Hearst Castle San Simeon, California

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Hearst Castle San Simeon is a must see for any visitor to the California central coast. The mountain top estate was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and is now owned by the state of California. The main house, "Casa Grande," and the three guest houses are all open to visitors depending on which tour you decide to take. Your tour starts at the visitor center at the bottom of the hill. Here you decide on which tour to take and wait for the bus to drive you up the hill. No cars are allowed to drive up to the castle. The road is quite narrow and winding and the journey up the hill is an adventure in it's self. First time visitors are advised to take the basic tour, if this is a return trip try one of the more detailed tours. All are fun and very interesting.

Hearst Castle is open for tours daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Children ages 6 to 17 qualify for a Child ticket. Children under the age of 6 do not need a ticket as long as they do not occupy a seat on the bus. Tours last about two hours and there is quite a bit of walking involved. Reservations are recommended if you want an exact time for your tour. You can just drive up and get a tour but you might be some waiting time before you can board your tour bus. Nearby places to visit are Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Hearst Castle should be on the the top of your things to do in California list. The castle is an amazing place.

Hearst Castle 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA 93452-9740

Hearst Castle is located on the majestic Central Coast of California. Nestled in the hills at San Simeon, the Castle sits halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. From Los Angeles Take U.S. Highway 101 north to San Luis Obispo, then California Highway 1 north about 39 miles. From San Francisco Take U.S. 101 south to California Highway 46, then west on 46 to California Highway 1 and north about 13 miles.