Private Hearst Castle Day Trip from San Francisco
Active
12h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step back in time and explore the legendary Hearst Castle in California, a stunning hilltop estate with unmatched grandeur. Visit one of the property’s four magnificent mansions: La Casa Grande, Casa del Sol, Casa del Monte, or La Casa del Mar. With 165 rooms, 127 acres of lush gardens, and jaw-dropping pools and walkways, Hearst Castle is a masterpiece designed to showcase the media mogul’s extensive art collection and unique architectural vision.
On your private tour, experience Hearst’s incredible collection of ancient art, sculptures, and antiques—still one of the most impressive in the world. A knowledgeable state park guide will accompany you on a 1-hour guided walking tour, with options like the Grand Rooms Tour (perfect for first-time visitors) or the Upstairs Suites Tour (for those ready to explore even more of the estate).
Get ready to immerse yourself in history, luxury, and artistry with this unforgettable journey!
Available options
Private SUV Tour
Private Tour By SUV <br/>Pickup included
Private Tour by Van
Private Tour by Van <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Fully private guided tours in luxury vehicles , parking, all taxes and pickup/drop off included
Bottled water
Complimentary pickup and drop off anywhere in downtown San Francisco, Fisherman’ Wharf, Presidio
Air-conditioned vehicle
One tour inside Hearst Castle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Hearst Castle 1-Day Tour Overview/Itinerary: Pick-up at 7.30am in San Francisco. Drive for about 4.5 hours to get to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. 12.30 pm Approx.-stop for lunch break in Cambria or in San Simeon. At 1.30 PM we check you in at the H. Castle Visitor Center where you will board a bus and start your 5-mile ascent to the Castle. “The Grand Rooms Group Guided Tour” is 60 minutes long and with 145 steps +2/3-mile walk (up /down). If you have mobility issues, pls let us know in advance. This is the best tour option for first-time visitors- see the main building called Casa Grande: the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room, and Theater. After you have finished touring, board the bus to head back to the Visitor Center to watch the IMAX movie “Building the Dream,” a biographical film about William Hearst and Hearst Castle. Afterwards, we will head back to San Francisco on Highway 101 & drive for another 4.5 hours to get back to SF between 7 pm and 8 pm approx.
What's not included
Sorry, we cannot transport passengers with disabilities as our vehicles are not equipped for that
Tips/gratuities are voluntary payments to your guides as a gesture of appreciation for good service
Lunch
Alcoholic Beverages
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Complimentary pickup and drop off anywhere in downtown San Francisco, Fisherman’ Wharf, Presidio, Mission District, Nob Hill, Japan town, Chinatown, Sausalito. Other location maybe added as well
Our policy regarding passengers with disabilities: Sorry, our vehicles are not equipped for passengers with disabilities and therefore, our commercial insurance doesn’t allow us to transport persons with any kind of disabilities for the sake of their own safety and well-being
Meeting point
Anywhere in San Francisco, Fisherman's wharf and in Silicon Valley
Important notes
Please simply show your private tour guide a proof of this tour reservation upon the pickup at your hotel or home in San Francisco. We offer a complimentary pickup and drop off anywhere in downtown San Francisco or Fisherman’ Wharf.
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
