Travel in time at Hearst Castle

My hubby and I booked a 1220 Upper Stairs Tour on a Sunday afternoon. We got there a little early and the lady at the ticket booth was kind enough to offer us to get to the 1200 tour, which we appreciated so much. On the bus ride, you’ll see deers along side of the road which looks unbothered lol, seems like they’re pretty used to tourists already :) I admire the lady driver who i guess in her 60s or 70s, she was just driving comfortably with those curves and cliffs of the hill, fascinating! Then we reached our drop off point. We were greeted by our Tourist guide, Deborah, who was very nice and accommodating of all the questions asked of her. The castle itself was very grand even to minute details of it. Will probably come back and take the Grand Rooms Tour next time. The only negative point down there is they only provide portalets! It could have been better if they have good clean proper functioning toilet!! Hope they do work on it soon! Overall, still a 4/5 for me. :)

Interesting and beautiful tour! Highly recommend buying tix online in advance. Our Grand Rooms tour lasted longer than the 1 hour 15 min but we asked some interesting questions. I never knew the small little stubs for chairs were for the men of cloth that had to stand in the dining room and could lean on these in their robes so no one would know! Massive amount of land further than the eye can see. He literally owned his views!

Nice little trip to see and learn about the Hearst family. We took the cottages and kitchen tour; loved seeing the kitchen and learning about the food preparation. Wish there was more about that than the cottages, which are mostly dark and over the top. The views are gorgeous and I wish we had more time to explore on our own.

Visiting Hearst Castle is like stepping into a world of luxury, history, and breathtaking beauty. Perched high above the coastline of San Simeon, this architectural masterpiece offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean that are absolutely unforgettable. Built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect Julia Morgan, the estate showcases stunning European-inspired architecture, grand rooms filled with priceless art, and intricate details in every corner. The Neptune Pool alone is worth the visit—its Roman-style columns and mountain backdrop make it one of the most iconic pools in the world. The guided tours are informative and engaging, sharing fascinating stories about Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries who once stayed there. Walking through the lavish guest houses and the impressive Assembly Room truly makes you feel the grandeur of the 1920s and 1930s. Whether you love history, architecture, photography, or just incredible views, Hearst Castle is a must-see destination in California. It’s not just a castle—it’s an experience you won’t forget. 🌊✨

It is amazing how a wealthy person can accumulating all those things from around the world for us to see and appreciate now. You have to took a 5 mile bus ride to and from the castle up on the hill for each tour. And do make sure you only bring up water and nothing else on your tour! The guide we had was amazing, he knows the castle like the back of his head and so much detail and funny comments that makes you truly appreciate this state park!