Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a hilltop Mediterranean Revival estate and museum near San Simeon, California, built for publisher William Randolph Hearst. Construction and decoration took place primarily from 1919 into the 1940s under architect Julia Morgan.

The complex offers guided access to more than 100 interior rooms, formal terraces and extensive art-filled galleries. Notable onsite features include two architecturally distinct pools and broad terraces that look toward the Pacific Ocean; a visitor center and shuttle system manage access to the hilltop compound.

Built for private use by William Randolph Hearst, the property was completed in stages under Julia Morgan’s direction and later transferred to the State of California for public stewardship and museum use. The estate preserves many original furnishings and a large collection of antiques and architectural elements assembled by Hearst.

The castle sits on a ridge above the Pacific coast near the small town of San Simeon on California’s Central Coast, accessible from Highway 1. Parking and visitor services are located downslope from the main buildings, which are reached by shuttle bus.

• Tours: Guided tours are the only way to visit the hilltop rooms and terraces; tours depart from the visitor center and include a short bus ride up the hill.
• Best viewpoints: Two architecturally distinct pools and extensive terraced gardens provide the best photo opportunities, especially in morning or late-afternoon light.

What to See #

• Casa Grande: Main residential complex containing the principal state rooms, terraces and formal interiors used by William Randolph Hearst and his guests.
• Neptune Pool: Large outdoor reflecting pool set against a colonnaded terrace with classical statuary and ocean views; one of the estate's most photographed features.
• Roman Pool: Intimate indoor bathing hall lined with glazed tile and ornate mosaics, contrasting with the larger outdoor pool in style and scale.
• Visitor Center: Visitor services, ticketing and interpretive exhibits located downslope from the hilltop complex; buses carry guests from here to the main estate.