Museum Visitation Rules

Hearst Castle is part of the California State Parks system and is open to the public for tours. The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of visitors and to protect its valuable resources for current and future generations. In order to ensure the enjoyment and safety of visitors and to provide for the preservation of the historic buildings, artifacts and gardens, the following museum visitation rules apply:

Personal photography is permitted both inside and outside of the historic buildings for personal enjoyment. Although tripods are not allowed, monopods may be used and flash photography is permitted outside only. Commercial photography or filming at Hearst Castle requires a film permit and the prior approval of the Museum Director.

Because of the number of stairs and terraces, strollers are not permitted on the tours. Child-carrier backpacks and front-packs are allowed. These are available on loan at the Ranger’s Office at the Visitor Center on a first-come first-serve basis for no additional charge.

In order to protect the historic California estate, food, chewing gum and beverages are not permitted with the exception of bottled water. The fruit on the trees in the gardens cannot be picked because it is part of the historic garden landscape.

The buses, the Visitor Center and all areas on the hilltop are smoke-free, including the interiors and exteriors of the historic buildings and sites.

In order to ensure visitor safety and to protect the historic estate, framed backpacks are not permitted. In addition, items such as skateboards, roller shoes and bicycles are not permitted. Items such as paint, crayons, chalk and sketch charcoal are also not permitted on the hilltop. Climbing of trees, marble or other artwork and architectural items is not permitted.

Visitors must wear shoes and appropriate clothing, including shirts in order to be permitted to board the buses and on tours. The environmental conditions on the hilltop can change rapidly, so it is advisable to be prepared for changing weather.

Guides are located throughout the historic estate to answer questions and visitors are provided with maps to assist in touring the historic grounds. Areas open to the public will also be identified with signs and barriers to ensure visitor safety.

The use of cell phones is not permitted on the buses or hilltop estate.

Pets are not permitted on tours. The only animals that are allowed on the hilltop estate are service animals.

The tour program includes accessibly designed tours for visitors who have difficulty with climbing stairs, standing or walking for periods of time. Wheelchairs and self-propelled chairs can be accommodated up to a maximum of 28 inches wide and 40 inches in depth. We do provide wheelchairs for visitors at no additional charge. Rolling oxygen carts cannot be used due to the stairs and other space limitations in the historic buildings.

The fountains and pools are part of the historic elements of the estate and visitors are not permitted to contact the water by wading, jumping or placing any part of their body into the pools or fountains.

Following these museum visitation rules will ensure the maximum enjoyment and safety for all visitors and protect the natural and cultural resources for all.