Blog Archives

Art Under the Moonlight

Join Hearst Castle’s Guides for an exploration of William Randolph Hearst’s art collection as the sun sets and the moon rises. View illuminated outdoor works of art while learning their significance through time and enjoying their beauty as a guest would have seen them during the 1930s. Inside, have an intimate look at the collection that Mr. Hearst amassed during his time here. This tour’s unique focus on select works of art, both indoors and outdoors, will leave you feeling like an honored guest of William Randolph Hearst with an understanding and appreciation of the cherished collection he displayed.

Julia Morgan Tour

Northern California’s Julia Morgan quietly broke barriers and overcame obstacles. She was the first certified female architect in California and the first American woman to head her own architectural office, leading her to become one of America’s preeminent architects. Her designs would grace private homes, college campuses, women’s clubs, religious houses, YWCAs, and, most famously, William Randolph Hearst’s legendary San Simeon estate. The Julia Morgan tour takes an in-depth look at the life and career of this extraordinary woman. View rarely-seen areas of Hearst Castle that highlight her gift for design, and photographic displays of architectural drawings, family photos, and personal items that reveal the person she was.

TOUR RESERVATION CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
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.

Designing the Dream Tour

For those fascinated by the trajectory of the Enchanted Hill, and W. R. Hearst’s unique collaboration with architect Julia Morgan, the Designing the Dream tour weaves through the nearly three decades of planning and construction that comprised the astounding estate’s history. The earliest years are viewed in Casa del Sol, a guest cottage from the very first stage of the project; the middle-years are represented by the iconic swimming pools so closely associated with the estate; and the final years are seen in the North Wing of Casa Grande, the very last phase to be realized. With an emphasis on both changing design and architectural styles of the time, and the tumultuous events in W.R. Hearst’s own life, this tour spans the entire history of Hearst Castle.

TOUR RESERVATION, CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
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.

Private Tour

Enjoy a private guided tour. This private tour can accommodate up to 6 people for a maximum of 4 hours. The cost of the tour is $1500 for the entire group. This tour may access any of the areas of the estate available to the public on the other tours. Private tours are offered during our normal daytime tour operation; however there is limited availability during some time periods. Visitors provide their own transportation from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center to the hilltop estate and return. The driver must present a valid driver’s license on arrival. RVs, buses, and motorcycles are not permitted. 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.

TOUR RESERVATION, CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
A minimum of one week’s notice is required to book private tours. These tours can be reserved up to one month in advance. The cost for a private tour is $1500.00 for the entire group paid at the time of booking. Included in that price is the non-refundable $35.00 registration fee.
MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express cards are accepted.
Reservations canceled at least 72 hours in advance will allow for a partial refund. The refund for a private tour is $1,465.00 (the tour price minus the non-refundable registration fee). There are NO refunds for cancellations of less than 72 hours notice.
Please call the district office at Hearst Castle at (805)927-2065 to arrange for this unique and personalized tour experience of Hearst Castle.

Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms Tour

This tour is wheelchair accessible and is also designed for visitors who have difficulty climbing up and down stairs, or who cannot stand or walk for lengths of time. The Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms Tour visits the estate’s most opulent social gathering rooms to reveal what it was like to be a guest at The Enchanted Hill—known today as Hearst Castle.

TOUR RESERVATION, CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
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.

Cottages & Kitchen Tour

This tour features two of the luxurious mansions that housed the Hearst family and their guests before Casa Grande was ready. Offering magnificent Pacific coast and mountain views, these ornately gilded “cottages” are thousands of square feet in size. The famous wine cellar and gigantic kitchen in Casa Grande are included in this tour.

TOUR RESERVATION CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
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.

Upstairs Suites Tour

Climb the spiral stairs (322 steps) through the upper levels of Casa Grande to admire Mr. Hearst’s own Gothic Suite, the enchanting Celestial Suite in the bell towers’ level, the main library with 150 ancient Greek vases, the della Robbia Room, and a clever Duplex Suite.