Tour Requirement
All Tours
All tours spend time outside as well as inside the historic buildings. The weather can range from very warm to cold, foggy, rainy and windy conditions on some days. Wearing layers of clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour routes include standing, climbing and walking. Tours are conducted in the rain and are canceled only if inclement weather poses a hazard to the safety of the visitors and staff. The interiors of the historic buildings are not air conditioned in the summer. Visitors who have medical considerations, special needs or other conditions may want to take the Accessibly Designed Tour or check at the Visitor Center for current hilltop temperatures before proceeding on tour.
Accessibly Designed Tour
Duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Individuals having difficulty with stairs, walking, or standing for a length of time should consider this tour. This tour route is most similar to Tour 1 but without any stairs. Visitors may use their own wheelchair, borrow one from our facility or walk at a slow pace using ramps. Trams are used to escort visitors on the tour route.
Tour 1
Consists of approximately 170 stairs (up and down) and 2/3 mile route to walk. Duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of standing.
Tour 2
Consists of approximately 404 stairs (up and down) and 3/4 mile route to walk. Duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of standing.
Tour 3
Consists of approximately 343 stairs (up and down) and 3/4 mile route to walk. Duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of standing.
Tour 4
Consists of approximately 240 stairs (up and down) and 1 and 1/10 mile route to walk. Duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a considerable amount of standing.
Tour 5
Consists of approximately 308 stairs (up and down) and 3/4 mile route to walk. Duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes with a considerable amount of standing. Visibility conditions include daylight, twilight and darkness with both exterior and interior artifical lighting, ranging from dim to very bright.
* Each tour has an additional 30 minutes of travel time to and from the Visitor Center by bus.
Now you can experience Hearst Castle much like one of Mr. Hearst’s guests might have. Walk the esplanade, stroll through the gardens, or just relax on one of the terraces and soak in the magnificent views that until now only few have had the chance. More Information
California State Parks manages more than 270 park units.
SLO State Parks is an integral part of the California State Parks system.
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is accredited by the American Association of Museums.