Hearst Castle Tours: Which is Best for First-Timers + An Honest Review
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Planning a trip to San Simeon and feeling overwhelmed by trying to decide which Hearst Castle tour is best of the seven different options?
The last thing you want is to drive four hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, spend your hard-earned money, and walk away feeling like you picked the wrong tour or missed the castle’s most spectacular features.
I learned this the hard way. After personally taking multiple tours at “La Cuesta Encantada” and experiencing both lackluster and absolutely phenomenal guides, I discovered that your choice of tour–and yes, even your luck with guides–can completely transform your experience of William Randolph Hearst’s legendary 165-room estate.
For first-time visitors, the Grand Rooms Tour is hands down the best choice. It covers the castle’s most impressive spaces—from the breathtaking Roman Pool to the Refectory where Clark Gable and Winston Churchill once dined—and gives you the full Hearst Castle experience without overwhelming you.
In this guide, I’ll break down all your options and explain exactly why the Grand Rooms Tour delivers the best value for your time and money, whether you’re a first-timer, an architecture enthusiast curious about Julia Morgan’s genius, or simply want the most engaging experience possible.
Which Hearst Castle tour is best?
The Grand Rooms Tour is the best choice for first-time visitors, covering the castle’s most iconic spaces—the Assembly Room, Refectory, Billiard Room, Theater, and both pools—in a single 70-minute tour. Based on my own visit, I’d pair it with the Upstairs Suites Tour if you have time, since it covers Hearst’s private living quarters and gave me the more memorable guide experience of the two. Plan for a half-day if doing both, and skip the Upstairs Suites if 367 stairs is a concern.
Who Should Visit Hearst Castle?
| Visit Hearst Castle If You… | Skip It If You… |
|---|---|
| Enjoy history, architecture, Old Hollywood, or Gilded Age excess | Truly dislike guided tours and staying with a group |
| Are already road-tripping the Central Coast, Big Sur, or wine country | Are flying into LA or SF specifically for the castle (4-hour drive each way) |
| Don’t mind a structured, narrated experience | Want to freely wander — you’re always on a tour route |
| Can manage extended walking/standing (and stairs, for some tours) | Have mobility concerns — though the Grand Rooms and select seasonal tours offer accessible options |
| Want to see multiple tours to maximize your chances of a great experience | Are only willing to commit to one tour and one shot at a good guide |
What is Hearst Castle?
Hearst Castle is a historic mansion located in San Simeon, California, that showcases the grandeur and opulence of the Gilded Age.
Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century, the castle features a unique blend of architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial.
With 165 rooms, a twin-towered main building, three guesthouses, 127 acres of gardens, fountains, pools, and stunning ocean views, Hearst Castle is a must-visit travel destination for history and architecture buffs.
The estate, often referred to as “La Cuesta Encantada” or “The Enchanted Hill,” offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of one of America’s most influential figures.
After Hearst died, the castle became a California State Park.
Since then, it has operated as the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, which includes the estate and an art and antique collection.
Today, it is a museum open to the public and registered as a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | San Simeon, California |
| Distance | ~4 hrs from San Francisco or Los Angeles |
| Tour Required | Yes — no unguided hilltop access |
| Tour Length | 70-120 min |
| Ticket Price | $35-50 per person (standard tour) |
| Booking Window | Up to 60 days in advance |
| Best For First-Timers | Grand Rooms Tour |
| Parking | Free at Visitor Center |
| Food | Not permitted on tour; water allowed |
Hearst Castle’s History & Julia Morgan
William Randolph Hearst’s father, George Hearst, purchased the original 40,000-acre (162 km2) estate in 1865 and Camp Hill, the future site of Hearst Castle.
In 1919, William Randolph inherited some $11,000,000 (≈ $206,000,000–$210,000,000 in 2025 dollars) and estates, including the land at San Simeon.
He used his fortune to further develop his media empire of newspapers, magazines, and radio stations.
After his mother’s death, he commissioned architect Julia Morgan to build “something a little more comfortable up on the hill.”
Morgan was an architectural pioneer and the United States‘ first truly independent female architect.
(Courtesy Special Collections and Archives, California Polytechnic State University)
Having worked closely with Hearst for over twenty years, Hearst Castle is her best-known creation.
Shortly after starting San Simeon, Hearst conceived of making the castle “a museum of the best things that I can secure.”
