Hearst Castle

This is a place I have always wanted to visit. Finally made it Hearst Castle this weekend!
The buildings and grounds are immaculate. Our tour guide, Amy, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I enjoyed the history and thinking about the people who walked the halls and lived/​visited the castle before us.
I do feel the ticket is over priced ($ 25 for an hour tour). Maybe if we planned to spend an entire day on the property (vs a couple of hours), the cost would be more reasonable. Regardless I am glad I checked this off my list.

Hearst Castle is the West Coast’s Biltmore Estate. Once you’ve parked, you buy your ticket, maybe get some jerky and fudge, and wait outside watching the cattle. Then you get on a tram to the estate. The estate is on a gazillion acres of land (okay not really) and beautiful. You forget you are so close to the ocean.
The tour is informative with all the beautiful décor, pieces from churches and Europe, and intricate art work. Everything has a story and I just wanted to engross myself in it all. The underground pool is beautiful as well as the grounds on the outside. After the tour, you’ll have time to soak in the California sun.
The drive is easy from the south, either inland or along the coast.

Visited Hearst Castle on New Years eve-​eve with one of my best friends. Over the holidays they have night tours, so we took advantage of the opportunity! I’ve done a day tour before, but it is soooo beautiful at night! and cold– so dress accordingly!
You park in a lot that leads to the ticket area/​bus pickup area, and then the bus takes your group allllllll the way up the hill, all while giving you some background information about the property, and Mr. Hearst himself. It’s pretty great.
Once you get the to the top, your group is escorted to the castle itself. The tour is SO COOL. everything is amazingly beautiful, and it’s almost hard to process that this was real life for someone haha. Since we went in December, it was decorated exactly how Mr. Hearst had it decorated every year– massive Christmas Trees, a huge poinsettia tree, wreaths everywhere– it was truly magical.
the tour lasted about an hour i believe? not even sure, but it was so much fun, and totally worth the money. add this to your bucket list if you haven’t already visited!

So, Hearst (the person) was a real jerk, and I think it rubbed off on his estate. Our experience began with port-​a-​potties (due to the water crisis, you can’t use actual plumbing.) We were then enticed by approximately five hundred things to spend money on; the closest you can get to the castle without spending $ 20 is an «observation point» at the bottom of the hill. For $ 10 you can watch the promotional video. For $ 2 you can get red beer cups with the Hearst logo on them.
I felt like I was at Universal Studios or something, not a state historic site. Save your money; a few miles to the north is an excellent opportunity to watch elephant seals cavorting on a beach, and that was way more fun.

The «Building the Dream» tour we did today was the latest of several tours I have done over the years, each different, showing various portions of this grand estate. My favorite was the fall evening tour, which you must book well in advance, but is definitely worth it to see docents in period costumes hanging out in the public areas as if Hearst would soon be joining them for dinner, and to see the buildings lit up.
Our guide for Building the Dream really knew his stuff, and gave us a fascinating glimpse into the building and interaction between the architect and Hearst while visiting rooms that are not on the grand tour, including the dressing rooms for the indoor pool which we got to see from the other side, not just the side everyone sees. The indoor pool will soon be drained for renovation work on the ceiling. The Neptune pool was drained on this visit since they are repairing earthquake damage, but there is so much more to see on the property, it is still worth a visit.
The setting is superb with room windows taking full advantage of views to the wild coastline and the natural Santa Lucia Mountains inland.
At the visitor’s center, the movie does a good job of showing you «before» photos so when you visit you can appreciate the monumental building project. Off season, like January, is the time to visit, with only six of us on the Building the Dream tour, plus the elephant seals 3 miles up the road give birth in January. The Grand tours are usually a large group any time of the year. The kitchen and cottages tour is also interesting. Plus, after any of the tours, you can wander the grounds at your leisure. I learn something new each visit.

If you go on a road trip on the PCH, the logical thing to do is to stop by here. My friends and I went up to Monterey for the weekend and we passed this on our way up so we decided to stop on our way home.
Firstly, you don’t need to reserve a ticket online. That would only make sense if you specifically went to San Simeon to visit the castle and knew what time you’d be arriving. It also might depend on the season. We had numerous stop so we had no clue what time we’d arrive. Luckily, we got there as one tour was about to start so we didn’t have to wait.
The bus ride to the top was magical. You see the estate and the animals that are roaming like deers and cows. You also hear an audio recording narrated by Mr. Jeopardy himself Trebek and he provides a ton of information about the estate, Mr. Hearst and Julia Morgan, the architect who worked with him.
We were met up top by Amanda, the guide, who gave us the rules before starting the tour. She was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic during the whole tour. She seemed to know what she was talking about since she answered all the questions that people asked. I will say though that she did stumble quite a number of times while speaking. Also I thought it was odd when a few times while describing Mr. Hearst, she spoke as though she was there when he had parties. She should’ve described it not as a statement (because she wasn’t there), but as hearsay. I mean not too big of a deal really. I just thought it weird.
Everything we got to see during the Grand Room tour was excellent. This is also the recommended tour for first time visitors. Definitely not disappointing. From the tapestry, to the art work to the furniture to the design was awesome. The whole place is kept immaculate. Everything looked super clean and well restored.
After the tour which took about an hour, you are given time to explore on your own. A lot of the areas were closed off though which was disappointing. It would be nice if they let people play tennis. Or open the back area that overlooks the mountains.
The ride back down was just as exciting. The driver slowed down when he spotted animals roaming. He told us to be on the lookout for zebras since some were still around. We opted out of watching whatever they played at the cinema out front since we didn’t have time.
As soon as we pulled out of the property, my friend said «it would be a perfect vacation if we see zebras» and not even a quarter of a mile after leaving the estate, we saw some so of course we pulled over and watched a group of 7 chill in the fields.
The $ 25 is well worth the visit. And don’t forget, it’s not a castle, it’s a ranch.
Thanks to William Hearst for building this magical place then giving it to the state of California so we could all enjoy it long after his passing.

