 hour drive from Hearst Castle.

From San Luis Obispo, you can rent a car, take the public bus, book a day tour, or book a taxi or shuttle to take you to Hearst Castle.

What is there to do at Hearst Castle?

The main two things to do at Hearst Castle are visiting the Visitor Center and taking a tour to the hilltop to see Hearst Castle.

• Stop at the Visitor Center (free) which includes a small exhibit area about William Randolph Hearst and Hearst Castle, a casual restaurant, cafe, and gift shop.
• Watch a 40-minute film Hearst Castle: Building the Dream  (fee, included with daytime tour tickets) at the Visitor Center.
• Take one of several tours offered at Hearst Castle; the different tours explore different parts of the estate’s buildings. All tours include a bus ride to the top of the hill and a visit to the interiors of Hearst Castle, the two pools, and the gardens. Tours are offered in the day time as well as in the evenings during certain times of the year.
• After your tour ends, you have the option to further explore the gardens on your own.

Cost of Visiting Hearst Castle? 

There are a number of guided tours available, and tickets are (as of June 2022) USD $30 per adult and $15 for children age 5-12 for the most popular tour. Children under age 5 are free.

Note that an additional service fee is charged if you wish to reserve tickets in advance.

What Tours are offered at Hearst Castle?

You must join a guided tour in order to visit Hearst Castle. The Hearst Castle guided tours range from about 60 minutes to 2 hours, and all include a visit to the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and time to explore the gardens.

• Grand Rooms Tour – This 60 minute tour includes all the grand social rooms of Casa Grande (the largest house at Hearst Castle), including the Assembly Room, Dining Room (Refectory), Billiard Room, and Private Theater. This is the most popular tour and is recommended for first-time visitors.
• Upstairs Suites Tour – This 60 minute tour explores the upper floors of Casa Grande, including the library, guest suites, and Hearst’s bedroom and study. A great second tour to take.
• Cottages & Kitchen Tour – This 60 minute tour features two of the three luxurious guest cottages near Casa Grande (usually Casa del Mar and Casa del Monte), the Casa Grande kitchen, and the Casa Grande wine cellar.
• Designing the Dream Tour – This 75 minute tour tells the story of the construction, architecture, and interior design of Hearst Castle, and the collaboration between William Randolph Hearst and Julia Morgan. Features Casa del Sol, the North Wing of Casa Grande, and the dressing rooms of the Roman Pool. Great for those with a passion for architecture and/or interior design.
• Evening Tour – This 1 hour 40 minute tour is designed to let you more slowly enjoy the Casa Grande in the evening when it is illuminated and filled with guides in 1930’s period dress. Tour includes most of the rooms from the Grand Rooms Tour and the Upstairs Suites Tour. Great for a first or second time visit.

There are also ADA wheelchair accessible versions of the most popular tours available, and there are also special interest semi-private (art, Hollywood, architecture), holiday themed, and private tours available. Check the website for availability.

How do I purchase tickets for Hearst Castle?

Tickets can be reserved and purchased online at the Hearst Castle website , by phone (U.S.: 1-800-444-4445 International: 1-833-448-7287), or in-person at the Visitor Center. Tickets can be reserved in advance up to 60 days prior to your visit date.

There is a service fee charged for tickets booked in advance, so you can save money by purchasing your ticket in-person. However, as tours do often sell out, especially in busy months, it is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance if you need a particular time slot. You can check the booking calendar before your visit to check ticket availability.

Just note that if you book your ticket in advance, there is a cancellation fee to change the dates or cancel the tickets. So don’t book in advance unless you are sure on your date of visit.

If you are interested in a personalized or private tour, they are available for $1,000 for up to 6 visitors and can last up to 4 hours. Private tours must be booked in advance. Call (805) 927-2070 to arrange a private tour.

Can I do more than one tour in the same day at Hearst Castle?

Yes, you can. You just need to purchase tickets for both of those tours. For example, you might want to do the Grand Rooms tour plus another of the more in-depth tours to another section of the house or to learn more about the art collection.

I’d recommend booking your tickets and having them before your first time begins. You can purchase them in advance online or at the Ticket Office at the Visitor Center. That way, you know you have the times you want for both tours.

Hearst Castle has just recently (as of summer 2019) begun a trial to allow visitors the ability to book tickets for additional tours on the Hilltop. There is currently a kiosk near the bus drop-off point that can sell tickets for additional tours and there is a waiting area for guests waiting for second tour. This is new as previously you needed to return to the Visitor Center to join a second tour.

If you plan to do more than one tour, I’d make sure you have at least 30 minutes in between tours to be sure to catch the second one in time. I’d also ask when you pick up your wristbands, what you need to do and where you need to go to join the second tour.

Is Food Available at Hearst Castle?

Yes, meals are available at the Chief’s Galley Cafe in the visitor center which serves sandwiches, soups, grilled items, salads, and more. You can try the local grass-fed Hearst beef from the ranch here.

If you are looking for a lighter meal or snack, you can stop at La Cuesta Coffee Shop which serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, and snacks. In the summer months, an additional outside BBQ spot is also usually open in the Visitor Center Courtyard.

Note that you can not bring food or drinks (except bottled water) on the tours or to the hilltop, and there is no food available for purchase on the hilltop.

Other Services at Hearst Castle?

Hearst Castle offers a Visitor Center that includes ticket booths, a casual restaurant, a coffee shop, restrooms, an exhibition area, and a book and gift shop. Free parking is located next to the Visitor Center.

The Hearst Castle Theater is also located in the Visitor Center which shows the 40-minute film Hearst Castle: Building the Dream several times a day. The film is included with the price of all daytime tours, and it can be added to most evening tours for an additional fee.

Is Hearst Castle wheelchair accessible?

Hearst Castle is partially wheelchair accessible. The regular tours do require participants to be able to walk up and down some stairs; however, there are special stair-free ADA Accessible Tours (day and evening tours) designed specifically for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility or who can’t stand for long periods of time.

The ADA Accessible Grand Rooms tour covers sections of the garden, the two pools, and the main room highlights within Casa Grande including the Assembly Room, Refectory, Billiard Room, and  the Theater. Please reserve tour in advance to guarantee space.

The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair accessible toilets are available here.

Wheelchairs up to 28 inches in width can be accommodated at the Castle. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow for those with special needs at no additional charge.

Is Photography allowed at Hearst Castle?

Visitors are allowed to take photos in the house and in the gardens for personal use. Flash photography is not allowed inside the houses. Tripods are not permitted at Hearst Castle.

For commercial photography, please contact Hearst Castle for needed permissions and fees.

How Long is a Visit to Hearst Castle?

You’ll want to spend at least 2 hours at Hearst Castle, although I’d plan on 3 hours to give yourself enough time to explore everything. But you can easily spend 4 hours or more here.

Most of the public guided tours are 60 minutes long but some last up to 2 hours. But if you add in the 40-minute film at the Visitor Center, the bus ride up and down the hill, free time exploring the gardens, and a stop at the exhibition and gift shop you can easily spend a full morning or afternoon here. Add additional time if you plan to eat here or take a second tour.

If you are short on time, in 2 hours you can get your ticket, watch the 40 minute film, do the guided tour, and then head straight back down to the Visitor Center. Be sure to check the film and tour timings and plan accordingly.

But we’d recommend allowing at least 3 hours here so you are not rushed and have more time to enjoy the Visitor Center and wander around the hilltop after your tour.

Even if you pre-book your ticket, we recommend arriving at the Visitor Center at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to the beginning of your tour to ensure you have enough time to collect your wristbands and get on the bus in time.

Day Tours to Hearst Castle?

If you are staying in San Francisco or along the Central Coast, you can take a day tour that visits Hearst Castle. If you are staying in Los Angeles, we don’t know of any day tours, but you can book overnight tours that depart from Los Angeles.

Here are some options:

• This private day tour from San Francisco includes stops at Big Sur, Carmel, 17-mile Drive, and a tour of Hearst Castle.
• This popular 3 Day Coastal Tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco explores the Pacific Coast Highway and includes a Hearst Castle tour (in Winter month only) as well as stops in a number of coastal towns including Solvang, Santa Barbara and Carmel
• This private full day tour from San Francisco includes the Grand Rooms tour at Hearst Castle plus stops in Santa Barbara and Solvang. The tour includes a tour guide and transport to and from San Francisco in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• This small group wine tasting tour picks up visitors from Pismo Beach  and visits 2 local wineries and Hearst Castle.

Note that tour itineraries can change so do read the latest full tour description prior to booking to ensure it includes a visit to Hearst Castle.

Best time of year to visit Hearst Castle?

Hearst Castle is open daily year-round; it is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. So you can visit Hearst Castle at any time of year.

