Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
Phone: +18004444445
robert sotela
Came here over 20 years ago. And saw art and items from the 1500 hundreds that I missed the first time. It amazing the wealth that this family had during the depression. Our tour guide was awesome and she really knew her history on this fabulous property. We recommend you make your reservation online so that you are not waiting around for the shuttle bus. You will be shocked and amazed on the beauty and history of some of the art work that he bought from around the world π
Edwin Monguh
The most beautiful architectural design my eyes have ever seen. This place is heaven for anyone eyes to see. The details to attention is next to none. Words cannot honestly describe the beauty that is packed in this hillside castle. Its worth every dime to visit and take in the glamor that the castle offers.
Amit Somani
Amazing work of architecture. Definitely recommend a visit. Breathtaking views, stunning landscaping, exquisite and opulent. Very interesting to learn how it was built and the tremendous amount of work, planning, detail, and effort that went into creating this masterpiece, especially for its time. The tour takes about 2 hours so plan accordingly. There is sufficient parking. It was closed until May of this year due to Covid but is now open again.
Becky Tran
Definitely a must see at least once in your life! As a California native, it took almost 30 years before I came here and it was breathtaking. It's a lot more isolated than I thought and the castle is really up there (15 minute bus ride from the visitor's center). We did the Grand Rooms tour and it felt very quick. I'd recommend booking multiple different tours if you want to see more because after one your - there's a lot more to see. We got Poppy as our tour guide and she was delightful - she was so knowledgeable and took one off questions from everyone. For being so close to the coast, it gets surprisingly warm - so try to book your tour early in the morning.
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As others have said, yes it is best to buy in advance during peak times. However you will be charged a $8 fee extra per ticket to book online. So if you are flexible and go during non peak times you will save some money by buying on site.
After the tour, you can self tour the entire gardens outside until closing, but no other interior rooms. There is an Imax movie included.
Yes! You can.
Some of the 25ths, yes
You can wear whatever you want...and take pics where ever you want but you can't touch or sit on anything
Yes, video and pictures without flash are allowed inside and outside - as of 02-05-2018
Go to the ticket purchase area give them your information and you'll receive wristbands
They are open weekends and most week days. U just have to check their website for your info. And schedules.
Firmly place both your hands on the photo booth and hold it.
It's better to call them and ask if there are any special arrangements for that of available.
Not really. You can eat in reception center. No place to really dine on Castle property. They protect this National Treasure! Its national park but really a museum.
You need to take a bus to get to the top of the hill where the castle is located. You can't drive up yourself, but bus ticket includes tour of the inside section of the castle you want to see (kitchen, bedrooms etc) then afterwards you can walk around the public areas (pool, garden) on your own
Yes, recommend making reservations before you go. You never know how busy they will be on a holiday. Enjoy your time at the enchanted mountain.
Yes and it's pretty decent food. Try it out!
It's open from 8 am until 4pm .. but I'm not sure on Xmas eve
Surely, yes it is still open.. Agree with Melanie Bise opinion
There's a handful of different tours you can take. Plus different prices for kids, adults, and seniors. Best to just check out their website.
There are five tours.....a tour takes about 45 minutes. You can walk the grounds after a tour..... you could take as long as 2 days or just a couple hours.
As such tripods and strollers are not allowed on the bus. There are signs posted to this effect. if you have a small compact tripod you may be allowed to carry it.
You might want to book soon. The Paso Robles Wine Festival is usually the 3rd weekend of May and the Memorial Day falls the last weekend of May. It could get busy there with vacationers then.
Yes, then after the tour is done you are free to roam around the grounds and take pictures.
No, you buy your ticket and there they tell you the schedules of the tours.
From the hearst castle website: Strollers & Carriers Because of the number of stairs and terraces, strollers are not permitted on the tours. Child-carrier backpacks and front-packs are allowed. These are available on loan at the Rangerβs Office at the Visitor Center on a first-come first-serve basis for no additional charge.
Closer, the better. No need to ride up and down the mountain more than necessary. Take some bottled water as drinking fountains are far apart.
Yeah mainly zebras. Pretty cool knowing they're from the original herd.
When tours returns the pool is available privately, check w/ operations upon reopening.....would be so much special fun!
Not rite now, other things being offered till can open again soon I hope. Coming in fall for nite tours, excellent!
