Wonderful experience! My wife and I were so excited to finally get to see the elephant seals! A big thank you to this organization for doing a fantastic job in helping to provide a safe environment for these amazing creatures- as well as a very convenient area in which you can get close without disturbing the seals. The staff at the visitor's center were very friendly and welcoming. If you get the chance, would highly recommend you pay them a visit. Was definitely one the highlights of our trip!

The staff was friendly and knowledge. We bought the state park stamps (recommended if you visit state parks, you get a book and buy a sticker at each stop for your book) they had a little display with a fur otter, and a cute little shop

The gentleman in the office was super helpful. He was obviously intelligent and well informed. He then provided directions to the location of the seals.

Nice little gift shop with elephant seal info. They show the live cam if one hasn't seen it online. The elephant seals viewing area is 10 - 15 min north. Drive past Hearst Castle entrance a couple of miles. Docent there to answer questions til 4 p. *** Don't forget to leave a donation as they are self funded ! 😉

We stopped here before heading to the elephant seal rookery, which is a few miles up the road, to get information. The volunteer there was so helpful and we could tell he is passionate about the elephant seals. He shared all kinds of valuable information with us, including behaviours we might see and what to watch for if a female was going to give birth. The space is small, but they have some nice souvenirs and also some skulls that you can really appreciate the size of the elephant seals compared to other seal species.

07/2023 Great spot to view Elephant Seals (males, females, and occasionally pups) year-round. June/July-August is shedding season, so expect to see more at that time. Tip: Bring a sweater and/or jacket!

A must for anyone, I wish I had our grandchildren with us! They are massive and a male can grow to 5,000 pounds. They blended in with the sand and unless they move you hardly know they are there. We were here in July and the temperature was 58 degrees. An absolute wondrous sight and so happy to know they are growing in population.

So Happy to See the Elephant Seals! Absolutely a must-see on the PCH drive.

Always stop here and speak to staff about the latest with the Elephant Seals before hitting the observation area. They are so helpful and easy to talk to. And, all your puchases go towards funding the preservation, protection, and public education for the elephant Seals. I always leave a little donation as well as purchasing gifts for the grandkids. They also have coastal sightseeing maps for great stopping points on your way up the coast. Love the Elephant Seals and the brigade of volunteers at the gift shop and the observation area. Ask them anything about the seals. They are very informative and love public interaction.

Great stop off to learn about animal facts, several full size real skulls, pelts, get info and also use the bathroom. They were selling shirts and plushies. The man there was very knowledgeable and friendly! He gave our kids full color activity books.

FYI - these photos were taken at the beginning of September. It just took me a while to get around to reviewing this wonderful place. It was pretty amazing to see these wonderful animals so up close. There was an awesome volunteer by the name of Mike who answered all of our questions with enthusiasm. I would definitely recommend stopping here!

PLEASE NOTE: THE ADDRESS SHOWN IS NOT THE LOCATION OF THE ELEPHANT SEALS. You will find the bulls, cows and pups about six miles North on Highway 1, about four miles past Hearst Castle. The experience of birth fascinates children and adults. New life emerges during the winter months, just a few feet below the boardwalk, and the deliveries are easily visible. Sea birds clean the placenta as the aproxmately four thousand pound (2,000 kg) bull guards his harem of about fifty, petite, fifteen hundred pound (600 kg) cows. Elephant seals use their flippers to toss sand. Covering their body, it cools them down and acts as a sunblock. The cold Pacific ocean, hugs the rookery. The cows neither eat nor drink while on the beach, they just nurse and protect their pups. Be sure to bring a camera The shoreline is serpentine, so good lighting is available throughout the day. My granddaughter loved the experience. The audience, on the block long, observation boardwalk seems to have no effect on the renewal of a species, happening below their feet. While viewing elephant seals in their natural habitat, remember they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. For your and their safety, stay on the walkway and boardwalk. Easy, free parking in a unpaved lot. Wheelchair accessible with some difficulty. A knowledgeable docent, recognizable in a blue jacket, is present. There is no change, however donations are appreciated.

You can stop by and get information about the elephant seals, before going to see them in person. See the seal skulls and buy gift items too!

