Hearst Castle

You need to make an appointment to visit Hearst Castle, buy tickets at the visitor reception center, and take the bus in batches to visit.

It takes nearly 5 kilometers of winding mountain road to reach the top of the mountain. On the way, you can see many animals raised by the old man. In that era, his own home had a zoo, tennis court, billiard hall, swimming pool and cinema!

After reaching the top of the mountain, I was disappointed to learn that the very famous Poseidon Pool was under repair, but the area was really huge.

The trail is lined with a variety of flowers and trees, a vibrant riot of color surrounding the large house. The Mediterranean-style, twin-towered castle continues the Southern Spanish architectural style. A large lotus pond stands in front of the castle.

The indoor Roman pool is made of crystal glass bricks, some of which contain gold foil layers, making it very luxurious.

Breathtakingly beautiful and utterly luxurious, it's the most extravagant private villa built in the last century. To this day, no one has surpassed it. The castle is less than 100 years old, yet it feels like visiting the Forbidden City, perhaps even more so. The furniture, tapestries, and even the flooring are priceless. Visitors can only walk on specially laid felt carpets... By the outdoor garden's pool, I casually placed my hand on a pillar to take a photo when a manager shouted, "Don't touch, thank you!" It goes to show how Americans are very protective of their country's historical sites!

It is important to remind everyone that tickets here must be booked in advance.

Print out your reserved ticket and exchange it for a regular ticket at the window. With your wristband verified, you'll transfer to a bus up the mountain. To reach Hearst Castle, you'll need to transfer to a special bus from the center. We booked our tickets on the castle's official website and focused on visiting the parlor. Even this small part was enough to make you sigh, "You don't understand the world of the rich." Hearst Castle coordinates: 35.650193, -121.186923

Nestled on a hill near the San Simeon coast, a shuttle bus takes you through several winding roads, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, grasslands, and horse ranches. It's truly a prime location. Once the private residence of American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and his family, it's considered the most expensive private residence in the United States. As a prestigious residence in California and even the American West, Hearst Castle boasts numerous celebrity guests, including comedian Charlie Chaplin, US President Roosevelt, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Hearst Castle's design remains luxurious to this day, with prominent Mediterranean architectural features and colorful ceramic tiles, evoking the charm of ancient Spanish, Mexican, and Californian architecture. Every room boasts art treasures collected by the owner from many countries, including antique ceilings, ancient Greek vases, rare Oriental carpets, and countless other works of art. If you're captivated by the sight and want to learn more about the owner's rise to wealth, why not return to the visitor center to watch a movie and learn how the gold rush generation developed into media tycoons and how this magnificent castle villa was built? It's definitely worth the trip!

The management of the scenic area is very standardized. We signed up for an American tour guide. The tour guide was like a humorous history teacher, telling us about the romantic affairs of the castle owner's life and his persistence and pursuit of art.

The owner's dedication to art is evident in the fact that he renovated the outdoor pool three times in 10 years. The pool's location, shape, size, sculptures, and decorations were repeatedly redesigned and rebuilt, ultimately remaining to the owner's satisfaction. Swimming in the California sunshine while gazing out at the Pacific Ocean is truly a beautiful experience.

The indoor swimming pool is inlaid with gold lines and looks dazzling under the sunlight. Unfortunately, you can only take pictures in it and not swim in it.

The houses are quite ordinary, and I'm not exaggerating, they don't look as well built as the Miao villages in western Hunan. But with the addition of flower arrangements and the renovation of paths, the swaying scenery becomes breathtakingly beautiful.

Of course, it's impossible to actually go up the mountain to see the castle. Buying a ticket and properly exploring it would take at least half a day, and I'm not particularly interested in cultural heritage sites, so I decided to stop at the San Simeon Pier at the foot of the mountain to take in the view. From the bridge, the view of Hearst Castle on the mountaintop was quite impressive, both in terms of its size and scale.

The castle was originally built at great expense by media tycoon William Hearst and later donated to the California government, where it has since become a tourist attraction. The castle retains a European classical style and houses collections collected by the owner from various countries. The entire tour is short, taking about an hour to fully appreciate the site. If you have time, it's worth a visit.

The visit is quite time-consuming, so please leave enough time, you can spend half a day there.

