Exploring the grandeur of Hearst Castle on a private day trip from San Francisco is an unforgettable experience. Visitors can enjoy the opulent mansions, stunning gardens, and impressive art collections at their own pace. With round-trip transportation and a guided tour included, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover one of California’s most iconic landmarks. While lunch and alcoholic beverages are not provided, the trip promises an unparalleled opportunity to witness the magnificence of this historic estate. Uncover the stories that lie within the castle’s walls and…
Key Points

- Private day trip from San Francisco to explore the iconic Hearst Castle and its gardens, art collections, and mansions without crowds.
- Round-trip transportation provided in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle with complimentary bottled water.
- Includes one guided tour inside the castle, with parking and taxes covered.
- Flexible experience, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
- Tour is non-refundable, and the vehicle is not wheelchair accessible.
Tour Overview

This private Hearst Castle day trip from San Francisco allows visitors to explore the renowned estate‘s gardens, art collections, and mansions without the crowds and constraints of large tour groups.
Guests enjoy private, personalized tours at their own pace, traveling by luxury air-conditioned vehicle for round-trip transportation from select locations in the city.
The experience includes one tour inside the castle, with tips and parking fees covered.
While lunch and alcoholic beverages aren’t included, the tour provides a comfortable, flexible way to take in the grandeur of Hearst Castle.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in San Francisco
Transportation Details

Round-trip transportation from San Francisco is included in the private Hearst Castle day trip.
Pickup and drop-off are available at various locations, including downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, and more. The luxury, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey. Complimentary bottled water is provided.
However, the vehicle isn’t wheelchair accessible and can’t accommodate passengers with disabilities. The trip is non-refundable, and cancellations aren’t allowed.
The vehicle isn’t wheelchair accessible and can’t accommodate passengers with disabilities. The trip is non-refundable, and cancellations aren’t allowed.
Prices start at $1,158 per person, varying based on group size. The private tour and transportation are provided by Golden Horizon Tours.
Inclusions

The private Hearst Castle day trip includes fully guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the gardens, art collections, and mansions at their own pace without the crowds of large tour groups.
Parking and all taxes are included, and guests can choose to be picked up from various locations in downtown San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, Mission District, Nob Hill, Japan Town, Chinatown, or Sausalito.
The luxury air-conditioned vehicle provides complimentary bottled water, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. Tips and gratuities are voluntary, but lunch and alcoholic beverages aren’t included.
Pickup Information

Where would you like to be picked up for the private Hearst Castle day trip?
You’ve got options – the tour includes pickup from downtown San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, Mission District, Nob Hill, Japan Town, Chinatown, or Sausalito.
Just choose your preferred location when booking. The luxury air-conditioned vehicle will then whisk you away on your private tour.
The luxury air-conditioned vehicle will whisk you away on your private tour from your preferred pickup location.
Can’t get to a pickup spot? No problem, you can also head directly to the meeting point in San Francisco.
Either way, you’ll be on your way to explore Hearst Castle at your own pace.
Pricing and Booking

Pricing for this private Hearst Castle day trip starts at $1,158.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.
To book this tour, customers can:
-
Choose their preferred pickup point or head directly to the meeting point in San Francisco.
-
Expect to receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.
-
Note that the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are given for cancellations.
-
Understand that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the vehicles aren’t equipped for passengers with disabilities.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in San Francisco
- The 10 Tastings of San Francisco: Private Food Walking Tour
- Private Transfer: Round Trip Transfer From San Francisco International Airport
- Private San Francisco Sunset Photography Experience
- Private Transfer From San Francisco International Airport to San Francisco Hotel
- San Francisco 3-Hour Private Group Open Top Jeep City Tour
- San Francisco: Private Bike Tour Over the Golden Gate Bridge
Tour Operator

Golden Horizon Tours, the company behind this private Hearst Castle day trip, has been providing high-quality tours and transportation services in the San Francisco Bay Area for over a decade.
They offer fully private guided tours, ensuring guests can explore the castle at their own pace without large crowds. The luxury air-conditioned vehicles provide round-trip transportation from various pickup locations in San Francisco.
With complimentary bottled water and knowledgeable drivers, Golden Horizon Tours delivers a seamless and personalized experience for visitors wanting to discover the beauty and history of Hearst Castle.
Important Considerations

One important consideration for this private Hearst Castle day trip is the physical fitness level required. Guests must have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
The tour includes:
-
Navigating uneven terrain and stairs within the castle.
-
Periods of extended walking between attractions.
-
Minimal wheelchair accessibility.
-
Vehicles not equipped for passengers with disabilities.
Plus, the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are offered for cancellations.
Visitors should plan accordingly and ensure they can comfortably participate in the full-day excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Get to See the Whole Hearst Castle Property?
The tour allows visitors to explore the Hearst Castle at their own pace, but it doesn’t cover the entire property. The guided tours focus on the main mansion, gardens, and selected art collections within the castle grounds.
What if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, you’ll need to inform the tour provider in advance. They’ll accommodate your needs as best they can, but lunch and alcoholic beverages aren’t included in the tour.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Castle?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Hearst Castle, but flash photography and tripods aren’t permitted. It’s best to check with the tour guides for any specific photography guidelines during the visit.
How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?
The tour typically lasts around 4-5 hours, allowing visitors to explore the gardens, art collections, and mansions at their own pace without the constraints of large tour groups. Travelers should plan for a moderate level of physical activity during the visit.
Is There a Gift Shop On-Site to Purchase Souvenirs?
Yes, there’s a gift shop on-site at Hearst Castle where visitors can purchase souvenirs. The gift shop offers a wide variety of items, such as apparel, books, and other memorabilia related to the castle and its history.
The Sum Up
Discover the grandeur of Hearst Castle on a private day trip from San Francisco. Enjoy round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle and explore the stunning gardens, art collections, and opulent mansions at your own pace. This unforgettable adventure includes a guided tour, but lunch and alcoholic beverages are not provided. Book your trip today and experience the splendor of this iconic California landmark.
More Wine Tours in San Francisco
- Amador County Wine Tasting Digital Passport
- From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Tour
- Sonoma Wine Country and Sausalito Private SUV Excursion 7 hours ~
- Small Group: Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour- San Francisco
- Russian River Weekend Wine Tasting & Gourmet Lunch
- 8hr Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour from San Francisco.XL SUV
More Tours in San Francisco
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour
- From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour
- SF: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Save 15%)
- From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Tour
- San Francisco: Holiday Lights and Sights Tour on a Tuk-Tuk
- From San Francisco: Guided Tour to Muir Woods
More Tour Reviews in San Francisco
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour
- American Bookbinders Museum: The Story of the Book
- From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco
- California: SFE Airport Transfer to San Francisco
Still browsing? Here are more San Francisco experiences we've covered recently
- The 14 Best Tours & Experiences In San Francisco
- Which San Francisco Wine Tours To Choose? Our Best 4 Picks
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour
- American Bookbinders Museum: The Story of the Book
- From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco
- California: SFE Airport Transfer to San Francisco
- SF: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Save 15%)
- San Francisco: Explore at Your Own Pace All Day on E-Bike
- San Francisco: Empress Yacht July 4th Fireworks Party Cruise
- Amador County Wine Tasting Digital Passport
