Hearst Castle

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

Opening hours: 09:00-16:00; PH open "closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day"
Wheelchair access: Partly accessible
Phone: +1-800-444-4445

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Hearst Castle, formally known as La Cuesta Encantada ("The Enchanted Hill"), is a sprawling Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival estate on California's Central Coast in San Simeon, conceived by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect Julia Morgan. Built between 1919 and 1947, the castle underwent nearly continuous construction across three decades as Morgan collaborated closely with Hearst to realize his vision of "something a little more comfortable up on the hill"—a vision that evolved into an elaborate museum housing his celebrated collections of European architectural elements, including ceilings, fireplaces, mantels, and even entire monasteries from Spain. Originally intended as a family home, the estate became a glittering social hub hosting Hollywood icons including Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and Clark Gable, alongside political figures such as Calvin Coolidge and Winston Churchill. Today it operates as a California State Park and is designated both a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark.

Architect

Julia Morgan

Movement

Mediterranean Revival architecture Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Built: 1919
Type: mansion, architectural landmark, California state historic park
Heritage: National Register of Historic Places listed place, National Historic Landmark
Place: San Luis Obispo County, United States

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Location

35.68528, -121.16778