Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is a popular tourist destination located in San Simeon, California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The estate was once owned by William Randolph Hearst, a famous publisher and media mogul, and is now a museum and historical monument open to the public.
There are several good reasons to visit Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, including its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and impressive art collection. Visitors can take guided tours of the estate's main house and explore the surrounding grounds, which include a large swimming pool, a tennis court, and several other buildings.
Some specific points of interest to see at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument include the Neptune Pool, a massive outdoor pool that is currently being restored, and the Hearst Castle Theater, which features a short film about the history of the estate.
Interesting facts about the area include that the estate was originally built in the 1920s and 1930s and was once home to an impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman art. The estate also played host to many famous guests, including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable.
The best time of year to visit Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, visitors should be aware that the estate is closed on major holidays and during periods of inclement weather.
Overall, Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, or architecture. With its stunning beauty and rich history, it is a true gem of the California coast.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
San Semoen State Park Campground
|
||
San Simeon State Park
|
||
Elk
|
||
San Carpoforo
|
||
Turkey Springs Camp
|
||
Lottie Potrero
|
William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach
San Simeon Beach State Park
Los Padres National Forest
Wilderness Silver Peak
Shamel Park