Unilocal challenge 2016: ⁰²⁴⁄₃₆₅
Hearst castle is sickkk!!! Hearst publications still owns a bunch of magazines.
Hearst Castle («hc») is one of a kind. If completed, it might be top ten pimpest pimp pads we can experience. My fave part is the patio and view. Nestled between pismo beach and big sur, the weather, view and seclusion is exusive. I love it here and the neighborhood even more!
Must see for any tourist. 3 – 4 hr drive from los angeles or san jose.

My friends and I recently took a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, and Hearst Castle was a logical stop. Since we were trying to fit in as many sights as possible, still allowing for time to enjoy the scenic drive, buying our tickets ahead of time was a must.
Buy. Your. Tickets. Before. You. Arrive.
This is a very popular place and they sell out fast. We chose the Grand Rooms tour, and were not disappointed. After the extensive tour, we even had time to wander around, take artsy pictures, correct a tour guide (that would be my friend who happened to have studied abroad in Italy hehe), and at last, find the beautiful Roman Pool.
The Neptune Pool is being renovated at the moment, so it is sadly not in its magnificent water-​filled state. They were not sure when renovations would be complete when we went in November 2015, so be warned.
Hearst Castle is breathtaking: the interior rooms, the exterior architecture, and that view of the San Simeon hills and the ocean beyond. Paying $ 25 – 35 a pop for a tour ticket is solely worth it for that view. Damn.
History, Art, Architecture, and Classic Hollywood Film nerds will adore the tour and informed tour guide’s stories. I enjoyed hearing about how progressive William Randolph Hearst was. He would be totally fine with the women hanging out with the men in his billiards room. Of course, when your female guests are famous Hollywood icons, are you going to say No? You get to see priceless works of art. Hearst’s mansion is also a museum. I was not expecting to see home movies in the Hearst home movie theatre. What a treat!
I chickened out and didn’t ask about Citizen Kane. I’m sure that’s not a subject they like around here, but seeing the inspiration for Charles Foster Kane’s epic Xanadu in what is only the most famous and arguably best movie of all time, was a special treat for this film nerd.
One last note: For those who suffer from vertigo, fear of heights, and the like, the bus ride up and down the hill is… exhilarating. Just listen to the Disneyland-​esque informational recording narrated by Alex Trebek, and breathe. It’ll be ok. I promise.
I swear, this is the last note: Come here at Christmas. They decorate evvvvverythang.

Hearst Castle is more like a mansion in the mountains. If you are driving down from up North, make sure you leave early enough to get to Hearst Castle in time. We had stopped for lunch and took a leisure look at the elephant seals. By the time we had arrived at Hearst Castle, it was about 3 PM. We got on the last tour of the Grand Rooms for the day. Whew!
You don’t realize how big the Hearst Castle grounds are until you find out you have to leave the visitor center to take a 10 minute bus ride through the mountains to get to the mansion. It’s insane and there’s nothing around or next door. It’s literally mountains and the coast. Imagine arriving at Hearst Castle through private airplane/​helicopter or an old fashioned car. No GPS, just follow the path or secret instructions to this super exclusive retreat. If you had an invite, that’s when you knew you had made it in life.
The Grand Rooms tour took us through the grounds, garden, pool, and mansion. The pools were so over the top as well as the movie theater. Overall, Hearst Castle is a beautiful place and one to be admired. There were even exotic animals and a zoo on site at one point!
We went in early November and were lucky enough to see Hearst Castle with Christmas decorations. It was festive and of course, over the top.

