Hearst Castle Visitor Center

Wayne Davies

The visitors center was really cool and free to visit. There is a gift shop and a place to get food as well as a little museum. If you are there and have a couple of hours I highly recommend taking one of the tours. We took the Grand Rooms tour which is the one that was recommended for first time visitors and by far it does not disappoint! Not as interesting maybe for younger kids especially since there is a lot you are asked not to touch as well as places you are not allowed to walk. Amazing though for sure! (The included pictures are from the tour not the visitor center itself.)

Manuel Navedo

Not sure if it was the day, but this tour felt a bit disconnected. The entrance is $40. This is necessary to keep conservation efforts. However, the way the California Park is doing these tours is just not right. The tours felt rush, we were watch like criminals all the time, even herede into places similar to the cattle down the hill. The personnel were at all time saying down touch this or that even though we were outside and all the things are at the mercy of the weather. When you are at the castle know that there are no bathroom or water. When we were there it was hot at the castle despite been nice and cold at the base of the hill. So bring your own water and remember to use the bathroom before starting the tour. Overall, I think the experience is a 3.5 stars. Worth doing once in a life but I will not be going back.

Jenny Infosino

We went yesterday and LOVED the tour we did- the pools, dining room and a large living room.. the tour they recommended for new visitors. I enjoyed this far more then I thought I would. Chuck was our guide and he was concise, interesting and full or very interesting information... thank you for clearly conveying that while we snapped pictures, walked away to see things, etc. i could still hear him and that is awesome because Mr. Hearst was fascinating! I'm going to find his documentary when i get home from vacation and check it out. Anyway, we had not bought tickets and it was easy to show up and purchase. Arrived at 8:30 am, got a 9am tour , had a splendid time and left by 11:30- the visitor center is fun to explore. Bring a water as there are fountains to refill as well and they will not let you have any other drinks or food. The castle is pristine so I love this rule! No gum either. There are bathrooms you can use at the castle as well. I would also do an early morning tour as it was already pretty warm... Have a blast!!

Christian Lam

Your first stop on this amazing tour. You get your entry tickets here to board the shuttle bus up to the castle. Large restrooms and an expansive gift shop and cafe. Now a bit on the Castle tour itself: An absolute must-see when driving along the central California coast. Hearst castle is truly a breathtaking and awe-inspiring monument and testament to human ingenuity, wealth, and opulence shared for the elites during the classic heyday of the great Hearst media empire. There are several tours to choose from to suit everyone's taste, but the Grand Rooms tour is highly recommended for first time visitors. You won't see everything of course, but gives you the highlights and enlightens you with the grandeur that is Hearst Castle.