Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA

In 1919, William Randolph Hearst inherited 250,000 acres of California coastal ranchland, which included the Mexican ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. Originally known as "Camp Hill," the Hearst ranch was created as a place for family members and friends to enjoy camping trips in the wilderness without leaving the luxuries of home too far behind. But, in 1919, Hearst hired famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan, forming the partnership that would eventually create one of the world's most famous homes.

By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created a Mediterranean Revival style estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, pools, and walkways with Hearst's extensive European and Mediterranean art collection serving as the backdrop to enhance the 41 fireplaces, 61 bathrooms, and 56 bedrooms in this 90,080 square foot American palace.

Hearst Castle Accommodations
Visit Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle Tours. Hearst Castle offers not one, but five distinct tours that offer visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of William Randolph Hearst and his many famous and wealthy guests. Tour One is the best choice for first timers. On this tour, visitors will see the main house, Casa Grande; the guesthouse, Casa del Sol; the esplanade and gardens; and the spectacular Neptune Pool, a magnificent Greco-Roman style pool that features authentic Roman sculpture and other antiquities. Other tours focus on various aspects of Hearst Castle, including its art and architecture, libraries, wine cellars, guesthouses, kichens and servants’ quarters, and a special night tour that re-creates the typical evening guests would enjoy at the Hearst Castle.

Hearst Castle Accommodations. At the Blue Dolphin Inn and Sand Pebbles Inn, we offer fabulous discounts on accommodations for Hearst Castle vacations. Our cozy, beach resort hotel is located just six miles from Hearst Castle and near to other popular area attractions. Our comfortable rooms, courteous staff and discount travel packages will make your trip to the San Simeon area relaxing and carefree. [Top]

Visit Hearst Castle. Hearst Castle is open to visitors every day except Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day. Ticket prices starting at $24.00, and children under age six are free. Ticket reservations are not required, but are highly recommended. Tours at Hearst Castle do require a bit of physical exertion. Tours lengths range from 2/3 mile to 1-1/10 mile long and include 170 - 404 stairs. Individuals who have difficulty with stairs, walking, or standing should consider taking the Castle’s Accessibly Designed Tour. Call 800-444-4445 or visit www.hearstcastle.org for more information. [Top]

Blue Dolphin Inn - Cambria, CA
6470 Moonstone Beach Drive,
Cambria, CA 93428
Toll Free: 800-222-9157
Phone: 805-927-3300
Email: innkeeper@bluedolphininn.com

Sand Pebbles Inn - Cambria, CA
6252 Moonstone Beach Drive,
Cambria, CA
Toll Free: 800-222-9970
Phone: 805-927-5600
Email: innkeeper@sandpebblesinn.com