The castle is built on a hill, so you need to purchase a ticket before you visit. We chose to visit the upstairs section of the castle, which is a bedroom and study, and it was quite nice. Regardless of the ticket type, you can see both the indoor and outdoor pools. After buying your ticket, you have to wait for the shuttle bus, which runs about every 10 minutes, but buying on-site doesn't guarantee you'll get the next one, so there might be some waiting time. The bus takes a ten-minute drive up the winding mountain road to the castle. Inside, a guide provides full explanations, speaking English. The castle is well-preserved, including the interior floors. Touching everything is prohibited, but photography is allowed. After the interior, you have free time and the exterior. Then, follow the signs to the exit to catch the bus, which is unlimited. Tickets also include a movie screening, but we didn't have enough time to watch it. The movie lasts 40 minutes. The food is also good, with some Chinese fast food options, and the food is decent.

We arrived at the visitor center. The tour route is divided into an inner and outer area, with separate tickets available for $25 per person. We purchased the outer area ticket and waited for the bus to take us from the base of the mountain to the summit. We then had the option of joining a guide or exploring the castle grounds on our own. The castle's architecture is incredibly luxurious, and it's said to contain many famous collections. Standing in front of the castle, gazing out at the Pacific Ocean, it felt like a scene from "The Great Gatsby" recreated: his beloved lives across the sea, shrouded in mist. After descending the mountain, we could use our ticket to watch a 40-minute film about Hearst and the castle's history in the visitor center's screening room. If you have the time, this is a highly recommended place.

Not far south of the castle, there is a beach with thousands of lazy walruses lying on the beach, which is a spectacular scene. The parking lot is also large and free, so you can choose to take a look.

Hearst Castle is a cultural landscape and is not suitable for children. They were screaming "boring" in less than an hour.

This attraction is actually quite interesting. While not as impressive as some European structures, it's quite rare to find one in California. Built on a mountaintop, you can take a special bus from the entrance in the morning, through layers of clouds, to the summit. It's cloudy at the foot of the mountain, but sunny up there. You can savor the magnificent architecture, fascinating history, and beautiful gardens. There are three or four ticket options, including one for a night tour (perfect if you arrive in San Simeon the day before). There are also special spring and fall routes. We chose the "First Time to Hearst Castle" route based on the guide, which was quite good.

At six o'clock, we followed our guide up the mountain. This wealthy old man, once a newspaper magnate, was able to keep up with all the latest news on his phone, even though it was nestled deep in the valley! The castle's architecture was rich in European style, but I discovered that, like Chinese culture, European architecture also emphasizes stacking and echoing. The guide told us all sorts of anecdotes about the castle and its owner, but I felt they were mostly fabricated, so I didn't listen closely, focusing more on the castle itself.

We entered different pavilions, occasionally walking up the spiral staircase. Looking back, the sunset illuminated the scenery in the garden so beautifully, especially the towering coconut trees, making everything look luxurious and worldly sacred.

This castle belonged to Hearst, the newspaper tycoon of the United States in the early 20th century. Construction began in 1919 and took 28 years to complete at a cost of $165 million (a staggering sum in that era!!). The entire castle is extremely luxurious and magnificent. Outside the castle, there are birds singing and flowers blooming, and it is very quiet!

The furniture, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, fireplaces, ceilings, staircases and even entire rooms in the castle are all art treasures.

Before going to Hearst Castle, I didn't expect that this place would take so much time and the journey was so long. I was uneducated and thought I was just stopping to pass by and see the castle. After parking the car, I looked around and there was no castle in sight. After buying the ticket, I found out that I needed to take their regular shuttle bus. The bus crawled around the mountain road, and cows could be seen from time to time on the grass on the mountain.

The radio played an introduction to the castle. Hearst Castle was a private estate built on a hill by a 20th-century American newspaper tycoon. It took over 20 years to build, and its architectural style blends European and Mediterranean influences. After the tycoon's death, unable to afford the high estate taxes, his family donated the estate to the California government. Since then, it has gradually been opened to the public and turned into a tourist attraction.

We were so spontaneous that we didn't make reservations in advance. Fortunately, there weren't many people that day, so we opted for the standard Grand Rooms Tour. After purchasing our tickets, we boarded the bus up the mountain. As the most expensive private villa in the United States, what truly amazed me wasn't the opulence of the interior, but the expansive views from the peak, and the meticulously manicured flowers and plants throughout the estate, which evoked a sense of an English manor. It was still overcast when we entered the castle that morning, but as the clouds slowly dispersed, the castle, nestled against the mountain and water, began to reveal its charm.

