Tour Description

The tour begins with the cast stone and tile workshops, and then the indoor Roman Pool alcove, dressing rooms, historic filtration system, and past the archives where some of architect Julia Morgan's full-size drawings are displayed. Then climb 64 stairs in the Service Wing to visit a typical household employee's quarters and descend into the basement vaults and conservation rooms where textiles and other artifacts undergo restoration. Rarely seen guest room, followed by viewing the East Gothic study and book vault. Tour ends at the outdoor Neptune Pool.

Behind the Scenes is offered on selected Sundays in March, May and November.

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hr. 30 min.
• Distance: 0.67 miles
• Number of Steps: 500
• Accessible: No
• Effort: Difficult

Important Information

Hearst Castle accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Free day use parking is available for automobiles, motorcycles, tour buses and recreational vehicles. Large, bulky backpacks, folding chairs, camera bags, tripods and monopods, etc. are not allowed due to the narrow hallways and numerous stairs. No food or drink is permitted on tours.

Accessibility

No

Amenities

The Visitor Center offers a variety of food and drink services. Guests may use large outdoor picnic tables or dine indoors.

Directions

Visitors board the Hearst Castle bus at the Visitor Center as they begin their journey for the five mile trip to the top of the hill. The view out of the window shows the natural beauty that attracted William Randolph Hearst to this spectacular location.