Hearst Castle, located in San Simeon, is a historic estate and a national landmark known for its opulent architecture, stunning art collection, and breathtaking views of the California coastline. The castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, offers visitors a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of one of America’s most influential figures.

Historical Overview
Foundation: Construction of Hearst Castle began in 1919 and continued into the 1940s. The estate was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan and served as the private residence of William Randolph Hearst.
 
Key Features and Exhibits
Main House (Casa Grande): The centerpiece of Hearst Castle, Casa Grande is a Mediterranean Revival-style mansion featuring 115 rooms, including grand salons, libraries, and dining rooms. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details, fine art, and luxurious furnishings.
Guesthouses: The estate includes three guesthouses—Casa del Mar, Casa del Monte, and Casa del Sol—each designed with the same attention to detail and opulence as the main house. These guesthouses provided lavish accommodations for Hearst’s guests.
Art Collection: Hearst Castle houses an extensive art collection, including European paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and antiquities. Highlights include works from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic periods.
Gardens and Grounds: The estate is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, terraces, and fountains. Visitors can explore the lush grounds, which feature exotic plants, classical statues, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Neptune Pool: One of the most iconic features of Hearst Castle, the Neptune Pool is an outdoor swimming pool designed in a Greco-Roman style. It is surrounded by marble colonnades and features exquisite sculptures.
Roman Pool: An indoor pool inspired by ancient Roman baths, the Roman Pool is adorned with cobalt blue and gold tiles, mosaics, and statues. It offers a glimpse into the luxurious recreational facilities enjoyed by Hearst and his guests.
 
Visiting Tips for Families
Plan Ahead: Check the Hearst Castle website for tour schedules and special events to make the most of your visit. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for exploring the estate’s extensive grounds and gardens. Bring layers, as weather conditions can vary.
Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, and sun protection, as the estate offers areas where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. There are also dining options available on-site.

Tour Information
To start the tour, visitors board a bus at the Visitor Center that takes them to the Castle at the top of the hill.  Tours depart from the Visitor Center by bus at the time printed on the ticket. An audio presentation provides background information during the 15 minute, 5-mile trip to the Castle.  All of the tours include the two 15-minute bus rides to and from the hilltop.

Following the guided portion of the tour, visitors are welcome to remain on the hilltop to enjoy the magnificent vistas and to explore the grounds, including the gardens and the Neptune Pool and Roman Pools until closing time. Each of these daytime tours also includes the companion movie, "Hearst Castle - Building the Dream,” which is shown throughout the day in the Hearst Castle Theater adjacent to the Visitor Center. 
 
Grand Rooms Tour
Best for first-time visitors, this overview of Hearst Castle offers an itinerary through the main building called Casa Grande: the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room and Theater. Tours begin outdoors with several stairs to negotiate on the terraces.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Grand Rooms Tour is 60 minutes long and includes approximately 140 steps, both up and down, and 2/3-mile walk. An Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms Tour is also available for those who may have difficulty standing and walking for extended periods of time. It is wheelchair accessible.
 
Upstairs Suites Tour
Ascend narrow winding staircases to explore the breathtaking libraries, guest accommodations, and Hearst's own suite.
Climb the spiral stairs (322 steps) through the upper levels of Casa Grande to admire Mr. Hearst’s own Gothic Suite, the enchanting Celestial Suite in the bell towers’ level, the main library with 150 ancient Greek vases, the della Robbia Room, and a clever Duplex Suite.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Upstairs Suites Tour is 60 minutes long and consists of approximately 367 stairs, both up and down, and a 3/4-mile route to walk. For those who have difficulty walking or standing for lengths of time, we recommend Accessibly Designed Tours.
 
Cottages & Kitchen Tour
This tour features two of the luxurious mansions that housed the Hearst family and their guests before Casa Grande was ready. Offering magnificent Pacific coast and mountain views, these ornately gilded “cottages” are thousands of square feet in size. The famous wine cellar and gigantic kitchen in Casa Grande are included in this tour.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Cottages & Kitchen Tour is 60 minutes long and consists of approximately 193 stairs, both up and down, and a 3/4-mile route to walk. For those who have difficulty walking or standing for lengths of time, we recommend Accessibly Designed Tours.
 
Designing The Dream Tour
For those fascinated by the trajectory of the Enchanted Hill, and W. R. Hearst’s unique collaboration with architect Julia Morgan, the Designing the Dream tour weaves through the nearly three decades of planning and construction that comprised the astounding estate’s history. The earliest years are viewed in Casa del Sol, a guest cottage from the very first stage of the project; the middle-years are represented by the iconic swimming pools so closely associated with the estate; and the final years are seen in the North Wing of Casa Grande, the very last phase to be realized. With an emphasis on both changing design and architectural styles of the time, and the tumultuous events in W.R. Hearst’s own life, this tour spans the entire history of Hearst Castle.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Designing the Dream tour is 75 minutes long and includes approximately 341 steps, both up and down, and 1.2 mile walk. For those who have difficulty walking or standing for lengths of time, we recommend Accessibly Designed Tours.
 
Educator Package: Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization, direct experiential opportunities to help better connect the experience with your students and complimentary chaperone ticket. Does not include student ticket.
 
Student Package: Includes engaging pre and post educational visit activities, trip organization and student ticket.