I have been to Hearst Castle many times. What is great about the castle is that it is an art haven, it is an architectural haven, and it is the best historical representation of money earned during the Gilded Age (1865-1905). Money earned through the development of the natural resources of the Comstock lode made its way into this magnificant castle and it was the last large residence that reflected money accumulated during the Gilded Age.

I hope you enjoy the great pictures, video and brief article about my experiences at Hearst Castle by scrolling down this fun website. 

 I have been to Hearst Castle more than once. The most rewarding tour is that basic beginner tour that highlights the main living rooms, the beautiful dining area, indoor Roman pool and magnificant outdoor Neptune marble pool that you just want to jump into.  Hearst Castle is situated about 30 miles north of Morro Bay on Highway 1. From the San Simeon Visitor Center at the base of the hill it is a short bus ride up the hill to the Castle. As you drive into the complex you see the zoo area where all manner of lions, tigers and other exotic animals were kept for the entertainment of the guests.  Hearst transformed the family "Camp Hill" into something much more, an enchanted hill or La Cuesta Encantada. Hearst Castle became a major destination for the new found Hollywood wealthy including famous actors like Charley Chaplin. Guests included President Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw, Charles Lindbergh, Charlie Chaplin, and a diverse array of luminaries from show business and publishing industries.  The Castle has an excess of 90,000 square feet of indoor space with 115 rooms in the main structure. Owner William Randolph Hearst with architect Julia Morgan began work on the structure in 1919 and continued it for 30 years. It was sold to the state of California prior to the real estate bubble.