Hearst Castle

I think it is a must-visit place to experience people's back gardens, which are more spectacular than you can imagine.

I booked a hotel nearby for a night because I wanted to see Hearst Castle. We took a minibus up there, and although I'd heard of it, I was still deeply moved once I entered. The biggest surprise was the swimming pool; I really wanted to jump in!

Some of the tourists in the same group had visited this European-style private castle of wealthy Americans before.

It is convenient to drive by yourself, and the tour time is 2-3 hours. You can stay in the nearby town for a day, and it is very comfortable to take a walk on the beach.

Hearst Castle is located on Highway 1, not far from the town of San Simeon. Traveling from San Francisco towards Los Angeles, after visiting Seal Beach, you'll quickly turn off and find Hearst Castle. A full tour of Hearst Castle takes four hours and costs $30 per person. Vehicles park in a large parking lot in front of the castle's management office. Originally private property, it's now managed by the California government. After parking, buy a ticket and board the management office's bus. The ride takes about 20 minutes, with a guide providing detailed information. Since we were short on time, we only visited one area, which cost $25 per person, a bit pricey. Considering it's a private estate, the exquisite architecture and intricate carvings are truly breathtaking.

For a country like the United States, which doesn't have a long history, a nearly century-old castle like this is truly worth a visit. Besides its architectural and artistic brilliance, you can also admire the quintessential West Coast American experience of hell on the left and heaven on the right. However, I'm genuinely curious: why did the castle's owner choose to build it in such a desolate and remote location, with scarce vegetation and water? Was it simply because they were rich and willful?

Hearst Castle, once a private mansion, is now a state park. It's best to purchase tickets online in advance, including a time and route. However, due to poor cell phone reception on Highway 1, we couldn't place reservations and weren't sure where we'd be arriving, so we bought our tickets on-site. There are three tours: one that takes in the first-floor lobby and banquet hall; the second, the wine cellar and kitchen; and the third, the living area of the second floor above, focusing on the study, bedrooms, and bathrooms. You can choose to do all three, but you'll have to pay three fees. Each tour has an hour between them, identified by a colored wristband. After completing one, wait at the castle entrance for the next. There's also a night tour, but it's only offered a few months of the year, so you might be able to see all the options. We bought our tickets on-site and wanted to take the third tour. There were two available seats, so we left immediately, otherwise we'd have to wait over half an hour. Adults are $25, children under 5 are free, and children 5-12 are $12. It took more than ten minutes to transfer to a bus and drive along the winding mountain road to the top of the mountain. The area is quite large.

The real tycoon's home is a typical Mediterranean and European style building. It is very luxurious and worth a look. I am just passing by anyway.

Cambria was shrouded in a light mist early in the morning as we followed the signposted road up the winding hillside. Hearst Castle, nestled in the foothills of the San Simeon Mountains 10 miles north of Cambria, covers an area of over 1,000 square kilometers, roughly the size of Hong Kong. Construction on this dream estate began in 1919 and took 27 years to complete. Its design and style were inspired by media tycoon William R. Hearst's childhood travels in Europe with his mother. Tickets must be purchased in advance (***). Four tours are available: the Grand Rooms Museum Tour, the Upstairs Suites Museum Tour, the Cottages & Kitchen Tour, and the Evening Museum Tour. As stated on the official website, first-time visitors are recommended to choose Tour 1 (US$25, approximately one-hour tour), which encompasses the castle's best features. Ticketed visitors must take the scenic shuttle bus up the mountain, led by a dedicated tour guide. Booking the earliest possible time slot on the day was a wise move, as only two groups could visit the castle simultaneously, allowing for a moment of tranquility in this secluded paradise. The living rooms, study, and bedrooms of La Casa Grande (the main building of Hearst Castle) are decorated primarily with paintings, sculptures, antiques, and various artifacts collected by Mr. Hearst from England, France, Italy, and Spain. Over a thousand heirlooms have been incorporated into the castle's original, everyday furnishings, creating a luxurious yet simple and elegant atmosphere. Hearst Castle sits on a vast farm. After the Great Depression, the castle closed its zoo, the world's largest private zoo, sending away its elephants, lions, tigers, and rhinos, leaving zebras, bison, and elk to roam freely and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The renowned indoor "Roman Pool" is adorned with Venetian glass, genuine gold, and sculptures. From roof to floor, one-inch square tiles are clad. The colors range from blue and orange to transparent with gold, evoking a sense of nobility.

