Welcome to San Simeon

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Come experience the rich history of San Simeon and William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach. Old San Simeon above the cove offers a wealth of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, the foodie, or the vista-hunter. Old San Simeon is built on the shoreline known for its whaling in the 1800s. While walking in Old San Simeon, stroll to the 800-foot San Simeon Pier to fish, watch for wildlife, or take in a sunset. The pier overlooks William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, a protected area that offers picnic tables, barbecue grill stands and restrooms. Wildlife is abundant in the area with frequent sightings of sea otters, elephant seals, seabirds and migrating humpback whales. For lunch, grab a burger and beer at Sebastian’s Cafe, or wine tasting next door at award-winning Hearst Ranch Winery, just a stone’s throw from the beach. Looking for a hike? The easy-moderate San Simeon Bay Trail takes you through coastal forests and out to secluded vistas.

While in San Simeon, experience the grandeur of Hearst Castle. In its heyday, Hearst Castle hosted celebrities―from Charlie Chaplin to Greta Garbo―as well as journalists, entrepreneurs and politicians like Calvin Coolidge and Winston Churchill. And now? You. Careful preservation of this lavish hilltop estate affords a view into the life and times of its owner, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The castle was designed by groundbreaking architect Julia Morgan and built between 1919 and 1947, Hearst called it “La Cuesta Encantada,” Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill.” Today, the 127-acre complex welcomes visitors to explore its main building, three guest houses, gardens, fountains, pools and artwork, and artifacts as a California State Park. Hearst Castle hosts a variety of tours (some of which are ADA-accessible), including a Grand Rooms Tour, Upstairs Suites Tour, Cottages & Kitchens Tour, and Evening Tours (spring and fall only). Tours depart and return from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center, where guests can enjoy dining options, gift shops, an art gallery, a free exhibition on the extraordinary life of William Randolph Hearst, and a five-story IMAX theater showing the film “Hearst Castle – Building the Dream.”

San Simeon boasts the largest free viewing area of Elephant Seals in California.  One of the most entertaining attractions, the Elephant Seal Rookery is where pods of northern elephant seals come ashore to mate, give birth, molt and rest. One of the most exciting times at the rookery? December, when bulls fight for proximity and attention from females, as well as the end of January when birthing season peaks. Docents with Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal are regularly on-hand to answer questions about the fascinating life cycle of the elephant seal, and interpretive signs give insight into the rookery and its inhabitants. For more information, a visitor’s center and gift shop are located eight miles south at Plaza del Cavalier in San Simeon.

Visit one of the best lighthouse tours in California at Piedras Blancas Lightstation. Tour this landmark lightstation, a remnant from the days when this stretch of coast was critical to the region’s economy. Named after the white rocks that threatened the safety of passing ships, Piedras Blancas is a historic park with a lightstation overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation. Part of the California Coastal National Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Piedras Blancas is also a wildlife sanctuary where seabirds, elephant seals and humpback whales can be viewed when in season.

Things to do in San Simeon

Come experience San Simeon like the locals.

Where to Stay in San Simeon

Plan your stay at one of the many hotels or vacation rentals in San Simeon.

Ragged Point Inn and Resort is the place to stay on this stretch of Highway 1, just south of Big Sur with the best views in California.  More Details
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is the only oceanfront hotel in San Simeon. Located on Highway 1, this hotel offers stunning views. More Details
Tuscan Villa is the perfect combination of ocean and mountain views. This San Simeon vacation rental is in an exclusive neighborhood. More Details
Ever want to sit on a beachfront deck and let the sound of the ocean take you away? Striking Oceanfront is just what you're looking for. More Details
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San Simeon Travel Videos

Events in San Simeon

Plan your next roadtrip to San Simeon around events and happenings.

Apr
22
Wine 4 Paws
April 22 to April 23, 2023
San Luis Obispo County
Pet loving wine drinkers can help our four-legged friends by visiting ANY of the participating wineries throughout the weekend, when a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Woods Humane Society!
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Sep
17
Eroica Vintage Bicycle Ride
September 17, 2023
Cambria
Eroica returns to the Central Coast for Spring of 2022!
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Where to Eat in San Simeon

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The Manta Rey Restaurant makes its home in San Simeon, two miles from Hearst Castle with stunning views of the coastline and the evening sunset. More Details
Whether you’ve come for a romantic dinner, an inspiring business lunch, or a delicious breakfast break from your Highway 1 vacation, our restaurant is sure to please. More Details
Order online and have Hearst Ranch Beef delivered to your doorstep or visit the kiosk at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. More Details
Celebrating 30 years of fine food More Details
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More to Explore on Highway 1

Check out these other amazing places on the Highway 1 Road Trip in San Luis Obispo County.

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