Amazing work of architecture. Definitely recommend a visit. Breathtaking views, stunning landscaping, exquisite and opulent. Very interesting to learn how it was built and the tremendous amount of work, planning, detail, and effort that went into creating this masterpiece, especially for its time. The tour takes about 2 hours so plan accordingly. There is sufficient parking. It was closed until May of this year due to Covid but is now open again.

We went to two different tours. Both were awesome! You do one first, come back to the entrance and take the second tour. You are allowed to take just water to the tour, it is pretty hot at the enchanted Hill 😍

This place is very beautiful. It does get hot up the hill, so bring a hat and some sunscreen. Bring water because you are allowed to bring water. The grand rooms tour is great, and everything just is amazing to look at. Our tour guide was great and she had so much information to share with us.

Beautiful place to spend the day. Buy tickets in advance or the wait is approx. 2 hours. This was on Labor Day 9/4/23. Bring bottled water with you, they don't allow anything other than bottled water. No food allowed on the tours. They have gift shops and a food court at the visitor center if you are hungry and waiting for your tour. When it's your turn, they bus you up the hill to the castle and our bus was full- 54 people in our group.

Architectural marvel it is! Can’t get enough of it in one tour. Planning to go for another tour. Each tour is different and covers different parts of the castle and tour guides are amazing. Castle is Very well maintained. Worth the time and money! I took lots of photos but don’t want to share and rather suggest visiting the castle in person.

As a photographer, the architecture and art is unique for America. But I've lived in Spain, and I've seen phenomenal castles. Still, I went on a beautiful day expecting to have a great photographic experience like at the Getty. This could have been a much better thing. My main complaint is that the tour "don't touch anything" wranglers are way too aggressive. The tour guide Docent rambles on and on, about who knows what. There were about 50 people in my group, and we were corralled into rooms too small for that many. One time we were shuffled through a door which was shorter than I am tall, and because my shoulder accidentally bumped the door, one of the tour wranglers got all stupid with me about it. Chill Hearst Castle, most of the stuff is replica anyway - you don't need the Louvre security. I saw them jump on other people because part of their shoes stepped off the carpet. It would be nice if the tour guide was an OPTION, not forced. Instead of having all their guards circled around the group, herding you from room to room, they could do like other museums do and have a guard posted in each room to prevent you from touching things - but you could move along at your own pace. Just to give you an idea how much talking you are forced to hear, the $30 tour visits 5 rooms, 2 pools, and it takes like 70 minutes. I saw it, it was ok, I wouldn't go back. I recommend the Getty, museum or villa, far above this place.

Everyone there was so friendly and informative. We loved our tour guide. We did the suites and guest house. It's such a beautiful place to go. Quiet and relaxing with phenomenal views of the ocean. Quick bus ride up the hill. If you get car sick, don't look out the window! Seat in the front of the bus and open the windows for fresh air. 😎 😊

Absolutely amazing tour of the property. The Castle is exquisite. The docent explained the history of the castle including its architecture, the art in the castle, and the Hearsts. The indoor and outdoor swimming pools are opulent. Must visit if you are on the central Cali coast!

I didn’t expect to enjoy this castle as much as I did. But the whole family loved it. A castle, art gallery and a beautiful view with a wild story of it being built and the the people that stayed here. It is way better than it sounds and well worth the time to take a tour. We took the introduction tour and it was fantastic… Highly recommend a visit here if you’re in the area or passing by in the coast.

My parents liked bringing us here as kids. The place is amazing with lots to see and a few different tours to choose from. The food at the station was fantastic! My nephews were blown away by sheer extravagance of the grand rooms

My wife and I had planned to visit Hearst Castle when they reopened after the pandemic. It was great. So much history and art! Cool for the history, art and architecture enthusiasts. I happened to see the film "Citizen Kane" sometime before our visit and noticed some similarities with the life of Hearst. Very interesting story there. Took many nice pics. It did involve lots of walking and step climbing but worth it.

This property is very well maintained and houses many interesting antiques and restored pieces. The docents are very knowledgeable. I personally did not like how the tour is set up. I wish it were more of a “free walk” with some plaques and information throughout, or an audio guide, like all the castles in Europe. I don’t like being shepherded around so closely for 2 hours, but that’s just me.

