Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is extraordinary! A must see for any visitor to SLO County. A selection of tours are offered daily that explore different parts of this grand estate. The Grand Rooms Tour is recommended for first-time visitors as it gives the visitor an overview of the estate and its history. The Upstairs Suites Tour includes ascending the winding staircases to discover the Castle's most private rooms, including W. R. Hearst's private quarters. The Cottages and Kitchen Tour features the Wine Cellar, Kitchen, and a sumptuous guest house. Designing the Dream Tour explores how Mr. Hearst's dream was realized in collaboration with architect Julia Morgan, the first woman to earn an architect's license in California. The Evening Tour typically is offered most Friday and Saturday evenings in Autumn & Spring and features the living history program that showcases the bygone lifestyle of this great era. Docents wear period attire and recreate the social life of Mr. Hearst's fabulous guests while other docents portray household staff. Check HearstCastle.org for other tour options as well. Open everyday, year around (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Tour reservations are strongly recommended.Tickets for daytime tours include the film, "Hearst Castle-Building the Dream shown on a gigantic screen in the Hearst Castle Theater at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center offers a coffee bar, hot food, salads, sweets and the Gift Shop with books, clothing, videos, gifts and more. Select original works of art are also on display in the Visitor Center museum.