Just go early enough that your tour is finished before sunset. After the tour completes you can roam the gardens and wait for that perfect shot. Plus, if you try to get that perfect shot during your tour you will be fighting the crowd, once it's complete you can find a better shot more easily. (the tour is usually one hour depending on which tour you do)
It depends there are 6 different ones. The grand rooms tour is the most popular one and that is $25 per person. Highly recommended!
Indeed. You're even permitted to roam after your tour. No flash photography is the only limitation.
I believe the days have already past of the most recent of the 3 times every year they have special events and you have to pay $1250 around to be able to swim in it. I believe there would be a lot of rules to follow.
Actually my daughter asked several of the guides there if we could post them on social media and they all said "Yes, we encourage it!" But, they dont allow the pictures to be used in publications like tour books without permission.
There is no fee for parking or to go into Visitors Center that has a gift shop restaurant Museum and theater to enjoy. The tours of the castle are 26 to $36 depending on tour there are a few. They take you on a bus up the hill to get to the castle from the visiting center
I'm not sure if there is. The best thing to do is to talk to them or Google it
Yes you can. The grounds are amazing
No, unfortunately I there is no kennel for animals. You would probably have to look in Cambria which is the nearest town.
If you arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled time should give you enough time to get your tickets amd board your bus at the visitor center.
No, you can go there. We didn't make to much time to get into the bus. It was very fast and a nice tour! π€ππ»
Yes you can. Enjoy π
Maybe.. But i wouldnt rush it. Theres soooo much to see and take in.. Do 2 in the first day and then i think the design tour is the longer, i woukd give that the second day and then you have time after that one to wander around the gardens... There realy is soooo much there.. Shame to miss something cause you were time crunched... Just my opinion....
In the visitor center there is a booth from where you can buy the tickets
9. Pets & Service Animals Pets are not permitted on tours. The only animals that are permitted on the hilltop estate are service animals.
You can view it but there's no water in it yet, they're still working on the restoration.
About 60 minutes once you start. You first need to take a bus up the hill to the castle which takes approx. 15 minutes
15 minutes early. I would do the movie and look at all exibits after your tour
I dont think so because there is many ancient reliques, but there are some hotels neraby which i think allow puppies
To get to the hill you have to purchase a ticket and a bus takes you to the castle, and once you're there it's an hour tour then your allowed to walk around yourself. But it's worth it.
The Castle is open year round except Christmas and New Year. Check the website
Yes, but the beautiful indoor pool can still be viewed
It depends on the tour that you want to go see. For adults $25 to start, for children 5-12 it's $12..
No, no such location
It doesn't snow on the coast.
The Grand Tour, which is the basic tour of castle, is $25.
It's more than just a structure, more than just a home or grounds to entertain. It's a vision and a dream that all things are possible. It's an engineering marvel that speaks to every human rich and poor. A castle that represents the notion for manifest destiny, expansionism, triumph.
Does that question really deserve an answer? Don't go if you are in such a hurry
During the tour they said almost all the animals were sent to different zoos across the country. Im not 100% sure what happened to the polar bear though.
Which tour is better? We took the down stairs tour only. It was great and really informative. I haven't taken the other tours, but there is an evening one where you spend an evening with a cast of actors from the 1920s or 1930s. That would be a cool date night..
The website says they're temporarily closed. When they'll open again I don't know.
That, I don't know.
Not yet dear, everything is being prepared for opening safely......
Hearst Castle is closed except for those who booked day tours in advance for Saturdays and Sundays. All other reservations will be automatically canceled.
Everything is free
Just reserved tickets for all tours. State parks. Com
30 minutes is plenty of time but you can arrive even earlier to watch the movie prior to your tour.
YES to both. And you ALWAYS need a reservation here. Dont be late!
Google "Hearst Castle " and follow directions to buy tickets for tours. Several different tours are available.
The evening tours are a must see. Try not to miss it.
It was around 100 when I was there a month ago. Outside there's plenty of shade and water misters in a couple if area's that I remember. Inside the castle are some large but quiet fans. My aunt (aged 72) and myself (aged 57) were fine. Just take bottled water with you and enjoy the tour.
1 hour and 15 minutes more or less
starting at $25. But It depends on which tour you go on.
Wonderful. The Upstairs Suites tour is the best!
Tickets are $25 for adult and $12 per child, children under 5 are free
I can easily count 8-9 ok n the grand tour. During daylight savings time.
No problem, You just need to buy a tour ticket to get up there
I would recommend you choose 3 You will be exhausted!
I spoke to them n They said they book 56 days in advance so it will be available to purchase that date in a few days
I don't know either. I'd suggest calling Hearst Castle directly to ask.
