A blue-toned temple façade with columns sits beside a pool, flanked by statues, set against trees and hills in the background.

Hearst Castle History - A Museum Unlike Any Other

Visit this World-Famous Landmark

William Randolph Hearst began building the iconic Hearst Castle in 1919 on his hilltop ranch above San Simeon, California. Over 28 years, he and architect Julia Morgan created an opulent estate reflecting historic European design and filled with world-class furnishings, art and antiques. During its heyday, Hollywood stars and global leaders frequented the property. Today, this legendary landmark stands as a captivating museum and testament to lavish early-20th-century visionaries.

A white mission-style building with tall towers, palm trees nearby, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Hearst Castle History on The Enchanted Hill

William Randolph Hearst began construction of an opulent hilltop estate on his ranch land overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. Built over 28 years, Hearst Castle is an impressive convergence of historic design styles that the publishing magnate admired during his travels around Europe. He was a lavish buyer and collector, and the Castle’s furnishings, artworks and antiques currently on display rival any museum around the world. During its 1920s and 1930s heyday, Hollywood film stars and politicians were frequent visitors. Celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, and dignitaries like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were no strangers to Hearst Castle.

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William Randolph Hearst began construction of an opulent hilltop estate on his ranch land overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. Built over 28 years, Hearst Castle is an impressive convergence of historic design styles that the publishing magnate admired during his travels around Europe. He was a lavish buyer and collector, and the Castle’s furnishings, artworks and antiques currently on display rival any museum around the world. During its 1920s and 1930s heyday, Hollywood film stars and politicians were frequent visitors. Celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, and dignitaries like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were no strangers to Hearst Castle.

The residence features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo. A variety of exotic animals like zebras still roam the grounds.

Become part of Hearst castle history when you tour this magnificent and commanding estate’s stunning twin-towered main building, three sumptuous guesthouses, staggeringly opulent rooms, and acres upon acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools.

750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA 93452

800-444-4445