Location: San Simeon
Top Things to do in San Simeon
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10 Sights & Landmarks 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. 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.
2. Hearst Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,807 reviews
It took 28 years to complete William Randolph Hearst's lavish estate, which includes 165 rooms on 125 acres.
Reviewed By JavyNZ
I totally recommend this tour as it provides a stunning glimpse into the private luxury of Hearst in a much more intimate detail than what is evident on the Grand Rooms tour. Wanted to go to the kitchen tour but it was sold out. Maybe next time.
3. Piedras Blancas Light Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Light station access is by guided tour only. We offer a 2-hour walking tour of the light station grounds and buildings. There is no access to the top of the lighthouse. Visitors meet at the old Piedras Blancas Motel at 9:45 am on tour days. You then caravan in your own vehicle onto the light station grounds where you meet your tour guide. Visit our website for most current tour days and times.
Reviewed By slickLosAngeles - Norwalk, United States
After meeting at the old (closed) motel north of the light station, we caravaned into the light station property and parked. We were divided into several groups each with a tour guide. Most of the buildings we could not go into as they are still in use, but did see several inside. However, the grounds were far more interesting than the buildings, Being on the coast we saw sea lions, otters and elephant seals, as well as, lots of sea birds. for now, you cannot move about the grounds without your tour guide, they are hoping, in the future that that will change.
4. 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.
5. Vista Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
There are lots of places to pull off the road and take in the scenic view. There is the State Park with pier, park and picnic area in San Simeon. Also many stops to pull over and see the views and look for whales, seals an sea otters. Having binoculars is helpful.
6. Scenic overlook
7. Scenic View Point
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.