The summer months and around holidays are the busiest times of years, so I would avoid these if you want to go when there are fewer crowds. Summer is also the hottest time of year in this part of California whereas the winter months are the coldest. Winter is perhaps the worst time to see the gardens; however, winter months are often the least crowded, especially if you avoid the holiday season.

The evening tours are only offered in the Fall and Spring months, so visit then if you are interested in taking one of the 1930’s themed tours at night. Special holiday tours are offered around Christmas and other holidays.

What else is there to do near Hearst Castle?

There are a number of things to do near Hearst Castle and it is easy to spend a day or two exploring San Simeon, Cambria, and the local coastline here.

For more to do in this area, see our article about things to do in Cambria , but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Elephant Seal Rookery – There is a viewing area at Point Piedras Blancas where you can usually see elephant seals down below on the beach. Sometimes there are a dozen and sometimes there are thousands here, depending on the time of the year. You can learn more about these amazing creatures here . This area and many more along the coast are part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and you can learn more by visiting the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon.
• Piedras Blancas Light Station – A lighthouse was first completed here in 1875 and a fog signal building in 1905. Today visitors can learn more about the history of this light station and the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families by taking a tour. Guided tours are offered 3 days a week.
• Wineries – Hearst Ranch has its own winery, and you can taste the wine at the nearby Sebastian’s in San Simeon. There is also the Stolo Winery in Cambria as well as a number of wine tasting rooms. For those wanting to do wine tasting in the popular Paso Robles wine area, you might consider a wine tasting tour such as this one that includes transport to and from Cambria or San Simeon.
• Beaches – There are a number of beaches in the area including W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, Ragged Point Beach, and Moonstone beach.
• Cambria Historical Museum – Learn about the area’s local history at this small museum located in one of Cambria’s oldest buildings.
• Nitt Witt Ridge – A home built by an eccentric man in Cambria named Arthur Harold Beal of found objects which include everything from beer cans and toilet seats to tiles from Hearst Castle. House is privately owned but tours are given most days at 10am, call the owners (phone: 805-927-2690) in advance to schedule a tour.
• Scenic Drives – This is a beautiful part of California and you can take a scenic drive along the coastline and drive along Highway 1 to explore part of the Pacific Coast Highway .

For those planning to explore further in California, check out our Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide and our suggested 2 week California itinerary for more ideas.

Where to Stay near Hearst Castle?

If you want to stay overnight near Hearst Castle, we recommend looking for accommodation in San Simeon (town where Hearst Castle is located) or Cambria (town south of San Simeon). There are hotels, motels, apartments, and bed-and-breakfasts in both towns.

This is a popular area to stay the night, so be prepared for higher than usual prices, especially in the summer and around holidays.

• Quality Inn in San Simeon – This 2-star good value motel offers comfortable rooms, free continental breakfast, an outdoor heated pool, and hot tub. Located only 4 miles from Hearst Castle.
• Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon – This 3-star beachfront resort-style hotel offers heated outdoor pools, hot tub, on-site full service restaurant, and 24-hour reception desk. Some rooms have fireplaces, patios, and ocean views. Family and dog friendly. Only 4 miles from Hearst Castle.
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa in Cambria – This 3-star boutique hotel offers an on-site wine bar and spa, and each guest room includes a deep soaking jet tub, lounge chair, and flat screen TV. Walking distance from Moonstone Beach. We’ve stayed here and can recommend; great for couples. Located about 8 miles from Hearst Castle.
• Cambria Shores Inn in Cambria – This 2-star property is just across the street from the boardwalk and beach. Hotel offers continental breakfast, and all rooms include fireplaces, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. This property is family and dog friendly. 8 miles from Hearst Castle.
• J Patrick House Inn in Cambria – This 5-star bed-and-breakfast includes a free wine hour, fully cooked breakfast, and shared lounge area. Each room includes a fireplace and free spa toiletries. Perfect for couples. 10 miles from Hearst Castle.
• If you are looking for a hostel, the nearest one we know of is Hostel Obispo which offers budget prices, starting at about $30/night. Dorm style rooms and common rooms include lounge, kitchen, lockers, and laundry facilities. 42 miles (1 hour drive) from Hearst Castle.

For those looking for rooms or apartments, you can check the local listings on Vrbo and other vacation rental websites .

Where can I find out more information about Hearst Castle?

Heart Castle is owned by California State Parks and they have an excellent informative website where you can find more information, see tour times, and book tickets.

If you want to learn more about the castle, there are a number of books about Hearst Castle, William Randolph Hearst, and architect Julia Morgan, which you can see here . One author to check out is books by Victoria Kastner , who was the official historian for Hearst Castle for over 20 years and has written several books.

If you want to watch the video, Hearst Castle: Building the Dream,  shown at Hearst Castle in the theater, you can actually purchase it online here . The film tells the story of William Randolph Hearst and his building of Hearst Castle with some wonderful scenery.

And of course, if you’ve never seen Citizen Kane , you should definitely watch this black-and-white masterpiece before or after your visit. The film by Orson Welles is a satirized version of Hearst’s life and Hearst Castle was the inspiration for the fictional Xanadu.

Our Visit to Hearst Castle

I have visited Hearst Castle twice and since I went with two different people we did the Grand Tours tour both time. This is the most popular tour and the one that is recommended for most first time visitors as it includes the grand public rooms on the main floor of Casa Grande, which is the largest house on the hilltop.

I first visited Hearst Castle in Spring 2011 and then a second time several years later. Both times, we reserved our tickets online and then brought our printed voucher to the ticket window to collect our tickets and wristbands.

We arrived about an hour before our tour and watched the 40-minute film Hearst Castle: Building the Dream which provides a very good overview of the construction and building of the castle, and includes some vintage film clips from the 1920’s and 1930’s. We recommend watching this before your tour if you have time, but you can also watch it after your tour.

There is also a free exhibition at the Visitor Center, and parts of it change over time with rotating collections. When we visited there was general information about William Randolph Hearst and Hearst Castle along with several objects on display.

The Bus Ride to the Hilltop

Then we got in line for the bus that drives you up the 5-mile route to the castle. The buses were clean and comfortable enough for the short ride. It takes about 10 minutes.

There are some nice views to enjoy from the window as you wind your way up the hilltop. You can also learn more about the property by listening to the recorded narration provided by the late Alex Trebek of Jeopardy about the property and grounds along the way.

Keep a look out for zebra! William Randolph Hearst had one of the largest private zoos in the world in the 1930’s, and a few free roaming animals still remain from the zoo, most notably a herd of zebra. You may get lucky and see them as we did, a bit odd to see zebra along the California coast!

In the past, invited guests would arrive by private plane, train, or car. Upon entering the gated estate, they would have commonly been driven past animals such as bison, camels, zebra, ostriches, and elk on their journey up to the house.

After the bus arrives at the Hilltop, you’ll be sorted into the appropriate group based on the tour ticket you purchased. Then you’ll be introduced to your tour guide and given an introduction about the rules of the tours and the building of the property.

The Grand Room tours often have about 20 people per group, but the more specialized tours often have smaller groups.

The Hearst Castle Gardens

The first thing you’ll probably notice are the esplanade and beautiful gardens. I loved the scent from the orange trees my first trip up to the hilltop.

Although Hearst Castle is best known for its buildings, particularly Casa Grande, the gardens were also planned in elaborate detail by Hearst and Julia Morgan and attended to by a large team of gardeners.

The lovely gardens are mainly Mediterranean in influence and you’ll see Spanish and Italian influences throughout the design of the gardens. There are a wide variety of flowers, fruit trees, palm trees, and succulents here.

You’ll also find a number of fountains and statues on display throughout the gardens. This includes the oldest antiquity in Hearst’s collection which are granite figures and heads of the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet dating to the 18th and 19th dynasties (approximately 1550 BC to 1189 BC).

There are also some amazing views from the various parts of the gardens and terraces here over the estate and the Central Coast. You can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

You will see only a few highlights on the tours, but after the tour you are welcome to explore the gardens on your own at your leisure. The gardens, terraces, and pools make up about 125 acres of the estate, so there is a large area that you can explore.

The Grand Rooms Tour at Hearst Castle

The exteriors of Casa Grande and the guest cottages have strong Spanish and Mediterranean influences, particularly Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival. But the interior designs and art collections inside Casa Grande are much more eclectic.

As you walk through the rooms, most of the rooms are furnished and set up as they would have been during Hearst’s occupancy in the early twentieth century. You’ll learn that entire rooms (including the walls and floors) were sometimes taken from monasteries, churches, and castles and transported to California to be reassembled.

Hearst had warehouses full of treasures—ancient statues, rich tapestries, Roman mosaics, beautiful paintings, priceless furniture—and many of these are still showcased at Hearst Castle.

