San Simeon

Travel Guide

Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com
Ragged Point showing a bay or harbor, landscape views and rugged coastline
San Simeon Pier as well as children
San Simeon which includes 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 kilometres) 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-metre) 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 accommodation 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 RM523 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
RM523
RM589 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,742 reviews)
thanks for your lovely staff
The property is a welcome treat while traveling, but it could use some help with updating and acoustics. Overall i think guests are kind and being considerate to be quiet, but there are just noises and squeaks, and what not from the age of the facility. You can hear cupboard doors open and conversations ...

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Silver Surf Motel

Silver Surf Motel

2 out of 5
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
The price is RM263 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
RM263
RM295 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (1,225 reviews)
Room was clean but felt like it lacked some things, like no enclosed closet and no vanity. Sink in bathroom was weak and had to report it was coming away from wall. But staff friendly and good location, pool and hot tub.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Silver Surf Motel
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 RM588 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM588
RM661 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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)
We upgraded to oceanfront. It’s so beautiful & the grounds are gorgeous. The resturant is amazing . We ate supper & breakfast there. It’s our 3rd time staying there. It was our 55th anniversary. Will stay again.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
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! (59 reviews)
Very nice stay! 3 lofts above a great market/cafe making it easy and convenient. Check-in was easy with quick communication with property personnel via texts. Parking was so easy and free, many open spots - got one right next to door entrance. Executive suite was beautiful and clean. Definitely ...

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

The Lofts at The Market
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! (40 reviews)
On the wharf. Great view of the bay and Morro rock from your bed. We stayed in suit. B but have stayed in the upper mini suit on the second floor also. Love the view and right downtown. Great service, great people.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Gray's Inn & Gallery
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 business-friendly apartment in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Brown Butter Cookie Company ...
The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach
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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