During a recent trip along the Pacific Coast Highway I finally took the time to visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. It was one of those places I've heard about for years but was never able to fit a tour into my schedule. Thankfully, I can now say that I've been there and can promise that this is a place you absolutely have to see in person - at least once.
However chances are you'll want to see it more than once! Each guided tour only explores a small portion of the gigantic property and you'll leave wanting to see more of it. It's impossible to comprehend just how massive the place is until you start to actually walk through it.
Here are just some of the some crazy fun facts about Hearst Castle!
1. There are 165 rooms in Hearst Castle!
The first question most guests ask when they arrive for their tour is how many rooms are in Hearst Castle? The answer is a shocking 165 rooms! Of those 165 rooms in Hearst Castle, 56 are bedrooms!
2. The outdoor pool is basically a Roman Bath
The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle was designed to look exactly like an ancient Roman bath. And it does - complete with columns and classical statues—including Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.The pool holds about 345,000 gallons of water, making it feel more like a small lake than a backyard pool.
During the legendary weekend parties that William Hearst would host - guests would lounge by the pool and enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Coast.
Hearst wasn't satisfied initially with the design and changed his mind several times before getting it just the way he wanted it.
3. Hearst Castle was never actually finished.
It took nearly 30 years to complete Hearst Castle and it still wasn’t finished. Construction began in 1919 and continued until Hearst’s death in 1951. Even then, parts of the castle were never completed.
When you think of how they had to haul everything from equipment to materials all the way up the hill, you can imagine why it was never totally finished.
4. The Billiards Room Was About More Than Just Pool
The room also doubled as a casual hangout space where guests could relax, play cards, and socialize away from the more formal areas of the house. By design, the spacious gathering spot was meant to be more relaxing for guests as opposed to the more formal and regal parts of the estate.
Hearst loved getting people into groups for conversation and recreation. It was all about people watching and hopefully getting some good material for his newspapers.
5. Hearst Castle Had Its Own Zoo!
Hearst created what was once the largest private zoo in the world, turning his hilltop estate into a kind of wild kingdom. Beginning in the 1920s, he imported exotic animals from around the globe—including zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, and even big cats—many of which roamed in spacious enclosures across the surrounding ranchland.
The zoo wasn’t just for display; it was meant to entertain Hearst’s high-profile guests and add a sense of spectacle to their visits. Although the zoo no longer exists today, one of its most charming legacies remains: descendants of the original zebras can still occasionally be seen grazing along the nearby hillsides.
6. The Dining Room Had Strict Rules
All of the guests were expected to attend dinner and had to be dressed up. (No sweat pants or bluejeans!) If you showed up late - you weren't served dinner.
7. The Guest Houses Look Like Mansions
When you arrive on a guided tour of Hearst Castle you'll likely gather with your group beneath the terrace of one of Hearst's guest homes. Many people (including me!) initially thought this was part of the castle because it's so grand. It's just one of the guest houses on the property.
Lots of famous people have stayed in the building - including Walt Disney!
