Hearst Castle
Located in San Simeon, California, just north of San Luis Obispo and only 9 miles from Cambria, William Randolph Hearst's hilltop estate, Hearst Castle, stands like a beacon on a hill, beckoning visitors to marvel at its opulence. In 1865, WR Hearst’s father, George, purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland, which William later inherited. Over time, William added more than 200,000 acres until the parcel eventually spanned 250,000 in total.
With the help of architect Julia Morgan, William conceived the idea for a home he called La Cuesta Encantada, “the enchanted hill” in Spanish. Though he had to abandon the estate due to failing health before it was completed, it already contained 165 rooms and 123 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, terraces, pools, and pathways.
Today, Hearst Castle exists as a museum and California State Park, welcoming more than 700,000 visitors each year. It’s also conveniently located just 4 hours from San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you’re visiting Cambria, California, be sure to add this exceptional landmark to your to-do list. Whether you’re into art collecting, architecture, or landscaping, or you just want to see one of the most impressive estates in the country, it’s a truly unique experience.
Year-Round Tours at Hearst Castle
Grand Rooms Tour
If this is your first time visiting Hearst Castle, the 70-minute Grand Rooms tour is the best place to start. Your tour begins outside on the terrace and then leads you through the main building, Casa Grande, which contains the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room, and Theater. It’s important to note there are several steps, and you’ll walk around 2/3 of a mile. If members of your group may struggle with this, check out the accessibly designed Grand Rooms Tour for an alternative.
Price: $35 for adults and $18 for Children ages 5 – 12
Upstairs Suites Tour
Ascend the spiral staircase to the upper levels of the mansion, where you’ll explore Hearst’s private suite, the Celestial Suite on the bell tower level, the main library, which contains 150 ancient Greek vases, the Della Robbia Room, the Gothic Study, and a unique duplex suite.
This tour is approximately 70 minutes and consists of around 367 stairs and a three-quarter mile route.
Price: $35 for adults and $18 for Children ages 5 – 12
Cottages and Kitchen Tour
While they’re called cottages, this tour invites you into the two mansions that housed the Hearst family and their guests while the main building was being constructed. Bring your camera to capture stunning views of the Pacific coastline and surrounding mountain ranges.
Tour highlights include the Wine Cellar, Casa del Monte, with its ornate gold leaf ceilings, Casa del Mar, the Kitchen, Gardens, Neptune Pool, and the Roman Pool. As you explore the grounds on this 70-minute tour, you’re transported back in time to days of lavish parties and exquisite wonder.
Price: $35 for adults and $18 for Children ages 5 – 12
Private Tour
For an unmatched experience, the 4-hour private tour gives you access to any area of the Castle available to the public on other tours. Customize your dream day and explore the areas you want to see most.
The private tour accommodates up to 6 people and is offered during regular hours. However, it needs to be booked at least a week in advance.
Price: $1500 per group
Seasonal and Holiday Tours
Julia Morgan Tour
This 120-minute tour introduces you to California’s first certified female architect. Julia Morgan was a force to be reckoned with. As the first American woman to head her own architectural firm, she was one of the most sought-after voices in the space in the early 1900s. Thus attracting the likes of Mr. Hearst.
On this rare and exceptional tour, you will take a deep dive into Julia’s career, get a glimpse at rarely-seen parts of the Castle, and explore her architectural designs and personal artifacts.
Price: $110 for adults and children
Art Under the Moonlight Tour
Typically available in the fall, between early October to mid-November, this tour invites you to experience the exquisite Hearst Castle art collections awash in the glow of the moon. As you’re guided through the indoor and outdoor collections of selected works, you’ll experience what it must have felt like to be a guest of the castle in the 1930s.
Tours are held seasonally, on select Fridays and Saturdays only, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Price: $50 for adults and $25 for Children ages 5 – 12.
Holiday Twilight Tour
Explore the beautifully decorated grounds, Casa del Sol guest house, the social rooms of Casa Grande, the Neptune and Roman pools, the Kitchen, and the Theater on this special seasonal tour. Filled with immaculate decorations, two towering Christmas trees, and thousands of warm, twinkling lights, it’s one of the best ways to welcome the holiday season.
The 75-minute guided tour is offered on select nights from November 25 – December 30.
Price: $40 for adults and $22 for Children ages 5 – 12.
Explore the Grounds of Hearst Castle
In addition to touring the grounds, take some time on your visit to view the Hearst Castle zebras! Did you know Hearst Castle was once home to the world's largest private zoo?! Filled with more than 50 different species and hundreds of individual animals, it was quite the feat for its time.
In the 1930's, the zoo was dismantled when Hearst experienced some financial setbacks. Today, however, when the weather is warm, you can still spot descendants of the original zebras roaming freely. Other animals still on the grounds include Rocky Mountain elk, tahr goats, llamas, white fallow deer, and several sheep. As you cruise down Highway 1 near San Simeon, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse!
Stay in Cambria for Easy Access to Hearst Castle
If you’re looking for the perfect home base for your California adventure, Cambria offers a convenient location, stunning scenery, a charming community, and incredible landmarks like Hearst Castle. At Cambria Vacation Rentals, we have a variety of properties available that are guaranteed to fit your group and budget needs.
Browse our complete inventory, and book your stay directly with us for the best price on your home and quality service you won’t find anywhere else.