Huge estate of William Randolph Hearst located on a 40,000 acre ranch on the central coast of California. During the 1920's and 30's the estate was the playground of many A-listers including Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. The Castle featured 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo. In 1957, the property was donated to the state of California and since it has served as a state historical park open to the public.

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Off Hwy 1 halfway between Seaside and Baywood-Los Osos.

Last edited on Nov 2, 09 3:37 PM.
Contributors: Rebalyn R. , Cynthia S. Show History

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Cynthia S.

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Steve H.

Jan 17, 2009

As far as I am concerned, this place is more impressive than the White House. The wealth and luxury embodied in this estate is just staggering. The drive to get here is truly breathtaking. Don't die without making the trip to San Simeon. This place is stunning. This is not a tourist trap. This is a piece of American History.

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Robert L.

Jun 12, 2008

It is a bit out of the way unless you are taking 101 from Washington to California. However, if you are in the area and feel you can skip this place, you are CRAZY! Nothing captures the extravagance and splendor of Hollywood in '20s. Although it is miles from Hollywood, Hearst made sure that the glitterati of Hollywood's Golden Age visited here. Usually, there are very few tourists and you can really soak up the atmosphere and imagine where the stars may have stood or sat or spread out to soak up the sun. Good fun!!!

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Mike A.

Sep 16, 2008

Hearst Castle is amazing. My wife and i have been on 3 different tours now, each one being different. We are planning on trying to do a night tour next time where they have people in costumes from when William Hurst still lived there and had guests there. I definetly recoment multiple trips/tours. You also get to see all parts of history (American and European) because many of his architechture contains pieces of other buildings from Hursts favorite times and places.

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American Rambler !.

Feb 13, 2009

What an imagination and lifestyle for Mr Hearst! This place is very impressive. He spared no expense when building it, and payed attention to every little detail. Not your run-of-the-mill tour. The views from the top are unbelievable, and my favorite is the outside pool. Very interesting and worthwhile.

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Rj R.

Dec 4, 2009

Its a beautiful Place. The attention in detail that the staff has put in to keep this historical site intact is just grand. Even the Ketchup bottles in the dining room were from that time and still full. I would love to come back in the summer or spring when they do there murder mystery.

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