After arriving at Hearst Castle, a special bus will take you up the mountain, similar to a small tour group. Of course, the entire tour is explained in English. Mr. Zhang and I were limited in our English, so we just followed along. I looked up the basic description on Baidu, but we did understand one part of the explanation. It's about the castle's large outdoor pool. Lady Gaga filmed her music video here. The castle is quite luxurious! You'll definitely get lost if you stay here. It has everything, including tennis courts and indoor and outdoor pools. It's located on the top of a mountain, with sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Soon we arrived at Hearst Castle.

This is a castle that is very well-known in the United States. Firstly, the castle is indeed gorgeous and beautiful, and secondly, it is also because of its great location. Friends who drive to California usually drive on Highway 1, so they will definitely pass by it.



Precisely because of its high popularity, the problem arises: there are a lot of people!

It was already afternoon when we went there, but the parking lot of the castle ticket office was full of cars, at least several hundred of them.

Moreover, all the tickets for that day have been sold out, so you can only buy tickets for the next day.

So if you want to go to Hearst Castle, it is best to book tickets in advance online.



Since we didn't have a reservation, we could only wander around the ticket office (which is also the service area) and the exhibition hall. There is a paid telescope outside, where you can insert a coin (I forgot the exact amount...) and observe from a distance for a few minutes.

In fact, the castle is far away from the ticket office. After buying the ticket, you need to wait for the shuttle bus to take you to the castle for a visit. Moreover, because the castle is very large, it seems that you can only choose one place to visit (dining room, living room, bedroom, etc.).

(For more photos and introductions, please see my American Journey to the West: http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/5463116.html)

The geographical location is excellent, with a high view and the Pacific Ocean at your feet!

Hearst Castle is located on a hill on the San Simeon coast. It is the private villa of American media tycoon William Randolph Hearst and is known as the most expensive private villa in the United States. Later, his descendants could not bear the taxes and donated the castle to the government for tourists to visit.

Hearst Castle cannot be visited on your own; you can only join a tour organized by the castle. You'll need to drive to the parking lot at the base of the mountain and take the castle's bus up the mountain. Multiple tours are available daily, with departure times and prices varying. Check online in advance. If you're a first-time visitor and are pressed for time, consider taking the Grand Rooms Tour, which takes you to the drawing room, dining room, living room, billiard room, and screening room. If you have more time, you can also take multiple tours, allowing 20 minutes between each. If you can confirm your time, it's best to book online. On the day of departure, arrive at the visitor center 20 minutes before departure with your passport and confirmation letter to exchange your tickets. You'll be given a colored wristband to wear, representing a different tour. After the bus reaches the summit, you'll be taken inside for a guided tour and explanation. After the tour, you can explore as you please outside the castle and take one of the return buses back down.

TIPS: You can take photos inside the castle, but you cannot use flash. You cannot walk around inside and can only walk on the paved ground.

Except for the fact that the tickets are a bit expensive, everything is good. In particular, the service staff here will actively guide your tour line and provide services.

The sea view is incredible, and the castle itself feels historic, though it's only about 100 years old. Those with limited English skills might find it a bit boring, as the tour guide is in English, so you can only wander around. The courtyard is full of camellias, which are spectacular when in bloom.

The Visitor Center not only has a souvenir shop, but also has patient staff on site to provide visitors with information about the castle.

---Get off the bus in front of the stairs next to the [Poseidon Pool] at Hearst Castle. The tour guide is already waiting for us in front of the stairs.

We chose the Grand Rooms Museum Tour, which mainly covers the main building (Casa Grande). We also visited the Esplanade and Gardens, and the two swimming pools on our own.

The travelogue is very clearly written. I like it very much. Even if you have seen European castles, you should take a look at it.

Hearst Castle is the former residence of Mr. Hearst. It is extremely well preserved and amazing!

It takes a whole day to visit this wealthy manor, but I admire this family that started from scratch, even though they fell into poverty in the end.

Those who have never seen a wealthy family can go and have a look. The collections there are from all over the world, and the swimming pool is also amazing enough. The most important thing is that the castle is on the mountain, taking in the beautiful scenery of California. It's a pity that only some of the rooms are open to the public.

A truly luxurious castle! It's truly astonishing that such a building existed in the 30th century!

In the evening, we arrived at Hearst Castle on Highway 1 as planned, to experience what a man who could earn $50,000 a day in the early 20th century lived in. After the visit, my definition of "luxury home" was completely changed. (For more information, you can search "Hearst Castle" on Baidu.)

