Hearst Castle (San Simeon) - Visitor Information & Reviews

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Hearst Castle and its collection

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Hearst Castle is a grand palace that was commissioned by the press magnate William Randolph Hearst. The architect behind this magnificent structure was Julia Morgan. The castle is located near San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. It offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and is a significant landmark in the region.

Hearst Castle as a Tourist Attraction

In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the Castle and its estate to the state of California. Since then, it has been cataloged as a national historic building. Today, it is open to the public and tourists can visit and explore the grandeur of this historic landmark.

The Architecture and Layout of Hearst Castle

The Hearst Castle property spans an area of 8361.27 m and comprises four buildings: Casa Grande, Casa Del Mar, Casa Del Monte, and Casa Del Sol. These buildings collectively house 177 rooms, including 58 bedrooms, 60 bathrooms, 18 lounges, and 41 fireplaces. Casa Grande, the main building, also features several additional rooms such as a refectory, billiard room, theater, library, Gothic study, beauty salon, butler's pantry, kitchen, and staff dining room, bringing the total room count to 115.

Art Collection at Hearst Castle

Despite much of the Hearst art collection being sold or donated to various museums, the mansion still maintains its original decoration and continues to house valuable pieces from different periods and styles. Visitors can admire Egyptian statues, sarcophagi and Roman mosaics, Gothic coffered ceilings, tapestries designed by Giulio Romano, the Neptune painting by Simon Vouet, a portrait by Jacopo Tintoretto, a Virgin with the Child by Adriaen Isenbrandt, a Venus sculpted by Canova, and Tiffany lamps.

ESCastillo Hearst

ITCastello Hearst

ENCasa Grande

History & Anthropology Castle Historic house Ancient art Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Renaissance art & Early modern art

#8 History & Anthropology in California #5 Ancient art museums in California #1 Castle in California #7 Historic houses in California #1 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in California #2 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in California #99 History & Anthropology in United States #15 Ancient art museums in United States #4 Castle in United States #71 Historic houses in United States #4 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United States #9 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in United States

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Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle Road 750

CA 93452 San Simeon

California

United States

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Visitor information Hearst Castle

Opening hours

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

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Admission

0 – 4	Free
5 – 12	$18.00
Adults	$35.00

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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Hearst Castle.

Location & Map

Hearst Castle Road 750, San Simeon

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Hearst Castle have been found.

Hearst Castle Reviews

Hearst Castle has 1 rating.

Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, is a grand and opulent estate that offers visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of early 20th-century American elite. Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, this architectural marvel showcases a blend of European styles and houses an impressive collection of art and antiques.

The guided tours of the castle are informative and well-organized, allowing visitors to explore the lavish interiors, including the ornate rooms, grand halls, and the famous Neptune Pool. The stunning views of the surrounding California coastline from the hilltop location add to the overall experience.

Many visitors appreciate the preservation efforts and the opportunity to learn about the history of the Hearst family and their influential guests. The attention to detail in both the architecture and the decorative elements is often highlighted as impressive.

However, some guests find the tours to be somewhat rushed, wishing for more time to explore the rooms and grounds at their own pace. The admission price is considered steep by some, although most agree that the experience is worth it. During peak seasons, crowds can be an issue, potentially impacting the overall enjoyment of the visit.

Access to the castle requires a bus ride up a winding road, which may be challenging for those with motion sickness. Additionally, the castle's location is relatively remote, requiring some planning for those not staying in the immediate area.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Hearst Castle remains a popular and highly-regarded attraction, offering a unique look into a bygone era of American wealth and extravagance.

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Hearst Castle