Is Hearst Castle worth touring the grounds? I have checked the official website and there are a few types of tours. I will be going in early December (I guess the garden tour would be a waste of time).

If you're fascinated by how the other .00001% of the world lives, this site is amazing. WR Hearst was not shy about showing off his wealth, and it shows. One of the world's best collections of medieval tapestries, and it was ALL owned by one person!

Jay,
In my opinion Hearst Castle falls under the saying, been there, done that, don't need to do it again. You buy your tickets for whichever tour your taking. Wait around until it's time, then get bussed up the hill to the house. Tour guide takes you through the tour looking at whatever your tour entails. Your not allowed to leave the tour or walk around on your own. My wife and I found this tacky. If you've ever been to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, Hearst Castle will disapoint you. If your not going out of your way to see it, then go for it. But don't have high expectations when you go.

Hearst Castle is well worth a visit. Spectacular views from the grounds. The garden tour is not completely out. Remember it's California where the weather is nice year round.

I'm surprised by the reaction of Mike...except mine is the exact opposite. Having been to Hearst, feel no need to see Biltmore.

We found the Hearst Castle quite fascinating...just that one person, one wallet, could do all this. The setitng is unbelievable. I think we took some kind of basic tour - saw a fair amount of the living quartes and the indoor and outdoor pools. It was worthwhile...and I heartily recommend it. Esp...just to think of Clark Gable lolling around that pool! And...it's there. It's part of America. And part of our economic (Hearst empire) history. Go for it.

Incidentally, several years ago, we happened upon an interesting gentleman who, it turned out, had put together a private consortium to purchase the castle. This was at the point that the family was tyring to divest itself and the state was dragging its feet on committing. The private effort apparently spurred the state, which stepped in and took it over as a museum.

I'm surprised by the reaction of Mike...except mine is the exact opposite. Having been to Hearst, feel no need to see Biltmore.

We found the Hearst Castle quite fascinating...just that one person, one wallet, could do all this. The setitng is unbelievable. I think we took some kind of basic tour - saw a fair amount of the living quartes and the indoor and outdoor pools. It was worthwhile...and I heartily recommend it. Esp...just to think of Clark Gable lolling around that pool! And...it's there. It's part of America. And part of our economic (Hearst empire) history. Go for it.

Incidentally, several years ago, we happened upon an interesting gentleman who, it turned out, had put together a private consortium to purchase the castle. This was at the point that the family was tyring to divest itself and the state was dragging its feet on committing. The private effort apparently spurred the state, which stepped in and took it over as a museum.

The setting of Hearst Castle puts Biltmore House to shame. Biltmore House puts Hearst Castle to shame.

Jay,
During December, night tours are given and they are spectacular! If you want something special, that would be the thing to do! (Although you would miss out on the view mentioned by others.)

Lynette

I'd say go visit Hearst, but be sure to make reservations ahead. We were there in Feb last year mid week and they were sold out.

Personally, I loved Hearst Castle. I knew the location was remote, but had no idea it was to that extent. The sight of the Neptune pool is a memory that is easy to recall.

Go to www.hearstcastle.com to help you make your decision(s).

We spent a day there, taking all four tours. After 4 tours, we were tired of seeing the pool which is included in each tour and, by the end of the 3rd tour, had the "big picture" and felt that the architecture of the place was actually pretty disappointing. We have no regrets, however and felt the time spent was worth it. Definitely make reservations in advance. Have not been to Biltmore estate but would like to see it.

A point not mentioned - if you're a fan of movies, particularly Citizen Kane, a tour of Hearst Castle is particularly interesting. It's fascinating to see how certain parts of the castle were re-created for the movie.

I thought it was fabulous and would go back again when in the area. Just a beautiful place, hard to imagine that anyone could accomplish that almost 100 years ago.

The Hearst castle is AWESOME! My husband and I went last Nov. and it is definitely one of the top things to see in California. We have toured a lot during two different trips out there over the past 3 years. I can't wait to take my 11 yr. old twins out to see it. It is a must. Enjoy and definitely take a camera!! yours truly, Nancy

Hearst Castle is a must see. Biltmore is a yawn.

My husband and I were at Hearst Castle a year ago. In the winter there are special docents tours on weekend evenings. We were there for a 5:30 Sat. evening tour. It was lovely. The sun was just going down as we looked over the Neptune pool. The docents dress up in character from the 1930's. They are hanging around the pool, "drinking cocktails". In the main living room, the docents are playing cards, "drinking" and "smoking". In the kitchen was a chef, who told us what was on the menu for tonight. We got to see WRHearst private suites and office, which I had never seen on previous tours. It was a lot of fun. I resevered over the phone. They also have a website. I don't think the garden tour is offered in the winter.

PS: There is also an elephant seal beach near San Simeon. What makes it cool is that the seals are very near. No other elephant seal beach in California allows you this near or is uncrowded.

Who wants to bet Steve above never visited the Biltmore House?
If you did Steve, did you take the full tour? Including the breathtaking library with all the malachite columns and the billiard room with the tooled burgundy leather walls? How could you call those a yawn. Willing to bet you didn't see them.