Because the castle is so big, we can only choose to tour specific areas each time, otherwise we will not be able to see it all. We chose to visit the living room.

Hearst Castle



Official website: ***



I won't go into too much detail about this place; for details on daily operating hours, group schedules, and available packages, please refer to the official website. Located on California Highway 1 (after Seal Beach and before San Simeon), most people planning a two-day, one-night trip on California Highway 1 choose to stay nearby (in San Simeon or Cambria).



However, this attraction needs to be emphasized because people have mixed opinions about it. You can do some research before you go to see if you like it. If you are interested, then book a tour on its official website. If you are not interested, just skip it.



We had originally planned to visit this place, but we lost time on the first half of our first day (San Francisco to San Simeon) and ended up driving for hours at night, ultimately skipping the trip. When we arrived the next morning, all the tours we wanted to join were already booked! Since we had to rush to Los Angeles the next day, we had to give up on this trip. So, if you're planning to visit this place, it's recommended to book your tickets in advance and time your arrival.

Hearst Castle cannot be visited on your own; you can only join a tour organized by the castle. You'll need to drive to the parking lot at the base of the mountain and take the castle's bus up the mountain. Multiple tours are available daily, with departure times and prices varying. Check online in advance. If you're a first-time visitor and are pressed for time, consider just the Grand Rooms Tour, which takes you through the living rooms, dining room, living room, billiard room, and screening room. If you have more time, you can also take multiple tours. If you can confirm your time, it's best to book online. On the day of departure, arrive at the visitor center 20 minutes before departure with your passport and confirmation letter to exchange your tickets. You'll be given a colored wristband to wear, representing a different tour. After the bus reaches the summit, you'll be taken inside for a guided tour and explanation. After the tour, you can explore the castle grounds as you please and take one of the return buses back down.

You can take photos inside the castle, but you cannot use flash. You cannot walk around inside and can only walk on the paved ground.

The castle's garden is quite large. There is a Neptune Pool in the garden, but there is no water in it. There are also many statues. Maybe it is the flower season now, and the flowers in the courtyard are in full bloom, vying for beauty.

It's very luxurious, you can come and quietly feel what it means to be super rich! The castle is on the top of the mountain, and the bus spirals up, the scenery is super beautiful! Highly recommended for castle lovers and manor lovers...

This castle is a charming mountain retreat co-created by media tycoon William Hearst and Morgan. Construction began in 1919 and took 28 years. It boasts 115 rooms, two luxurious swimming pools, a theater, and a court. The pool, clad in gold-leaf tiles and crystal glass, is a true haven for the rich. However, upon Hearst's death, the company donated it to the California state government. It's easy to see why foreigners differ from Chinese. Chinese people are eager to give everything they have to the next generation, while foreigners advocate accumulating their own wealth.

For lunch, we bought chicken rice and pizza at the castle's rest area. A bowl of rice cost 60 RMB, which wasn't very cost-effective. Since we didn't have breakfast and were desperate for energy, we had no choice. I should also mention that there are no toilets here, only portable ones that are unmanned. But they were still very clean, with hand sanitizer and paper seat covers. I have to say that the United States is really good at sanitation. This toilet is also odorless. Can you imagine if this happened in China?

The entrance fee is $25, which is higher than any other national park in the U.S. Those who have visited many European castles may think this one is nothing compared to the other, but once you learn about the life story of its owner, William Randolph Hearst, you will be amazed.

Hearst Castle is on the top of the mountain. You can get there by special car. The scenery is absolutely great on a sunny day.

This castle, unlike any other in Europe, incorporates elements of diverse ethnic styles. Its collections and architecture are as rich as a museum. Its subtleties can only be fully appreciated by visiting it in person.

Here you can see the magnificence, grandeur and luxury that are common in the United States, and even more so, model buildings that are spent by billionaires and cannot be seen in other places. There are very few private estates in the world that can truly compare with Hearst Castle in terms of scale and luxury.

You need to buy a ticket to enter Hearst Castle and follow a group at a fixed time. So you should arrange your own time and ask in advance to avoid wasting time.

Once you reach the castle gate, a neatly dressed gentleman guide will lead the group inside for a tour. Every building in the castle reveals the wealth and status of its owner.

There are about a hundred rooms in the castle, and each room has a different decoration style.



