Hearst Castle — Attraction in Cambria

I absolutely love history and have wanted to visit the Hearst castle since I was a kid. But my experience there left me feeling underwhelmed. Here's the breakdown.

The Good The property is magnificent. They offer transportation to and from the house and the view from the bus is incredible. The views from the house are amazing. The house and grounds hold some true treasures.

The Not-So-Good I am deeply saddened to say, the tour was extremely underwhelming. I will preface this feedback by saying I am a former high school history teacher, a huge history buff and I've visited many other similar estates across the US such as the Breakers in Rhode Island and The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina (both Vanderbilt properties). I say all of that to say, this feedback is not coming from a disgruntled weekend warrior. Our tour guide likely was new, but she was incredibly underwhelming. It felt like she was listing off facts she could barely remember herself, and had no pulse on what an audience would find interesting. She completely glossed over or did not mention at all until asked, incredible historic artifacts like a real statue from ancient Egypt and a real burial tomb from Ancient Rome. But she did repeat over and over again the names of Hollywood stars from the 1920s who frequented the home, when most names would be unrecognizable to the average tourist in 2025. Her delivery was dry and she had no ability to draw us into the story. That was wildly disappointing to me. The whitewashing of history. Again, this could be chalked up to our tour guide being bad. But the tour itself did a very poor job of painting an accurate depiction of who William Randolph Hearst was and the impact he had on United States history. Zero mention of the Spanish American War or yellow journalism. Zero explanation of the significance of owning such a large portion of the media and the power that held over the public. Instead, we got one of mentions of cartoons or papers he owned. Again- the tour guide had no sense of what people would find interesting. She mentioned Popeye under her breath but harped on radio stations no one would know today. The tour itself (part 2). The website makes you select a specific tour to buy tickets to. This was very confusing to me because like mentioned previously, I've done a lot of other tours like this and there's always been "the tour" not 10+ options to select. So after some research, we bought tickets for the Grand Rooms Tour. You are only shown select, specific rooms based on the tickets you purchase. If you want to combined tours, you'd have to buy separate tickets ($35/pp), take the bus to the top, tour, take the bus back down, and then do it all again for the other tour(s) you've purchased. This to me, feels like a money grab. It would be far better if the tour was self guided and you had an audio guide rather than whatever this is. The price. $35 is a bit steep for the quality of tour you get and the limited rooms you see.

Overall To be honest, I could go and on (even more than I already have) about how disappointing this experience was. It's worth doing once if you're in the area because the house and grounds are unique and extravagant. However, if you have to go out of your way it's a hard pass. Not worth the trouble at all. It's a one and done experience. Go, check it off, and...

Hearst Castle in California is nothing short of a breathtaking experience that immerses you in a world of opulence and history. Nestled on the stunning coastline of San Simeon, this monumental estate was the brainchild of media mogul William Randolph Hearst and was designed by architect Julia Morgan. Construction began in 1919 and continued for nearly 30 years, resulting in a grand estate that showcases a blend of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial styles.

As you approach the castle, the views are simply spectacular. Perched atop the hills, Hearst Castle overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic vistas that are nothing short of mesmerizing. The drive up to the castle is lined with lush gardens and scenic landscapes, setting the stage for the grandeur that awaits you.

Once inside, visitors can explore the lavish rooms adorned with priceless art, intricate tapestries, and ornate furnishings. The Great Room, with its high ceilings and stunning fireplace, is a highlight, along with the impressive indoor and outdoor pools. The iconic Neptune Pool, surrounded by classical sculptures and breathtaking views, is a must-see and captures the essence of Hearst's luxurious lifestyle.

Throughout its history, Hearst Castle has hosted an array of famous visitors, including Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, and even President Franklin D. Roosevelt. More recently, the estate gained renewed fame when Lady Gaga filmed her music video for "G.U.Y." on the grounds, showcasing the castle's timeless allure and cinematic beauty.

As for the tour experience, there are several options to choose from, each providing a unique perspective on the castle's history and architecture. Guided tours offer rich storytelling and insights into Hearst's life, his vision for the castle, and the many notable guests who visited. Additionally, the castle grounds are expansive, with beautifully landscaped gardens, terraced terraces, and even a scenic walking trail that leads to the nearby animal enclosures.

Yes, you read that right—Hearst Castle is home to some fascinating zoo animals! Hearst had a passion for exotic animals, and remnants of his private zoo can still be found on the property. While many of the animals are no longer there, you can still spot some fascinating wildlife as you stroll through the gardens, including deer and various bird species.

In summary, a visit to Hearst Castle is a journey through time, filled with captivating history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, Hearst Castle is a must-visit destination in California. Prepare to be enchanted by its grandeur and the stories woven...

We did the Hollywood Tour (limited to 8 people) because the Art Tour was not offered the day we were there. A better experience if you plan ahead—they have a great website where you can read in advance about the history, the various available tours (including physical requirements) and book online. Download the excellent Hearst Castle app, and turn on your cell phone location services setting before you go, to enhance your experience.

Head to easy-to-find Visitor Center with ample parking, very nice gift shop, coffee/snack stand, restaurant, and a variety of displays to pique your interest. We arrived early at the visitor center to view the can’t miss 45-minute movie (narrated by Donald Sutherland) about the castle and Hearst history. Don’t miss out on this—it really set us up to get the most out of the tour. Then we boarded a clean, comfortable bus and listened to narrated commentary by Alex Trebek (of Jeopardy game show fame) en route to the castle.

Because this particular tour was limited to 8 people we had a very customized experience where guide was willing to accommodate our groups questions, curiosities and interests—showing us rooms that are not “officially” on any tour while sharing anecdotes and vast knowledge on everything from architect Julia Morgan, WR Hearst and family, Hollywood visitor antics, CA history, to art history and architecture.

We saw an unearthed/forgotten underground chamber, assembly and billiard rooms, refectory, library, guest cottages, gardens, kitchens, pools, upper private suites, theater, and so much more. Spectacular views and opulent surroundings at every turn. A real mashup of all the tours.

They did a great job of keeping tours from bunching up in any area (just occasionally crossing paths) so it never felt crowded (more of a VIP experience). There are occasional restrooms, but you will miss something if you duck out.

On the Hollywood tour plan to be on your feet (walking, standing and climbing numerous stairwells) for about 2-3 hours without food/drink and limited restroom opportunities - which might be hard on children or elders. They do have several shorter less physical tours and ADA accessible offerings.

This tour was pricey, but we found well worth it and would love to go back for an Evening Tour offered by docents in period garb and see the place lit up after dark. You simply cannot see it all in one go. Enchanted Hill was truly awe inspiring. If we lived closer we would visit regularly for special...