San Simeon

Travel Guide

Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com
Ragged Point which includes landscape views, a bay or harbor and rugged coastline
San Simeon Pier as well as children
San Simeon featuring 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 P9,311 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,311
P10,494 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,646 reviews)
"Beautiful views and peaceful environment. Rooms are a little outdated but you cannot beat the location!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront 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 P7,020 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,020
P7,911 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,214 reviews)
"Great find of what is probably a historical hotel for the area. Definitely has that historic charm with the high end classic interior. Loved room seating area and we could open windows for fresh air. Only let downs were that we could never find the communal lawn area pictured around a firepit (I ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
Silver Surf Motel

Silver Surf Motel

2 out of 5
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
The price is P3,612 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P3,612
P4,063 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,152 reviews)
"The location is nice, I like the place. Thank you."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Silver Surf Motel
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 Paso Robles Pioneer Museum and Paso Robles Children's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Great location for the Mid State Fair and downtown. Perfect for 2 couples. Communication was excellent and prompt. Second time staying at the Lofts, we love it!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

The Lofts at The Market
The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach

The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach

3.5 out of 5
14 N Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Brown Butter Cookie Company and Cayucos ...
The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach
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! (37 reviews)
"Oceanfront views, clean, quiet, beautiful place to stay. I’ve gone back 3 times"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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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