Hearst Castle Discount Tickets Aaa (2024)

FAQs

What is the best tour to take at Hearst Castle? ›

For this reason, the Grand Rooms Tour is recommended for most first-time guests. For a more in-depth look at the property, opt for the Upstairs Suites Tour. This tour provides a more intimate look at the castle, focusing on the private rooms used by William Randolph Hearst and his guests.

Hearst Castle Tour Hours

To view available times, please check availability online, or call 1-800-444-4445. If you reserve your tickets in advance, please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled tour time to pick up tickets from the Ticket Office at the Visitor Center.

Visitors must wear shoes and appropriate clothing, including shirts, in order to be permitted to board the buses and take tours. The environmental conditions on the hilltop can change, so it is advisable to be prepared for changing weather. Climbing on trees and sculptures is not allowed.

The Grand Rooms Tour is 70 minutes long and includes approximately 140 steps, both up and down, and 2/3-mile walk.

Parking is plentiful and free for guests during their stay. Continental Breakfast is also free every morning.

Only bottled water may be brought on tour. Please call the district office at Hearst Castle at (805) 927-2065 to arrange for this unique and personalized tour experience of Hearst Castle.

15-minute bus ride to and from the Visitor Center; Considerable time standing.

Personal Photography

Photography for personal enjoyment is encouraged. However, due to operational impacts, photography related to birthdays, engagements, weddings, graduations, etc. is prohibited. Tripods are not allowed either inside the buildings or on the grounds, but monopods are in both locations.

You have the chance to go behind the scenes and swim in the San Simeon, California, pool. But it'll cost you. First, you have to be a member of the Foundation at Hearst Castle, which costs $500 annually. After that, you can book a reservation for $1,000, which gives you access to the iconic Neptune pool.

California State Parks will close the restrooms at the Hearst San Simeone Historical Monument (Hearst Castle) Visitor Center beginning Wednesday, July 13, 2022, as part of its Drought Contingency Plan. Portable chemical toilets will be available to the public at the Visitor Center.

What movies have been filmed at Hearst Castle? ›

He also installed sculptures of Sekhmet at Thebes. The four sculptures at Hearst Castle, carved from diorite (dark granite), date from the New Kingdom of Egypt (c. 1550-1070 BCE) and are the oldest works of art at Hearst Castle.

Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Hearst Castle offers a variety of other tours including Evening Tour, Holiday Twilight Tour, Art of San Simeon Tour (Semi-Private), Julia Morgan Tour (Semi-Private), Curriculum Focus Tour (for CA 6th grade students), and Private Tour.

Four distinct guided Hearst Castle Tours are offered throughout the day. Each one explores a different part of this luxurious estate comprised of 165 rooms and more than 125 sprawling acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Additional tours include Accessibly Designed Tours, Group Tours and School Tours.

We suggest arriving about 20 minutes early to park and pick up your tickets. About 2:45 you'll want to be in the bus boarding area and your bus will leave for the Castle just after 2:50. Enjoy your tour!

Approximately 332 stairs, both up and down; 3/4-mile route to walk; 15-minute bus ride to and from the Visitor Center; Considerable time standing.

That's right, zebras! Visitors are often – rightfully – shocked to see zebras grazing hillside in and around San Simeon and Hearst Castle. While they're sometimes far back from the road, they're typically close enough to be able to see with a keen eye or with a pair of binoculars.