Summary of the Hearst Castle Night Tour Experience
- Alternative Tour Options: Discover a more intimate experience at Hearst Castle through lesser-known night tours.
- Tour Specifics: Learn about the key features and attractions included in the night tour.
- Holiday Night Tours: Find out about special seasonal tours that showcase the castle’s festive decorations.
- Ticket Purchasing: Learn the best strategies for securing tickets for the desired tour dates.
There’s a better way to see Hearst Castle than the typical day tours when the immense house feels like a museum. Guides lead big groups of visitors past lifeless surroundings and talk about their history. However, they’re so busy that they may not even wait for everyone to catch up before starting their spiel.
Don’t despair. There’s a more intimate option to see the Hearst Castle: go on a night tour. Groups are smaller, and the warm lighting alongside docents in 1930s costumes brings the enormous house to life. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a party that Mr. Hearst just left, with women sipping martinis over their card game and reporters typing their stories in the comfort of their bedrooms.
It’s easy to envision being at “the ranch” where Hearst lived and entertained with his long-time girlfriend, actress Marion Davies. Their illustrious guests included Hollywood stars, politicians, and dignitaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Charles Lindbergh, and Winston Churchill. One of the most delightful fantasies is to imagine sitting by the pool with a charming movie star while servants bring refreshments.
To relish this experience, you should visit at the right time of year. Specifically, Friday and Saturday evenings in spring and fall, or most days from mid-November until the end of the year, are ideal. You can find the current night tour schedule on the Hearst Castle website.
Tour Specifics
The Hearst Castle Night Tour lasts just over two hours, including the round-trip bus ride from the Visitor Center. This tour covers many of the same locations as daytime visits, including the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the largest guest house, living quarters, kitchen, and Hearst’s private spaces. Unique to the Night Tour, guests can enjoy a 1930s newsreel as part of the experience.
Holiday Night Tour
From mid-November until just after New Year’s Day, night tours are frequently scheduled. The Holiday Twilight Tours present an opportunity to witness the castle adorned for Christmas, featuring an 18-foot-tall tree and a multitude of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Getting Tickets
Hearst Castle Night Tours are available in spring and fall, with Holiday Twilight Tours conducted from mid-November straight through January 2. You can reserve tickets online via Reserve California, up to two months in advance. While it might require patience to navigate their system, use the ‘Find Tours’ feature in the upper left corner instead of relying on the ‘Enter Date’ button. If the selected tour date is sold out, opt for the “next available” option, or call 1-800-444-7275 for assistance.
While taking the Night Tour is highly recommended, don’t miss the chance to see the Castle during daylight, as this offers stunning views. The night tour includes highlights from the Experience, Upper Floors of Casa Grande, and Garden tours. Therefore, aim to choose a tour that highlights different aspects of the castle.
Moreover, allocate time to watch the “Building the Dream” film at the Hearst Castle Theater before your visit to gain thorough insight into the history and architecture of this magnificent estate. Although this film isn’t included in the night tour price, discounted tickets are available for night tour guests.
