Hearst Castle

 

Hearst Castle History

Hearst Castle, also known as La Casa Grande ("The Big House"), is the principal mansion of William Randolph Hearst's estate in San Simeon, California. Between 1919 and 1947, Julia Morgan constructed the sumptuous Mediterranean Revival mansion. The castle and estate have been part of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument since 1958. In 1865, George Hearst, an American gold mine owner, purchased 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares) of land in the San Simeon Bay region. He proceeded to buy land in the area, eventually acquiring 250,000 acres [101,150 hectares]). In 1919, his son, William Randolph, acquired the property, which was then known as Camp Hill and had few facilities. That year, he commissioned Morgan "to build a little something." The plan blossomed into a sequence of magnificent buildings and gardens on a 127-acre (51-hectare) estate dubbed La Cuesta Encantada ("The Enchanted Hill") by Hearst. Morgan aspired to emulate the majesty of European architecture while working with Hearst, and many aspects were influenced by foreign structures and artworks. Construction lasted until the late 1940s.

Hearst Castle Owner

The man who conceived Hearst Castle, William Randolph Hearst, was a media genius whose impact stretched to publishing, politics, Hollywood, the art world, and daily American life. His wealth and imagination enabled him to embark on one of the most enormous architectural projects in American history, the results of which may be seen in the beautiful gardens and architecture of Hearst Castle. Mr. Hearst was born on April 29, 1863, as the only child of George and Phoebe Hearst in San Francisco, California. His father, a wealthy man as a consequence of his tireless effort and innovation in his numerous mining enterprises, gave young William the chance to see and experience the world in a way that few people do. Hearst traveled across Europe with his mother when he was ten years old. The majesty and magnitude of castles, as well as art and history, provided inspiration. This event motivated Hearst's lifelong desire to replicate such magnificence for his own pleasure. The Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument was created in 1958, and the estate was accessible to the public that year. It quickly became one of the state's most popular attractions, with over a million visitors each year.

Hearst Castle Value

The main mansion, known as Hearst Castle, is the estate's focal point. It was created in the Mediterranean Revival style, and its exterior, with bell towers and decorative ornamentation, resembles a Spanish cathedral. The main entrance is flanked by knight bas-reliefs, and a sculpture of Mary bearing the newborn Jesus sits in a niche over the huge entryway. The magnificence of the outside is carried throughout the home. Hearst Castle is 68,500 square feet (6,360 square meters) in size and has 115 rooms, including 38 bedrooms, more than 40 baths, a theater, and a beauty salon. The Doge's Suite, which was inspired by the Doges' Palace in Venice and was supposedly designated for Hearst's most important guests, epitomizes the mansion's luxury. The sitting room has velvet-covered walls and an 18th-century painted ceiling that was previously in an Italian palace. The marble balcony of the apartment has an exquisite loggia. Furthermore, Hearst's large collection of antiques and artworks is clearly exhibited in the apartment and around the home. La Cuesta Encantada also has three opulent guest homes. Casa del Mar is the largest at 5,350 square feet (490 square meters) and has eight beds, while Casa del Monte is the smallest at 2,550 square feet (235 square meters) and has four bedrooms. The two pools on the estate are among its most notable features.

Hearst Castle Pool

The Neptune Pool is an outdoor swimming pool ensemble at Hearst Castle, near San Simeon, California. The terrace has fountains, decorative ponds, sculptures, marble pavilions, alabaster lanterns, dressing rooms, and a partially reconstructed medieval temple façade. On the Hearst Castle ridge line in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Neptune Terrace, including its massive pool shell, is raised up behind massive retaining walls. It is positioned to the north and lower than the main Casa Grande and the guest house terrace, and it gives views of the ranch, the Point San Simeon coastline, and the Pacific Ocean. Due to severe drought conditions in Southern California, the pool was drained in 2014. Every day, the pool leaks and evaporates 5,000 US gallons (19,000 L; 4,200 imp gal) of water. Extensive upgrades to rebuild the pool's tile base and address leaks that had plagued it since its installation began in 2017. The pool was briefly filled for the first time since 2014 August to make sure the leaks had been addressed before the water was afterward released to the local watershed. The pool renovation was finished and the pool was refilled in August of 2018. The pool was opened to the public in 2019 through the purchase of tickets with donations, which help finance the castle's art conservation and education activities. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the castle was closed to guests in 2020.

