San Simeon

Travel Guide

Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com
Ragged Point which includes a bay or harbour, landscape views and rugged coastline
San Simeon Pier as well as children
San Simeon showing marine life
Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com

As the half-way stop between LA and San Francisco, this Big Sur beach destination is the perfect place to take a break and recharge.

San Simeon, along California’s rugged Big Sur coastal stretch, is a beach destination with a difference. While you can certainly swim or surf in its sheltered cove or fish from its pier, most people drop by to see its preserved “castle” and meet its fascinating elephant seals.

San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, sits between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Both cities are about 230 miles (370 kilometers) away along Highway One.

Once part of a hugeranchorun by Mexican owners, the land was bought by the rich miner George Hearst in 1865. He soon expanded his ranch and built a wharf with a warehouse on the coast.

Visit the family’s impressive estate, Hearst Castle, on former “Camp Hill.” When his home was finished, Hearst renamed it “the Enchanted Hill” and with its mansions and views it isn’t hard to see why. Take a tour of the century-old complex and admire the Roman and Neptune pools in the gardens. Don’t miss the impressive Gothic Study in the Casa Grande, the main mansion.

Afterwards, throw a line in from the 850-foot (260-meter) San Simeon Pier or take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. The waters of Simeon Cove lend themselves to kayaking and surfing. Body boards can be rented locally, too. The day-use area of the William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach has picnic tables and barbecues, so bring your own supplies for a seaside lunch. Afterwards, stretch your legs by roaming the beach or by following the nearby trail up to the pine trees for lofty ocean views.

Just to the north of the park is the also free-to-access Piedras Blancas Rookery where there are northern elephant seals. Watch these odd-looking creatures doze, scratch, play and swim. While in the area, also tour the 19th-century Piedras Blancas Light Station.

Hotels line the highway on either side in San Simeon. In Cambria, just to the south, you can find many more accommodations as well as restaurants, shops and family attractions. This area may not have five-star hotels and services, but it’s a charming, laid-back region to visit, with some of the best beaches of the Big Sur.

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The price is CA $201 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $201
CA $226 total
May 26 - May 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,553 reviews)
"Great 3 night stay"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Ragged Point Inn and Resort
3 out of 5
19019 Highway 1, Ragged Point, San Simeon, CA
The price is CA $208 per night from May 14 to May 15
CA $208
CA $234 total
May 14 - May 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"The property has an amazing ocean view"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
3.5 out of 5
9135 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The price is CA $137 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $137
CA $154 total
May 27 - May 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,217 reviews)
"This hotel is so relaxing. I usually get a Jr. Suite, but i have learned that each one is different, so when you find a room you like remeber it and request it."

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lofts at The Market
The Lofts at The Market
4 out of 5
1803 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Paso Robles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Sensorio and Paso Robles Pioneer Museum are located ...
"Had a great stay with family with young kids and a dog. Lofts are on the second floor with no elevator. They are above shops and restaurants with outdoor eating areas around. Out particular loft was at the front of the building so all of the light from the businesses made one of bedrooms rather bright ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2025

The Lofts at The Market
Sandy Dunes
Sandy Dunes
Morro Bay
Stay at this condo in Morro Bay. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Giant Chessboard and Morro Bay Art Association Gallery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
Planning on coming back
"Felt like home"

Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2025

Sandy Dunes
Gray's Inn & Gallery
Gray's Inn & Gallery
2.5 out of 5
561 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Morro Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Morro Bay Skateboard Museum and The Giant Chessboard ...
10/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Todd was so great to work with. Comfortable stay right on the water"

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Gray's Inn & Gallery
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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