A Beautiful Castle on a Hill - Visiting Hearst Castle in California

Our two-week road trip from San Francisco to San Diego was everything we had hoped for in our first big post-retirement adventure—ocean views, charming towns, and lazy walks on the pier. But one stop stood out in the most unexpected and unforgettable way: Hearst Castle.

We had both heard of it previously.  On a prior trip we had to forgo a stop there as we were short on time. This time, we made sure it was on our itinerary.

The Drive Up and the Story Behind the Stone

That day was beautiful and sunny with views that stretched on forever. We pulled into the visitor center, grabbed our tickets for the  tour, and boarded the shuttle that snakes its way up through the hills to the estate.

As we climbed higher, the landscape opened up—rolling grasslands, oak trees, and wide views of the Pacific behind us. It was hard to believe this same land was once part of William Randolph Hearst’s private playground.

The story goes back to the early 1900s, when Hearst, a newspaper tycoon with a taste for grandeur, inherited over 250,000 acres of ranchland. In 1919, he hired architect Julia Morgan—California’s first licensed female architect—to help him build “a little something” on the hill. What followed was nearly three decades of construction and one of the most extravagant homes in America.

On the trip up the hill, we heard how William Randolph Hearst had a huge collection of wild and exotic animals that he kept on the property. Lions, tigers, elephants, and even zebras, would roam freely around the estate. It was one of the many extravagant things he did to show off his wealth and status. People who visited Hearst Castle could see these animals as part of the impressive scenery, making his property even more extraordinary. 

Once we reached to top of the hill, we stood there, looking up at the twin towers of Casa Grande. It was easy to visualize that we were one of his many guests that were arriving for another one of his weekend parties.

Inside the Castle: Old Hollywood and European Dreams

Our tour took us through the Grand Rooms—an impressive mix of European art, Spanish-style design, and Hearst’s personal flair for drama. We stepped into the Assembly Room with its massive fireplace and velvet sofas, the Refectory (what they called the dining room), and the billiard room where guests once gathered after dinner.

It was all part museum, part movie set. You could practically hear the echoes of old Hollywood guests—Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable—mingling in the hallways.

We loved hearing about Julia Morgan’s role in the project—how she managed Hearst’s ever-changing ideas with patience and genius. Her touches are everywhere, from the intricate ceilings to the thoughtful flow between spaces.

My favourite part of the castle had to be the grounds.. The Neptune Pool gleamed under the sun, with its Roman columns and blue-and-white tilework. The indoor Roman Pool was just as jaw-dropping, with its gold tiles and mirrored water. Lap pools like this were not a common occurrence in the 1920s.

And Then... Zebras

After wandering through the gardens and soaking in the views, we made our way back down the hill, to our car.

Driving south along Highway 1, just a few minutes from the visitor center, we spotted movement in a field to the left. We pulled over. Looked closer. And stared.

Zebras. Dozens of them.

We were told during the tour, that they’re descendants of Hearst's exotic animal collection.  While most of the animals were relocated after his death, the zebras were left to roam free. All these years later, the zebras have continued to thrive on the land below the castle.

We stood by the roadside watching them graze in a field like it was the most normal thing in the world. It was the perfect ending to our tour of the Hearst Estate - the kind of experience that stays with you long after the trip is over.

 If you're ever driving along Highway 1 near Big Sur, we highly recommend a stop to see the William Randolph Heart Castle and Estate. It's a place that will stay with you for a long time afterwards.

Quick Guide to Hearst Castle

Where It Is:
Hearst Castle is in San Simeon, California, along the Pacific coast Highway 1, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

What It Is:
Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this huge estate was his private getaway. The castle mixes Spanish, Mediterranean, and Gothic styles, and was home to many famous guests.

Things to See:

• The Grand Rooms: See the fancy living room, dining room, and massive library.

• The Pools: The Neptune Pool is outdoor with gorgeous columns, and the Roman Pool is indoors with marble mosaics.

• The Gardens: Beautiful gardens with amazing views of the coast.

• Art Collection: Hearst gathered incredible art, including paintings and sculptures.

Tours:
There are guided tours that take you through different parts of the castle, including the rooms, pools, and gardens.

The Animals:
Hearst once had exotic animals like lions and zebras. Today, you can still spot zebras grazing on the hills around the castle.

Tips for Visiting:

• Book your tickets early.

• Wear comfortable shoes because the estate is large.

• Don’t forget your camera for the stunning views!

Why Visit?
Hearst Castle is a beautiful and historic spot that shows off luxury from the early 1900s, with amazing architecture, gardens, and incredible views. It’s perfect for history buffs and anyone who loves great views!