While it is great to see, it’s also a bit disheartening to think about some of the beautiful places that were torn apart and treasures sold likely for the need of some quick money rather than these treasures staying in their homeland.

As noted, we did the Grand Rooms Tour at Hearst Castle. This tour explores the main public rooms of Casa Grande, which are some of the grandest rooms on the estate. These include the Assembly Room, Refectory (Dining Room), Morning Room, Billiard Room, and private theater.

Casa Grande has 115 rooms, but you see only about a half dozen on this tour. If you want to see more, you might consider also booking the Upstairs Suites Tour or doing the Evening Tour (includes the rooms of the Grand Rooms and Upstairs Suites tours).

With a larger group, it can be a bit crowded inside the buildings since at times you have to walk almost single file to stay on the tour carpeting to prevent damage to the original floors and rugs. But it was manageable and we had time to see everything in each room.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided a very good narration along the way and was able to competently answer questions from visitors. We found if we wanted to best hear the guide and ask questions, it was best to try to stay near the front.

Here is a brief overview of the highlighted rooms of the tour inside Casa Grande:

The Assembly Room

The Assembly Room is the largest and grandest of the public rooms, and it was here that Hearst and his mistress (or wife) would often greet their guests. It was also used for evening cocktails, conversation, and reading.

The room contains beautiful walnut paneling, a ceiling from an Italian palazzo, a fireplace from a French chateau, a set of four tapestries believed to be designed by Giulio Romano , large marble medallions, a painting of the Annunciation by Spanish painter Bartolomé Pérez de la Dehesa, and a number of neoclassical sculptures. Among these sculptures is the Venus Italica by Antonio Canova , one of Hearst Castle’s most treasured pieces.

There is also a sentimental Victorian era piece in the room that may look a bit out of place; it is called the Orchid Vase lamp. The base is a vase created in 1889 by Tiffany & Co. that won honors at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition. Hearst’s mother Phoebe purchased it and had it converted into a lamp, and later William Hearst kept it here as a tribute to his mother.

The room is a bit overwhelming to try to admire all the art, furniture, and decorations, and the guide helps direct you to the most important pieces. The Assembly room also holds secrets such as a hidden door that allowed William Randolph Hearst to come and go as he pleased with little notice.

The Refectory (The Dining Room)

Now you head into what resembles a Gothic dining hall from the Middle Ages. This is what Hearst and Morgan intended and it was referred to as The Rectory, which is the term used for a dining hall in a monastery.

The room is lined with wooden choir stalls and is is framed by colorful silk banners from Italy. It has high windows and a beautiful carved Italian Renaissance ceiling. The long table in the middle, from an Italian monastery, is set with lots of fine silver candle holders and silverware.

The opulent silver collection stands in contrast to the paper napkins and bottles of mustard and ketchup Hearst often had at the table. These were the simple nostalgic touches Hearst liked in order to keep things bit more informal at his ranch.

Overlooking the Refectory is a minstrel’s gallery or Musician’s Loft as it was called by Hearst and Morgan. Here music would be piped in during dinner. One rare occasions, it was used for live music performances—Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers played here at least one.

P.G. Woodhouse wrote the following to his friend William Townend about his experience dining at Hearst Castle in February 1931:

“Meals are in an enormous room, and are served at a long table, with Hearst sitting in the middle on one side and Marion Davies in the middle on the other. The longer you are there, the further you get from the middle. I sat on Marion’s right the first night, then found myself being edged further and further away till I got to the extreme end, when I thought it time to leave. Another day, and I should have been feeding on the floor.”

Although Hearst and Marion Davies were clearly hosts who knew how to show their guest a good time, guests were expected to not wear out their welcome!

The Billiard Room

The Billiard Room, originally a breakfast room, was a popular spot for guests. Here they could enjoy games of billiards and pool and there was also a small sitting area where they could relax and read.

Some notable things in the Billiard room are the 15th century painted Spanish ceiling, the French fireplace, the 15th century Flemish tapestry depicting a hunting scene, and the frieze over the door decorated with 16th century Persian tiles.

The Theater

Next, we were led into Hearst’s private theater. Initially, films were shown outdoors to guests, but soon Hearst had his own indoor theater built. The theater was built to hold 50 guests, and was used to both show films and to host amateur theatricals put on by the guests.

Hearst would show a full-length film and newsreel almost every night at Hearst Castle. A driver would often bring a new film each day from Los Angeles for the enjoyment of the guests. Later, this practice would spread and hosting film screenings at private homes would become very popular in Hollywood.

Not surprisingly, many of the films shown at Hearst Castle starred Marion Davies and were produced by Hearst’s own Cosmopolitan Studios. But he also often chose movies that starred or were directed by one of the many guests at the castle.

In 2015, the film Citizen Kane was shown in the theater at Hearst Castle for the first time with permission by the Hearst family. The money benefited the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and the Friends of Hearst Castle preservation group

We were shown a short film with clips of Hearst and his guests spending time at Hearst Castle in the early 20th century. This was a good way to end the inside part of the tour.

The Hearst Castle Pools

Next we headed out of Casa Grande to see the swimming pools and also take a peek at the tennis court. Hearst had both an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool built on the property, both on a gigantic scale.

Interestingly, the staff actually gets to swim in and enjoy the pools once or twice a year—what a pool party! Members of the Hearst family also occasionally use the house, and Lydia Hearst held her bachelorette party at Hearst Castle in 2016 which included time in the Roman Pool.

The guided tours visit the pools and give you a good overview of them both, but as with the gardens, you can revisit the pools after your tour ends if you want to spend more time looking at them or taking photos.

Neptune Pool

The Neptune Pool is probably one of the best known outdoor features at Hearst Castle. The Neptune Pool was the very first pool built at La Cuesta Encantada and it is located along the edge of the hilltop. The first pool was built because Hearst’s wife and kids wanted a swimming pool.

Although the first pool here was completed in 1924, Hearst kept wanting to expand it in order incorporate statues and antiquities that he wanted to display as part of the pool complex. It would be enlarged twice more and would reach its current size in 1936.

Today the pool is 104 feet long and holds up to 345,000 gallons of water! There are also showers and dressing rooms here.

The Neptune Pool is lined with marble tiles from Vermont and is decorated with a number of statues, many made by French sculptor Charles Cassou. In the center is a Roman temple, partly an actual original Roman temple and partly constructed of other elements from structures Hearst purchased in Europe.

The pool was drained and underwent amassive 10 million dollar restoration in 2014 as major cracks and leaks were discovered. The pool was re-opened and refilled again in the summer of 2018.

The Roman Pool at Hearst Castle is a heated indoor pool decorated with beautiful tiles and eight marble statues. The pool was built between 1927 and 1934 and it is designed lo look like an ancient Roman bath such as the Baths of Caracalla. It is located behind Casa Grande.

The Roman Pool is decorated from top to bottom with 1-inch square mosaic tiles made of Murano glass. The tiles were designed by Camille Solon and were inspired by the 5th Century Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna. Most are blue, orange, or gold. The ceiling is particularly beautiful with its night blue tiles with stars.

The eight marble statues around the Roman Pool were created from Carrara marble by Italian sculptor Carlo Freter. They are all based on ancient Greek and Roman statues of gods, goddesses, and heroes.

The Roman Pool is 1,665 square feet, and it can hold 205,000 gallons of water. It is up to 10 feet deep. There are also dressing rooms located here, and behind the pool are the tennis courts.

This is definitely the most beautiful indoor pool we’ve ever seen!

Eating at the Visitor Center

After visiting both pools, we were able to wander around the gardens as long as we wanted. The buses back down the hill leave about every 15 minutes, and you just need to make sure you catch one before the last one of the day leaves for the day.

After the bus ride back down to the Visitor’s Center, we grabbed some food at the cafeteria style dining area called Chief’s Galley Cafe at the Visitor Center. I’ve eaten here twice.

The food is a bit overpriced as you would expect, and the first time the food was pretty mediocre and unmemorable. The second time we tried the hamburgers with the local Hearst Ranch beefs and these were pretty good. Still a bit overpriced though.

We also checked out the gift stop and found that they had a good selection of books. If you are interested in learning more about Hearst or Hearst Castle after the visit, some great books and videos are for sale here.

Overall Thoughts on Visiting Hearst Castle

Overall, we really enjoyed the tour, the scenery, and walking around the gardens. The film was interesting and our guides on both visits were very professional and knowledgeable. The food was OK but overpriced, but this was really the only downside to our visit.

Some of the highlights for us were the gardens which were very pretty in Spring, the two stunning swimming pools (the outdoor Neptune Pool and indoor Roman Pool), the Assembly and Refectory rooms of Casa Grande, and being able to watch some short film clips in the private theater at Casa Grande.

