Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle (La Cuesta Encantada)
A Mediterranean Revival palace built by newspaper magnate Hearst on a hilltop, with the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool and rooms full of European antiques.
The castle was designed by female architect Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst. Construction began in 1919 and continued for nearly 30 years. The main house, Casa Grande, and three guest houses contain more than a hundred rooms and hold a large collection of European antiques. The outdoor Neptune Pool and the indoor Roman Pool with its gold-and-blue mosaics are the most iconic scenes. Only guided tours are available. Tickets start at about US$35. Buses carry visitors up from the visitor center at the foot of the hill. During peak season, reserve in advance through the California State Parks website.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (depends on tour sessions)
Nearby sights
- San Simeon Pier
- Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
- Piedras Blancas Light Station
- Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
- Nitt Witt Ridge
- Cambria Village
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
- Ragged Point