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Hearst Castle, San Simeon

4.4

#1 of 386 in Things to do in San Luis Obispo County

Castle Historic Site Must See

• ©

It took William Randolph Hearst, the famed newspaper magnate, nearly three decades to complete Hearst Castle, one of the largest houses in the United States. Architect Julia Morgan envisioned the house with 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, tennis courts, movie theaters, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo. Part of a state park since 1958, the house Hearst called his "Enchanted Hill" now offers public tours, attracting visitors with its considerable collection of art and antiques. The estate's focal point is an outdoor swimming pool, rebuilt three times to suit its owner's tastes. The centerpiece of the pool, which offers expansive vistas of the mountains and the ocean, is the facade of an ancient Roman temple Hearst imported from Europe. Add Hearst Castle to your San Simeon travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our San Simeon tour planner.

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Hearst Castle Reviews

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6,408 reviews

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4.6

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4.6

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• By 956MikeH956

  ….particularly bearing in mind that the Californian Parks Service, the castles slightly unlikely custodian, deal with several million visitors a year. Service is swift and efficient, information doled...  more »

• By lailasmom1223

  We went on the evening tour. The castle is beautiful but there are things to be aware of that I did not see on the reviews I read before going. 1. If you are going with small children please know that...  more »

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• By Miriam Lopez

  Had a great experience for our first time visiting The Hearst Castle. What a breathtaking view. So beautiful!! Get there really early so your able to see most of the castle. It is too big to see all in one day. The staff is pretty awesome, especially the buss drivers. The tour guide people on campus are very pleasant.

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• By Lee Jr

  Easily one of the best hidden or forgotten gems of California! I had a guide named "Greg" who was knowledgeable, friendly, astute and remarkably FUNNY! Even the bus ride up the hill to the vacation home" of Mr. Hearst was fun and riveting, as our bus driver showed some serious skills! There are numerous guided tours to take once you've visited a time or two. Although I've now visited twice, I look forward to going again and learning more about this beautiful California treasure and its history. So grab the kids, hop on the road, and take in the splendor of the ride, and all the wonders that await your senses upon arriving at Hearst "Castle." 👍🏾

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