Private Tour in Hearst Castle
Enjoy a private, half-day tour of Hearst Castle, bypassing lines for exclusive access to this opulent estate. Tailored to your interests, explore lavish rooms, gardens, art collections, and breathtaking views.
Area
California
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
This afternoon, bypass the lines and take the back entrance to Hearst Castle to check in for your private, half day tour of in this lavish estate.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring along a warm layer as you will have the opportunity to cover a lot of ground. Your tour will be tailored to focus on your interests with a duration up to 4-hours. It can also be modified to accommodate limited mobility and wheelchairs.
You will check in and meet your knowledgeable private guide at the guard house. Your guide will escort you to the top of the hill where the sprawling estate consisting of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, await your discovery. Your guide will take you on a trip back in time to the heyday of this incredible architectural gem designed by Julia Morgan. Lavish Hearst Mansion, was designed for publishing magnate and wealthy businessman William Randolph Hearst as his private home and entertainment center. The home features ancient art that rivals most museum collections around the world. Your guide will bring the Hearst estate to life, sharing stories about the many guests entertained within the extravagant rooms of the castle and highlighting the impressive art collection.
Your private guided tour will showcase the ground floor rooms of La Casa Grande, the estate's most opulent social gathering room. During the 1920's and 30's, Hearst entertained Hollywood actors, directors and prominent politicians. These guests would arrive by private planes or on Hearst's private train that traveled from Los Angeles. Card playing, billiards and films shown in the private theater were the main entertainment in the evenings - each hosted within their own respective activity salons.
You can then ascend a narrow winding staircase to explore the breathtaking libraries, guest accommodations, and Hearst's own suite. Climb up 322 steps through the upper levels of Casa Grande to admire Mr. Hearst's own Gothic Suite, the enchanting Celestial Suite in the bell towers' level, the main library with 150 ancient Greek vases, the della Robbia Room, and a clever Duplex Suite.
With interest, tour the wine cellar to see vintages enjoyed at the Castle and visit two of the hilltop's sumptuously furnished guest cottages. Your guide can also lead you on a stroll around the grounds to admire the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the hills and valleys of the Santa Lucias. The expansive garden grounds that surround “La Cuesta Encantada”—Hearst's Spanish name for The Enchanted Hill include rare flowers and lush foliage that have been at the Castle since Mr. Hearst resided here.
At the end of your tour, your guide will lead you back to your vehicle.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationCarmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.
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View AccommodationThe Maybourne Beverly Hills
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More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning