Hearst Castle

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips explores the magnificent Hearst Castle in San Simeon:Perched on a hilltop 1,600 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific, Hearst's magnificent Castle is located halfway between LA and San Francisco near the town of Cambria.June 2008 marked 50 years since the castle opened to the public. Today, it draws more than 1 million visitors a year.Start your Hearst Castle Tour at the Visitors Center, located right off Highway 1. The Experience Tour is one of five offered at the castle, and is recommended for first time visitors. Tickets sell out quickly, so advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Tours average about 2 hours.Hopping aboard the tour bus, we begin our steep and winding ascent to the castle, listing to old time music while passing roaming herds of cattle. It's easy to imagine how invited guests felt arriving at the ranch for a weeklong stay of lavish parties, good food and fine living.William Hearst built three separate guest houses for his famous visitors, who included Hollywood glitterati, political leaders and other notables like Howard Hughes.Passing through the main gate, we looked down in awe at the sparkling Pacific ocean, Santa Lucia mountains and rolling green hills that inspired Hearst to build here in 1919.The Neptune Pool, with its impressive Greco-Roman colonaddes, Vermont marble statues, remnants from Roman temples and 17th century bas reliefs, is a highlight on each tour. The white marble pool is 10 feet at its deepest point and 104 feet long, featuring a unique oil-burning heating system.Hearst's visitors had their choice of the three guesthouses, and Casa del Sol is one of the most beautiful. This 8-bedroom, 2,600 square foot Moorish retreat, with sweeping views of the Pacific, opens up to Central Plaza and Casa Grande, Hearst's 60,000 square foot Medietrranean Revival style residence. Casa Grande has 38 bedrooms and 41 bathrooms. Total square footage of the estate exceeds 90,000 square feet.Casa Grande itself is a palatial sight. In fact, architectural historian Lord John Norwich called it a "palace in every sense of the word."The Central Plaza outside Casa Grande is serene and beautiful, especially as the ocean breeze blows by. The plaza and outer terraces are a great spot to relax and admire the beautiful gardens, fountains, ponds and priceless sculptures.In fact, the castle has more than 22,000 museum quality artifacts, shipped from around the world, including ornately carved ancient European ceilings and exquisite tapestries.There are 14 sitting rooms in Casa Grande, but the Assembly Room was where Hearst's guests gathered around 6:30 p.m. to enjoy cocktails, play cards, or enjoy a game of Monopoly before dinner. The estate has 41 fireplaces!At 8 p.m., guests moved in to the Refectory, the only dining room in the castle. Here, Hearst enjoyed lavish meals with his mistress Marion Davies and about 15 famous visitors, always making sure there was plenty of ketchup, pickles and mustard to go around. Heart's favorite dish was rare pressed duckThe kitchen, built in 1927, featured electric appliances and the latest in modern conveniences for its time. It looks much like it did during its heyday, including spoons for enjoying bone marrow, a delicacy at the time.Hearst employed 15 chefs, waiters, butlers and maids.After enjoying a fine meal, guests retreated to the 50-seat Movie Theater or took a dip in the Indoor Roman pool, styled after the Italian Baths of Caracalla and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Thanks for coming along on our tour of the magnificent Hearst Castle. Now, go make those reservations and enjoy this Palace on the Pacific. Hearst Castle 750 Hearst Castle Road, along Highway One,  San SimeonHearst Castle Preservation Foundation, www.hearstcastle.org/ Friends of Hearst Castle, www.friendsofhearstcastle.org/Tour Reservations: 1-800-444-4445 Tours for Mobility Impaired: 1-805-927-2020

Channel: Travel & Events
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm
Author: CaliforniaTravelTips

Length: 02:43
Rating: 4.29
Views: 7369

Tags: architect California Cambria Casa Castle Grande Hearst history rooms Sam Simeon tickets tips tour travel video visual

Video Comments

CaliforniaTravelTips (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

I think I was 15 the last time I had gone until this year. Time flies, but the castle is just as beautiful as ever. Thanks for your comments!

CaliforniaTravelTips (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Thanks for your comment. I'd love to go back and see it at Christmas. I bet it's spectacular!

CaliforniaTravelTips (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

The evening tour highlights the Esplanade and Gardens, Casa del Sol, and Casa Grande. But what makes it unique is that guests experience the Castle as one of Mr. Hearsts own visitors with members of the Living History Program. Tour reservations are highly recommended at (800) 444-4445.

chrslm (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Ive been there once, I Loved it so much..its so amazing! I was only about 16 at the time and now only 18 i wanna go back really soon! Ide recomend it :

puturstunnashadeson (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

its beautiful there im planning on going back :]

peppermint50 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

I've taken two tours of Hearst Castle. I remember there is a bunch of fake food on display in the kitchen, and the lady got kind of mad when i picked up a block of cheese. :D What do you see when you take the evening toure? I've taken Tour 2 and Tour 3.

Unit3d5 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

well yea, it was pretty cool, i went there yesterday, well, wednesday. finished my mini slide show of he basic tour the gav us :Dchek it out mb, my first time making a slideshow on youtube :D

CaliforniaTravelTips (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

It's certainly on my list! Thanks for commenting! Veronica

annielwhite (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

take the evening tour. its the best

CaliforniaTravelTips (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

There are several different tours to choose from, each offering a glimpse into different areas of the castle. I recommend the Experience Tour for first-time visitors, although the evening tour is supposed to be quite fun.