Hearst Castle tours are unforgettable experiences that allow you to step back in time with a visit to William Randolph Hearst’s legendary, beloved hilltop estate. But, before you tour Hearst Castle, please review the physical requirements and weather conditions, as all tours spend time both outside and inside.
Grand Rooms Tour
The Grand Rooms Tour explores the Castle’s opulent social rooms in the main house, and consists of:
- 45-minute tour
- Approximately 106 stairs, both up and down
- 2/3-mile route to walk
- 15-minute bus ride to and from the Visitor Center
- Considerable amounts of standing
Learn more about Grand Rooms Tour »
Upstairs Suites Tour
The Upstairs Suites Tour guides visitors through the estate’s upstairs guest accommodations and Mr. Hearst’s private quarters on the third floor:
- 45-minute tour
- Approximately 273 stairs, both up and down
- 3/4-mile route to walk
- 15-minute bus ride to and from the Visitor Center
- Considerable amounts of standing
Learn more about Upstairs Suites Tour »
Cottages & Kitchen Tour
The Cottages & Kitchen Tour allows visitors to see both the most personal and most practical areas of The Enchanted Hill, in both the main house and the smaller houses:
- 45-minute tour
- Approximately 176 stairs, both up and down
- 3/4-mile route to walk
- 15-minute bus ride to and from the Visitor Center
- Considerable amounts of standing
Learn more about Cottages & Kitchen Tour »
Evening Tour
Travel back in time at this historic California mansion with the Evening Tour, complete with Living History volunteers dressed in 1930s attire:
- 1 hour and 40-minute tour
- Approximately 308 stairs, both up and down
- 3/4-mile route to walk
- 15-minute bus ride to and from the Visitor Center
- Considerable amounts of standing
- Visibility conditions that range from very dim to very bright
Accessibly Designed Tours
Two tours at Hearst Castle are designed for those who have trouble walking or standing for lengths of time—Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms Tour and the Accessibly Designed Evening Tour:
- Available for the ground floor only
- May be modified to accommodate visitors during inclement weather
- All other areas are inaccessible due to the many flights of stairs
Tours and Weather Conditions
Please note that the weather at the top of the hill at Hearst Castle can range from very warm to cold, foggy, rainy and windy. Layers of clothing and comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
Tours will be conducted in the rain and are canceled only if inclement weather poses a hazard. Additionally, the interiors of the historic buildings are not air conditioned during the summer.