[…]on the shore of what’s commonly known as “The Cove.” Ethereal, pristine, and uncrowded, San Simeon Cove is the site of many marriage proposals, family picnics, and peaceful solo walks. Centered in the midst of these is the San Simeon Pier, which has its own remarkable history. The pier was […]
[…]1, one of the world’s most scenic drives. There’s always more to explore around the […]
[…]display at the Coastal Discovery Center (CDC) of San Simeon Bay. Explore exhibits bringing to life San Simeon history, diverse marine life and the astounding beauty of coastal Highway 1 all in one dynamic family-friendly destination. Located at the base of the San Simeon Pier at W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach, […]
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. […]
[…]San Simeon With dramatic coastline, mild weather and rugged scenery, San Simeon and Ragged Point offer a beautiful backdrop for your fishing trip. Look for a wide variety of fishing opportunities here, including pier fishing, rock fishing, surf fishing, deep sea fishing and kayak fishing. Yet for all the variety […]
[…]most diverse sea life of all of Highway 1. Here, whales spout and breach within full view of the San Simeon Pier at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach. Dolphins’ dorsal fins dip in and out of the ocean’s surface, and California sea otters float with pups on their bellies. Seabirds […]
[…]ride a success. Check out Cycle Central Coast, a guide to various routes between Ragged Point and San Simeon that local cyclists know and love. CCC makes it easy to choose the right ride for you, with elevation gain, mileage, terrain and maps for each route. Itineraries also include access […]
[…]and the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco. When did the Elephant Seals come to San Simeon, specifically? In 1990, the creatures were observed arriving on the beaches south of San Simeon’s historic Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. By 1996, the number of Northern Elephant Seal pups soared to nearly […]
[…]stunning Pacific Ocean views and a diverse array of cuisines. Enjoy a variety of flavors in San Simeon, including fresh-caught fare, farm-to-table, pub grub, Mexican dishes and more. Home to world famous Hearst Castle, a visit to San Simeon is incomplete without a taste of Hearst Ranch Beef or Hearst […]
[…]mother, Phoebe Hearst. The 90,000-square-foot home and gardens set a tone for arts appreciation in San Simeon in a way that’s unique along Highway 1. As during Hearst’s lifetime, the presence of the ocean influences San Simeon culture profoundly. Here, you’ll find the picturesque William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach […]
[…]Surfing San Simeon to Ragged Point Pico Creek One of the greatest benefits of surfing this spot is its accessibility. You can easily park right at the north end of San Simeon and walk to where the mouth of Pico Creek enters the ocean. This meeting of the creek and […]
The Open Road to San Simeon & Ragged Point Roads to San Simeon and Ragged Point along the North Coast of the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route are open. Here you will discover waterfalls, zebras, pristine beaches, Elephant seals, historic monuments, wine tasting and a castle! In San Simeon and Ragged […]
[…]await… Article Reposted from Roadrippers.com Good things do come in small sizes. Even though San Simeon is less than a mile long, it still packs quite a punch. Every year, the tiny village along Highway 1 lures loads of travelers from around the world to explore its Central California charm. […]
[…]1 Discovery Route. Though rural in nature and tucked along the scenic CA Highway 1 coastal drive, San Simeon and Ragged Point offer must-see history, culture, hiking and lots of curb appeal. Don’t let your summer slip away without experiencing these Must-See Spots in San Simeon and Ragged Point. Grab your cameras, pack the […]
[…]Relaxation in San Simeon & Ragged Point Day Spa and Massage from San Simeon to Ragged Point Enjoy three incredible Highway 1 spa locations tucked along the gorgeous coastal expanse from San Simeon in the south to Ragged Point and the Gateway to Big Sur to the north. Surrounded by […]
[…]elephant seals and an annual pup population that can reach 1,600. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary provides a habitat for 36 different marine mammals, including blue whales. The sanctuary and rookery are but two wildlife wonders in Central California. At the opposite end of the weight and color spectrum, […]
