My husband and I took the Experience Tour as it was his first time, and I had not been to the castle for over 10 yrs. So it was good for me to take the recommended tour for first time visitors as well. There were people from all over the world on our tour, and I'm sure this a very... more

We went on Tour 2 of the packages available and found the experience disappointing. The "castle" looks impressive from a distance but this is probably the best way to see it. The tour was littered with pro-Hearst opinion and ignored any of the controversies of the man's life. Each room we entered was followed by the tour guide reeling off... more

My partner read up about Hearst Castle and I'm grateful she did. Has to be seen to be believed. So much beautiful artwork, architecture and the views from up there are amazing. We did the tour with the kitchen, bedrooms and library which was great but leaves you wondering what you might have missed out on. Definately worth a look! more

....a lot does depend on which guide you end up with. As some of the reviewers below note, if you get a guide who doesn't know the information or doesn't care if his group is interested, then it can spoil the tour. I've been to Hearst Castle three different times and have taken 10 tours all together, and I've loved... more

This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The castle is absolutely breathtaking and the grounds are stunning. I would reccomend tour #1 for all of those first timers. The tour is very well run and gives a great overview of hearst castle. At the end of the tour, you almost wish you could spend a... more

My suggestion....... Dont stay in the city of San Simeon. Stay in Cambria, it's only a couple of miles away and so much nicer. We have stayed at the Moonstone Landing in Cambria in the past and LOVED IT!!!! The area is a must see for Central California. more

I had lived in california for over 30 years and never visited hearst castle. I moved to Georgia 10 years ago and then realized all the wonderful places I should have visted and never did while I lived in Cali.......and this was one of them. So while on a "visit" to San Diego - we drove up the pacific coast... more

Hearst Castle is one of those places that you have to go to, but I was really quite disappointed by the approach of California State Parks. They only let you in on a guided tour, for fear that you will... what? I cannot see how this is any different from any other historic monument, but for some reason, they don't... more

Imagine that you are a millionaire, and you already have everything you want.... so what else? Well, check out the Hearst Castle. The name suggests that it is an ancient castle like we would expect in Europe, but it is not. However, the interior contains of a huge collection of 17th-18th century (European) furniture (including ceilings!). Yes, they are all... more