Although the architecture and design may not be to everyone’s tastes, it is amazing what Julia Morgan and Hearst were able to create together. The art and decorative elements in the buildings are amazing. It can be a bit overwhelming to try to take it all in and so it was great to have the opportunity to visit more than once.

The Grand Rooms tour is a great introduction the house. We’d love to visit again to see the Upstairs Suites and other areas of the house on a future visit. I’ve always wanted to do one of the seasonal evening tours that include a longer guided tour at night with docents dressed up in 1930’s clothing enacting life as it would have been during the time period.

The California Parks seems to be doing a very good job in maintaining the property and offering professional tours to the public. There are very few places like this in the United States and we believe this is a place worth seeing at least once.

Tips for Making the Most of your Visit to Hearst Castle

Here are some reminders and tips for making the most of your visit to Hearst Castle in San Simeon:

• We recommend booking your tour tickets in advance if you can. This is particularly important during the busy summer months and holidays when some tours may book out in advance.
• Be sure to plan to arrive at the Visitor Center at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to the beginning of your tour to ensure you have enough time to collect your tickets, get your wristbands, and make it on the bus in time.
• We recommend watching the film at the Visitor Center prior to your tour if you have time as it provides some good background information. But if you don’t have time before, we recommend watching it afterwards.
• Baby strollers, luggage, chewing gum, food, and tripods are NOT allowed on the tours. Please leave these things in your car.
•  The temperature may be hotter or colder on the hill than at the Visitor Center, so dress in layers. Bring a hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny as you will be spending a bit of time outside during the tour.
• There is no food or drinks sold on the hilltop, so plan meals and snacks accordingly. Bottled water is OK to take on the tour, but no other drinks, food, or gum is permitted. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you for the tour, especially if visiting in summer.
• There are bathroom facilities in the Visitor Center. There are toilets on the hilltop if you need them, but it is best to use them at the Visitor Center before or after your tour. Note that during periods of drought in California, portable toilets (porta-potties) and chemical toilets are often used to conserve water.
• If you have difficulty climbing stairs, note that the regular tours include 150 to over 300 steps and require quite a bit of walking and standing. If you have mobility issues, we recommend considering one of the stair-free ADA Accessible Tours.
• The tours at Hearst Castle are not well-suited for some young children. They are all guided and timed and children will need to be supervised during the tour to keep them from touching or damaging the art and furniture as most things are not roped off. The length of the tours (60 to 75 minutes) can be difficult for some young children, and parents should consider if this is a good fit for their kids or not. Strollers are not allowed at Hearst Castle.
• If you have flexibility over the timing of your visit, we recommend trying to visit during good weather so you can better appreciate the garden and the views of the undeveloped land and ocean surrounding the property.
• If you book more than one tour in the same day at Hearst Castle, you’ll probably need to take the bus down the hill after the first tour before the start of your new tour. This is done to better control visitor numbers and keep track of groups. Be sure to ask where you need to meet when collecting your tickets.
• For more things to do in the area, be sure to see our guide to things to do in Cambria and San Simeon to plan a full day of sightseeing in this scenic area.

So that is our guide to and tips for visiting Hearst Castle in San Simeon! Hopefully this has helped you plan your own trip to this special American Castle on the Central Coast of California.

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So what do you think, do you think Hearst Castle is worth a visit? Have you visited Hearst Castle—we’d love to hear your thoughts and any other tips you may have for those planning a visit. Just let us know in the Comments section below.

As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about visiting Hearst Castle or things to do in Central California.

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cathleen R corell Post author

November 2, 2021 at 8:35 am

Hearst castle has been shut downsince march 2020. There is no date to reopen..

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

November 2, 2021 at 9:33 am

Hi Cathleen,

Yes, Hearst Castle is currently closed due to road repairs (damage caused by a bad storm in Jaunary 2021) and the work began in July 2021 which is expected to take 6 to 9 months according to their website. Hearst Castle is expected to reopen in Spring or Summer 2022 to visitors, but as you note no date has been set.

We will make this clearer in our article and post this information at the top in red so this is more obvious to readers. Thanks for pointing this out.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, I hope you get to do so once it reopens!

Best, Jessica

June 3, 2022 at 6:24 am

Hearst Castle reopened to the public on May 11, 2022. So it is now open to visits and most of the tours and facilties are exactly as they were two years before its closures due to road repairs and COVID-19.

Melody Svennungsen Post author

June 9, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Instead of gifts, we try to give each of our 5 grandchildren an “experience” for their birthdays. Since we live near San Simeon, the 9th year is a trip to Hearst Castle .. .. .. 4 down and one kid to go, we will take him up the enchanted hill next week. As we were leaving the castle a couple years ago, we were looking out at the gorgeous ocean view when our “princess” g-daughter sighed dramatically and said, “Oh, I just wish I could live here.”

travelcats Post author

June 13, 2016 at 6:51 am

Hi Melody, I think that is a great idea to do something experiential for your grandchildren. I think kids especially remember the trips to the park, zoo, castles, theme park, beach, etc. with their family when they grow up and look back on their childhood rather than toys or clothes. Thanks for taking the time to comment and I am sure your granddaughter will love the trip to Hearst Castle! San Simeon and Cambria are situated in a beautiful part of the world. ~ Jessica

Lorraine BertoniIl Post author

July 5, 2015 at 12:55 pm

I am planning a vIsit to Hearst Castle in August 2015 with my daughter. I would love your advise as to how many different tours we should book in one day. Is one sufficient or should we pick two? If you suggest two, then which ones should they be? Thank you for any help and planning ideas.

July 5, 2015 at 9:24 pm

Hi Lorraine,

I love Hearst Castle and I have visited twice. On the first trip in 2013 I did a tour called “The Experiences tour” (no longer one of the options) and the second time we did the tour called “The Grand Rooms”. For first time visitors, “The Grand Rooms” is the recommended tour by the castle staff and I would agree as it covers the grandest and most opulent rooms. On my first visit, I also got to tour through a couple of the “cottages” but these are not nearly as well-decorated or grand as the rooms in the Casa Grande. If I were to choose a second tour, I’d probably recommend the upstairs tour as it includes the opulent library, bedrooms, and views from the top floor which are not included on “The Grand Rooms” tour. The evening tours sounds wonderful, but it won’t be running during your visit. Honestly though I think if you don’t want to spend the money for a second tour, “The Grand Rooms” are probably a highlight for most visitors, along with the beautiful gardens and pools which are included in all tours. After each tour, you can explore the gardens, outdoor art, and two pools at your leisure so I would definitely make time for this and there are great views from the top of the hill. Before or after your tour, also make room for the free 40-minute film in the Visitor’s Center (just keep your ticket) as it is excellent and definitely adds something to the experience. August is a busy time and I would recommend booking your tickets ahead as some times slot often sell out in advance during high season. I hope you and your daughter enjoy your visit! ~Jessica

Megan C. Stroup Post author

March 25, 2014 at 7:14 am

I think the tour you took is now called the “Grand Rooms” – that was also the tour I did on my first trip there. You look like you had gorgeous weather; unfortunately, both times I went it was rainy and cloudy (typical for that area of the coast), but I will probably go back again one day to do the cottages tour, and hopefully it is sunny then! 🙂

March 25, 2014 at 10:59 am

Yes, it seems that they keep changing up the tour names and what is included in each one. Yes, the weather was great during our visit, it is definitely more pleasant to take in the gardens and outdoor views when the weather is clear and nice. But the inside is wonderful regardless and glad you’ve enjoyed your tours so much. We’d like to return and do one of the evening tours at some point.

Dana Post author

February 4, 2014 at 4:40 pm

We saw zebras grazing as we drove past the property on our way down the coast – unbelievable! We didn’t stop with the kids though – too pricey for an attraction they weren’t interested in. So I loved seeing your photos, and hope one day my husband and I can go back and take the tour.

February 4, 2014 at 7:42 pm

Dana, wow, that is wonderful that you got to see the zebras! I would definitely recommend going back at some point for a tour of Hearst Castle. It really is a well-done and organized tour, although better for older kids and adults. Go in nice weather so you can spend extra time wandering around on your own outside, the gardens are really pretty in the Spring and Summer.

David Post author

October 2, 2013 at 6:28 am

Nothing against Hearst castle, but I’m glad you mentioned the elephant seal rookery. It is so cool, very much worth a visit, and not nearly as well known as the castle.

October 2, 2013 at 12:30 pm

Indeed, interesting and free:) I think the whole rocky, undeveloped coastline in this area is just wonderful.

Melissa Post author

September 19, 2013 at 2:08 am

This article saddens me, but only because it points to what I missed while I lived in San Francisco. The pictures and the descriptive details whisks me into a 20th century fantasy – if only the Hearst Castle walls could talk! The Roman pool is amazing and wow, I would love to be among the staff for one of those pool parties! Next time I’m in California, I’m going to visit Hearst Castle and put your tips to work! Now, I need to re-watch Citizen Kane…

Thanks for the great article!

