Holiday Twilight Tour

Colorful Christmas tree with baubles, lights, tinsel, and a red floral stuffed bear beside wrapped gifts.

Close-up of a glass Christmas ornament on a tree with colorful bokeh lights in the background.

Mediterranean-style courtyard with red-tiled roof, flowering bougainvillea, and a stone lion fountain on a brick-paved patio.

Classical temple and colonnade by a turquoise tiled pool with statues and palm trees in a sunny outdoor setting

Luxurious historic living room with carved wooden ceiling, tapestries, and stone fireplace with statues on the right wall.

Interior of a vintage theater with red damask walls, gold trim, and pink upholstered seats awaiting audience.

This tour features one of the luxurious guest cottages and some of the opulent social rooms at Casa Grande, decorated for holiday celebrations. During these seasonal tours, see the twinkling lights and towering trees in the art-filled rooms of William Randolph Hearst’s San Simeon estate. Holiday Twilight tours run from late November through the end of December. These tours do not include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day, as the monument and visitor center are closed.

75 Min. Guided Tour

Tour highlights include the outdoor Neptune Pool, Casa del Sol (House C), the outdoor terraces, Casa Grande’s festively decorated social rooms, the theater, and the indoor Roman Pool.

Physical Requirements

The Holiday Twilight tour is 75 minutes long, includes approximately 140 steps (up and down), and is considered a moderate effort. An Accessibly Designed Holiday Twilight 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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Casa del Sol

Casa del Sol, or C house, is named for its stunning views of the setting sun. With a distinctly Moorish architectural style, it stands out among the other cottages. The interior decor and the loggia off the main sitting room complete the design, consistent with the harmonious vision of Mr. Hearst and Miss Morgan.

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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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Theater

The Theater is where W. R. Hearst and Hollywood film star Marion Davies joined guests every night to watch a full-length movie and newsreel. Today, as a guest of the Castle, you’ll be able to view historic Castle footage with moving images of Mr. Hearst and his guests.

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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.

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Upstairs Suites Tour

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

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Cottages & Kitchen Tour

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

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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