Your tour guide/driver will pick you up around 8:45 in the morning and will engage you with fascinating tidbits about local history and point out interesting landmarks as you enjoy your drive over the pristine and rugged Santa Lucia Mountains. Along the way you’ll take in beautiful views of the fog blanketed mountain peaks and the rocky shoreline of the Pacific Ocean as we make our way to William Randolph Hearst’s extravagant vacation home on the ‘Enchanted Hill’.

At the Castle, your guide will pick up your tickets and you’ll quickly begin your guided Grand Rooms Tour, allowing you to enjoy the splendor of the Castle as Hearst and his guests would have. This portion of the tour is NOT private, and operated by the State. On the tour, you’ll visit Hearst’s opulent social rooms on the ground floor of the castle where each evening W.R. Hearst would gather his guests – consisting of the Hollywood elite of the time, influential politicians, famous authors and artists, and other notable figures – for lavish meals and socializing all through the night.

Just north of Hearst Castle, is the famous Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon to witness hundreds of massive elephant seals lounging, sparring, and socializing along the shoreline. This unique coastal experience offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round and a chance to see one of California’s most fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

Lunch (not included) can be customized to match your ideal experience. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the coast paired with a wine tasting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, eat in the charming seaside town of Cambria and visit local art galleries and shops, or return to Paso Robles wine country for lunch at one of the region’s exceptional winery restaurants. Whether you prefer ocean views, small-town charm, or vineyard scenery, we’ll help create the perfect stop to complement your Hearst Castle and wine country adventure.

After lunch, visit a winery on the West side of Paso Robles wine country (not included). Paso Robles is one of California’s most exciting and scenic wine regions, known for its rolling vineyard hills, warm hospitality, and world-class wines. A wine region where dramatic landscapes and Rhône-style wines have earned international acclaim. Every private tour is fully customizable, allowing you to explore boutique family-owned wineries, iconic estates, hidden gems, or tasting rooms tailored to your wine preferences. From bold reds to stunning vineyard views, Paso Robles offers an unforgettable wine country experience.

You'll be dropped off at your accommodations around 5:30p