Hearst Castle
Cambria is home to one of America's greatest and grandest châteaus: Hearst Castle. Conceived by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Host, along with his architect, Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle is a stunning architectural and design feat. The opulent, gothic-inspired castle overlooks the Pacific Ocean 1,600 feet below.
Built over a period of 28 years from 1919 to 1947, Hearst Castle sits atop the Santa Lucia Mountains of California. An observation deck on the east side of the grounds features a wonderful vantage point of the sweeping vistas. If you can experience Hearst Castle at sunset, you'll enjoy the pinnacle of this famed viewpoint.
TAKE A TOUR OF HEARST CASTLE
As of May 11, 2022, Hearst Castle has reopened and you can now schedule your tours up to 60 days in advance.
Three different guided tours are offered daily, and an evening tour is available in the Spring and Fall. In this tour, you'll explore the 165 rooms, featuring mezzanine ceilings, Italian and Spanish art and antiques, and more than 125 sprawling acres of gardens, terraces, pools made of marble and gold, and walkways.
You'll also learn about the deft craftsmen who labored for nearly 30 years to create the La Cuesta Encantada “The Enchanted Hill" Hearst Castle is also referred to as.