Location: San Simeon
Top Things to do in San Simeon
10 Nature & Parks in San Simeon That You Shouldn't Miss
San Simeon (ZIP Code: 93452; area code 805) is a town and census-designated place on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo County, California. Its position along State Route 1 is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, each of those cities being roughly 230 miles (370 km) away. A key feature of the area is Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century that is now a tourist attraction. The area is also home to a large northern elephant seal rookery, known as the Piedras Blancas rookery. It is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1.
Restaurants in San Simeon
1. Piedras Blancas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 722 reviews
Reviewed By DePere - De Pere, United States
We visited the elephant seal rookery of Piedras Blancas in mid-April. We learned while we were there that the large males (5000 pounds) with the extended noses (proboscis ) would not be on the beach at this time of the year. The elephant seals on the beach would be females and adolescents using the beach as a place to molt. This was a great experience. We visited the boardwalk during the evening and then returned to the same area in the morning. We witnessed more activity in the morning session. The boardwalks extend both north and south of the parking lot. There were seals in the water, seals on the beach, seals sleeping, seals climbing over each other, and seals sparring with each other. This was just a great experience, especially for a person from the Midwest. The area has great signage on the road so a person can easily find the rookery, located a few miles north of San Simeon. Brochures and informational bulletin boards provides you with education about these sea mammals. No fee associated with parking or accessing the viewing area.
2. Boucher trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
This is the trail to the north of the first parking lot (southbound) overlooking the Elephant Seals. It is a nice, short hike overlooking the beach. We saw Elephant Seals on the beach, and a heron and a hawk in the grassy area. You can also see a lone rock out in the ocean and can get some pretty good pictures when the waves crash on the back side of the rock with the spray in the background. While we did see several Elephant Seals, we saw a lot more walking on the boardwalk towards the second parking lot.
3. Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,096 reviews
The Elephant Seal Viewing area and the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop (250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 3B, San Simeon, CA) are two separate locations. They are 7.2 miles apart. Please plan to visit both while you are in the area. Directions to both locations: https://elephantseal.org/locations/ The Friends of the Elephant Seal docents (guides) provide education for visitors to the Elephant Seal Viewing area at Piedras Blancas, every morning and afternoon, 365 days a year. Long boardwalks provide wonderful, up-close viewing opportunities. Look for docents in the blue jackets! Viewing Area is located 4 miles north of the Hearst Castle. Find us here: Put these coordinates into any map program: 35° 39' 48" N, 121° 15' 28" W Or use this link for the accurate location of the viewing area: https://goo.gl/maps/fzfACKBqNgcwurjf9
Reviewed By timohteee - Delaware, United States
My wife and I actually drove passed this stop and turned around to go back because we noticed a large group of people. We are glad we decided to turn around! When we got there around 6PM, there were a couple dozen elephant seals basking in the sun on the beach. Every now and then, you’ll catch one get up and stretch or another scooting across the sand to a new spot. It was surprisingly amazing to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat and was definitely a highlight for us both on our trip.
4. Jade Cove
5. William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By ROCruiser - Claremont, United States
We were spending a few days in Morro Bay after staying home for six months because of the pandemic. It was easier to travel in our RV which was like taking our 'house' with us. We bought some pies and quiche from Linn's Easy as Pie in Cambria and had a picnic lunch right here at the beach in our RV. What a great view to go with our delicious lunch! Entrance was free as we told the ranger that we were just stopping for lunch. There were not many people there which made it even better for us.
6. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Seaside52381475060
I was worried that we wouldn't see very many seals since we were traveling at the very end of March. We were pleasantly surprised to see HUNDREDS of seals (I'm assuming Males & Babies). They were in pockets along a large stretch of coastline near San Simeon. The viewing Vista's off of PCH 1 allowed for many visitors to park and view this amazing natural sight. You could easily walk to many different viewing points. The seals were very entertaining. Well worth the drive out of LA!
7. San Simeon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By jaen521 - Rancho Cucamonga, United States
We loved camping at the state park. There are no hook ups but the park was still quiet even with a few generator left running. It was very windy and cold at times. You can see the beach from the tent campsites and hear the waves crash. There is some road noise from hwy1. There is an abundance of poison oak near some campsites. Just stay out of the brush and you’re good.
8. San Carpoforo Creek Trail
9. Oak Knoll Creek Beach
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Arroyo Laguna State Beach
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
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