San Simeon, California: Hearst's Xanadu
The remote hilltop pleasure castle of tycoon William Randolph Hearst -- open to the public since 1958 -- is so vast that it requires a dozen different tours to see it all (But you can hit the high points with just one). Bring lots of free time and a sense of inferiority.
Hearst Castle State Park
- Address:
- 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA
- Directions:
- US 101 exit 228. Drive west 22 miles on Hwy 46, then north 12 miles on Hwy 1 to Hearst Castle Rd.
- Hours:
- 800-444-4445 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 805-927-2020
- Admission:
- Tours $30 and up.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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I suggest the "Cottages and Kitchen" tour for a smaller group, but you still get the see the pools and other iconic spots.
[Hanna, 07/07/2023]
Terrifying truck up to the castle. Rode a bus that seemed almost too large for the road. I was scared, but beautiful drive.
[Lindsay Gurley, 12/11/2015]
Tour 1 is a good one for your great photo ops. The film they show is good, too.
[Kim, 04/30/2010]Nearby Offbeat Places
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Tycoon William Randolph Hearst's opulent castle is a very popular tourist attraction, but its over-the-top, garish decor qualifies as an oddity. Prerequisite: Watch the movie Citizen Kane, then come here. Ask the tour guide annoying questions about the movie.