School Tours – K-12
School Tours at Hearst castle provide students with an interactive experience that will spark interest and stimulate their curiosity. They will hear the story and history of Hearst Castle while observing and analyzing pieces of William Randolph Hearst’s extensive art collection. Students will see how history connects to the world we live in today through many primary and secondary sources, authentic historical objects, and exhibits. School tours are aligned with the California History-Social Studies Framework, STEAM disciplines, and California Department of Education Content Standards K – 12.
School Tours are one hour and forty-five minutes, including the bus trip to and from the hilltop estate. Groups up to 54 (including teachers and chaperones 48 students and 6 chaperones max) may be accommodated on one timeslot.
School Tours are available by reservation only. To make a reservation please call Reserve California at 800-401-4775 Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00.
For more information, please contact [email protected] Tel: 805 927 2049
PORTS – K-12 Virtual School Tours
Hearst Castle PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) ® Program is a FREE distance learning program that uses the power of interactive ZOOM videoconferencing. PORTS programming is designed to assist K-12 educators in teaching California History-Social Studies Framework and California Department of Education Content Standards K – 12 and Next Generation Science Standards in the context of California State Parks.
We offer a variety of ways to connect the story of Hearst Castle and its art collection with your K-12 classroom. Whether you are incorporating STEAM disciplines, studying ancient civilizations, learning about California history, or exploring the world of art and architecture, virtual tours at Hearst Castle will educate, entertain, and engage your students.
Please visit the Hearst Castle PORTS website to schedule your tour and learn more. PORTS On-Demand – PORTS Program (ca.gov)
Tel: 805-927-2189.
Group Tours
Enjoy a group tour that is unlike any other in the world. Perched atop a hill, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and San Simeon’s rugged coastline, Hearst Castle is perfect for groups large or small, and offers separate tours so your party can arrive—and tour—together. Group tours are available for parties of 12 or more people.
Reserve your group tour today by calling 1-800-401-4775, or 1-833-448-7287 if calling outside the U.S. Our reservation office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.
For our international guests, where phone calls may be difficult due to time zones, please email group sales at [email protected]
Private Tours
Enjoy the privilege of a private tour tailored to your specific interests with your own guide! These tours are offered only during our normal daytime hours of the guided tour operation, but due to staffing and operational needs, not all dates are available. This guided tour is offered for a maximum length of four hours and can accommodate up to six people per private tour. Visitors will enjoy providing their own transportation from the Visitor Center up to Hearst Castle and back again. The driver of the vehicle must present a valid driver’s license upon arrival at the Visitor Center. Recreational vehicles, buses and motorcycles are not permitted.
A minimum of one week’s notice is required to book private tours, and these tours can be reserved up to one month in advance. The cost for a private tour is $1500 paid in advance. MasterCard, Visa and Discover Cards are all accepted. A minimum of at least a 72-hour notice of cancellation will allow for a partial refund. For cancellations of less than 72-hours there are no refunds. Please call the district office at Hearst Castle at (805) 927-2065 to arrange for this unique and personalized tour experience of Hearst Castle.