Hirst has been a lifelong collector of art, including furniture, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, fireplaces, ceilings, staircases, and even entire rooms.

In addition to its stunning views of dozens of miles of coastline and luxurious interior decoration, the castle boasts a comprehensive range of amenities, including a billiard room, two indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a study, and even a private zoo outside.

Reservations are required, especially during the peak summer season. Adult tickets are $25, and children under 12 are half price. The castle is very large and divided into four sections. Each section requires a ticket. The area immediately after the entrance, called the Ground Room, is also the largest and most beautiful.

Considering time and budget, it's probably enough to just visit the Ground Room. Of course, if you're a wealthy individual with the time and money, you can explore all four sections. The Ground Room's architecture is magnificent, and the garden sculptures are exquisite.

Real rich people, this is what you call a tycoon. All the decorations are not newly made, but collected from all over the world. Each piece is a work of art.

The overall feeling given by Hearst Castle is that it is a private residence of a wealthy American

It has neither the grandeur of the Forbidden City nor the artistic atmosphere of Europe. I was a little disappointed.

Hulls Castle (book tickets on the official website in advance).

This is a place I absolutely recommend visiting; you'll be mesmerized by its beauty! Tickets must be booked online in advance. Once there, you'll need to take a special bus. I recommend going around 10:00 PM to watch the sunset from the castle. This is a must-see attraction on Line 1. Highly recommended!

I have to tell everyone to park in the parking lot at the entrance and don't start your way up. We almost got into trouble :P. Once you're at the visit center, exchange your ticket. The staff will give you your reservation number, then go to the waiting area to wait for the bus to the castle. Each bus is like a guided tour. Once you get there, your designated guide will explain some castle facts. The guide is very handsome and cool, and you can ask him any questions you have about the castle. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes. The rest of the time is free to do as you please. Just make sure you catch the last bus down the mountain before they close at 5pm.

The castle tour is divided into three groups. A standard ticket includes access to the restaurant and lounge, while additional tickets also include the kitchen and villa. The tour guide explained that the owners love to socialize and often invite strangers to the castle. As for how exactly they're invited, you can research it yourself if you're interested. While the castle's exterior resembles the Granada Palace in Spain, the cats inside aren't exactly appealing.

P.S. The owner wanted to turn the entire mountain into a zoo, so he bought a lot of animals. Later, when the zoo plan fell through, many of the animals were released. So... after exiting the park and getting on the highway, there's a good chance you'll see a herd of zebras grazing alongside the local cattle. Seriously, we saw it...

The staff will give you a wristband of different colors depending on the route. Then you will take a bus to the top of the mountain, where you will be guided around and given a tour. After the tour, you can explore the castle grounds at will and then take any return bus back down the mountain.

The characteristic of Hearst Castle is its rich collection. The owner took advantage of the decline of old Europe after the end of World War I to sweep up many valuable paintings, collections and furniture. But I don’t feel comfortable at all living in such a place full of antiques and with poor lighting.

I'd heard of it for ages, but never had the time to visit. This week, I finally decided to drive south, and I'm so happy! Not only can I visit this luxurious private castle, but I can also enjoy breathtaking ocean views along the way. Hearst Castle is located just off California's coastal Highway 1, which connects San Francisco and Los Angeles. Built in 1919, it was the private residence of William Randolph Hearst, the renowned American newspaper magnate. The estate, situated 1,600 feet above sea level on La Cuesta Encantada, overlooks the forests, mountains, and vast ocean below. The imposing presence gives one a sense of dominion.

Designed by Julia Morgan, California's first female architect, Hearst Castle's opulence surpasses all expectations, and its art collection is priceless. Hearst was a lifelong art collector, collecting furniture, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, fireplaces, ceilings, staircases, and even entire rooms. The main house boasts 115 rooms, including 42 bedrooms, 19 living rooms, 47 bathrooms, two libraries, a kitchen, a billiard room, a movie theater, a party room, and a large dining room. Three separate guesthouses also exist, bringing the total number of rooms to 165. Renowned artists, writers, Hollywood stars, politicians, and generals have been invited to Hearst Castle. Charlie Chaplin was among the guests.

There are several routes to visit the castle, including day tours and night tours. We only chose to visit the ground floor, the living room, the dining room, the billiard room, the cinema, the outdoor swimming pool (Neptune Pool) and the indoor swimming pool (Roman Bath). The price was US$25. After checking in, there was a special bus to take us up the mountain, and there was a tour guide to explain.