Wow! Beautiful place with lots to see. We did the pool/castle tour but would love to go see the rooms. Our guide was nice and informative. It was a beautiful day to go there for sure! Our bus left RIGHT on time, so you have to be atleast 15 minutes early because they board and leave at that time! Luckily we got on the next one (freeway was closed and we got there RIGHT at 2:20pm but it already left.)

Great place to take your guests from out of town! If you like history or architecture, I highly recommend visiting. Long bus ride to the top of the mountain & back. We did the basic tour, but there are a few different options. Would definitely get tickets in advance!

A must-see! A lot of California history and a beautiful place and land. The gardens were my favorite! The view of the coastline is also breathtaking. The interior was not my cup of tea. However, it is magnificent! The movie is done very well in the history of the Hearst family. Both indoor and outdoor pools were art of beauty. The pictures do not do it justice. The weather was overcast, so there were no really good pictures. But there was a glimpse. The green rolling hills were absolutely beautiful.

Finally reopen after 2 years! Cool place to see but you don’t get to see much… the grand room tour is only 4 rooms. It was an hour tour that should have shorter; a lot of standing around. I wish the tour guide would have given more information on the artifacts on the grounds and in the house. She really only hit the highlights and mostly talked about Mr. Hearst and his architect. I wish they offered a tour that would have included the grand rooms and upstairs instead of having to do everything separately and riding the bus multiple times. It was a nice visit, just wish we got to wander the garden area.

A magnificent 'castle' (it's more of a super luxury mansion and estate) nestled atop a mountain, approached by tour buses from the Visitor Center at San Simeon beside the Pacific coast. Tickets are at $30 per head (adults) per tour. Tour buses take up visitors from the centre, up along winding mountain roads to the castle. There is an interesting narrative that plays on the 20 minute bus journey each way, to and from the castle, but, sadly, parts of it are drowned out by the loud engine noise (I'm surprised they don't run electric buses here, can't say why). The view from this journey up and down, of the ranches, the hill side and the coastline are simply breathtaking. The private Hearst airfield too can be seen from this winding hill side journey. The 'castle' itself appears like a church or a cathedral, with evidence of Italian and Spanish architecture. The terraces and gardens, the awesome Neptune pool, the guest cottages, the grand (Welcome) room and the refectory, the pool room, theatre, the indoor pool - all exceptionally well maintained. The castle exudes splendor, finesse, grandeur and extreme opulence, but is a treat for the eyes. The castle grounds show immaculate upkeep. There are various tours available, but possibly the grand rooms tour is the one that one should go for if it's their first visit. The tours are conducted by eloquent guides who have become pretty well versed with the history and narratives of the castle and make the visit interesting.

What a fun place to visit! Make reservations and come early! Not as many people and lots to do in the visitor center. Did the upstairs tour. Magnificent! The only down point was, it felt a little rushed moving from room to room. Be sure to take lots of pictures to view later what you may have missed going through so fast. I had not been here in over 30 years, and it still astounds me. A big bummer that they don't allow you to roam the grounds after your tour anymore. Another bit of rush was felt there. You can easily spend a good portion of a day here.. so be prepared! 5 stars!

Beautiful place. Good grief. Humongous castle. Looks so beautiful and just feels like a place of the past and yet the future as well. It was so large. The tour could have taken hours of just looking at the intricate things and not just the architectural aspects. The history alone could've have been it's own your.

Hearst Castle never disappoints. I’ve been here a half a dozen times and I always see and learn something new. The views on a clear day are unbeatable. The docents are fabulous. The historical displays and store in the visitor’s center are worth exploring. Food and drinks are available but most of those vendors, along with the store, don’t open until 10:30am so the earliest tours won’t have access to them until after the tour. Multiple types of tours are on offer but taking the Grand Rooms tour, which includes seeing both the outdoor (Neptune) pools, is recommended for first time visitors. It can be crowded so making a reservation online is always recommended.

