Hearst Castle

This palatial estate spans 127 acres and features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, and some of the world’s most valuable art collections housed in a Mediterranean Revival-style castle. The Neptune Pool alone cost $10 million and holds 345,000 gallons of water, while the indoor Roman Pool is lined with gold-leaf tiles and Venetian glass mosaics. Hearst entertained Hollywood royalty, politicians, and European nobility here from the 1920s through 1947, creating a legendary playground for the rich and famous.

Tours must be booked in advance, especially during peak season, and run year-round except Christmas. The Grand Rooms Tour covers the main highlights in about 45 minutes, while specialty tours dive deeper into gardens, upstairs suites, or evening experiences. The visitor center at the bottom of the hill has exhibits and a giant-screen theater. Parking fills up on weekends, so arrive early or book afternoon tours when crowds thin out.

America's most extravagant castle on the Central Coast