Location: San Simeon
Top Things to do in San Simeon
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What to do and see in San Simeon, California (CA): The Best Outdoor Activities
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. 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.
4. Scenic View Point
5. San Carpoforo Creek Trail
6. Kayak Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
7. Oak Knoll Creek Beach
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Arroyo Laguna State Beach
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
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