Some find it grand and inspiring.
Others find it gaudy and over the top.
Published: 12:00 am Friday, Jan. 19, 2007
Updated: 6:21 pm Monday, Jul. 21, 2008
Hearst Castle: The Enchanted Hill
But a visit to William Randolph Hearst’s castle on the hill is something everyone should do at least once.
Exploring Hearst Castle is possible only by guided tour, and reservations are strongly recommended (adults $20-$30 depending on season and tour, on the web or 800-444-4445). There are five tours, but for first-timers your best bet is the Experience Tour (tour 1), which features a general tour of the castle, its amazing pools and the National Geographic film "Hearst Castle: Building the Dream" on a five-story screen. In the spring and fall (March-May and September-December) another fun option is the Evening Tour, which recreates a night at the castle in its 1930s heyday with actors in period dress. Expect to spend a couple hours at the castle.
Christmas is an especially magical time at the castle, as the halls are decked floor to ceiling in typical Hearst opulent fashion. Tour the castle from mid-November to Jan. 2 to take in 18-foot decorated trees, more than 40 wreaths, 100 poinsettias, 400-plus wrapped packages, 700 feet of lighted garland and miles of lights, all displayed in the already-grand castle.
The visitor center features a snack bar, espresso bar, gift shop and a free exhibit on William Randolph Hearst’s life, career and the building of his dream home. And even the bus ride from the visitors center to the castle is spectacular, a five-mile journey up the hill with panoramic views of the coastline and the chance to see both the wildlife native to the area and descendents of the exotic species Hearst had in his zoo, including zebra, elk and wild pigs.
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