Hearst Castle Tours

The castle offers four different sorts of tours:

• Grand Rooms trip: This trip includes a visit to the enormous halls where you may imagine yourself as a guest at Hearst Castle.
• Upstairs Suites Tour: You will be brought upstairs to see the private suites on this tour.
• Cottages & Kitchen Tour: Take this tour to see the basements, kitchen, and guest rooms.
• Evening Tour: Guides dress up and pretend to be Mr. Hearst's employees. They maintain the castle's typical hospitality and speak of Mr. Hearst as if he were still alive!

Given the great demand, particularly during the busy season, I recommend that you book well in advance or purchase excursions that include, in addition to the castle, other noteworthy seaside destinations. The daily coast cruise from Los Angeles, which travels to Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Hearst Castle all in one day, is a well-liked excursion. There are also 3-day coastline trips that include stops in places like San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, and Carmel.

Hearst Castle Tickets

Book your Hearst Castle tickets online, via phone, or in person.
Purchasing tour tickets is the only way to see the majesty and splendor of Hearst Castle. Daytime tour tickets include entry to the Hearst Castle Theater film "Hearst Castle - Building the Dream." (At a reduced price, movie tickets can be purchased separately for the Evening Tours.) Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center upon arrival, although prior tour bookings are strongly encouraged. Reservations may be made online or by calling 1-800-444-4445. Reservations are accepted up to 60 days ahead of time.

Hotels Near Hearst Castle

Hotels around Hearst Castle are available in a variety of styles. Low Cost, Vast Selection, Reserve Now! Simple to use. Book now and save money online. Confirmation immediately. Check out Actual Guest Reviews. Fast and simple booking. Flexible options for booking. Keep an eye on the event.

• Cambria Pines Lodge

2905 Burton Drive, Cambria

• San Simeon Lodge

9520 Castillo Drive, San Simeon

• Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon

• Quality Inn near Hearst Castle

9260 Castillo Drive, San Simeon

• Silver Surf Motel

9390 Castillo Drive, San Simeon

• Sands by the Sea Motel

9355 Hearst Drive, San Simeon

• Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

6700 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria

• Sea Breeze Inn - San Simeon

9065 Hearst Drive, San Simeon

• Motel 6-San Simeon CA - Hearst Castle Area

9070 Castillo Drive, San Simeon

• Fogcatcher Inn

6400 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria

• The Morgan Hotel San Simeon

9135 Hearst Drive, San Simeon

• Cambria Landing Inn and Suites

6530 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria

Hearst Castle Hours

The Hearst Castle in San Simeon's visitor hours is listed in the overview that follows. The current day's hours (today) are marked. Please be aware that business hours may vary from those listed below on special days or holidays. Therefore, we advise you to carefully confirm Hearst Castle's operating hours before your visit.

Monday	9:00 – 0:00
Tuesday	9:00 – 0:00
Wednesday	9:00 – 0:00
Thursday	9:00 – 0:00
Friday	9:00 – 0:00
Saturday	9:00 – 0:00
Sunday	9:00 – 0:00

Summer
Open Daily
9:00 a.m.

Fall
Open Daily
9:00 a.m.

Hearst Castle Directions

How to get to and from Hearst Castle by car.

Along the stunning Central Coast of California, on Highway 1, stands Hearst Castle, one of the state's major tourist destinations. The Castle, which is tucked away in the hills above the community of San Simeon and halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, is about a four-hour trip from any of these major cities. From Los Angeles, take the train to San Luis Obispo, then take a public bus to get to the visitor center's entrance.

FROM LA:

Drive up US-101 North and get ready to explore Hearst Castle in California. Take the Highway 1 North exit (CA-1 N), make a right onto Santa Rosa Street, and continue driving for about 41 miles until you come to the Hearst Castle Road markers. Enter one of California's most well-known sites by following these instructions and a few signposts along the route.

FROM SAN FRANCISCO:

To turn right onto CA-46 W/Green Valley Rd, take the US-101 South to Paso Robles. After traveling 12 miles on Highway 1 North, turn sharply right onto Hearst Castle Road, which will take you right up to the castle itself.