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Hearst Castle Tour

Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Tour the hilltop palace and find the famous Neptune Pool.

Ride the bus up the hill to the over-the-top estate newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst built above the coast, packed with art and treasures from around the world. Walk through the giant dining hall, then see the gold-tiled indoor Roman Pool and the famous outdoor Neptune Pool. Each pick the room you'd move into. The photo to get: you by the Neptune Pool. On the drive, watch the hills for zebras.

  • Date or adventure
  • Half day
  • Easy
  • Over $60
  • Indoors
  • Daytime

Good with just you, friends, family, and kids

Check before you go: tickets

Hearst Castle Visitor Center, San Simeon, Central Coast
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Kids' version

Castle hunt! Find each thing.

  1. A giant pool
  2. A statue
  3. A huge dining table
  4. A zebra on the hill
  5. A selfie at the castle!

Checked November 2026

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About this place

Architect Julia Morgan designed the estate, and work went on from 1919 until 1947. Hearst called it La Cuesta Encantada, "the Enchanted Hill," and hosted Hollywood stars here. His family gave it to the state in the 1950s.

Hearst kept a private zoo on the hill, and zebras descended from it still graze the ranchland along Highway 1. Just up the coast, the elephant seal viewing area at Piedras Blancas is a great free stop. Reserve tour tickets ahead.

Also in: Rainy Day Date Ideas · Kid-Friendly Adventures

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