If it a must-see? If you've done it, would you go there again?

I wouldn't say it's a must-see and I wouldn't go again.....but most people seem to think it's quite an experience. Impressive, yes...if you're passing by it...why not? But the Getty Center in L.A. is where it's at for me!

I would definitely see Hearst Castle
if you are going to be in the area. Just being up there and seeing the view
is worth it....

Yes, been there, done that, would definitely do again! Would even go out of my way to do it again, or a different tour - there are several. Very unique and totally memorable.

Have you done a search here? You'll find much more info and many opinions.

Absolutely worth going out of your way to see. Do a little research and pick a tour or two (I think there are 5 or 6 separate tours, all different) The place is HUGE!You can easily do two, mayber even three tours in one day. Three is probably a little overkill. I believe they still have a night time tour that is supposed to be quite good.Views are great and the place is unbelievable.We hope to go back sometime

We took Tour 1 a few years ago and Tour 2 last week. Since we were staying in Cambria, it was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon and we enjoyed Tour 2 (which goes to bedrooms and kitchen) more than Tour 1.

I thought it was worth seeing. Enjoyed it very much. Took two of the tours. The setting and the scenery is beautiful.

It's an interesting place, more for the setting and for the history of the famous people and eccentric way they were entertained there. Castle? Well it doesn't hold a candle to hundreds of palaces or castles in Europe, and doesn't even begin to compare interiors-wise with Biltmore in North Carolina. But then Hearst Castle was never even finished, and less attention was paid to details in interior artistry.
I've been and enjoyed two different tours and glad I went. But I've driven by it a couple times now without stopping again and will probably continue to do so.

We will be visiting Hearst Castle in September and I trying to decide which tour to take. Their website recommends tour 1 for first time visitors, but I read with interest that Jimshep said they have done both tours 1 and 2 and enjoyed tour 2 the most. Since we only have time for one tour the day we will be there I wondered if others who have visited agree that tour 2 is best, or if anyone suggests one of the other tours. Due to our schedule we will not be able to consider the evening tour.

Thanks for all suggestions!

I also think tour two is very interesting, but that said, I still think tour one is the best for an overview. Plus a ticket for tour one includes the movie which is worth seeing.