Hearst Castle: History Along California Coastal Highway Print


If your dreams include winning and spending a billion-dollar sweepstakes, you may want to visit the majestic estate of the late billionaire William Randolph Hearst. It can give you ideas on how to build a comfy little home.

He wasn’t happy about being portrayed in Orson Welles’ historic movie, Citizen Kane, but his reputation for showy wealth still lingers in Hearst Castle. Constructed in the 1920s, the enormous estate is located inland of the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

During Hearst’s occupancy until the 1950s, his visitor list included Hollywood stars, business tycoons and political leaders. The buildings, pools and grounds contain many historic artifacts from all over the world. However, senior movie history buffs won’t find the sled Rosebud there. For visiting hours, fees and other info, hearstcastle.org/tour-hearst-castle/daily-tours