If you’ve ever Googled "where is the Hearst Mansion located," you probably noticed something weird. You get two different pins on the map that are nowhere near each other. One is a sprawling, hilltop castle overlooking the Pacific, and the other is a legendary party palace in the heart of Beverly Hills.
It's confusing. Honestly, even locals get them swapped.
When people talk about "the" Hearst Mansion, they’re usually thinking of Hearst Castle in San Simeon. But if you're a movie buff who remembers the horse head scene in The Godfather, you're actually thinking of the Hearst Estate in Beverly Hills. Both were owned by the same media mogul, William Randolph Hearst, but they serve completely different vibes.
Let’s get the geography straight once and for all.
The Big One: Hearst Castle (San Simeon, CA)
If you want the full "citizen kane" experience, you have to drive to the Central Coast. Specifically, Hearst Castle is located at 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452.
It’s basically halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is not a quick "pop-in" trip. From LA, you're looking at a solid four to five-hour drive up Highway 101 and Highway 1. From San Francisco, it’s about the same. It sits high up on a ridge that Hearst called La Cuesta Encantada—The Enchanted Hill.
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Why this location matters
Hearst didn't just pick a random hill. His father, George Hearst, bought the original 40,000 acres in 1865. By the time William got his hands on it, the ranch grew to 250,000 acres. He spent nearly 30 years building it with architect Julia Morgan.
- The Main House: Known as Casa Grande, it has 115 rooms.
- The Pools: The Neptune Pool (outdoor) and the Roman Pool (indoor) are legendary.
- The Zoo: He used to have the world's largest private zoo here. Even today, if you drive by on Highway 1, you might actually see zebras grazing with the cattle. It’s wild.
The Famous One: The Hearst Estate (Beverly Hills)
Now, if you’re looking for the house where John F. Kennedy spent his honeymoon or where Beyonce filmed Black Is King, you’re looking for the Beverly Hills spot.
This one is located at 1011 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
It’s tucked away just a few blocks north of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Unlike the San Simeon castle, which is now a State Historical Monument you can tour, the Beverly Hills mansion is a private residence. You can’t just walk in and ask for a tour. Well, you could, but security would probably have a word.
The Beverly Hills Backstory
Hearst moved here in 1947 when his health started failing and he couldn't handle the remote nature of San Simeon anymore. He lived here with his companion, actress Marion Davies.
It’s built in a "H" shape, which is kinda fitting for Hearst. It recently sold for around $63 million to investor Nicolas Berggruen, who has been working on restoring it. People often call this "The Godfather House" because of its starring role in the movie, but it’s also been in The Bodyguard and The Jerk.
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Which one are you actually looking for?
It depends on what you want to do.
If you want to see Greek statues, 16th-century Spanish ceilings, and a pool that looks like it belongs to an Emperor, go to San Simeon. You have to book a tour through the California State Parks system. It’s a museum now. You park at the bottom of the hill, take a bus up, and feel like you've stepped back into the 1920s.
If you’re doing a celebrity home tour in LA, you’ll only see the Beverly Hills gates. It’s a massive property—about 3.5 acres in one of the most expensive zip codes on earth—but it’s a residence. You’ll see the tall hedges and the driveway, but that’s about it.
Quick Location Comparison
| Feature | Hearst Castle (San Simeon) | Hearst Estate (Beverly Hills) |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon | 1011 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills |
| Current Status | State Park / Museum | Private Residence |
| Public Access | Yes (Ticketed Tours) | No (View from street only) |
| Best For | History, Architecture, Views | Movie Trivia, Celebrity Sightseeing |
| Famous For | Neptune Pool, Zebras | The Godfather, JFK Honeymoon |
What most people get wrong about the location
The biggest mistake is thinking you can see both in one day.
I’ve seen tourists in Los Angeles think they can "swing by" Hearst Castle after lunch. You can't. It’s a 230-mile trek. If you're staying in LA and want to see the real castle, you need to dedicate a full day, or better yet, stay overnight in Cambria or San Simeon.
Another thing? The weather. San Simeon is coastal. It gets foggy and cold, even in the summer. Beverly Hills is typical LA—usually sunny and dry. If you’re heading up the coast, bring a jacket. I’ve seen way too many people shivering in shorts at the Visitor Center because they thought "California" meant "Beach Weather" everywhere.
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How to actually visit Hearst Castle
Since you can actually go inside the San Simeon location, here is the move:
- Book in advance: Seriously. Tours sell out weeks ahead, especially the Grand Rooms Tour (the best one for first-timers).
- Pick your tour: There are different ones for the upstairs suites, the kitchens, and even night tours where people dress in period costumes.
- The Zebra Watch: Keep your eyes peeled on the right side of Highway 1 (if driving north) about a mile before the castle entrance. They are descendants of Hearst’s original private zoo.
- Stop in Cambria: It’s a tiny town about 10 minutes south with great food and better vibes than the touristy spots right at the castle base.
Moving forward with your trip
If you're planning to see the San Simeon location, check the official California State Parks website for "Hearst Castle" to see if the Neptune Pool is currently filled. They occasionally drain it for maintenance, and trust me, you don't want to miss that turquoise water. If you're just hunting for the Beverly Hills house, set your GPS for the Beverly Hills Hotel and then head north on Beverly Drive; you'll find the gates easily, just respect the neighbors' privacy.