[…]Highway 1 this property is a great spot near the Gateway to Big Sur. It is convenient to all that San Simeon has to offer and includes the service that Choice Hotels is known for. Location Just a few miles south of Ragged Point and Big Sur is the town […]
[…]hotel is conveniently located one block from the beach and two miles from the famed Hearst Castle. San Simeon also serves as a stopping point for elephant seals – a sight not to be missed. This quiet town is also home to great hiking and beaches, plus a coastal winery. […]
[…]Seal Vista Point, a renowned road trip destination located in the idyllic seaside village of San Simeon. As you may have already figured out from the name, this destination is famous for its high concentration of elephant seals, a species that was once driven to the brink of extinction in […]
[…]the definition of Beachfront. It has unobstructed views of the Pacific and overlooks Pico Creek. San Simeon is home to historic Hearst Castle and a herd of zebras that can be seen from Highway 1 near the castle. Just a short drive away is the charming town of Cambria. This […]
[…]best reasons to visit the Central Coast – both at the same spot: the sparkling seaside cove at San Simeon Point, and the hilltop house that Hearst built. For a list of things to do in San Simeon, download a local map here. And for visitors looking to add a […]
[…]views of the ocean and rocky shore. The park includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve, which were established in 1990. A 3.3 mile trail runs through parts of the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Washburn Campground. The trail […]
[…]point for barrels of whale oil, cheese, butter and other commodities on the Central Coast. Old San Simeon Village was flourishing with two hotels, saloons, a blacksmith, a livery stable, a butcher, schools, a depot for a stage travel to Cambria and a telegraph line to San Luis Obispo. In […]
[…]from Highway One as the extended tip of a crescent that begins along a white sand beach called San Simeon Cove. The trail leading out to the point is a magical walk along a wooded path on the bluffs above the beach. Lacy moss dangles from the eucalyptus, pines, cedars, […]
The winds around San Simeon beaches offer an excellent chance to take part in wind sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding. Arroyo Laguna and Pico Creek are favorite spots among locals looking to catch some air. For more information on local conditions or to rent some gear, check in with […]
San Simeon is reliable and popular in the spring among local surfers, with wide beach breaks and chest-high swells. If you’re imagining coming to a San Luis Obispo County beach town and seeing people of all ages in wetsuits and swim suits roaming the beach, walking the pier, admiring the […]
Need help planning your San Simeon escape? Have questions about everything there is to see, do and experience here? Stop by our new Visitor’s Center to learn more about the […]
Highway 1 Discovery Route’s Featured Photo Ocean & Stars, San Simeon Photo by Kyle Chidgey Be a featured photographer on our page! Share your photos on our Facebook page or hashtag #Highway1DiscoveryRoute from Instagram to get discovered! We will feature a new photo every […]
San Luis Obispo County offers endless biking trails. You can find everything from the flattest roads to the most steep, challenging trails. You can bike along much of scenic coastal Highways, Hwy 1 and Hwy 101. Or choose quiet country back roads along the many vineyards throughout the county. Whether […]
[…]the chance to learn or refresh your skills. Looking for a little more excitement? Try kayaking in San Luis Bay alongside the cliffs of Avila Beach. No matter where you choose, kayaking on the Central Coast will be a delightful adventure. The moderate climate of this region creates a perfect […]
We offer ocean views from every table. Our menu has a variety of fresh foods from exquisite appetizers, to fulfilling main courses, and tasty desserts. In addition, our restaurant is well known for our premium steaks, seafood, and our diverse selections of […]
[…]of Olallieberry Pie at Linn’s Restaurant in Cambria, or hunt for seaglass at Moonstone Beach. In San Simeon, W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach beckons with its quiet cove and informative Coastal Discovery Center. And Mr. Hearst’s Spanish revival estate, Hearst Castle, welcomes visitors in, just across the road. Ride the […]