Beautiful place. Lots of history there. Beautiful views. Took the grand room tour. It was very nice. Our tour guide was awesome. Loved the neptune pool and the inside pool. Lovely statues around the property. Would love to go again to do another tour. Buy tickets in advance. In the visiting center they have food options and a gift shop. You can also see a movie after your tour

The history of the property, owner, and architect is amazing. The grounds and home are unbelievable. We really enjoyed the tours. If you've got the time and you really enjoy this kind of history/museum take a couple consecutive tours in the same day. The visitor center staff or website can help you decide which tour suits your interests and time management. The earliest tours are the best because there are fewer guests, the guides are fresh, and the sunlight is better for pics. Enjoy!

I didn't know much about the Hearst family before we went, and it was a much more impressive and interesting tour than I'd expected. The bus ride up to the hill top was interesting and very beautiful, with amazing views. We took the Grand Rooms tour which was about 90 minutes, 2 hours with the bus ride. The guide was pretty good and we really enjoyed seeing it all.

We visited Hearst Castle in the off season and were able to do 3 tours in one day. The tours were very informative and gave a great overview of the building process and a look at the lives of William Randolph Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan. Highly recommend a visit for at least a tour of the grounds and main floor of the mansion. Truly an interesting estate.

Beautiful architecture and theater. We only visited 10 main rooms and 2 pools, but I could tell that this castle was a magnificent piece of giant Renaissance artwork. The Neptune pool was named after the Roman god of the sea, and was the biggest pool I had ever been to with a mini waterfall. The indoor was just as nice as the outdoors. The assembly room had several tapestries and was symemetrical. The study was a small, quiet room with bookshelves and two desks. Overall, Hearst Castle was very fun to visit and that was why I liked the castle.

I'll make this quick and simple because I need you to visit already 🤙🏽 $30 per person ✅ worth it! Buy tickets in advance, say, at least 2 weeks prior so you'll more tour options If it's your first time, I recommend the Grand Rooms Tour. ✅ You will ride a bus up to the castle ✅ You will tour in a group ✅ led by your designated guide. You. Are. Welcome. Your. Highness. 👑 See pictures and videos below 😎🤙🏽

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the majestic Hearst Castle, an experience that left me in awe from start to finish. The castle, which could also be referred to as a mansion or ranch, depending on your perspective, is a testament to architectural brilliance and design ingenuity. Guided by the knowledgeable Spencer and Poppy, my journey through this historic gem was divided into two fascinating sessions, one covering the top part of the castle and the other exploring the ground floor. Spencer and Poppy did an outstanding job of bringing the history and stories of the castle to life. Their passion and enthusiasm for the castle's past were contagious, making every anecdote and historical tidbit they shared utterly captivating. Witnessing the grandeur of Mr. William Hearst's creation firsthand was truly a privilege; the intricate details and the overall design were simply magnificent. However, there was one significant aspect of the castle's decor that surprisingly went unmentioned during the tour—the exquisite Persian carpets that adorned almost every room. These carpets, especially a remarkable custom-built one in the library on the top floor, are a sight to behold. Their presence in the castle not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also hints at a rich history that deserves recognition. The library's carpet, in particular, stood out for its sheer size and intricate design, reminiscent of the ones I remember from my grandparents' house. It's intriguing to think about the stories these carpets could tell, especially considering the era in which the mansion was built. The omission of their history during the tour was a missed opportunity to highlight an iconic part of the castle's interior design. I am hopeful that the management might allow me a special visit outside regular tour hours to delve deeper into the history and significance of these hand-woven masterpieces. It's essential for visitors to appreciate not just the visible grandeur of Hearst Castle but also the underlying stories of craftsmanship and heritage, like those embodied in the Persian carpets, that contribute to its unique character.

If you are interested in a little history, architecture, or some amazing views, then make this a stop on your trip. They have a large parking area for visitors. You get on a bus to go up to the castle and guest houses. There are several different tours to choose from. We did the "main rooms" tour, and I recommend that one for your first time or maybe your only time to go. If you have a choice of what day to go, then I would pick the day with the best weather, the views are amazing. It is a little pricey, but you are paying for the bus, the driver (who was great), the bus ride narration from Alex Trebek, the tour, and most importantly, the tour guide. The tour guide made the whole tour go from wow to super wow, he was great. Watch the movie at the end of the tour. It's worth it.

