Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and a California State Park. Construction of Hearst’s Moorish-style castle began in 1919, and it was his private residence until his death in 1951. La Cuesta Encantada, which means “enchanted hill,” opened to visitors in 1958. The home holds art collections and items collected by Mr. Hearst during his travels, such as monastery ceilings, Byzantine tapestries, European works of art, and fireplaces from Gothic castles. In its heyday, Hearst Castle also boasted the world’s largest private zoo.
To see any of the castle or grounds, you must purchase one of the Hearst Castle tours on offer. The Grand Rooms Tour, which includes the Assembly Room, refectory, gardens, theater, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool, is the most popular. Highlights on other tours include the Casa Grande, the guest houses, and Casa del Sol, in addition to the main house. Evening tours are also available—a great way to beat the Central Coast’s summer heat.
Reserve Hearst Castle tickets or tours ahead of time; admission is available up to 56 days in advance.
Accessibly designed tours skip much of the walking and stair climbing, and are available in the evening during spring and fall.
The only dining option with food for purchase is at the Visitor Center.
Wear comfortable shoes as visiting requires a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing.
Summer temps in San Simeon can reach the high 90s.
Reach Hearst Castle from the north via Highway 101 to Paso Robles. The entrance is about five miles (eight kilometers) from Paso Robles atop the Santa Lucia Range, and five miles (eight kilometers) north of San Simeon State Park. You can also book a tour from Paso Robles or Los Angeles that includes transportation.
Hearst Castle is open from 9am every day, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer temperatures can be quite high; a spring or fall visit is lovely. Holiday time at the castle brings the Holiday Twilight Tour, with twinkling lights and decorations galore.
During Hearst’s heyday in the 1920s and 30s, he often entertained stars from Hollywood and members of the political elite. Famous guests included politicos Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt. Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Greta Garbo also famously stayed at the castle.