Art Under the Moonlight Tour

Nighttime garden courtyard with four glowing lamp posts, a classical statue group on steps, and lush green trees in the background.

Grand, ornate indoor pool hall with blue-gold mosaics, arches, and statues reflected in still water at night, lanterns glowing.

Garden path lined with pink and cream roses, with palm trees and a blue sky in the background.

This tour features one of the luxurious guest cottages, some of the opulent social rooms of Casa Grande, and William Randolph Hearst’s private rooms and study. During these unique seasonal tours, watch the hilltop shimmer under specially designed lighting as the sun sets and the moon shines. Art Under the Moonlight is offered in Fall (October to mid-November.

100 Min. Guided Tour

Tour highlights include the outdoor Neptune Pool, Casa del Mar (House A), the Gardens, Casa Grande’s social rooms, Mr. Hearst’s own Gothic Suite, and the indoor Roman Pool.

Physical Requirements

The Art Under the Moonlight tour is 100 minutes long, includes approximately 300 steps (up and down), and is considered a moderate effort. An Accessibly Designed Art Under the Moonlight Tour is also available for those who may have difficulty standing and walking for extended periods or require mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs or walkers.

Reservation change and Cancellation policy

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Reservations can be made, changed, or canceled 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.

$50 Adults | $25 Children (5-12)

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Neptune Pool

The Neptune Pool, which holds 345,000 gallons (1,300,000 liters) of water, remains a highlight for visitors. With marble colonnades, sculpture, and a temple facade, its grand design is the third iteration of the outdoor swimming pool.

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House A: Casa Del Mar

Referred to as “House A,” its formal name is Casa del Mar—Spanish for “House of the Sea.” Hearst’s family stayed there while Casa Grande was being built. Stroll through the sumptuous house overlooking the California Central Coast to see where Mr. Hearst lived for the last two years of his residence at this hilltop estate.

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The Gardens

The gardens of Hearst Castle were thoughtfully designed by Julia Morgan and a team of landscape architects. The plantings were chosen to complement each cottage’s color scheme. In discussing plans for the gardens, Mr. Hearst wrote to Julia Morgan, “I think a profusion and confusion of blooms there would be attractive.”

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Assembly Room

Gather in the grand social room on the ground floor of Casa Grande just as W. R. Hearst’s guests did decades ago for cocktails, conversation, and to meet their host. Admire the magnificent room’s walnut paneling, Renaissance and Baroque tapestries and masterpieces of neoclassical sculpture.

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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.

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Roman Pool

The 205,000-gallon (780,000 liters) Roman Pool is the final stop on all tour experiences, exemplifying the luxury and craftsmanship throughout the estate. Intricate mosaics accented with 24-karat gold leaf surround the pool and its marble statues.

Explore Other Tours

Grand Rooms Tour

Tour Hearst Castle’s opulent social rooms to imagine being a guest of William Randolph Hearst.

Tour details

Upstairs Suites Tour

Explore the upper floors of the architectural wonder called  Casa Grande.

Tour details

Cottages & Kitchen Tour

Tour some of the most personal rooms of the property and some of its most practical ones.

Tour details

All Tours include

A bus Ride to and From the Castle. Board the Hearst Castle bus at the Visitor Center to start your 5-mile ascent to the top of the Enchanted Hill—a journey narrated by Alex Trebek of Jeopardy!

After you’ve finished touring, board the bus to head back to the Visitor Center, and experience a new route home, including the vestiges of the “bear pits” that were built for Hearst’s renowned private Zoo.

Hearst Castle Tour Rules