Hearst Castle sits half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles approximately a four hour drive from either city.
If a customer is planning to see multiple tours in one day
please let them know to allow at least 2 hours in between each tour.
When the tour is over, visitors will get back on the bus and go back to the visitors center.
Distinguished Veterans are issued one ticket per account,
the registration fee still applies if booked online or through us (no fee at castle).
Visitor Center Hours
8:00am - 5:00pm
Modification & Cancellation Policy
A tour can be modified or cancelled up to one hour before the start time.
Changes to tour date or time: no additional charge if made in advance. A non-refundable registration fee ($5.50) per ticket will be charged for cancellations.
Tour Rules:
Photography: Tripods are not allowed. Monopods may be used. Flash photography is permitted outside only.
Strollers and Carriers: Due to the number of stairs, strollers are not permitted on the tours.
Food and Beverages: To protect the Historic Estate, food and beverages are not allowed on the bus or on the hilltop but bottled water is okay. The Visitor Center has food and drinks one can purchase at the café and coffee shop.
Smoke free policy: Smoking and Vaping is prohibited in the bus, Visitor Center, and all areas on the Hilltop.
Cell phones: Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent/vibrate while on tour.
Pets and Service Animals: Pets are not permitted on tour. Service animals are permitted under ADA guidelines. Please bring your service animal with you to the ticket window when you check in.
Other Items NOT Permitted on Tours: Framed Backpacks, Large or Bulky Bags, Infant Carriers, Foldable Chairs, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Selfie Sticks, Knee Scooters.
Building the Dream is a small vintage clip which stills from the 1920s and 1930s which allows the construction and history of the castle to come to life on the big screen.
Building the Dream is about 40 minutes long, starting every 45 minutes. It plays as early as 9:00am, with the last showing is at 5:15pm. Customers have the choice to view the movie before or after the tour (Customers Discretion). Advise Customers the time of tour is the time they are picked up by the bus therefore allow time before or after to view the movie.
Building the Dream is included in the ticket price, except the Holiday Twilight tour. Customers can purchase tickets separately for a discounted price of $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.
Customers can view the movie without going on a tour for $10.00 for Adult ticket and $8.00 for Children’s ticket.