September 19, 2013 at 7:48 am

Melissa, I hope you get the opportunity to visit Hearst Castle some day. Although in France, there are so many castles you can visit until then!

Amy Post author

September 18, 2013 at 10:48 am

I so enjoyed visiting Hearst Castle! It is in such a gorgeous location as well. We visited during elephant seal season so it was fun to see those mammoth creatures before wandering the grounds of Hearst. I definitely need to see Citizen Kane now, too 🙂

September 18, 2013 at 12:38 pm

Yes, I love the rugged coastline in this area and elephant seals are always a great plus:) I wasn’t a huge fan of Citizen Kane when I watched it as a teen, but learning the history of William Randolph Hearst actually made me appreciate it more.

Peter Romwall Post author

September 18, 2013 at 9:12 am

I am a guide at Hearst Castle and enjoyed the description of your visit. I would like to add that Hearst Castle is an accredited art museum and there is some evidence that William Randolph Hearst was intending it to be an art museum. In the 1920’s he wrote to the architect Julia Morgan, “I see no reason why the ranch should not become a museum of the finest things I can obtain.” He told his son, William Randolph Hearst Jr., “We are only borrowing this house until I can make a gift of it to the people of America.” In that sense, it is not different than any other museum in the country that features European art, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, stocked with European art and architectural features bought and donated by wealthy Americans including J.P. Morgan.

September 18, 2013 at 9:53 am

Thanks so much Peter for stopping by our blog! Thanks for the additional info on the history and Heart Castle’s status as an art museum. Ethan and I would love to return for one of the night tours some day. Do you have any additional tips for readers thinking about visiting?

September 19, 2013 at 9:50 am

Your description and suggestions are really everything that one needs to know to enjoy a visit. The one thing that I might suggest is for visitors to pursue a particular interest. The art is just one part of the story. William Randolph Hearst was probably the most talked about private citizen in the first half of the 20th century and probably the most well-know American in the world after Franklin Roosevelt, and for many, many reasons besides his house at San Simeon. The architect Julia Morgan, the most prolific architect in U.S. history has a fascinating story and is worthy of investigation. The story of the construction of the Castle is mind-boggling for those interested in that aspect. There are many other avenues to pursue. After the 40 minute guided tour, guests have the opportunity to explore all the gardens and terraces at their leisure until the park closes. Climb the outside balconies on Casa del Monte and Casa del Mar and peek into windows. The best view on the hilltop is from the balcony on Casa del Mar which is why Mr. Hearst used that house from 1945 to 1947. His bedroom is the on the south-east corner. The opposite balcony was the bedroom of his companion, Marion Davies. Highly trained, experienced and knowledgeable guides are stationed throughout the park and we are NOT there to be policemen or security guards. We are there to answer your questions and speak with you about any topic or point of interest. A small amount of research before one visits and the willingness to ask questions and interactively participate in the experience can highly enrich one’s visit. And by all means, plop down on a chaise lounge by the Neptune Pool, put your feet up and pretend like you own the place!

September 19, 2013 at 11:13 am

Wow, thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful response! I appreciate the insider’s scoop on how to make the most of a visit to this fascinating place. We’ll have to plan a return visit soon!

Rachel Post author

September 17, 2013 at 11:59 pm

Wow. My husband is from California but we have never made it to the “Hearst Castle”. I’ll be adding it to my list after seeing this. Thanks!

September 18, 2013 at 9:51 am

Thanks for stopping by Rachel! Yes, it’s a bit out of the way but a fun trip. We did it in conjunction to a visit to some along cities along the Central Coast.

Meredith Post author

September 17, 2013 at 9:33 am

It’s hard to believe that so much world history is assembled in a (once) private home in CA instead of a museum! I’d say the family certainly had eclectic taste 🙂 I’ve heard quite a bit about Hearst Castle (and seen Citizen Kane a few times) and would love to go. Thanks for the run through and the travel tips – no doubt they’ll come in handy!

September 17, 2013 at 11:41 am

Yes, you should definitely head here if you are in California! I should re-watch Citizen Kane as it has been a long time since I saw it.

Louisa Post author

September 16, 2013 at 2:22 am

That is crazy, in an amazing way! A mish-mash of styles and historical eras and artifacts that could only work in this place.

September 16, 2013 at 9:29 am

Yes, it is certainly both an odd and fascinating place!

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by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

California , Travel · Last Updated: August 14, 2023

Visiting Hearst Castle: + Choosing The Best Hearst Castle Tour

Everything to know before choosing the best hearst castle tour.

Nestled in the hills of San Simeon California lies the opulent Hearst Castle overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This California icon has a rich Hollywood history and is well preserved from its completion back in the 1940s. It was built by media magnate William Randolph Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan. In fact, Julia was the first female architect in America and was commissioned to build this stunning mansion. Hearst wanted a retreat that was halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

It’s a prime example of the American Gilded Age and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Hearst Castle draws inspiration from various European architectural styles. Including Spanish, Italian, and Mediterranean. The design combines elements from different historical periods and regions. Resulting in a unique and eclectic architectural masterpiece. In this blog, I’m going to outline the best Hearst castle tour for you to take so you’re prepared for your visit.

Hearst Castle History

Hearst Castle is an iconic jewel nestled on California’s central coast. It stands as a testament to the opulent legacy of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Born from a vision that blended European elegance with American innovation, the castle’s history is a tale of architectural brilliance and extravagant indulgence.

In 1919, Hearst enlisted the remarkable architect Julia Morgan to shape his dream into reality. Over the following decades, the hilltop estate evolved into a masterpiece of design. The castle’s history is intertwined with a legacy of grandeur and the mingling of artistic marvels. Hearst’s insatiable appetite for art and antiquities led to the accumulation of an unparalleled collection. Spanning ancient sculptures, Renaissance tapestries, and Old Master paintings.

As the roaring 1920s unfolded, Hearst Castle transformed into a vibrant social hub, welcoming Hollywood stars, politicians, and luminaries to revel in its splendor. Lavish parties and sophisticated gatherings became the norm, with guests staying in charming guest houses that dotted the estate’s landscape. The Great Depression cast a shadow over the grandeur, causing construction to wane and altering the course of the project.

Nevertheless, the castle’s magnificence endured, eventually finding a new purpose as a California State Park and National Historic Landmark. Today, visitors journey through time as they explore the castle’s ornate interiors, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Things to Know Before Visiting Hearst Castle

• You will need to book tickets in advance to visit and they cost $30-$100 depending on which tour you take
• When arriving you must park at the visitor center and take a 15-20 minute bus ride up the hill to the castle
• You are in a group of over 20 people when touring and you must stick to your group
• They do allow video and photography however they didn’t set aside time for this and you had to rush to get photos while they were doing the tour
• The best Hearst castle tour for first-time visitors is the grand rooms tour

What is The Best Hearst Castle Tour to Take?

Grand rooms tour + upstairs suite tour ($30 each).

If you’re visiting for the first time I would recommend starting with the grand rooms tour. This guided tour provides an immersive experience through some of the most splendid spaces within the castle complex, revealing the architectural marvels and the extensive art collection that define Hearst Castle’s legacy. The tour takes 70 minutes and you can see highlights such as the gardens, Neptune pool, casa grande, dining hall, movie theatre, and the Roman pool.

You are able to book tours back to back and if you want more of this stunning property consider booking the grand room tour as well as the upstairs suite tour. These two tours go hand and hand. They both last for 70 minutes and the upstairs suite tour includes Doge’s Suite, Library, The Gothic Suite, Duplex Bedrooms, Celestial Suite, Gardens, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool.

Finally, it’s best to purchase tickets on the California Parks site.

Art of San Simeon Tour + Hearst of Hollywood Tour ($100 each)

Both of these tours are offered seasonally starting on October 1st. Since more than 90% of the objects in Hearst Castle were purchased specifically for the estate. On the two-hour semi-private art tour, your guide will focus on Hearst and how he acquired his paintings, tapestries, sculptures, antiquities, and other fascinating works of art. The group is limited to eight people making it a bit more quaint. You will visit some rooms that are featured in the four standard daytime tours and continue to rooms in the Castle that have never before been included.

The Hearst of Hollywood tour is for all of my Hollywood lovers! San Simeon was the destination of choice for Hollywood’s elite. William Randolph Hearst and his companion, actress Marion Davies, extended coveted invitations to the time-honored greats of the movie industry. Such as Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Greta Garbo, Irving Thalberg, Bette Davis, Clark Gable, and many others. On this semi-private tour, you will enjoy two hours at the Castle with a knowledgeable guide who focuses on Hearst and all things Hollywood.

Can you swim in the Neptune Pool?

