Tour Park City
This mountain community is home to three world class ski resorts and hosted
several alpine venues of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The historic district is a
bustling year-round draw for vacationers.
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452; (800) 444-4445;
Tours Daily: 8:20-3:20 (or later during summer);
Experience Tour (Tour #1): Adult $14 / Youth (6-12) $7 (includes National Geographic Theater).
Tours, 2,3,4,5: Adult $10 / Youth (6-12) $5;
Evening Tours & Living History Program: Adult $20 / Youth (6-12) $10; (800) 444-4445;
For group travel and special events call: (800) 401-4775;
At its heyday, the Hearst Castle was the ultimate weekend getaway for the rich and famous. Visitors enjoyed the many pools, epicurean delights, lavish costume parties and magnificent gardens. It is one of the most popular attractions in California.
The Castle was started in 1919 by newspaper publisher William Randolf Hearst on 250,000 acres of ranchland overlooking San Simeon and the Pacific Ocean. Construction continued to 1947 by which time there was an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.
The estate's main house, "Casa Grande," and three guesthouses are of Mediterranean Revival style, with the imposing towers of Casa Grande resembling a Spanish cathedral. The estate also houses a suberb collection of European and Mediterranean artworks, tapestries, marble sculpture, magnificent gardens, and much more.
The Visitors Center has the Museum Shop, Gift Shop, Snack Bar, Expresso Bar and the National Geographic Theater.
Hearst Castle is located at San Simeon, forty-three miles north of San Luis Obispo. Visitors park at visitor center located just off SR-1 and take shuttle to the castle. Tours include a lot of walking, stairs and outdoor gardens in a very cool climate - so please dress appropriately. Call ahead if will need assistance with accessibility challenges. Strollers are not permitted.
Several Tours are available:
Tour 1 (Experience Tour)- Includes ground floor of the main house,
an adjoining guest house, gardens and pools. Also includes National Geographic Movie -
Hearst Castle - Building the Dream.
(Recommended for first time visitors.)
Tour 2 - Visits upper floors, Hearst's private quarters and library.
Tour 3 - Northwing of The Castle and special video presentation
about the construction.
Tour 4 - Covers the gardens, wine cellar and largest of the
guesthouses.
Tour 5 - Evening Tour