This spurred him to purchase architectural elements from Western Europe, particularly Spain, including over thirty ceilings, doorcases, fireplaces, and mantels, entire monasteries, paneling, and a medieval tithe barn. Much of which was then incorporated into the fabric of Hearst Castle.
Hearst Castle was originally intended to be a family home for Hearst, his wife Millicent, and their five sons.
Who Visited Hearst Castle?
However, by 1925, Hearst’s marriage was effectively over, and the castle became the domain of him and his mistress, the actress Marion Davies.
Their guest list included many Hollywood stars:
- Charlie Chaplin
- Cary Grant
- The Marx Brothers
- Greta Garbo
- Buster Keaton
- Mary Pickford
- Jean Harlow
- Clark Gable
- Howard Hughes
Political faces also graced the halls, such as Calvin Coolidge and Sir Winston Churchill, while other notables included Charles Lindbergh, P. G. Wodehouse, and George Bernard Shaw.
They gathered for drinks in the assembly room, dined in the refectory, and watched the latest movie in the theater.
They also admired the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rode, played tennis, bowled, golfed, and swam in the “most sumptuous swimming pool on earth” (the Roman Pool).
While Hearst entertained, Morgan built the castle, which was under almost continual construction from 1920 until 1939, with work resuming after the end of World War II until Hearst’s final departure in 1947.
If you’re an Old Hollywood fan, check out my list of things to do in LA, which features the Warner Brothers Studio lot, where many of these famous faces worked (as well as myself during my time in TV/film).
The Later Years
In May 1947, Hearst’s health compelled him and Marion Davies to leave for the last time, thus ending their time at Hearst Castle.
He died in Los Angeles in 1951.
Morgan died in 1957.
The following year, the Hearst family gave the castle and many of its contents to the State of California, and the mansion was opened to the public in June 1958.
A Peek Inside Hearst Castle’s Interior
One of the most impressive features when you visit this castle in California is its pools.
There is an outdoor one and an indoor one.
The Neptune Pool
The outdoor one is called the Neptune pool and originally began as an ornamental pond.
However, the desire for a swimming pool and the addition of the Roman temple led to many changes, partly original and partly from European elements.
It holds 345,000 gallons, according to the Hearst Castle website, which is about half of an Olympic-sized pool.
The Roman Pool
The indoor pool is a Roman Pool modeled after ancient Roman baths.
It is intensely detailed, tiled from ceiling to floor, and features marble copies of eight ancient Greek and Roman deities and athletes.
Hearst’s Vast Libary
If you thought the pool was impressive, check out William Randolph Hearst’s library!
Built for his guests’ use, it houses more than 4,000 books!
There are also 150 ancient Greek vases, all more than 2,000 years old. That’s as old as Pompeii!
A majority of his library collection has first editions, often signed—some of them by Charles Dickens, his favorite author.
There are also rare editions of Shakespeare’s plays and a 15th-century illuminated manuscript.
The Refectory (Dining Room)
Looking like a room more fit for King Arthur and his knights, the refectory is decorated with colorful silk banners from Italy.
Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, the long table in the middle is from an Italian monastery.
See the red and yellow on the table?
Those are bottles of mustard and ketchup, as William Randolph Hearst liked to keep things informal at La Cuesta Encantada.
Can you imagine visiting Hearst Castle and seeing all the famous faces he had sitting at this table?
What to Know Before Choosing a Hearst Castle Tour
If you’re going all the way to San Simeon, California, I suggest you take at least two tours.
This way, you can get a good feel for the castle and see it from different perspectives, as you’ll have different guides.
Some tours are seasonal, so make sure to check before your visit to Hearst Castle that the tour you’re interested in is available.
My pick: The Grand Rooms tour is a popular choice, and the Upstairs Suite tour complements it, offering a comprehensive exploration of the property (more details below).
How to Get to Hearst Castle, California
Located in San Simeon, California, it’s about four hours south of San Francisco and four hours north of Los Angeles, making it a perfect central California day trip.
My mother and I went up the 5 freeway from Orange County in 2010, but you can also go up the Pacific Coast Highway for a lovely Southern California Coast adventure!
I highly recommend stopping at the Reagan Library on the way up, as it has some spectacular exhibits. Former examples include Pompeii: The Exhibition and the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit, which I previously visited.