The short answer is yes. But you need to pay a pretty penny. First, you need to be a member of the prestigious Foundation of Hearst Castle which costs $500 annually. Then you need to fork over $1000 to partake in the night swimming events which take place during the summer months. It’s definitely a bucket-list experience, however, with that comes a price!

So as you can see there are multiple options to choose from. I hope you gained some insight into which tour is the best Hearst castle tour for you. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to check out more of my California guides .

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Hearst Castle's Iconic Neptune Pool Reopens After a 4-Year Renovation

A T&C primer on America's most famous swimming pool.

Over a warm weekend in September, 100 guests from around the country—contingents from LA, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Santa Fe among them—descended on San Simeon, California on the state's central coast. The occasion? To celebrate its most famous landmark: Hearst Castle.

Construction began in 1922 by the publishing baron William Randolph Hearst, and the magnificent property (with 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, pools, and terraces) was handed over to the state by the Hearst Corporation and family in 1958. Since then, it's become one of the most popular California state parks, drawing about 750,000 visitors annually.

They come to marvel at the castle's stunning Spanish-inspired architecture, designed by Julia Morgan, the first woman architect to be licensed in California, and the home's incredible views of the Pacific. With an elevation of 1,600 feet, it's a 20 minute drive up winding roads that cut through the castle’s surrounding 83,000-acre ranch, which still belongs to the family. Once they've arrived, they get to wander the rooms and ogle Hearst's massive troves of art, from tapestries to his collection of ancient Greek vases.

This particular group was in town for the annual benefit weekend hosted by the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation. Founded by Anne Hearst McInerney (WRH's granddaughter) to raise crucial funds needed for castle upkeep, the HCPF invites its supporters every year for three days of festivities that include a black-tie dinner inside the castle's refectory (just as WRH would have dined nearly a century ago), a Western-themed dinner in a dairy barn, and alfresco lunch at WRH's father George's house.

Those attending this year's benefit weekend got an extra treat: a very rare chance to swim in the iconic Neptune Pool. The pool had been closed for repairs for the past four years, and only just reopened.

"The restoration of the pool was probably the single biggest project in the history of Hearst Castle apart from building the estate," says Mary Levkoff, the landmark's museum director. (Don't feel too bad for guests who came for benefit weekends while the pool was closed, though: they got to swim in the estate's other iconic, and equally magnificent, mosaic-lined Roman Pool.)

The Neptune Pool's ambitious undertaking was made possible, in part, through a generous donation by Lady Gaga, who wrote a check for $250,000 in exchange for being able to film a music video ("G.U.Y.") on the site and in the pool. And also, perhaps, introduced Hearst Castle to legions of fans around the world.

Now here's the million dollar question: exactly who can swim in the pool? Occasionally, the HCPF and Friends of Hearst Castle, the other resident philanthropic organization, will auction off a swim in the pool at one of the various fundraising events they hold each year.

All it takes for anyone is keeping tabs on their calendars—plus a little extra money in the bank. In the past, a swim in the pool (along with dinner for 10 in one of the hilltop guesthouses) fetched $60,000. If your accountant balks, tell her you're not only buying a once-in-a-lifetime experience to live like William Randolph Hearst for a day, but that all the money goes directly into Hearst Castle's conservation efforts.

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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Escape the Valley heat and take a dip in the historic Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle

Foundation at Hearst Castle members are invited to swim in the historic Neptune Pool, where elites like Joan Crawford, Howard Hughes, and Charlie Chaplin once dipped their toes.

Those lucky enough to attend the exclusive Aug. 26 swim event will take a dip in the iconic pool and be treated to Central Coast wines and craft beer.

A 40-person limit is in place for the event, and only a foundation member can make reservations . Members can invite up to 10 guests. Reservations are first come, first serve and cost $1,000 a person.

Annual memberships start at $500 and include invitations to all members-only events. The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students, according to the foundation's website .

In 2022, after a two-year hiatus, the Foundation at Hearst Castle resumed fundraising events. The estate was closed following the COVID-19 pandemic and severe rainstorms that damaged the access road to the castle in early 2021.

La Cuesta Encantada

The construction of the Neptune Pool happened over three stages between 1924 and 1936. The outdoor pool is 104 feet long, 58 feet wide, and 95 feet wide at the alcove. It is 3.5 feet deep at the west end, 10 feet at the drains, and holds 345,000 gallons of water.

The Neptune Pool includes a marble Art Deco sculptural group of Venus, cupids, and mermaids in the water.

William Randolph Hearst started to build the now famous estate overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. By 1947, the complex included a twin-towered main building, three guesthouses, and 127 acres of gardens, fountains, and pools.

Hearst called the estate "La Cuesta Encantada," Spanish for The Enchanted Hill.

Tour reservations are recommended and can be made online at  HearstCastle.org  or by calling (800) 444-4445. Hearst Castle is just a 2.5-hour trip from Visalia to the Central Coast at 750 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon.

Event details:

• Saturday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Members only
• 40 guests max
• First, come, first-served
• Reservations 95% tax-deductible
• Members may reserve space for up to 10 guests
• Pool is not heated. Wetsuits welcome
• All ages welcome

Hearst Castle: Visiting the Dream

Table of Contents

Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and a Broken Highway

It is a fact that the Central California Coast is packed with a myriad of fantastic attractions and sights. For the visitors of the area, it can be difficult to choose what to see, especially when time is limited. Having planned for only two days in this magnificent region, we had to make some tough decisions. Naturally, after doing some research, I created an ambitious itinerary that involved stopping at several different parks near the coast. I envisioned a day completely packed with sightseeing, starting with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , continuing onto Hearst Castle , and finally returning to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , where our kids could get their Junior Ranger badges. We had already seen some of the reserve on the previous day, but there was some unfinished business to take care of.

To my disappointment and hubby’s relief, my plan was not meant to be. While looking for information on our trusty iPhones, we found out that Highway 1 (the PCH) was closed in a couple of sections because it had suffered damage from recent mudslides and erosion.

Decisions…Decisions…

After moving quickly through the five stages of grief, I came to accept that what I imagined was not going to happen. Disappointed by this turn of events I had no idea what we should do. To help ease the decision, my hubby called the ranger station at Big Sur, and got information on the road closures. Then, he broke the news: We had to pick between Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Hearst Castle. The alternative roads we would be taking to get to these places were too far out of the way to allow for both in one day.

McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the place we were not meant to see on this trip Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Martin E. Jones

After a quick discussion, hubby and I agreed it would be interesting to check out Hearst Castle. We had already seen part of Big Sur the previous day but we had never visited this castle. Some of our friends had recommended it highly, so we thought it might be worth driving there.

Hearst Castle Visitor Center

We left the Laurel Inn Motel in Salinas and a couple of hours later arrived at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center . The first order of business was to get information about the different tours that were offered. The castle is situated on top of a hill, so everyone had to take a guided tour and get on a bus in order to see it up close.

Tour Options

We had several tour options to choose from with the two most popular ones being the Grand Rooms Tour and the Upstairs Suites Tour . Both would take us into the main Casa Grande of the castle. Seeing some grand rooms in a castle sounded like the thing to do, so we purchased our tickets for the Grand Rooms Tour. It also happened to be the recommended choice for first time visitors.

Since we had about 30 minutes until our tour, we decided to grab a quick lunch at the visitor center cafeteria. The food there was actually not too bad, but as one would imagine, it was completely overpriced.

Hearst Castle Grand Rooms Tour

We finished our lunch just in time to line up for the bus that was going to take us up to Hearst Castle. Our tour guide greeted us when all the people in our group were comfortably seated inside. As the bus started moving slowly out of the visitor center area, our guide began telling us the story of the castle, and the man who turned it into reality, William Randolph Hearst .

Hearst Castle way in the distance as seen from the bus

Who Was Mr. Hearst

Mr. Hearst was an interesting man who had built his fortune in the newspaper publishing business. He was born in a wealthy family, and from an early age had the chance to visit and get to know Europe. This is where he developed a fascination, even obsession, for European art and architecture. Throughout his life, he collected an incredible amount of valuable European sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and other artworks that are currently on display in the castle.

Looking for Zebras

As we were listening to the story about Mr. Hearst, the bus continued climbing up towards the castle on a winding narrow road. Our guide advised us to look out the windows and keep our eyes open for zebras. She explained that at one point, Mr. Hearst had the largest private zoo in the world , and some of the exotic animals were still roaming around the grounds. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we strained our eyes, we could not spot a zebra or anything else. The scenery however was beautiful with the rolling golden hills of the Santa Lucia Range on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. It was an absolutely perfect California day, and everyone on the bus seemed very happy to spend part of it in this enchanted place.

