For over 150 years, people have flocked to San Simeon Bay. Some came in pursuit of California’s gold while others as a stopping point before heading up or down the coast. In the late 1800s, the little bay village hosted a stage depot, a telegraph line, and the Bay View Hotel which was a first-class accommodation that counted Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge and Cary Grant among its guests. Let’s explore together my favorite things to do in San Simeon.
Everything in San Simeon has some connection to the billionaire William Randolph Hearst and his famous Hearst Castle. From the nearby state beach bearing his name to the winery and everywhere else you turn, the tiny village of San Simeon exists because Hearst put it on the map. So, let’s put on some comfortable walking shoes and explore my favorite things to do in San Simeon. I have organized my San Simeon itinerary in an efficient way so you can maximize your time.
Explore San Simeon and the Central Coast
If you are continuing your journey along the scenic California coast just minutes south of San Simeon, make sure to explore our guide to the best things to do in Cambria. To help you plan your stops, here are the top highlights of the area:
San Simeon Attractions: At a Glance
- Elephant Seal Rookery: California coast at its best
- Hearst Castle: impressive on a sunny day
- WRH State Beach: relax and enjoy the sun
Map of the best things to do in San Simeon, California
1. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
The San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery is one of the best things to do in San Simeon
See my photos from Cambria
We start our San Simeon itinerary North of the small town. We drive along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) until we see signs for the Elephant Seal Rookery. We pull into the dirt lot and walk along the boardwalk at the Piedras Blancas Seal rookery. If you visit during the winter, you will get to see over one hundred elephant seals.
Piedras Blancas is located about 10 minutes drive from San Simeon and is very easy to access. The best way to see the Elephant Seals is to park at the official view area parking lot. Then simply walk on the boardwalk to both sides of the parking lot. The best time to visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals Rookery is from late November through February.
If you have more time, take the Boucher Trail that takes you by all the cliffs where you can see more seals crowding small hidden beaches. Follow the trail past the charming Piedras Blancas Lighthouse up to Boucher Trail North end.
2. Hearst Castle
The amazing view from the top floor of Hearst Castle is among the best things to do in San Simeon
See my photos from Hearst Castle
We continue our list of best things to do in San Simeon by driving a bit south on the PCH and taking a left up the hill following the signs for Hearst Castle. Especially on a sunny day, it’s worth visiting Hearst Castle, as it affords you gorgeous views of the coast and a glimps of Europe. If it’s cloudy or raining and you can wait, go on a different day. The castle is great, but the views from the top of the hill and from the top floor of Hearst Castle are simply amazing.
Modeled after European and Roman architecture, the Hearst Castle stores the bulk of Hearst’s art collection, gathered from all over Europe, during his many trips overseas. It is one of the best things to do in San Simeon for history buffs.
Is Hearst Castle Worth Visiting?
3. San Simeon Pier
The San Simeon Pier at WR Hearst State Beach
See my photos from Cambria
Driving down from Hearst Castle we simply cross the PCH and continue our San Simeon itinerary with a stop at the San Simeon pier and beach.
The San Simeon beach and pier is also one of my favorite things to do in San Simeon. This is a beautiful place to visit and simply relax. Also known as the Cove, this area served as the staging grounds and storage for Hearst’s art collections as the Hearst Castle was being built.
4. William Randolph Hearst State Beach
The beautiful and secluded WR Hearst State Beach
See my photos from San Simeon
From the pier, walk down to the beautiful beach and simply relax. You can also pick up the trail leading to San Simeon Point. The pier itself gives you a beautiful view of the Cove as this entire coastal area is simply gorgeous and you immediately understand why Hearst wanted to build his castle overlooking this California bay.
If you have small children especially, you will enjoy the Coastal Discovery Center located right in the parking lot at WRH State Beach. The entry is free and it has nice exhibits that highlight coastal sea and land animals.
5. Hearst Ranch Winery
People enjoying wine tasting near the beach at Hearst Ranch Winery
See my photos from Cambria
With soaring ceilings, and an accompanying café, the San Simeon tasting room is the perfect place to stop on your way along the Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy excellent wine and a bite to eat inside or at our dog-friendly outdoor tables with sweeping views of the bay.
Is San Simeon Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes! If you just drive on Highway 1 and you don’t know about San Simeon you might just miss it because it is such a small place. As you pass by the Hearst Castle sign, also pay attention to the hillside as you might very well see zebras and other African animals brought by Hearst to populate the hillsides around his castle. Stop at the beach but most of all stop at the Elephant Seal Rookery as it is the largest California rookery and it’s just amazing to see many very large seals in their natural habitat.
