Hearst Castle: Enchanted Hill of the Central Coast

Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle.

Hearst Castle, also referred to as the "Enchanted Hill," is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in San Simeon, California. Perched high on a hill overlooking the captivating Central Coast, Hearst Castle was the grand vision of William Randolph Hearst and architect, Julia Morgan. This elaborate estate showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival, with its iconic terraces, towers, and ornate facades.

Exterior of Hearst Castle.

In order to get up to the castle, you have to head up to the visitor center and pay for a tour. With this purchase includes a beautiful bus ride up to the castle, and guided tours offer visitors an immersive experience, delving into the fascinating history and art surrounding Hearst Castle. Each room has its own unique story to tell and offers a glimpse into Hearst's extravagant lifestyle and his influence on American culture.

(Pro Tip: If this is your first visit, I would highly recommend you take the Grand Rooms tour.)

Exterior of a guest house at Hearst Castle.

As you step foot onto the grounds, you're transported back in time to an era of lavishness and sophistication. The castle's expansive gardens are a sight to behold on their own, featuring perfectly manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and serene pools. It is hard not to walk around the grounds and wonder what it must have been like to live in such a beautiful place.

The Neptune Pool.

The Neptune Pool is a magnificent outdoor oasis, and one of the most notable parts of the tour. It truly stands as a centerpiece, with its marble statues, colonnades, and stunning backdrop of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. Personally, I think the pools and gardens are more impressive than the castle itself (but maybe Hearst was just a little too gaudy for my taste). We even saw some grey foxes in this area, and were told by the guides that they like to steal fruit from the trees.

View of the Central Coast from the grounds.

As you are taken along your tour, be sure to take in all of the grand views that surround you. There are expansive views of the California coast around every corner, and Hearst himself knew this was the highlight of his grand estate. The castle boasts 165 rooms, including grand halls, luxurious bedrooms, and impressive art galleries. The castle even includes a full-sized movie theater. Each room is adorned with exquisite artwork, antique furnishings, and intricate details, reflecting Hearst's eclectic taste and love for European art and culture. Even the some of the ceiling details are Spanish antiques.

Celestial pool - undergoing construction.

The Celestial Pool is another notable highlight from this tour, however, it would be worthwhile to call before your visit and ask about the restoration progress. I came here around 10 years ago, and this pool was the most memorable part of the tour. It is still beautiful, however, I found out during our recent tour that they are restoring the ceiling. I would imagine that it will be breathtaking when they are finished, however, I was slightly disappointed to see it in such a state.

Hearst Castle is a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era and stands as a remarkable architectural gem. It continues to captivate visitors with its breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and the enduring legacy of William Randolph Hearst. If you are exploring the California coast, this is definitely worth the visit if you have not made the point to do so yet.