Tour Description

Specially designed for photographers, this tour focuses on the best vantage points to get the perfect frame. Several stops are not available on regular tours, like the Main Library balcony overlooking the grounds and Casa del Mar's balcony overlooking the sweeping Pacific Coast vista. Tour timing coincides with a sunset arrival at the outdoor Neptune Pool for an opportunity to take a spectacular shot.

Through the Lens is offered on selected Sundays in April, May, September, October and November.

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hr. 30 min.
• Distance: 0.67 miles
• Number of Steps: 397
• 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.