You can bring them if they are able to control themselves and not touch anything
Not sure we didnt have any problems with the tour's i would recommend the Grand tour
Do not know realny. We visited the castle mid-summer only.
The cost is $ 25 adult and $ 12 for children from 5 to 12 years old. With that value you have the right to choose a tour, I recommend the large rooms is very complete.
They are allowed the grounds, but not in the castle . Pets & Service Animals Pets are not permitted on tours. The only animals that are permitted on the hilltop estate are service animals.
??? What are Dusty's?
I took the ground floor your. However, there were outdoor steps to get to the house itself.
Yes
And it used to be more than that, WR'S dad George sold quite a bit to the military also. What is now Fort Hunter Ligget was Hearst preoperty. Julia Morgan built The Hacienda and you can still stay there.
Prices for adults range from $25 to $36 depending on the tour and children $12 to $18 the evening tours are more than the standard tours so they are the $36
No I asked the front desk they said that they don't offer discounts for anyone
It is recommended and quite easy using the website.
We took the grand tour and ordered ahead of time online. You can see all options there. Recommend spring time so you can enjoy the view!! No one will be disappointed
Yes its ......https://visitsansimeonca.com
As for history, it's the dream home of William Randolph Hearst, newspaper tycoon of the 20th century. As for amazing-ness, it's a pretty incredible feat of architecture (designed but the first woman to get an architect license in CA!), and it's outright outlandish. He would host incredible weekend-long parties for everyone from movie stars to politicians, and would bankroll the whole thing. Overall, it's a fun and beautiful place to visit, if only to imagine that you were lucky enough to be invited by Hearst himself. Hope this helps!
Tours stop by 4 due to the time it takes to take the tour 1 hour is usually the length of the tour the castle closes at 6
We have taken all the tours and without a doubt the grand rooms was the best. In my personal opinion the bedroom tours were the most boring.
Hearst castle does stay open during rain storms. The inside of the castle is still just as beautiful when it is pouring rain outside. However it may limit the amount of time that you have to view the outdoor gardens.
High. There is a California pass plus an admission fee. There are different tours as well. Make reservations in advance and plan on spending minimally $60 peer person
True about the grounds, but it is less crowded on rainy days and you'll most likely get the tour and time you want. Pouring rain, I'd skip. Drizzly day, go.
It is very difficult to get tickets on the spot, especially for a group, as they frequently sell out in advance! http://hearstcastle.org
No
They are
They do. It's a California state park.
Can go online to hearst castle tours or call them or pay when you get there. its better to do online or call that way ypu have your tickets ready
Hearst Castle is closed three days a year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
There is a small fee.
The Castle is closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years.
You may need to do a couple to see everything, but the deluxe is the place to start.
You'd have to check the website. Or call.
They range from $25-$36+ $8 processing fee. I paid $78 for two tickets for the night tour. Tickets and processing fee. Parking is free and shuttle to the castle is included.
They have tours, you can't just walk around there's different types you can choose from
There are three tours: the Grand rooms, the upstairs suites and the cottages and kitchen tour. The Neptune pool has recently been filled again after four years, so it's a great time to visit Hearst Castle!
No
We went on a weekday morning and it was not busy
All the tours include stairs and there is quite a lot of walking involved. The Grand Rooms will climb several going in and coming out, but possesses the least amount of stairs. Hope that helps!
They are very well organized. Tours are getting out every 10 min or so. I wouldn't worry about peak times. You need 2 hours for the tour + 10 min for registration. Hope it helps
When I was there there were people taking multiple tours. I don't think it was a package. Of course the very friendly staff has the answer.
There are a few different tours that are available to you. It depends on which tour you take and how long you tour the castle grounds.
Yes, Hearst Castle is open on Saturday November 27th. Enjoy your tour.
A bunch of places in San Simion and Cambria. Stayed in Cambria Pines Lodge, couple of weeks ago. Highly recommend, about 15 min away from the castle.
The only days that the museum is closed are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Tours are scheduled all other days of the year.
Ours was at 7:30 pm so we were there by 6:45 pm and picked up tickets, shopped around and starting boarding the bus at 7:30 pm, also we just attended on 03.24.18 for the evening tour so i think its in the winter - spring months
The tours during the day are around an hour, the ones in the night are longer. Then there is waiting period to get your tickets scanned, get on the bus and the ride to the castle. What I can say is that the time flies, you don't get bored for a min. Check the website for the actual tour times. We went to the one that started at 7:10 pm (bus departed the visitor center) and we were back by 9:30 pm.