No matter what others say it is worth it or not, you have to see it in person to know. Needless to say, Hearst Castle is luxurious, and the ticket is not cheap. You can skip it next time you visit this attraction.

I visited Hess Castle in the morning. I booked a 9:20 p.m. tour. I almost missed it. I was so slow.

After getting off the bus, there will be a tour guide to take you there. One bus is for one group, and the routes of different groups are different.

There are many densely packed reliefs

You can't drink or eat in the castle, and you can't use flash photography. Everything is well-protected, so you can't touch anything. You can only walk on the carpeted floor. I don't think they even mention using a tripod. It was so heavy I had to carry it up the mountain. Once inside, I took it out and unfolded it. After fiddling with it for a while, I finally got it ready to set up my camera. Then the staff member behind me told me I couldn't use it (there were so many people, so I walked at the back, so it was easier to take pictures. This staff member stood by me the whole time). Damn, I worked so hard to assemble it, and you didn't tell me when I took it out, and now you tell me... Every time we arrived at a room, the entrance and exit doors would be closed, and the guide would explain that there was no way to wander around. Then we'd move on to the next room. No lingering, and we had to hurry if we wanted to take pictures.

I have no idea what each room is used for or what the story is, so I won't mislead you. The tour guide explained it quite clearly, but she was just hinting at showing off her wealth to Mr. Hess.

Hess Castle Bar isn't as beautiful or luxurious as I'd imagined. Nowadays, the clubs of the wealthy can truly outdo it. I didn't see much of the treasures in the collection, and even if I did, I wouldn't understand them. So, it's optional; its fame overshadows its value. But with the nightlife, it should be even better.

Visiting Hearst Castle, the private estate of last century American media magnate Hearst, allowed me to witness the grandeur and luxurious lifestyle of the American tycoon. It made me understand the thinking behind the construction of this estate: "We may not have history, but we have plenty of money."

Tickets are available in advance for $25 per person. Book a 9:00 AM tour and arrive at the Visitor Center half an hour early. You'll board a bus up the hillside to the castle. At the castle entrance, each internal guide will greet a busload of visitors for a 45-minute tour and explanation.

It's a fusion of Roman, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Chinese styles. The interior is magnificent and luxurious. If you have the time, you should definitely check it out.

Hearst Castle is located high on a hill, overlooking the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views. The castle is now considered a highly artistic attraction and a popular destination on Highway 1. Honestly, while the interior is stunning, the lighting is poor, giving it a somewhat eerie feel. Overall, it's quite acceptable.

Tickets for Hess Castle are generally purchased in advance; buying now doesn't guarantee a spot, as each room requires a 45-minute to 1-hour tour. There are many different tours, so it depends on which one you choose. We followed some online recommendations and opted for the upstairs room tour, but it was mostly bedrooms, which we found uninteresting. The library and meeting room tours were okay. We didn't take any of the other tours, and many people also recommended the grand room tour. In the end, the ticket price was around $25 per person. The Hess Castle visitor center is at the foot of the mountain. After checking in, wait for the bus to take you up to the castle, where different guides will take you for different tours. You'll first explore the castle with your guide, and after the tour, you can freely explore the gardens. Every decoration in the upstairs guest room's living room could be a valuable work of art: the outdoor pool was completely dry, a far cry from the water-filled outdoor pool featured in the posters. By the time we came down from the mountain, most souvenir shops were closed, with only one left, which was about to close. As a postcard collector, I rushed in to buy some. When we came out, the sun was already very low. We drove on Highway 1 and felt the particularly warm light from the setting sun.

You can see how rich people spend their money. It took 30 years to build the castle on the top of the mountain. It has many collections and faces the sea. You need to make an appointment in advance.

This scenic spot on Highway 1 offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy. It's best to book in advance, as seating is limited at each time slot. However, the downside to booking in advance is that you'll be limited on time while driving along Highway 1, as there are so many spots you'd like to stop and take photos at.

Hearst Castle, with a regular admission ticket of $25 per person, is the private estate of American media magnate Hearst from the last century. Here you can see the magnificence and luxury that are common in the United States, as well as model buildings that billionaires have spent money on that you can't see elsewhere. There are very few private estates in the world that can truly compare with Hearst Castle in terms of scale and luxury.

Hearst Castle is the most luxurious castle in California. Built atop a mountain, it took 28 years to complete and boasts exceptional luxury. At the top, the visitor center is packed with people, and to protect the castle, private vehicles are not allowed.

