San Simeon - Hearst Castle

William Randolph Hearst told architect Julia Morgan in 1927 that he wanted to built "a little something" on the California coast. Eighteen years later, Casa Grande (commonly called Hearst Castle) crowned La Cuesta Encantada, Hearst's "Enchanted Hill" above tiny San Simeon. It's a 165-room Moorish castle with 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, furnished with Spanish and Italian antiques and art, flanked by three large guest houses. In its heyday, Hearst Castle had a zoo, tennis courts and two magnificent swimming pools.

After Hearst died, family fortunes declined, and they gave Hearst Castle to the state. Today the state Park Service preserves Hearst Castle as a State Historical Monument, and we can all enjoy a glimpse into the Hearst's opulent lifestyle.

Casa Del Sol

Is an 18-room guesthouse facing the majestic Pacific Coastline. On Tour One four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a sitting room are shown.

Neptunes Pool

Is a magnificent Greco-Roman style pool that features unparalleled coastline views from the hilltop.

Casa Grande

 Five rooms on the ground floor with the Assembly Room which is the largest of the four sitting rooms and once a gathering place for Hearst's guests, the Refectory which is the single dining room at Hearst Castle, the Morning Room which is a magnificent sitting room filled with Spanish antiques and Flemish tapestries, the Billiard Room which is a game room featuring two 1920s billiard tables and a Gothic "millle fleurs" tapestry, and the Theater which is the largest room in Casa Grande.

Esplanade & Gardens

The most beautiful sections of the grounds, featuring marble sculptures and flowers in season.

Roman Pool

Is an indoor pool decorated from ceiling to floor with 1" square mosaic tiles.