It’s also a great pit stop on your way to wine country.
It’s best to visit this castle by car, as this historic estate is an out-of-the-way spot with not a whole lot of other attractions around.
If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, you can also get there via public transit or by taxi/ride-share.
Arriving at Hearst Castle
The Hearst Castle Visitor Center is located near the castle and offers a range of amenities, including a gift shop, café, and restrooms.
Visitors can also purchase tickets and get information about the castle and its tours there.
Arrive before your tour to watch the 40-minute film called Hearst Castle: Building the Dream (showtimes are listed in this link), which provides an overview of the estate’s construction.
If you miss it before, you can also watch it after your tour.
A free rotating exhibition at the visitor center is also worth checking out!
A bus takes you from the visitor center to the castle, so make sure you show up at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour for the bus ride.
You’ll then start your 5-mile ascent to the top of the Enchanted Hill—a journey narrated by Alex Trebek of Jeopardy!
Picking a Hearst Castle Tour
Being that the estate has 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways, it is a vast place to visit.
We opted to take the Grand Rooms and the Upstairs Suites tours.
The Grand Rooms Tour
The Grand Rooms Tour is the most comprehensive tour of Hearst Castle, offering visitors a glimpse into the castle’s opulent interiors.
This tour’s highlight include:
- Assembly Room
- Refectory
- Billiard Room
- Theater
- Gardens
- Neptune Pool
- Roman Pool
Most of these I’ve posted images of above.
The tour provides a fascinating look at the lavish lifestyle of William Randolph Hearst and the architectural genius of Julia Morgan.
But, to be honest, our guide was lackluster and didn’t engage me as a visitor. So much so that I thought it was a waste of a trip.
I’m the kind of person who can look at a beautiful place and pretty much respond with ‘eh’ until I actually learn something about it.
Without details, I’m just not that interested.
And this tour guide lacked details, so much so that I could have given the Hearst Castle Grand Rooms tour.
And that’s the whole point of a tour guide. It’s someone there to inform you.
But you may be saying why then should I take the Grand Rooms tour, Michelle?
Because, if you want an overview, it is the best tour, even with a lackluster guide.
It’s also the most comprehensive, and I truly believe that if you get a better guide, it would be thrilling, as it covers most of my highlights above.
The Upstairs Suites Tour
The second tour guide, who covered the Upstairs Suites, redeemed everything!
She was bursting with facts and tales of Hearst Castle.
I wish I could remember her name because I’d give her a shout-out here.
This tour’s highlight include:
- Doge’s Suite
- Library
- The Gothic Suite
- Duplex Bedrooms
- Celestial Suite
- Gardens
- Neptune Pool
- Roman Pool
During this tour, you climb the spiral staircase (322 steps) to the upper floors of Casa Grande to view Mr. Hearst’s Gothic Suite, the captivating Celestial Suite in the bell towers’ level, the main library, the della Robbia Room, and an innovative Duplex Suite.
This tour really gives you what it feels like to stay and live at Hearst Castle, as it’s all still period, so it feels as if Davies or Hearst could wander in on a moment’s notice.
It was my favorite tour because of this reason, but also due to the wonderful guide who’s storytelling felt like you were in on the gossip of the estate.
Unfortunately, this tour is not for anyone who can’t manage 367 stairs, both up and down, so that is the main downside.
Hearst Castle: Which Tour is Best?
Aside from the physical demands of some tours, honestly, “Which Hearst Castle tour is best” depends on the tour guide you get and what you want to see most.
I realize the former is something you can’t choose, but I’d be dishonest to say it didn’t affect my visit.
So again, to best your chances, I’d recommend picking two tours so that you a) hopefully get at least one excellent guide, and b) see a variety of rooms and areas of the estate.
Tours Available:
| Tour | Duration/Price | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rooms | 70 min/$35 | Assembly Room, Refectory, Billiard Room, Theater, both pools | Best for first-timers |
| Upstairs Suites | 70 min/$35 | Gothic Suite, Celestial Suite, Library, Duplex Bedrooms | 367 stairs — not for mobility concerns |
| Cottages & Kitchens | 70 min/$35 | Staff quarters, industrial kitchen | 193 stairs — not for mobility concerns |
| Julia Morgan Tour | 120 min/$110 | Focus on the architect’s life/career | Offered seasonally and is not available during summer, 750+ stairs — not for mobility concerns |
| Designing the Dream | 75 min/$40 | Planning & construction of the estate | 341 stairs — not for mobility concerns |
| Holiday Twilight | 75 min/Varies | Seasonal holiday decorations | Accessible tour available, select dates |
| Art Under the Moonlight | 100 min/Varies | Nighttime tour | Select dates |
These are the ADA options:
- Grand Rooms Tour (Accessibly Designed Tour available)
- Holiday Twilight Tour (Accessibly Designed Tour available)
You can see their most up-to-date tours on their official website.