Wake up early and explore Hearst Castle. The castle has a strong commercial atmosphere, with various tours available. For casual visitors, a tour of the main castle grounds is sufficient. After the tour, wander the grounds and experience the life of American celebrities in the early 20th century.

It's quite crowded, so it's best to book your tickets online. There are several different types of tickets, including a night show. If you're traveling along Highway 1 and have time, you can definitely go. If you don't, forget it. You won't regret not going, but I don't recommend it.

This castle is a world apart from the winery castle I visited a few days ago. Its size and scale are truly breathtaking. The castle boasts its own zoo, its own vegetable farm, its own airport, its own cinema, and its opulence, both inside and out, is truly breathtaking. It has hosted countless politicians and Hollywood stars, and every décor, even the tables and chairs, is a work of art. It's simply breathtaking. Here are some more numbers: the castle spans over 60,000 square feet, with 28 bedrooms, 41 bathrooms, and two indoor and outdoor swimming pools. However, this castle, which took 20 years to build, was long ago donated to the nation and is now part of a national park.

Since we got up early, buying tickets was not a hassle. If you haven't bought tickets in advance, I recommend arriving as early as possible because tickets sell out very easily. There are actually several tours to choose from depending on which part of the castle you visit. It's really so big that you can get lost!

Hearst Castle is a high-end, classy castle!

Construction began in 1919 and lasted until 1947, but it was never completed. The outdoor pool is so classy and luxurious!

Today is a beautiful coastline tour that will shock you and make you fall in love with the coast. Hearst Castle is $25 per person.

Hearst Castle is the private estate of Hearst, the late American media mogul. The castle welcomes its first visitors starting at 8:20 AM. Since it was too early, we opted for the last group to visit. Driving is limited to the business hall entrance. After purchasing tickets, a shuttle bus will take us up the mountain. Tickets are divided into four sections. Since it's impossible to explore the entire castle in one go, you can only choose the areas that interest you. We chose the Grand Room tour, which is also the most popular tour option. This includes the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room, and Theater. The main building, plaza, gardens, and swimming pool are all public areas included in every tour. In other words, no matter which tour you choose, these public areas are accessible.

We drove to Hearst Castle, the ticket was $25 per person. It was built in 1919 and owned by the American media tycoon Hearst. The castle itself was built on a high mountain not far from the sea, overlooking the huge estate that extends to the seaside.

Even though I don't know much about European culture, I could tell the castle's style was distinctly European. The vast living room, the luxurious dining room, the utensils and decorations were all antiques, made in Europe. It felt like, in the eyes of Americans, Europe was synonymous with history and culture. The tour guide said, "300-year-old table, 400-year-old chairs, 500-year-old fireplace, 700-year-old floor—he was living in a museum!" But as someone from China, with 5,000 years of history, I wasn't overly concerned.

The miraculous building that made me feel like I was in "The Great Gatsby" when I saw it for the first time!

During its heyday, the owner not only owned the entire castle, but also the surrounding mountains. Even the sea that could be seen from the master bedroom and the 4-mile beach were all hearst's private property!

Hearst Castle is located on a hilltop in a coastal ranch, a 15-minute drive from the service center. Each bus has a limited number of passengers, so be sure to check the time listed on your ticket when purchasing it, otherwise you'll end up queuing in vain.

I felt the castle's architectural style was largely Southern European, and the interior decoration exuded a royal atmosphere. It also reflected the castle owner's two passions: art and wildlife. Some of Hirst's art collection is still on display inside and outside the castle, but of course, the wildlife is gone; only empty nests remain.

Even more breathtaking is the Roman Pool, located behind the main building. This ancient Roman-style indoor pool is the jewel of the entire castle.

After exiting the main building, we continued to the plaza outside, which doubled as a viewing platform. From here, we could take in a sweeping view of the entire Hearst Kingdom—vast rolling pastures, lush forests, winding mountain paths, 127 acres of vast gardens, and the boundless ocean not far away. Three separate villas stood in the plaza gardens: the Sun Room, the Mountain View Room, and the Ocean View Room, all serving as guesthouses for the owner's distinguished guests.

Hearst Castle is a palace-style villa with Mediterranean architectural features built by American media tycoon WR Hearst in the early 20th century. It houses various art exhibits from his personal collection. Hearst Castle is extremely luxurious and the old man has a lot of collections. After WR Hears' death, his family donated them to the California government.