Looking towards the Pacific Coast from the bus

When we got closer to the castle, the sounds of old Hollywood style music started carrying through the loudspeakers in the bus. It truly felt like we were going back in time to a place of style and glamour that most of us had only seen in old movies.

At Hearst Castle

At last, we arrived! The bus stopped, and everyone was exited, and ready to take it all in. It was a magnificent place with amazing views of the Santa Lucia mountains and the Pacific Ocean. There were fresh looking flowers all around us, and beautifully maintained gardens and evergreens. The two front towers of the main building, Casa Grande, rose high above everything else, looking even brighter against the clear blue sky.

First glimpse of the main Casa Grande at Hearst Castle

Neptune Pool

Our first stop was at the Neptune outdoor pool , which was unlike any pool I had ever seen. It had a large center pavilion in Roman style that Mr. Hearst brought from Europe. There were also intricate lamp stands and mosaics, accompanied by stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains all around.

The Neptune Pool with magnificent views of Santa Lucia Mountains

Unfortunately, the pool was currently undergoing massive repairs due to leakage, and was missing its signature mosaic floor that is often seen in pictures of the castle. The pool however was filled with water, which apparently we were lucky to see, since until recently it was completely empty.

The Neptune Pool before all the repairs started Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Heather Sorenson

View near the Neptune Pool

Sekhmet Egyptian Statues and Front Gate

After Neptune Pool, our tour continued through the garden where we stopped at two Egyptian statues and heads of Sekhmet , a powerful Egyptian Goddess who looked like a woman with the head of a lioness. We learned that in Egyptian mythology, she was a very powerful Goddess of war, fire, and healing.

Egyptian Sekhmet statues and heads

Next, we took a quick stop at the front of the main Casa Grande to see its ornate gate and facade, which featured more statues and elaborate details.

In front of Casa Grande

The front gate of Casa Grande

Assembly Room

After everyone was done snapping photos, we headed inside, and began the Grand Rooms Tour with the Assembly Room. This is where guests of Mr. Hearst used to gather for cocktails and chitchat. As one would imagine, the room was way over the top, decorated with Baroque tapestries, a wood-carved ceiling and a fireplace with more detail than the mind could comprehend. There were also pews lining the walls of the room, not because Mr. Hearst was a very religious man, but for decoration. In fact, one thing that is not found on the Hearst Castle property is a chapel. William Hearst apparently believed that people could worship whenever they pleased, and he didn’t see the need for a designated building for that.

The Assembly Room in Casa Grande

From the Assembly Room, we moved into the Refectory. I admit, until that day, I had not heard that word, and had no idea that “refectory” was a term used to describe the dining hall of a monastery. In this room, there was a really long dining table with chairs lined up around it. Of course there were also more tapestries, statues, and another intricate, wood-carved ceiling.

The Refectory in Casa Grande

Some kind of flags hung down from the walls all around the room, and since I couldn’t recognize any of them, I asked our guide what they were. Apparently the flags were “heraldic flags,” and had different knight symbols on them. One thing was apparent, Mr. Hearst sure had wacky taste when it came to interior decorating!

Heraldic flags hanging in the Refectory in Casa Grande

Tea Room and Billiard Room

After the Refectory, we moved into a smaller Tea Room, and then made our way into the Billiard Room.

The Tea Room in Casa Grande

Besides two billiard tables, there were more mind boggling mosaics, busy tapestries, and detailed European ceilings. Really, it was quite astounding to say the least. This is where Mr. Hearst and his guests played games of billiard well into the AM hours of the night. Our guide made a point to say that women were very much welcomed to play billiards along with the men. Mr. Hearst just wanted all of his guests to have a good time!

The billiard room in Casa Grande

Tapestry hanging in the billiard room in Casa Grande

Movie Theater

We completed our tour of the Grand Rooms with a visit to the castle’s theater where we watched a short, silent movie. This perfectly recreated the atmosphere of the evenings that Mr. Hearst had spent here enjoying time with his visitors.

Lamp statue in the movie theater in Casa Grande

When we exited Casa Grande, our official tour portion was over. At that point, we could take our sweet time, and hang around the gardens of the castle for as long as we wanted.

Angie and Dani having fun in the garden near Casa Grande

The kids enjoying time in the gardens of Hearst Castle after the Grand Rooms Tour

The gardens and art in Hearst Castle are absolutely stunning

We walked around a bit longer, and enjoyed this beautiful California day among the statues and flowers of Hearst Castle. Then, we slowly started making our way towards the bus stop.

The one and only Casa Grande

A closeup of an amazingly ornate sarcophagus with nine muses, Apollo, and Minerva

Beautiful fragrant flowers at Hearst Castle

Casa del Monte, one of the guesthouses at Hearst Castle

We followed everyone else who was headed in the same direction, and found ourselves inside the Roman Pool building. There was an absolutely jaw dropping indoor pool, decorated with more of Mr. Hearst’s elaborate statues and mosaics.

First glimpse of the Roman Pool at Hearst Castle

An interesting fact we learned was that the Roman Pool, as well as the outdoor Neptune Pool were used by Lady Gaga in her music video “G.U.Y.” Being a fan, I actually looked it up later, and found the video showing scenes from the pool.

Looking towards the other end of the Roman Pool

Leaving the Dream

The bus arrived shortly thereafter, and we had to say goodbye to Hearst Castle and all of the art and magic around it. It was time to leave and figure out how to use the remaining hours in the day. Since getting to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park was not possible due to the mudslide damage on Highway 1, we really had only one option: to go back to Point Lobos State Reserve so the kids could get their California state Junior Ranger badges. With great sadness, I parted with the hope of seeing beautiful McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park on this trip.

McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park…We will be back to see it soon Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Guy Galer

Point Lobos for the Second Time

After a little over two hours of driving, we arrived at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve . We handed the kids’ completed booklets to the ranger at the entrance station, and he checked them over. While working on them earlier, we had all learned that the name Point Lobos really means “Point of the Wolves.” It refers to the Sea Lions in the park, who sound a bit like howling, barking wolves.

California Junior Rangers

After the ranger went through the kids’ answers, he came out and asked them to repeat the Junior Ranger pledge. Then, he gave them the California state Junior Ranger badges. These were the very first state badges the kids had earned, and we were all excited for them.

Since there was still about an hour before closing time, we decided to go inside Point Lobos. This would give us a chance to continue where we left off the day before on our Central California Coast adventure .

South Shore Trail

Once in the park, we agreed to take the South Shore Trail, which was right near the water.

Dani on South Shore Trail in Point Lobos

We could see that the coastal fog was creeping inland, and had already covered some of the bigger hills in the distance. It was actually kind of neat, and it made this whole area appear that much more mystical.

Interesting rocks near the South Shore Trail in Point Lobos

We found our way onto some pretty large rocks, and had a wonderful time watching the crashing, splashing waves.

Angie and Dani having a blast on the large rocks near the South Shore Trail in Point Lobos

Climbing rocks is always the greatest fun for our kiddos

I noticed some interesting purple balls with spikes growing in tide pools on the rocks. I later found out these were small marine animals called Purple Sea Urchins . They were quite interesting looking, indeed.

Purple Sea Urchins in a tide pool near the South Shore Trail in Point Lobos

The time passed very quickly, and we realized it was almost 7:00 o’clock. The park was about to close, so we had to think about making our way back to the car. As we started walking, we noticed an area enclosed by rocks nearby where water was seeping under. This created a small, hidden beach that was covered in pebbles. The kids just had to run to it and play near the water for a bit longer.

Kids chasing the ocean water near an interesting enclosed rocky beach

Back to Salinas for the Night

After a few more minutes of fun, it was definitely time to go. We got to our car, and headed back towards Salinas where we were staying at the Laurel Inn Motel for one more night. On the way, the kids reminded us that we needed to get some dinner, so while hubby was driving I opened Yelp on my phone. I found an interesting Mexican restaurant in Salinas called Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca , which obviously specialized in the cuisines of Hidalgo and Oaxaca. I had often heard from people familiar with Mexico that some of the best food in the country is found in the Oaxaca region, so I thought it might be interesting to try it out.

Delicious Tlayudas

We arrived at the restaurant and were seated right away. After consulting with the owner who was from Oaxaca, hubby and I ordered a half-vegetarian, half-meat tlayuda, which is an Oaxacan specialty. The kids on the other hand, went with their usual cheese quesadillas, and weren’t interested in culinary adventures.

Our tlayuda at Culturas Hidalgo y Oaxaca Restaurant in Salinas

The tlayuda was absolutely delicious, and we considered ordering a second portion. We did, however, decide to be good, and not completely stuff ourselves. It was too bad this was our last night in Salinas, as we couldn’t come back to this fantastic restaurant once again.

After this enjoyable dining experience was over, we headed back to the Laurel Inn Motel for one more night before continuing onto new California adventures.