There, you can also inquire about private tours.
My Hearst Castle Review
Hearst Castle is worth visiting if you’re combining it with other stops along California’s Central Coast—not as a standalone destination.
I live in California, so it was a manageable day trip for my mother and me in 2010, which made the effort feel worth it. For out-of-state visitors flying into LA or San Francisco, driving four hours specifically for the castle would be a big ask.
What makes it worth visiting is the iconic Roman Pool, the ornately designed Neptune Pool, the library’s 4,000 books and 150 ancient Greek vases, and the Refectory where Hollywood royalty once dined.
If you’re already doing a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, a Big Sur itinerary, or wine country in Paso Robles (30 minutes south), Hearst Castle is a very worthwhile addition. Budget at least half a day for it.
FAQs
Where is Hearst Castle located?
Hearst Castle is located in San Simeon, California, on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Its exact address is 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452.
Which Hearst Castle tour is best for first-time visitors?
The Grand Rooms Tour is the best Hearst Castle tour for first-time visitors.
It covers the castle’s most iconic spaces—the Assembly Room where guests gathered for cocktails, the Refectory where Clark Gable and Winston Churchill once dined, the Billiard Room, the Theater, and both pools (including the Roman Pool).
It gives you the broadest overview of the estate in a single tour and allows you to imagine being a guest of William Randolph Hearst.
That said, I’d strongly recommend pairing it with the Upstairs Suites Tour if you have time.
The Grand Rooms cover the public spaces; the Upstairs Suites take you into the private living quarters—the Gothic Suite, the Celestial Suite in the bell towers, the library, and the duplex bedrooms.
Together, the two tours give you a complete picture of the estate. Note that the Upstairs Suites Tour involves 367 stairs (up and down), so skip it if mobility is a concern.
How much time do you need to see a Hearst Castle?
Plan for at least half a day at Hearst Castle, especially if you’re doing two tours.
Each tour runs between 70 minutes and 2 hours, and there are logistics beyond just tour time: the bus ride from the visitor center to the hilltop takes about 15 minutes each way, and you’ll want at least 30 minutes between tours to account for transit and any time at the visitor center exhibits, bathroom breaks, or meals.
A realistic timeline: arrive 30 minutes before your first tour, take your first tour, shuttle back down, break and watch the 40-minute film “Hearst Castle: Building the Dream”, then shuttle up for your second tour.
With two tours plus the film, you’re looking at 4–5 hours minimum.
One tour only? Budget 2.5–3 hours, including travel time to and from the hilltop.
Do you need a tour for Hearst Castle?
To visit Heart Castle, you must join one of their guided tours.
You are not allowed on the hilltop estate without a tour guide.
So if guided tours aren’t your thing, it’s best to skip Hearst Castle.
Can you stay on the estate between tours?
Guests are not allowed to stay at Hearst Castle after their tour, even if they have multiple tours booked.
You will be guided back to the shuttle immediately after the tour and must reboard a different shuttle before your next tour begins.
How much time do you need between tours at Hearst Castle?
You don’t need too much time between tours, but you do need to keep the shuttle ride time in mind (at least 15 minutes each way).
Give yourself at least 30 minutes between the end of a tour and the start of the next tour.
If you have downtime between tours, check out the exhibits at the visitor center.
Is Hearst Castle open for tours?
Yes, Hearst Castle is open daily for guided tours, operating from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (hours can vary by season).
Tickets should be booked in advance, especially during peak season, as the castle can get busy.
Related California Travel Guides
- Which Hearst Castle Tour is the Best? California Day Trip Guide
- Pompeii: The Exhibition Review: Devastating 2,000-Year-Old History
- 21 Nerdy Things To Do In Los Angeles That Every Geek Will Love
- The Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit is Truly Worth It: An Honest Review
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