Awesome tourist attraction. Buses were on time and plenty of space, with a breathtaking view on the coastline from the road to the castle. The guides were amazing, answering all the questions and really friendly. The insides of the castle are really cool, with real tapestries, unlike the replicas in Louvre. The Grand Room Tour is perfect, covers most of the inside, the pools, and even the theater of the castle. Greatly recommend

This is my first time going to Hearst Castle and I was amazed of the Beauty and the all of this Castle/ mansion. Definitely go early and try to see two shows they are an hour long. They have a great restaurant in the ticket area and a small Museum that people overlook. It's a must-see before you head up to the mansion. To walk on the grounds of Bob Hope, Charlie Chaplin, so many Legend actors stayed there. I must say there's something ere about this Castle. When I was at the lobby retrieving my photo the lady said that the ghost deleted my photo? LOL I guess there's a rumor that there's a ghost that does these little jokes to guess. I also felt a chill on my arm when I was at the theater and a tugging of my hair. I don't know you be the judge if you go there. I will definitely go back during the spring and winter I hear it's beautiful during that time. Our tour guide was very informative I believe her name was Linda we had the 1:00 p.m. Grand Tour on February 3rd. When you do show up there take your time and take pictures it's breathtaking. If the walls can talk

Fantastic. 2nd time and will come back whenever possible, since the place is so big and the 70 min visits can only cover a small part. The location and the views are wonderful, the building gorgeous inside and outside, the vegetation, the pools, all is terrific. The guides and visits are interesting, the organization very solid.

My first visit and it is more amazing then I had imagined. Absolutely stunning views and the architecture is beyond opulent. The guides are super friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant. I can't wait to return and see it all o er again! 😃 chock full of history and if you have a good imagination you can almost picture the good Ole times the guests must have had. Off season is not as crowded as the summer time. Very, very cool place indeed!

Grand Rooms Tour was a little over an hour. Not bad at all. We got a tour the main house which included the Billiard Room, Theater, Gardens, Roman Pool, Assembly Room and Dining Room. Lots of historical information to soak in. I was there with family. Everyone enjoyed the tour. Highly recommended!

My visit to Hearst Castle in California was a fascinating experience! This grand estate, built by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s, is a testament to opulence and excess. The castle's architecture is a mix of medieval and modern styles, with intricate stone carvings, ornate ceilings, and stunning gardens. The guided tour takes you through the grand rooms, including the impressive Gothic Study and the beautiful Assembly Room. You'll also see the private movie theater, the ornate dining room, and the stunning Roman Pool. The castle's history and stories of its former occupants, including Hollywood stars and politicians, are captivating. The views of the surrounding coastline and mountains are breathtaking. Overall, Hearst Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and glamour. Be sure to book your tour in advance, as it sells out quickly!

It was well worth my money. My boyfriend and I went on the Grand Tours at 11am. Our tour guide Neil was spectacular and was very passionate on educating us on everything. We saw the indoor pool and outdoor pool, the billiards room, dining, garden, etc.

We did the 9.20 Grand Rooms Tour with Mary Anne and the 11.20 Upstairs Tour with Margaret. Both docents were very good and the tours only overlapped each other by both visiting the two swimming pools. To take on this building work at the age of 56 was ambitious and probably foolhardy. Though, 28 years later, his sprawling monument to conspicuous consumption was largely finished. The scale of the work and the range of art and furnishings is a sight to behold.

So fascinating!! We did the grand rooms tour. It was my second time and my husband’s first. Just as enlightening and interesting for me as the first time (especially considering the 9 year time span between my two visits. My husband also had an incredible time. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions. I wish there was a longer tour where you could combine a couple of them. Plan for about two hours total, taking into account the bus ride up to the castle, the tour, then the bus ride back. It’s probably closer to 100 minutes round trip but I don’t remember exactly so I’m rounding up. You cannot leave the tour mid-way. If you are late, you miss your bus up to the castle and have to wait for the next available slot so plan accordingly!! I look forward to visiting Again in the future and hopefully checking out the rest of the tours.

