Hearst Castle Tours

Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle


Peer through the windows of the past and discover the stories of Hearst Castle. Learn what shaped the lives of the former occupants in this intriguing historic home.

Hearst Castle is a worthwhile place kick off your day in San Simeon. This historically significant residence comes recommended by fellow travelers, but it isn't the only thing to do here. Save time for other sights like Elephant Seal Vista Point, Hearst Ranch Winery, and Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay to fully experience what the area has to offer.

Plan a trip to see Hearst Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Blufftop Inn & Suites - Wharf/Restaurant District
White Water
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Reviews of Hearst Castle

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
703
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
154
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
36
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
11
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go to the castle early to beat the heat and get on the tours.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Don't buy tickets online. Added $8 to the price of each ticket. I wasn't wowed by the castle and only went because others in the group wanted to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There was so much more to the property than we expected. We definitely plan to return for another visit so we can take one of the other tours.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Not to be missed. An amazing place with incredible views. And just 7 miles North the elephant seal rookery, also not to be missed. Last year over 5000 seal pups were born there. Make reservations online for the castle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sign up for more than 1 tour, if you haven't seen the castle you really should.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure you reserve in advance. We get there without reservation and couldn't get on the tour.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Hearst Castle

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Silver Surf Motel

Silver Surf Motel

2 out of 5
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Silver Surf Motel
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon

The Morgan Hotel San Simeon

3.5 out of 5
9135 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
Sands by The Sea

Sands by The Sea

2 out of 5
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA
Sands by The Sea
San Simeon Lodge

San Simeon Lodge

2.5 out of 5
9520 Castillo Drive, San Simeon, CA
San Simeon Lodge
Quality Inn near Hearst Castle

Quality Inn near Hearst Castle

2.5 out of 5
9260 Castillo Drive, San Simeon, CA
Quality Inn near Hearst Castle
Sea Breeze Inn

Sea Breeze Inn

2 out of 5
9065 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA
Sea Breeze Inn
Castle Inn

Castle Inn

3 out of 5
6620 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
Castle Inn
Coast Riders Inn

Coast Riders Inn

3 out of 5
9450 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Coast Riders Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hearst Castle

At Hearst Castle, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the magnificent estate and explore its stunning architecture and gardens. Outdoor seating areas provide a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying the views. Nearby excursions offer additional adventures, while shopping opportunities let you take home unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to check tee times for nearby golf courses and indulge in some delightful swimming activities to enhance your experience.

Shopping

At Hearst Castle, you can find a gift shop offering unique souvenirs, including local art and themed merchandise. If you're up for a drive, visit the Cambria Center for the Arts and the nearby San Luis Obispo Marketplace for more shopping options and local crafts.

Recreation

Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Hardie Park, where you can unwind in nature and partake in leisurely strolls. For a more active experience, head to Morro Bay Golf Course, where you can play a round of golf while surrounded by beautiful landscapes and fresh coastal air.

Adventure

Embark on the Salmon Creek Falls Trail, a 14-mile hike showcasing breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. For water sports enthusiasts, Oak Paradise Wakeboarding, located 11 miles away, offers thrilling rides. Don’t miss the Giant Chessboard, 28 miles from Hearst Castle, for a fun and unique activity.

Nightlife

Catch a film at the National Geographic Theater, just 8 miles from Hearst Castle, where you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic night out. Afterward, explore nearby bars for lively conversations and local craft beers to round off your evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hearst Castle

When visiting Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including beautiful beaches, scenic state parks, and historic lighthouses. For a cultural experience, consider visiting the Hearst Castle Theater and the stunning Hearst Mansion. Nearby sights and local attractions provide ample opportunities for relaxation and discovery, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

  • Moonstone Beach: Just 8 miles from Hearst Castle, Moonstone Beach offers a serene coastal experience with sandy shores and beautiful ocean views. Enjoy beach vibes while walking along the picturesque coastline or searching for unique moonstones.
  • San Simeon State Park: Located 7 miles away, this state park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With its scenic trails and diverse landscapes, you can hike, picnic, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure that awaits.
  • San Simeon Pier: A mere 3 miles from Hearst Castle, San Simeon Pier is rich in history. Stroll along the jetty, enjoy stunning ocean views, and take part in fishing excursions for a memorable experience by the water.

Best time to go to Hearst Castle

The best time to visit Hearst Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hearst Castle falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Hearst Castle falls in December and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April56.8°F (13.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August66.2°F (19.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
December53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hearst Castle

To save money on your trip to Hearst Castle, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid weekends, as Saturday rates are the highest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and combining bookings for flights, hotels, and activities to access package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future stays, helping you make the most of your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hearst Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hearst Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hearst Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Hearst Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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