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Hearst castle

It's 60 miles from Historic Santa Maria Inn to Hearst Castle but without a doubt it's worth the drive. The Pacific Coast scenery along the way is definitely equal in grandeur to the former home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst. You'll be able to tour several of the rooms in this incredible tribute to European castles. Depending on which rooms you see, you'll encounter everything from the paintings and sculptures of American and European masters to artwork dating back to the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks. Make sure to check out the complimentary historic exhibition in the Visitor Center before embarking on your tour.

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Hearst Castle

750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, California, 93452
Distance from hotel: 81.0 miles

Prices

  • Daytime Tours: Adults $25, Children (5-12) $12. Evening Tours: Adults $36, Children (5-12) $12. Children under 5 free.

Hours

  • Open daily at 9:00 a.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Events

  • Christmas at the Castle
  • Neptune Pool Galas
  • Hearst Ranch Cookouts

Activities

  • Day & Evening Tours
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Visitor Center
  • Films
  • Dining
  • Shopping

What types of tours are offered?

The Grand Rooms Tour will take you through the social rooms on the ground floor of the main house, aka Casa Grande. The Upstairs Suites Tour includes a trip up spiral staircases that lead to the Gothic Suite, which was Hearst's private space, as well as several lovely guest bedrooms and stunning views of the Castle grounds. And the Cottages & Kitchen Tour covers the wine cellar, two guest cottages, and the huge kitchen. There are also evening and accessible tours.

Are there dining options at Hearst Castle?

Yes, and they're all in the Visitor Center. Chief's Galley Café has an eclectic menu, which includes hamburgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, chili, and several Asian options. Lighter fare can be savored at La Cuesta Coffee Shop & Snack Bar where you'll find snacks and a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, from a rich espresso to a foamy latte. During the summer, you can pop by Camp Hill BBQ for hot dogs, tri-tip sandwiches, and such stellar sides as homemade ranch beans.

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