COVID-19 Response

Following guidance from the California Department of Public Health and local public health authorities, we are increasing public access and services in a phased approach at Hearst Castle®/Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument®. Before visiting, please review the COVID-19/FAQ tab on the home page. There you will find information and frequently asked questions regarding your trip to Hearst Castle. Updates about the overall Department of Parks and Recreation response to COVID-19, including safety information, are posted on parks.ca.gov. For more information from the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department click readyslo.org

Reserve your tickets

Plan Your Visit

Hearst Castle tours and the Visitor Center is currently closed. When we reopen, advanced reservations will be required to visit Hearst Castle and/or the Visitor Center

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Upstairs Suites Tour

Ascend narrow winding staircases to explore the breathtaking libraries, guest accommodations, and Hearst's own suite.

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.

TOUR RESERVATION, CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations can be made, changed or cancelled online at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-4445.

There is an $8.00 per ticket registration fee to reserve tickets.

Changes to tour date or time can be made in advance for a service fee of $8.00 per ticket.

Cancelled reservations will be assessed a $7.00 cancellation fee.

Physical Requirements

The Upstairs Suites Tour is 60 minutes long and consists of approximately 332 stairs, both up and down, and a 3/4-mile route to walk. For those who have difficulty walking or standing for lengths of time, we recommend Accessibly Designed Tours.

 

Visit the Grounds

Doge’s Suite
1
Main Library
2
The Gothic Suite
3
Duplex Bedrooms
4
The Gardens
5
Roman Pool
6
Celestial Suite
7
  • 1 Doge’s Suite

    Step into the richly decorated Doge’s Suite—which was inspired by the ornate chambers of Venice’s famed Doge’s Palace. Admire the magnificent painted antique ceiling, marble balcony and mountain views that welcomed guests here decades ago.

  • 2 Main Library

    This imposing library, intended for Mr. Hearst’s guests, houses more than 4,000 books, and also showcases one of the Castle’s most treasured collections: 150 ancient Greek vases, all more than two thousand years old. At 80 feet in length and filled with precious objects, the Library makes a grand statement.

  • 3 The Gothic Suite

    Hearst Castle’s third floor consists of W. R. Hearst’s private space, in addition to some of his most treasured collections and sacred objects. Wander through the suite’s two bedrooms and private sitting room that he and Marion Davies occupied, after exploring the soaring and mysterious church-like Gothic Study where he worked.

  • 4 Duplex Bedrooms

    Proof of architect Julia Morgan’s masterful skill, the Duplex Bedrooms’ two tall sitting rooms topped with loft bedrooms were constructed as open light wells, and transformed later into delightful guest accommodations. Stroll through these charming rooms decorated with tapestries and painted ceilings, redefining open spaces into creative and unique suites.

  • 5 The Gardens

    After the guided portion of your tour concludes, explore the expansive garden grounds that surround “La Cuesta Encantada”—Hearst’s Spanish name for The Enchanted Hill. Look for native plants, rare flowers and lush foliage that have been at the Castle since Mr. Hearst resided here.

  • 6 Roman Pool

    Located where you board the bus to return to the Visitor Center, the intensely decorated indoor Roman Pool is the perfect place to stop and relax. Modeled after ancient Roman baths, this meticulously detailed, majestic pool is tiled from ceiling to floor, and features marble copies of eight ancient Greek and Roman deities and athletes.

  • 7 Celestial Suite

    Located on the fourth floor, in the base of the bell towers, the two tower bedrooms and a common sitting room were created out of once-empty space. These rooms were first used in 1932. Much like the guests who stayed there then, today’s, visitors bask in the golden glow of sunlight as it filters into the South Celestial Bedroom and are treated to spectacular ocean views from the sitting room, the highest point within Casa Grande.