[…]the way, don’t forget to visit the Elephant Seals at the Elephant Seal Rookery just north of San Simeon. There, you can see one of the largest populations of these majestic creatures in the world. Toasting to a day of exploring along Highway […]
[…]along the San Luis Obispo County stretch of Highway 1. Visit Piedras Blancas Light Station, in San Simeon, for another glimpse into the past. Take a tour of the property, observe its working beacon, and enjoy wide views of the wild Pacific Ocean. With its rich history of commerce, trade, […]
[…]towns, world-class wineries, delicious food, and stunning scenery. But after a recent trip to San Simeon and Cambria (a super easy four-hour drive from SF), we can promise we won’t be doing that anymore. Simply put: this coastal area is stunning. And what makes it even more amazing is that […]
[…]Simeon The San Simeon landscape has captured visitors’ imaginations dating back to the time of the indigenous Chumash people, millennia ago. Colored gold or green depending on the season, San Simeon’s broad hills tumble into the Pacific Ocean below. This view became a particular favorite of media magnate William Randolph […]
[…]over the Cuesta Grade from San Luis Obispo to Santa Margarita, and you’ll pass the turnoffs for hiking Cuesta Ridge. This trail runs laterally along the Santa Lucia Mountains, cutting into the range to the east, and rolling down a saddle to the west. The trail is split by the […]
[…]a more relaxed nightlife experience is usually preferred. If you’d like to experience downtown San Luis Obispo’s exciting bar scene sans the boisterous crowds, we’ve got you covered. Allow us to show you an array of chill beer gardens and friendly taverns featuring everything from live local music to trivia […]
[…]Carpoforo Creek Beach Access is the northernmost portion of the state-owned properties in Hearst San Simeon State Park. A portion of this beach is also in Los Padres National Forest and it’s signed that way at the trailhead. On the north side of the Highway 1 bridge over San Carpoforo Creek […]
[…]July 25, 1797. Almost two years earlier, the site was selected to close the gap between Mission San Antonio and Mission San Luis Obispo. It was a beautiful spot on the Salinas River called Vahca by the natives, Las Pozas by the Spaniards or "The Wells". The mission was to be named for the "Most […]
[…]necessary steps to cause the reservation for Light House purposes of an area of land at Point San Luis.” The first pier at Port San Luis was built the next year. Congressman Romaldo Pacheco of San Luis Obispo introduced a bill in 1877 to build a lighthouse at Point San Luis. Construction would […]
[…]on Wednesdays and Saturdays year round. Reservation Needed: Yes, tickets can be purchased at PointSanLuisLighthouse.org The Point San Luis Lighthouse was purchased from the Federal Government by the Port San Luis Harbor District in 1992. In 1995, the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers non-profit was formed, made up of a group […]
[…]land, was displaced as the Spanish introduced land ownership and ranching. The development of Port San Luis and its important shipping industry coincided with the increasing settlement of the area during the nineteenth century. To maintain a safe port, the Point San Luis Lighthouse and breakwater were constructed in 1890. […]
[…]opportunities. And nearby Harford Pier is a great spot for whale watching. Explore further to find San Luis Obispo (and Bubblegum Alley!) to the north. Just to the south is popular Pismo Beach with its own historic pier. Layout Casa San Miguelito is a three bedroom, one bath cottage. Each […]
[…]a journey to the area. On September 1, 1772 he celebrated the first Mass with a cross erected near San Luis Creek. The next day he departed for San Diego, leaving Fr. Jose Cavaller with the difficult task of building the mission. Fr. Cavaller, five soldiers and two neophytes began […]
[…]also extending our hours for your convenience to be open seven days a week. So whether you live in San Luis Obispo County, have grandchildren visiting or are spending your vacation on the beautiful Central Coast, we hope you’ll check out all the fun we have in store for you […]
[…]your trip by learning more about our Stewardship Travel program. Stewardship travel for good The San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens welcome volunteers of all ages to jump in and help. You can get dirty with the garden crew, purchase native and drought-tolerant plants from the plant shop, peruse the reference […]