San Simeon

The dramatic coastline along Highway 1 near San Simeon CA in northern San Luis Obispo County has earned a reputation as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Towering high above the crashing waves is Ragged Point, a picturesque ocean vista. It's a popular point of entry into the county from Big Sur, and a must-see for visitors.

A growing population of elephant seals has adopted the north coast, most heavily during the winter months. These two-ton seals migrate along the shoreline while joined by their next of kin, sea lions and sea otters.  Watch them from the viewing area just north of San Simeon, CA.

Once the hub of a thriving whaling village, Sebastian's General Store (1852) in the town of San Simeon, California is now a state historical landmark. It sits at the base of magnificent Hearst Castle which sits 5 miles away on top of the Enchanted Mountain. San Simeon Pier was used by William Randolph Hearst to off-load building materials, furniture, and of course, the world-famous art collection that adorns the monument today. It continues to serve the area's commercial and sports fishing enthusiasts and offers an exceptionally beautiful site of a white crescent beach sweeping around to San Simeon Point.

San Simeon CA Interactive Area Map- An interactive map of all listings in this town.

San Simeon CA Restaurants

San Simeon CA Hotels

Check out the elephant seals that make their year round home on the coast, just north of San Simeon.

Upcoming San Simeon Events & Activities (as well as nearby Cambria)

San Simeon, California is just a few minutes north of Cambria on the California Highway 1 near the northern boundary of San Luis Obispo County. It offers visitors a stunning setting on the ocean just south of Big Sur, with outdoor activities galore to contrast with the amazing opulence of the Hearst Castle.

San Simeon hotels, motels, and restaurants and hotels next to Hearst Castle are the closest accommodations you will find for your Hearst Castle adventure. If you prefer to camp by tent or RV, San Simeon State Park has 134 sites just a little south of the town. From either location it is easy to find hiking or biking trails.

For a dip into history, the original Sebastian's General Store is still operating as a gift shop. A family picnic is the perfect way to enjoy the William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach. For strolling and fishing, the 1,000 foot pier is still one of the best around.

San Simeon, California and Hearst Castle are unique in California or American history. You can imagine the steamers docking at the pier to unload the building materials and treasures you will find at Hearst Castle. Plan your next visit to San Simeon  CA and Hearst Castle with our Online Travel Guide.

Click on the links below for a list of San Simeon  CA hotels, hotels near Hearst Castle, businesses, events and attractions, including dates of events to help you plan your next visit.

Hearst Castle
http://www.hearstcastle.com/
800-444-4445

San Simeon California Chamber of Commerce
http://www.sansimeonchamber.com/
805-927-3500

Cambria California Chamber of Commerce (serves same area)
http://www.cambriachamber.org/
805-927-3624

More about San Simeon, California
Founded: 1852
Unincorporated