.png){kind=icon}
No family vacation to California is complete without a visit to Hearst Castle! Spend an enchanted day roaming the halls of this attraction, famed for its lore-filled grand architecture, unique rooms, beautiful gardens, and famous pools. Here's a look at the secrets to enjoying family-friendly tours at Hearst Castle!
What Is Hearst Castle?
Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the gorgeous San Simeon area along Highway 1 on the Central Coast of California from 1919 to 1947, Hearst Castle is a landmark from another era that continues to fascinate visitors today. Once a private estate, the castle is now a California State Park offering public tours. While the Mediterranean-style main house is the big draw, visitors can spend hours exploring the grounds' multiple pools and gardens.
Booking a Tour at Hearst Castle
The simplest way to find family-friendly tours at Hearst Castle is to book a public daily tour. These tours allow you to enter the life of William Randolph Hearst by exploring the rooms where he lived and seeing his personal art collection. Daily tours can be booked online up to 60 days in advance.
If you’re specifically looking for a tour that requires fewer stairs because you're bringing youngsters along, focus on the Grand Rooms Tour. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the essence of the estate without getting overwhelmed, this tour brings you to all of the social rooms of the castle that once hosted grand balls and parties! If you're looking for views that are a little more personal, the Upstairs Suites Tour brings you through the more private chambers of the castle. This includes the bedrooms, library, and Gothic Suite that served as Hearst’s own private top-floor apartment. You may also be interested in the Cottages & Kitchens Tour, which takes you through the more utilitarian rooms of the estate that fueled all the dining and entertainment. The estate's industrial-sized kitchen is truly something to see!
Parents bringing kids along should plan for a guided tour of Hearst Castle to last around 70 to 90 minutes. Bringing some snacks and water is highly advised! While you may be tempted to put on your best clothes when visiting such an elegant place, visitors should prioritize comfortable clothing and shoes that will keep them grounded as they travel along the slick stone and marble floors of the estate. Hearst Castle tickets are currently priced at $35 for adults and $18 for kids.
The Pools
Don't miss an opportunity to see the pools at Hearst Castle! The most famous pool is the outdoor Neptune Pool. Built over a span of 1924 to 1936, this stunning feature has a glowing blue color from the reflection of its white marble lining. The indoor Roman Pool, completed in 1934, is another must-see feature. Reminiscent of the baths of ancient Rome, this bath features large marble statues and hypnotic mosaics.
Planning Your Heart Castle Experience With the Family
Is Hearst Castle a good place to take kids? When the weather is warm and sunny, a tour of Hearst Castle is one of the essential seasonal family day trips from Morro Bay. This enchanted estate offers a way to travel through history while letting your imagination run wild as you picture living in such a place!
