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 AccommodationHotel Casa del Mar
Once an opulent beach club for Hollywood stars of the 1920s, Casa del Mar oozes old school glamour and relaxed sophistication. Sitting on the golden sands of Santa Monica beach, the hotel has uninterrupted ocean views and a delightfully decadent décor.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Napa Valley
As Napa’s first resort set within a world-class vineyard, the Four Seasons Napa Valley offers a seamless and integrated grape-to-glass experience, along with glorious views, well-appointed accommodation, superb dining, two pools, spa, and fitness room.
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View AccommodationBernardus Lodge & Spa
Comprising a selection of beautiful guestrooms, villas and suites, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is encircled by 28 acres of organic gardens, orchards and vineyards and offers an exclusive retreat within the Carmel Valley, a short distance from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Located near exclusive Nob Hill and close to the heart of downtown San Francisco and Union Square, the historic Ritz Carlton offers guests a timeless escape into luxury. With a cable car stop right outside it's also perfectly placed for exploring too.
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View AccommodationSun Rose West Hollywood
Sophisticated and playful in equal measure, this hotel is the epitome of laid-back California cool with a prime location on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Boulevard.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Situated atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking a superb surf beach, the elegant Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers a peaceful sanctuary with impeccable service and superb facilities only a 10-minute drive from exclusive Laguna Beach.
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View AccommodationRancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort and spa located in the picturesque Rancho Santa Fe, within easy reach of Del Mar, La Jolla and San Diego's coastline.
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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 AccommodationEl Encanto
A historic Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara retreat with romantic bungalows, spa, coastal dining, and easy access to beaches, wine country, and the Channel Islands.
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Call us on 020 8682 5030 to start planning