Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument - map and other informations

The Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is a must-visit location for any traveler to California. This iconic park was established in 1958, and it covers approximately 370 acres. The park is located in San Simeon, a picturesque coastal community situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the scenic Pacific Highway 1.

The Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is known for being the former home of William Randolph Hearst, the infamous media mogul of the early 20th century. The park boasts a breathtaking grand mansion called the Hearst Castle, which was built by William Randolph Hearst himself between 1919 and 1947. Today, the Hearst Castle serves as a museum that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The Hearst Castle is a 68,500 square foot, 115-room estate filled with priceless art and artifacts. Visitors can marvel at amazing displays of fine art, tapestries, sculptures, and antiques from Hearst's personal collection. The estate also features beautifully maintained gardens, luxurious pools, and world-class art galleries.

Aside from the Hearst Castle, the park also offers an array of outdoor activities. Visitors can take scenic hikes on various trails, including the well-known 3.8 mile-long Estate Walk, which takes guests through different gardens and around the Neptune Pool. Those who enjoy camping can spend the night at the San Simeon Creek Campground situated nearby, where you can enjoy the coastal views and wildlife.

For animal lovers, the park includes a wide variety of exotic creatures that live there. Zebras, antelopes, and other critters were released from the Hearst estate's private zoo in the 1930s and now roam freely on the 55,000-acre property. Your family will have a great time on the tour bus riding around the private property observing these animals.

The park rangers offer a wide range of guided tours for visitors to explore and understand the history of the park. Some of the tours available include the standard Grand Rooms Tour, Upstairs Suites Tour, and the Cottages & Kitchen Tour. With each new tour, visitors can learn more about the life of William Randolph Hearst and the people who once lived on the property.

At the end of your visit, travelers can visit the visitor center that showcases artifacts used to build the Hearst Castle. They can browse the park's gift shops and enjoy refreshments in one of the cafes or picnic tables.

In conclusion, the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is a fantastic place to visit. From the grandeur of the Hearst Castle to the scenic views on a hike, visitors will appreciate the opportunity to experience the beauty and history of this park. With guided tours, wildlife sightings, and beautiful gardens, the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument offers visitors a unique peek into the past and a glimpse into one of America's most illustrious families.