Join us again as we explore Pinnacles National Park on the following day of our family trip to California.

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Great write-up and photos! We visited Hearst Castle a couple of years ago. What an interesting place. I sooo wanted to take a dip in that pool!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Yesss! The pools were incredible…the outdoor pool was still under construction, but regardless…it was still impressive! 😊❤️

Hearst brought Europe to the USA…Absolutely gorgeous estate and property. The pics and story really were detailed well.

Yes! He was completely obsessed with European art, and accumulated such an impressive collection! It is a fascinating place, and it is great that everyone can see and enjoy it! Thank you so much for checking it out! 🙂

What a stunning setting for this castle. Thank you for the tour. I feel as if I have been there. Now I just have to go!

Thank you so much! It is gorgeous out there…right near the ocean…cool crisp air, and plenty of California sunshine! You would love it! 🙂

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Hearst Castle: Which Tour to Take + First-Time Guide [2024]

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Hearst Castle is a must-see for any visitors to California.

Nestled in the foggy hills outside of San Simeon, California, Hearst Castle is a massive estate with several guesthouses. Spending an afternoon at Hearst Castle is almost like spending an afternoon back in the 1930s . A museum that doubles as a state park, Hearst Castle is one of a kind.

But with so many different options available, it can be hard to decide which Hearst Castle tour to take. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right tour for your visit.

Hearst Castle, Which Tour to Choose?

In order to enter the property, you must purchase a tour .

Initially, I felt hesitant about being constrained to a tour, but it ended up being totally worth it! The estate became a state park shortly after Hearst’s death, so the early 19th-century vibe is highly preserved.

If you’re short on time, the Grand Rooms Tour is the perfect way to see the best of Hearst Castle. It includes a visit to the castle’s gardens, pool, and grandest rooms, including the Banquet Hall and Roman Pool. The Grand Tour is the most comprehensive option and includes access to all of the castle’s public rooms.

For this reason, the Grand Rooms Tour is recommended for most first-time guests.

For a more in-depth look at the property, opt for the Upstairs Suites Tour. This tour provides a more intimate look at the castle, focusing on the private rooms used by William Randolph Hearst and his guests. This tour is a good choice if you’re interested in hearing stories about the castle’s famous visitors.

And if you’re interested in learning about the castle’s history, take the Behind-the-Scenes Tour. This tour covers topics like architecture, landscaping, and interior design and includes a visit to the property’s basement and kitchen.

No matter which tour you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at Hearst Castle.

Is Hearst Castle Worth Visiting?

Contrary to many museums, Hearst Castle showcases one man’s life journey in creating the castle. This results in an incredibly engaging tour because as you get to see more of the grounds, you also get to know more about Hearst himself.

Best of all, Hearst is equidistant from both Los Angeles and San Francisco (and only 3 hours from Fresno !) This central location makes Hearst an obvious choice for any California bucket list.

The highlight of the castle is the hodgepodge of art and architecture from all over the world. You can find an ancient Egyptian statue converted into a fountain, ceilings from European monasteries, Spanish friezes, and Greek marble masterpieces decorating the pool.

It is a little overwhelming that so much history and beauty is crammed into one residence. However, the Amerian Association of Museums vetted the entire collection at Hearst.

Hearst Castle Animals

Did I mention that wild zebras roam the property? 

When most people think of Hearst Castle, they think of its lavish style and architecture. But what many don’t know is that Hearst Castle was once home to the world’s largest private zoo.

In the early days of the castle animals including peacocks, ostriches, and even giraffes roamed the grounds, providing a bit of exotic flair. The Hearst Castle zebras are one of the last remaining species after the dismantling of the zoo. If you’re lucky you can still see them from the Pacific Coast Highway as you pass the castle grounds.

Hearst Castle Tour FAQ

No. Only members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests can swim in the Neptune Pool.

No, you cannot rent a room or stay on the grounds of the castle. The main grounds are strictly for display, although the Hearst family still has access to a private part of the estate for personal use.

Pictures at Hearst Castle can be taken for private use only. Professional shoots and tripods are not allowed.

Hearst offers 13 different tours including private tours. However, many are available on a seasonal basis and special events are added regularly.

I hope these tour recommendations were helpful to you! If you enjoyed it, check out a video preview of more of my California content on my  Instagram Highlights  and give me a follow. If you ever have a question you can DM me or drop it in the comments below.

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For Cassie, every destination deepens her love for God. Her mission is to inspire that same love in others. Hang around and find something to inspire your next adventure!

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Hearst Castle’s Neptune Pool Is Reopening for Just 2 Nights This Summer

The only caveat is that it has a $1,000 entrance fee..

Published on 8/11/2023 at 11:10 AM

Having access to a pool during heat waves, or any time of year, for that matter, is worth its weight in gold. Over here at Thrillist, we’ve exhausted our options, from using the Airbnb of swimming pools, Swimply , to patronizing poolside bars . However, a new option just opened up— taking a dip in the Hearst Castle ’s Neptune Pool.

Hearst Castle , publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst’s historic estate in San Simeon, was once the home of Gatsby-esque parties during the Roaring Twenties, attended by star-studded guests like Cary Grant and Greta Garbo. Since opening to the public in June 1958, the Spanish Colonial-style landmark has attracted millions of visitors who come to tour the 127 acres and observe its iconic art.

Now, for two nights only, members of the Foundation at Hearst Castle can shell out a whopping $1,000 and rally up to 40 of their friends to take a ride up to the Enchanted Hill for a lavish pool party decked out with a curated selection of treats, as well as fine wines and spirits from the Central Coast of California.

The first pool party, titled “Hollywood at Hearst Castle Neptune Pool Swim,” is set for August 19 and will be hosted by the castle’s celebrity committee, including Sterling K. Brown and June Diane Raphael. The second date, sans celebrities, and the fancy name, is on August 26 .

The pool, which underwent a four-year-long renovation, is 104 feet long and 58 feet wide and lined with Vermont marble. Fountains, Roman-style columns, and various Art Deco sculptures of Venus, cupids, and mermaids adorn the 345,000-gallon body of water, making the swim unlike any experience you’ll ever have.

And don’t worry—all this opulence isn’t for naught, as the funds raised from the pool parties will go toward the foundation’s STEAM programs serving youth from underserved communities in California.

So, grab some pals, pool your savings, and go see how the other half lives.

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HEARST CASTLE NOW OPEN FOR TOURS.

Hearst Castle

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California State Parks Refills Hearst Castle’s Neptune Pool

For Immediate Release August 14, 2018

Contact: Dan Falat, District Superintendent [email protected] (805) 927-2065

SAN SIMEON, Calif. – California State Parks announced today that the project to repair and restore the world-famous Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle moved into the final phase. The department began refilling the 345,000-gallon pool today.

The historic castle, built between 1919 and 1947 by William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, includes a 115-room main house plus guesthouses, pools, gardens and a world-renowned collection of art. Donated by the Hearst Corporation to the State of California in 1958, the castle attracts on average 750,000 visitors a year.

The nearly 90-year-old Neptune Pool was drained in 2014 at the height of the drought due to cracks that caused it to leak up to 5,000 gallons a day. State Parks immediately launched a major renovation project to fix the leaks. Design work for the pool, including historical surveys, permitting, and environmental reviews, was completed by the end of 2015 and the construction contract was awarded in 2016. To help Hearst Castle better prepare for droughts, the department also looked at other ways to improve water-use efficiency and upgraded the irrigation system, replaced thirsty plants with drought-tolerant varieties and added mulch.

“We are pleased that visitors can again enjoy the artistry of the Neptune Pool,” District Superintendent Dan Falat said. “More importantly, this fully restored structure and other improvements ensure that water is being used efficiently and wisely for the long term.”

The project cost totaled $10 million, including $5.4 million for construction. Renovations included:

• Removal of more than 9,000 square feet of marble tiles.
• Repair of the concrete shell.
• Installation of three layers of waterproofing and 1,500 feet of new underground piping.
• Replacement of tiles with thousands of new marble tiles sourced from the original quarry in Vermont.
• Restoration of the gigantic Art Deco sculptures.

The project was funded by Proposition 84 (passed in 2006) and the State Parks and Recreation Fund. California State Parks thanks the many partners who helped make the restoration possible, including the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation, Stephen Hearst, Hearst Corporation, Friends of Hearst Castle, and the general contractor, T.B. Penick and Sons.

The refilling of the Neptune Pool is expected to take about 2 to 3 days and may be observed on any of Hearst Castle’s tours. Advance tour reservations can be made by visiting www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-4445.

More information about this extraordinary project can be found at hearstcastle.local/neptune-pool-restoration-project and  terracon.com/renovating-the-hearst-castle-neptune-pool .

Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news or email us at [email protected] .

California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov .