About halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco in San Simeon is Hearst Castle, America's most famous castle. Often called The Enchanted Hill or La Cuesta Encantada, a group of spectacular mansions of mixed architectural style stand high above the ocean, surrounded by lush gardens. The castle was designed by architect Julia Morgan for the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and his family.

What was originally a family campsite was transformed into a spectacular 165-room castle which features 115 rooms in the main house and 50 rooms throughout three guest houses, all lavishly decorated. There are also swimming pools, a movie theater, tennis courts, an airfield, the zoo and eight acres of gardens. "La Casa Grande," or the main house, hosts Hearst's collection of European art and antiques.

Address: Hearst Castle, 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, Phone: 800-444-4445, Hearst Castle Video

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.