Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a National California Landmark mansion located on the Central Coast of California in San Simeon, just off Highway 1. Invitations to Hearst Castle were highly coveted in the 1920s and 30s, but today the mansion is open to everyone.

To start off your tour of Hearst Castle I recommend watching the Hearst Castle -Building a Dream video in the five-story theater located at the Visitor’s Center. The 45-minute video is included in the price of admission to the daytime tours of the castle and will give you history of William Randolph Hearst and the construction and design of the castle. Tickets can also be purchased for the video alone for $8.

There are three different tours to choose from each one taking you on a different part of the 165-room estate, 125 sprawling acres of gardens, two pools and more. Add to the fact the castle is located on the coast of California it offers spectacular views of the ocean. Your tour begins by taking a five-mile tram ride to the castle and then prepare to be amazed. Tours start at $25 for adults and $12 for children. You can also take a virtual tour before you go.

Although there is not specific tour set up for Christmas. Starting Thanksgiving weekend the castle is decorated in traditional holiday décor that would have been present during the 20s and 30s. The Grand Rooms Tour and the Evening Tour offer the best ways to see the holiday decorations.

I have had the opportunity to visit Hearst Castle three times and each time I went the beauty of the castle and all the historic artifacts and furniture located within the castle amazed me. It is a must stop destination for anyone in the San Simone area.

Other great California destinations include Griffith Park in Santa Monica and The Golden Gate Bridge.

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