1. Are tour reservations required to see Hearst Castle?
Tour reservations are strongly encouraged. Please call 1-800-444-4445 or click HERE to make a reservation online.
2. What services will be available at the Visitor Center?
The Hearst Castle Theater will be showing the breathtaking film, “Hearst Castle – Building the Dream” every 45 minutes throughout the day. No capacity limit currently but we will alter guidance based on the California Department of Public Health and the San Luis Department of Public Health guidelines which can change at any time.
3. What are the tours available for reservations?
We are offering the following tours: Grand Rooms, Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms, Cottages and Kitchen, Upstairs Suites, Designing the Dream, and the semi-private Julia Morgan tour. For more information on tours click HERE.
4. Has anything changed with the way the tours are operating now?
To help ensure public safety, all tours will be escorted by our tour guides from the time you step off the bus at the hilltop, to when you reboard your bus for the return trip to the Visitor Center. Visitors may not explore the Castle indoors nor outdoors independently.
5. Can I just drive up in my own vehicle to Hearst Castle?
All tours at Hearst Castle require bus shuttle services for safety and security.
6. What should I expect upon arrival?
Please click HERE for items not allowed on the premises.
7. How much total time should I plan for my Hearst Castle visit?
All visitors should allow themselves ample time for arrival and the tour experience. Please plan to arrive 25 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. This will allow for parking, amenities and tour ticket pick up.
8. What do I do if I am early or late for my scheduled tour time?
We recommend all visitors to arrive 25 minutes prior to their scheduled tour. If you arrive after your reserved tour time, we will do our best to find another time that day for your tour experience. If we cannot accommodate another tour time, we can reschedule you for the following day if space is available. There are no refunds for late or missed tours.
9. Are there any fees for reserving, changing or canceling tour tickets?
Reservations can be made, changed, or cancelled at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-4445. Changes to tour date or time: no additional charge if made in advance. A non-refundable registration fee per ticket will be charged for cancellations.
10. Do you have a lost and found?
Any item that has been lost or found should be reported to the Guest Relations Office at the Visitor Center. Acquired items will be kept for 30 days. Guests who have lost an item should call (805) 927-2010 with the following information: name, phone number (including area code), date item was lost and brief description of the item.
11. Are Drones allowed to be flown at Hearst Castle?
Drones, sometimes referred to as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), have become increasingly popular with recreational model aircraft operators and commercial operators alike. Drones are not permitted on or above Hearst Castle property; this includes around or above the Hearst Castle, or Visitor Center, or the surrounding parking lots.
12. How can I further support the educational programming and conservation projects at
Hearst Castle?
Join the Foundation at Hearst Castle or make a donation. Learn more at https://foundationathearstcastle.com/