Learned so much history and loved the beautiful views of the castle and guest houses here. Didn’t see any zebras, but the view of the rolling hills didn’t disappoint. Our guide was very knowledgeable. It certainly is a very touristy area so would advise to book tickets in advance, but their is a great museum waiting area if you bought tickets on the day of and have extra time to spare. Highly recommend this spot for anyone going up the Pacific Coast Highway.

A great place to take the family or the dogs. Nice easy parking lot and no fees! There is a trail at the end of the beach that goes out to San Simeon Pointe. Very nice and easy trail with great views of Hearst Castle. The is also a nice pier to walk out and check out the views.

Excellent place to stroll along the beach, or to access the trailhead to hike along the San Simeon Point peninsula.

Love this place, it's beautiful and scenic. You can have a picnic lunch go the beach and to the pier. They also rent kayaks. They open at dawn and close at dusk. There is a trail you can go on. A lot of people go fishing on the pier. On the months of Jan, Feb, and March there occasionally is an elephant seal on this beach. This years there was 6 big males. Caution they seem slow and dumb but they are fast and aggressive.

Nice beach with a lovely boardwalk into the bay. Great views of the beach and coastline. There are restrooms, which were clean and well maintained. A nice place for a picnic or a short stop as you drive the Highway 1.

Beach is nice. No fee to use it. There is also a very nice hiking trail that goes onto private property that is accessable to the public that runs along the coast with nice trees and good views.

One of my favorite local beaches. The walks and views are magical and peaceful please be kind and leave it magical ✨️

This was beautiful walk and the beach was really clean and nice. But the views from the pier were excellent!! If you go to Hearst castle this is also a must to walk. It directly across the street from the entrance road to Hearst Castle.

Excellent time! Beautiful beach! 420. Sunset spot! Great beach, no charge to get in.

Beautiful pier that points well over 200 meters in the Ocean. There is lots of parking available and with an easy walk you can access the local beach and pier. At the end of it there are some benches to enjoy the view and watch the pelicans that stop here to catch some fish. The place in late August was not crowded at all and we could enjoy even more the sights.

It is a beautiful place to see sea animals and take a break and lunch while you wait for Hesry Castle tour begins but this time Heart Castle was closed for road works

Well, I'm afraid of heights and so is the wife but we were determined to walk it to the end. It goes out quite far. We made it up and back just fine. We talked to people fishing and it was actually relaxing. We gonna go again and look for whales and Dolphins or what we can see next time. It is an amazing view.

Lots of great places to stop as well as the pier loved it there very beautiful

Very easy to get to off Hwy 1. There is no entrance fee. Parking is free. Dogs are not allowed on the pier. There is a picnic area with tables and seats on the beach front. Fishing is allowed from the pier. Area is well maintained.

Lots of parking and restrooms available. Easy walk to the beach and down the pier. At the end of the pier it has a bench to sit down and enjoy the view, But unfortunately they are doing some type of construction so it is partly sectioned off making the bench unavailable. People fish off the pier and we're catching fish the afternoon we went.

It's our favorite pier. Beautiful view of Hearst Castle.. and oh yea, you never know what you're gonna catch!! plus, still a hidden gem so not nearly the amount of people around. Can check out these catches (and releases!) at: @Mr.andMrs.Catfish - get fishing!

I'm torn about this one, On one hand you have access to the beach that seems private since there weren't too many people in the water. You have a long pier that does need some work maybe cosmetic and foundational, and it is just across the way from Hearst Castle. There were some people there fishing... Seemed very peaceful and quiet

If you are near Hearst Castle, Elephant Seal Beach or Cambria this pier is one to check out. It's beautiful, historic and picturesque. There are seats on the pier and free fishing from there if you don't have a fishing, make sure to check your limits. I like to hang out at the very end as I am "ON TOP OF THE WORLD" Titanic. There is a museum there, restrooms, beach to swim at and even rent canoes. Free parking, picnic tables and a small market. Enjoy the view!!!

beautiful area. quiet, not too busy. there's a little trail just off the beach that goes along the cliffs under the shade of the eucalyptus. the pier is actually closed. may no longer be structurally sound