Hearst Castle
All Things To Do
Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
A Unique Day Trip from Pismo Beach: Hearst Castle
If you're looking for a unique day trip from Pismo Beach, consider driving an hour north to the Hearst Castle. Inspired by his admiration of European architecture, this mansion with glistening pools and ornate halls was constructed at the behest of famous media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Construction of the intricate home started in 1919, lasted until 1947, and cost millions. Hearst, an avid art collector, filled the rooms with millions of dollars' worth of paintings, textiles, sculptures, and more. Throughout his life at the castle, Hearst hosted famous figures from around the world, including Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, and Charlie Chaplin.
Exploration of Hearst Castle
Today, visitors can tour the massive estate to see its splendor for themselves. The main house is Casa Grande, neighbored by three guest houses. Most tour options focus on one or two of these houses, so you'll need to choose your tour type based on your interests.
Tour Options
- Grand Rooms Tour in Casa Grande
- Upstairs Suites Tour
- Cottages and Kitchen Tour
- Julia Morgan Tour (focused on the castle's architect)
- Accessibility Tours
- Private Tours
Past visitors recommended booking your tour in advance to secure your spot.
Visiting Details
The castle is located in San Simeon, off of Highway 1, and is open to visitors daily starting at 9 a.m.
Visitor Center
The only place you'll find food on the premises is at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. The visitor center also features a gift shop and a five-screen theater that shows a film about the construction of the castle. A bus from the visitor center to the castle is included in the tour price.
Entrance Fees and Tickets
Visitors have noted the expensive entrance fees, but many said the experience is worth the cost. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $12 for kids ages 5 to 12. Tours typically last one hour.
Operating Hours
The attraction is open daily starting at 9 a.m. For more information, visit the Hearst Castle website.
