HEARST CASTLE

The most popular attraction in San Simeon and one of California’s top vacation attractions, Hearst Castle was built in 1919 by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst as own personal residence. Since his passing in the 50’s, the property has been operated as the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark, Hearst Castle is nestled high above the village of San Simeon, about five miles from the coast, offering guests breathtaking ocean views. The estate itself is a collection of historic architectural styles, which mirror Hearst’s travels throughout Europe. Originally known as “La Cuesta Encantada (Spanish for “Enchanted Hill”), Hearst Castle features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, and 127-acres of gardens, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world’s largest private zoo. A museum like no other, visitors of Hearst Castle can take tours into various parts of the residence and property, including the Grand Rooms, Upstairs Suites, and Cottages & Kitchens. Each tour offers a unique glimpse into Hearst’s life providing visitors with a chance to explore his personal collection of rare and ancient works of art while experiencing what it must have been like to be a guest of William Randolph Hearst’s. Heart Castle is also home to the Hearst Castle Theater - a five-story screen theater, which shows “Hearst Castle - Building the Dream,” a breathtaking film that combines original cinematography with vintage clips and stills. Produced exclusively for the Hearst Castle, the 40-minute film is screened every 45-minutes and is included in the ticket for all of the daytime tours.