Please contact them directly for this information.
Thanks I may have to call directly I can't see anything past the 10th
Call or go to the website for their refund process. The only time they will not refund is after you have boarded the bus that goes to the Castle.
When we went they told us we could look around the grounds until 5 or 5:30 after our tour. I would probably give them a call as it sounds they haven't updated information. If at all possible i would give yourself a couple hours time to see the movie, take the tour and then wander around.
Not sure, but all the tour prices are on their website
No. I'm looking at the calendar now and see evening tours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday later this month (March 2018). Check the website for the date(s) you'll be in the area. Having been on one, I highly recommend it. I'd also recommend find out what time the sun is setting and choose a tour time that starts about 15 to 20 minutes before the sunset.
On line.
$25 per person per tour, if you buy online it's an extra $8. The costs includes the bus ride to the castle, and access to the grounds and pools after the tour is done. And stay as long as you want after the tour is complete.
Cambria about 20 mins has some wonderful hotels with beach front rooms also they have a Spa
There is walking as you tour the castle but it's a slow walk; you'll enjoy it!
They need to be able to walk a fair distance, be quiet while the dosent speaks and be able to not touch things....
Theres a magic to this place that you dont need animals for...theyre there in spirit
Sounds like a misheard joke gone awry. There are lamps with parchment (animal skin) shades which can be seen in the upstairs tour. A bit of punny humor is to say they are made from the skin of kids, as in young goats. I don't know the source of the parchment shades at Hearst Castle but they could indeed be kid.
Yes, it is a good idea to have reservations so you can get a time that suits your schedule. But if you are really flexible you can just check the reservation site to see how many tickets are available and buy on site if there are plenty. Off season (like now) tends to have quite a few tickets available without reservations.
Depends on time of year. Check the website. Some tours also fill up. The web site will tell you how many tickets are available for each tour and time.
According to the website, evening tours are only available in the spring and fall. Looks like the first tours begin in March for 2018. I just clicked on "buy tickets" and selected March 2 and it showed times available.
The highway is closed 15-20 miles north of the castle. I would take I-5 and then go west on highway 46 to the coast.
Like fall weather out east
I'm sure is open tomorrow. I don't think they'll stop because of rain. Check first to make sure there is not changes to their schedule.
As most other people have said, $25 per person, per tour with an $8 fee per person, per tour. In my opinion, reserving online and paying the extra $8 is worth it to avoid not getting the tour time you want. You do still have to go to the ticket counter to get your bracelet even though you reserved online.
You need a ticket. Its possible to just show up and get tickets the same day. Thats what I did but it was during off season winter. You can kind of tell if they are selling out by looking at their ticket availability for the coming days on the website. Better to get them before hand.
Tour times and dates change..check their website or call
There is not. We asked when we went a week ago. They do not do any discounts besides for the child ticket.
It is worth the money and the time to visit and experience one of a lifetime places to see.
It is never decorated for Halloween,only for Christmas
There's 5 tours to choice from starting at 9:00 am till 3:20 pm this Saturday
Yes it did, C house the middle cottage was damaged from the blast. It has been fully restored since then.....
OCTOBER
I would call directly for more info.
The house is all decorated by Thanksgiving. Tickets are $25 per person, reservations recommend.
The tour is 1 hour long. I would give yourself 90 min to 2 hours in total for checking in, walking around the visitor center, the tour itself, and the bus ride to and from the castle.
Not without a ticket, because you have to get in a bus to go to the castle and they won't let you get on without the wrist band, they scan it at the visitor center when you board the bus and at Hearst Castle when you get on the bus to come back to the visitor center. Buy a tour ticket and skip the movie and the guided tour and you should be able to just check out the outside gardens at the castle. Good luck!!
You should arrive at least 15 minutes earlier. Don't forget that they also show you a movie before the tour. Unless you want to skip the movie.
Kid tickets are 0-4 years old free, 5-12 years old $12.00 adult tickets $25.00 and includes tax, a movie, plus a bus ride to Hearst castle and back to the Victor center. Go to the hearst castle visitor center website and you'll see all of the different tours and pricings.
You should arrive 15 minutes early and stand in line to watch the movie about the construction of the castle at the visitor center. Or you can go on the bus straight to Hearst Castle and whatch the movie later or skip the movie.
No AAA or any other discounts according to a spokes person over the at Hearst Castle.
Could I visit only the grounds at Hurst Castle?
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