It was a well relaxed day at Hearst Castle, quite amazed at it’s breathtakingly beautiful architecture & interesting history !
Myself & the hubby opted for 45 minutes guided tour, ‘Upstairs Suites Tour’ and our tour guide was helpful & informative. Tour Highlights includes Doge’s Suite, Library, The Gothic Suite, Duplex Bedrooms, Gardens, Neptune Pool and Roman Pool and lastly to watch «Building the Dream» short film at Hearst Castle Theater. Tickets can be reserved online & prices starting at $ 25 for Adults and $ 12 for Children (age 5 to 12). We both enjoyed every part of the tour, for it’s remarkable architectural wonder and even surprised to notice many modern facilities built nearly 70+ years ago. The bus ride (certainly a pleasant one) to & from the castle starts from the Visitor Center and the hilltop view of California’s central coast shoreline was fantastic. I loved the rose garden all the more, for the natural scented fragrance around.
Additional Tips,
— The castle is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
— Pool water at the Neptune pool is currently shut down due to a leakage issue resulting in water loss of about 3000 – 5000 gallons per day.
— Café and gift /​souvenir shop is available at the Visitor Center.
— Click as many pictures as possible & take back home the best & stunning shots of yourselves and the Castle.
On the whole, it took us about 3 hours entirely. It’s just an hour drive from Pismo Beach and so it’s definitely a worthy visit if people are heading back from Pismo Beach and having extra time to explore the places nearby.

Nothing spectacular. It’s a big house with a nice pool with some interesting history.
I don’t know if it’s worth going just to see Hearst Castle, but it’s a no-​brainer for anyone doing a PCH road trip, or a nice day trip from Morro Bay/​SLO.

C’est certainement des ambitions et une mégalomanie démesurée qui sont à l’origine de ce monument. Toujours est-​il que la visite de ce lieu magique est un moment de répit bien agréable surtout quand il fait chaud comme il peut le faire en Californie. C’est une halte incontournable qui vaut bien ce petit détour.
Kamson et Sonkam

Tape à l’œil! C’est le premier mot qui m’est venu à l’esprit en visitant cette demeure démesurée. En fait j’ai du payer 50 $ pour voir trois pièces des quelques 200 que compte la somptueuse résidence et une piscine à sec! Par contre le paysage et le panorama sont très beaux. Le prix comprend un aller retour en bus (du centre d’accueil des visiteurs jusqu’au haut de la colline ou est situé le château), une visite guidée de l’intérieur et un film. L’intérieur se compose principalement de mobilier, tapisserie et boiserie provenant d’Europe principalement acheté par M Hearst à des marchands d’art de New York.

Comment ça, 3 étoiles seulement pour une des attractions les plus connues et les plus mythiques de Californie ?
Hearst Castle est le fruit de la folle ambition du magnat des médias de la première moitié du 20ième siècle, William Randolph Hearst, de se construire un château européen au beau milieu de la Californie, loin de tout (on est à mi-​chemin de SF et de LA), sur une colline assez pelée qu’il avait baptisée lui-​même en toute simplicité la «colline enchantée». Au faîte de sa fortune et de son pouvoir, il a acheté, démonté, transporté des éléments de décor authentiques de châteaux, manoirs, abbayes… piochés un peu partout en Europe, pour les installer dans le bâtiment qu’il se faisait alors construire. Ses réceptions étaient somptueuses et Hearst Castle a vu passer absolument toutes les personnalités de la politique, du sport, des médias, des affaires, du show-​business, qui faisaient l’Amérique des années 20 et 30.
Mais la crise de 1929 a amorcé le déclin de l’empire Hearst, et après la seconde guerre mondiale, ses héritiers ont dû céder son château inachevé à l’État de Californie qui en a fait un monument national et l’a ouvert au public pour financer son entretien.
Alors, quel est le problème? Bien sûr, c’est beau, c’est somptueux même, le clou de la visite étant à mon avis la piscine intérieure, qu’il né faut pas louper car son entrée est derrière le bâtiment principal et un peu cachée (faute de pouvoir admirer la piscine extérieure remplie, pour cause de sécheresse chronique dans la région). Les quelques pièces successivement visitées présentent au touriste des meubles, des tentures, des plafonds superbes… et qui évitent miraculeusement le mauvais goût (car Mr Hearst s’y connaissait drôlement bien). Mais le tout donne fatalement une terrible impression d’artificiel, de bric et de broc, au visiteur européen habitué à Chambord, à l’Alhambra ou au Wawel, qui eux ont une âme et une histoire authentique à raconter. La raison d’être de l’ouverture au public était bel et bien de lui permettre de s’imaginer dans un de ces monuments européens sans devoir quitter la Californie, mais si vous avez l’original à la maison, aller voir une petite copie n’a pas grand intérêt.
S’ajoutent à ça les handicaps d’une organisation compliquée (la colline étant difficilement accessible, il faut se garer à des kilomètres et embarquer dans des navettes pour une montée interminable vers le château) et de tarifs de visite franchement exagérés (25 dollars pour 40 petites minutes de visite guidée qui né permettent de voir que quelques pièces en plus des jardins, dans lesquels on peut ensuite se balader à son rythme).
Mon conseil donc: si vous venez d’Europe et que votre passage dans la région est de courte durée, zappez Hearst Castle sans trop de regrets et passez plutôt du temps à Monterey et à admirer les paysages de Big Sur en descendant la Highway One !

Great View and Attractive History. The only thing that makes me a little bit disappointed was that the castle looks old and dirty… I think government should protect it better.