Available in the spring and fall, the Hearst Castle Evening Tour allows guests to view this historic California mansion in the twilight hours—just as one of Mr. Hearst’s own visitors did in the 1930s. Wind your way through House A (Casa del Mar), Casa Grande’s social rooms, guest accommodations, the Library and Mr. Hearst’s own private Gothic Suite. Guests and staff dressed in 1930s period attire complete the experience, bringing the Castle to life once again.
Referred to as “House A,” its formal name is Casa del Mar—Spanish for “House of the Sea”—and it served as the next Hearst family residence in 1924. Stroll through the quaint cottage overlooking the California Central Coast to see where Mr. Hearst lived for the last two years of his life at this hilltop estate.
Gather in the grand social room on the ground floor of Casa Grande just as W. R. Hearst’s guests did decades ago for cocktails, conversation, and a chance to meet their host. Stand amid the massive room’s walnut paneling and vivid tapestries—dating back to the 16th century—which contrast with the jigsaw puzzles, poker table, and overstuffed chairs.
Mr. Hearst and architect Julia Morgan named the dining room after the term for a monastery dining hall. Its high windows, bright silk banners, and gleaming silver candlesticks convey the atmosphere of a church from the middle age. But, the mustard and ketchup bottles show that Mr. Hearst liked to keep things informal at the ranch.
Explore the enormous kitchen where all meals were prepared for Mr. Hearst and his vacationing guests. The kitchen itself is full of practical devices—including stock pots, industrial-sized mixers, and early refrigerators—which stand today just as they did decades ago.
This imposing architectural space houses more than 4,000 books, and also showcases one of Mr. Hearst’s most treasured collections: 150 ancient Greek vases, all more than two thousand years old. At 80 feet in length and filled with precious objects, the Library is truly a place to get lost in.
Hearst Castle’s third floor consists of W. R. Hearst’s private quarters, in addition to some of his most treasured collections and sacred objects. Wander through the suite’s two bedrooms and private sitting room that he and Marion Davies occupied, after exploring the soaring and mysterious church-like Gothic Study.
The Billiard Room was a popular spot, where guests could relax and play both billiards and pool. This baroque game room is decorated with a variety of gaming themes, but it also boasts a 15th century Spanish ceiling painted with scenes of courtly life, in addition to a Flemish tapestry from 1500.
The Theater is where W. R. Hearst and his Hollywood film star companion Marion Davies joined guests every night to watch a full-length movie and newsreel. Today, as a guest of the Castle, you’ll be able to view a short film featuring historic Castle footage.
Once the guided portion of the tour concludes, explore the expansive garden grounds that surround “La Cuesta Encantada”—Hearst’s Spanish name for The Enchanted Hill. Look for native plants, rare flowers and lush foliage that have been at the Castle since Mr. Hearst resided here.
Continue the tour at your own pace to the dramatic and impressive Neptune Pool, and be sure to walk around the colonnades and Cassou statutes that provided the setting for lavish pool parties and lively social gatherings.
Located immediately before you board the bus back to the Visitor Center, the intensely detailed, indoor Roman Pool is the perfect place to stop and reflect. Modeled after ancient Roman baths, this meticulously detailed, majestic pool is tiled from ceiling to floor, and features eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes.
Share Your Experience