Hearst Castle

A Can’t-Miss Attraction in San Simeon

The most popular attraction in San Simeon and one of California’s top vacation attractions, Hearst Castle was built in 1919 by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst as his own personal residence. Since his passing in the 1950s, the property has been operated as the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark, Hearst Castle is nestled high above the village of San Simeon, about five miles from the coast, offering guests breathtaking ocean views.

A museum like no other, visitors of Hearst Castle can take tours into various parts of the residence and property, including the Grand Rooms, Upstairs Suites, and Cottages & Kitchens. Each tour offers a unique glimpse into Hearst’s life providing visitors with a chance to explore his personal collection of rare and ancient works of art while experiencing what it must have been like to be a guest of William Randolph Hearst’s.

  • Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

    Hearst Castle Theater

    Experience the entire history of the Hearst Castle on a large five-story screen. Located at the Hearst Castle Visitors Center, the Hearst Castle Theater shows “Hearst Castle - Building the Dream” daily. The film is a companion to the Castle Tours and is included in the ticket price for the Grand Rooms Tour, the Upstairs Suites Tour, and the Cottages and Kitchens Tour. “Hearst Castle - Building the Dream” was produced exclusively for the Hearst Castle and features breathtaking original cinematography combined with vintage clips and stills for a detailed look into the construction of this historical landmark

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    See the Majestic Neptune Pool

    The Pools of Hearst Castle

    Two of the most striking historic areas of the Hearst Castle are the Enchanted Hill’s luxurious Neptune Pool and Ornate Roman Pool. The Neptune Pool, which took 12 years to complete, features ancient fountains, sculptures, marble pavilions, alabaster lanterns, dressing rooms, and an ancient temple facade. Smaller than the Neptune Pool, but equally awe-inspiring, the Roman Pool resembles a decadent Roman bath with striking cobalt blue and gold tiles. It features intricate mosaics depicting a star-filled night sky, which spreads across the roof and dome. Decorating the Roman Pool are eight marble statues of Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, and heroes carved by famed Italian sculptor Carlo Freter.

    Did You Know?

    The large column that sits at the front of the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort once belonged to William Randolph Hearst. The column is one of 38 which W.R. Hearst purchased in 1927. Its origins trace back to 16th Century Italy and although the column looks like it’s made out of marble it’s actually Verona Red Limestone - a unique and decorative material that is only found in Verona, Italy.

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