Location: San Simeon
Top Things to do in San Simeon
The 8 Best Free Things to do in San Simeon, California (CA)
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. 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.
3. Jade Cove
4. Hearst Ranch Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Overlooking a breathtaking bay, beside Highway 1 and across from the iconic Hearst Castle, our San Simeon tasting room is a must-visit destination. Located in a larg, cliffside building with soaring ceilings, plentiful seating, and an accompanying cafe, our 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.
Reviewed By CoastalResident - San Luis Obispo, United States
If you go to see Hearst Castle, be sure to drive into the tiny village of San Simeon. (Not the commercial town with all the motels 2 miles south.) This is the original port where all Hearst's art pieces were unloaded and transported up the mountain to the "castle." Right downtown, just north of the pier, is the Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room. The $20 tasting fee includes a selection of five wines and is waived with a $30 purchase. The wines range in price from $22 to $40 (2019). All are very good. An excellent food truck provides a variety of very good meals: Tacos, Burgers, Fried Calamari, Nachos, Shrimp Salad, Quesadillas, and the best Cuban Sandwich I've ever had ($15). Meals may be taken inside the spacious tasting room or outside on a bluff overlooking the ocean. My party found the Glacier Ridge Chardonnay {Santa Lucia Highlands) and the Chileno Tempranillo (Paso Robles) especially attractive.
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. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California State Parks, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The interface of land and sea is unique here, drawing people for its rich bounty, economic opportunity, recreation and inspiration. Protecting these special places preserves them for use and enjoyment for generations to come.
7. Ragged Point Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
The views along Highway 1 from Big Sur to San Simeon are amazing. We stopped numerous times for photos of the coast. If you are driving this area, be sure to stop at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to see quite a few elephant seals, up close from the boardwalk.
8. San Simeon Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By ROCruiser - Claremont, United States
After our picnic lunch, we walked the pier that stretches out to the ocean. The pier was basically empty with just a couple of people so we were able to keep our social distances from others. Just so wonderful to be out to the ocean and enjoyed the beautiful sea life around.
