Back to Home page Annual Events Upcoming Events Events by Catergory Beaches Free things to do Sightseeing Hearst Castle Arts & Culture Family Fun Nightlife & Entertainment Farmers' Market Driving Tours Recreation Hike SLO Walking Tours Biking Tours Ag/Eco Tours Spas Weddings Cal Poly & Cuesta College Geocaching Concerts   Limousine Services Rental Car Service Tour Operators North Coast Restaurants The National Geographic Theater (located at Hearst Castle)	Hearst Castle “Where Hollywood stars and the San Francisco elite were brought together by perhaps the only man colossal enough to stand astride both worlds.” — Sunset magazine Imagine a sprawling castle with golden swimming pools overlooking extensive ranchlands and a rugged coastline.  A castle filled with ceilings from monasteries, Byzantine tapestries, Spanish and Italian art, fireplaces from Gothic castles and Egyptian statues. Now imagine that you are in the heart of California's Central Coast, just a short drive North from San Luis Obispo. Welcome to Hearst Castle, the media-mogul mansion that is now a California state park open to the public. Publishing powerhouse William Randolph Hearst's historic and extensive lifestyle turned this beautiful landscape into the must-see landmark reminiscent of a bygone era. From plans of renowned architect Julia Morgan, craftsmen labored nearly 28 years on the magnificent 250,000-acre estate that included 12 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, 165 rooms in four houses and even a zoo. Ceilings from monasteries, Byzantine tapestries, Spanish and Italian art, fireplaces from Gothic castles and Egyptian statues serve as proof of Hearst's undying dedication to making his home a palace like no other. Visit the castle to see what it was like to live like a 1920s high-roller or classic movie star.   Visiting and Tours For ticket information call 1-800-444-4445 or visit www.hearstcastle.org or call/visit the SLO Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center (805) 781-2777 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 1039 Chorro St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. There are six separate tours that highlight various parts of the castle and gardens. Tour 1, the Experience Tour, is recommended for first-time visitors and includes the movie “Building a Dream,” the life story of William Randolph Hearst. If you choose Tour 1, plan to be on the hill for about an hour and 45 minutes between both the movie and the tour. The castle is located 45 miles north of San Luis Obispo, so be sure to leave SLO at least an hour before your scheduled tour time. Located at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center is the National Geographic Theater. Its iWERKS screen is eight times the size of conventional movie screens and the theater is equipped with seven-channel digital surround sound, giving you a most amazing experience while viewing the breathtaking images presented in the film. Visit www.ngtheater.com for additional information. The Enchanted Hill Hearst's La Cuesta Encantada - The Enchanted Hill - is home to the newspaper magnate's Hearst Castle, now a public museum.  From the plans of renowned architect Julia Morgan, craftsmen labored nearly 28 years on the magnificent 250,000 acre estate that included 12 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, 165 rooms in four houses and even a zoo. Located at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center, The National Geographic Theater is must see! Its iWERKS screen is eight time the size of conventional movie screens and the theater is equipped with 7-channel digital surround sound, giving you a most amazing experience while viewing the breathtaking images presented in the film. Visit www.ngtheater.com for additional information.