A intro of Hearst Castle:
William Randolph Hearst told architect Julia Morgan in 1919: "Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something." Thirty years later, that little something had grown to 165 rooms set amidst 127 acres of gardens and terraces. Hearst lived and entertained at San Simeon with his long-time girlfriend, actress Marion Davies. Their guests included Hollywood stars, politicians, and dignitaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Charles Lindbergh, and Winston Churchill. Tonight, we pretend we've received an invitation to come to "the ranch." We're taking the Hearst Castle Night Tour, featuring docents in 1930s costumes posing as Hearst's guests. During the day, the immense house feels like a museum, with guides leading visitors past lifeless surroundings and talking about their history. At night, warm lighting and people in the rooms - women sipping martinis over their card game, reporters typing their days' stories in their bedrooms and lovers strolling the grounds - bring the massive house alive.
The nighttime tour in my opinion is the best tour I've ever been on. When you arrive your greeted by the tour guide who leads you thru the castle, giving facts about the castle residents and history. But what surprised me was the "Living Docents". They fit the part and made the castle come alive, like it must have been in the 30's. The rooms/furnishing are extravagant and pictures can’t do them justice.
This is my favorite Hearst Castle tour. If you plan to take it, and you have time, you may want to see the Castle during daylight, too. Hearst Castle Evening Tour (spring and fall, most Friday and Saturday evenings). Tours Three or Four are the best daytime complements to the evening tour because they overlap the least.
Docents in period clothing act as Hearst's guests and staff. Early 1930s newsreel. Four guest rooms flanked by open walkways The Library - books, Greek vase collection. Hearst's private suite, the entire third floor of the Hearst Castle Pantry/Kitchen - food preparation area 18-room guest cottage.
After the nighttime tour we took a nighttime stroll to top off the evening. It was a wonderful way to end the day.