San Simeon Travel Guide
Explore the natural and cultural beauty of San Simeon, California with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get there.
- Introduction to San Simeon
- List of Places to Visit in San Simeon
- Hiking/Biking Routes of San Simeon
- Best Things to Do in San Simeon: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for San Simeon
- Food and Drink Scene of San Simeon
- Where to Stay in San Simeon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in San Simeon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Shops and Markets
- Local Culture and Customs of San Simeon
- Best Time to Visit San Simeon
- Do’s and Don’ts of San Simeon
- Safety and Health
- Getting to San Simeon: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in San Simeon
- Where to Go Next from San Simeon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to San Simeon
Nestled in the heart of Central Coast, San Simeon is a quaint coastal town that offers an immersive experience in natural beauty and rich history. Famous for the Hearst Castle and stunning coastline vistas, San Simeon is a must-visit destination. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get there.
List of Places to Visit in San Simeon
Whether you’re into outdoor activities or cultural experiences, San Simeon offers something for everyone. Here’s a list of the must-visit places to add to your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Hearst Castle: A stunning and historically significant palace that was once the residence of William Randolph Hearst.
- Piedras Blancas Light Station: A historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships since 1875.
- Elephant Seal Rookery: A unique opportunity to witness the largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals from up close.
- San Simeon State Park: A state park consisting of sandy beaches, over 100 campsites, and hiking trails.
Natural Attractions of San Simeon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Hiking Trails in San Simeon: The area offers a number of hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile-long San Simeon Creek Trail and the 3.4-mile-long Washburn Trail.
- Coastal Views & Beaches: Take a scenic drive on the Cabrillo Highway and soak in the stunning views of the coastline dotted with a series of beaches and wildlife.
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: A 400-acre nature preserve with well-maintained trails that offer a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for hikers and walkers.
Hiking/Biking Routes of San Simeon
San Simeon is home to a plethora of scenic hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels of adventurers. Here are some of the top routes to work into your itinerary:
- San Simeon Creek Trail: This trail runs alongside San Simeon Creek, offering stunning views of the coastline, rolling hills, and Coulter pines. The trail is 1.5 miles long and suitable for all levels of hikers.
- Washburn Trail: This 3.4-mile hike is more challenging but offers panoramic views of the ocean, as well as Richfield, Lippincott, and Black Hills.
- Bluff Trail: This is a paved coastal walkways, with interactive exhibits explain the geology and ecology of San Simeon’s coast.
Best Things to Do in San Simeon: Activities and Tours
San Simeon offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best things to add to your itinerary:
- Tour Hearst Castle: One of the most notable attractions, Hearst Castle gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the American newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst.
- Kayaking Tours: Kayak through the coastal waters of San Simeon, which are full of marine life such as otters, dolphins, and seals.
- Horseback Riding: Explore the shoreline and rolling hills of San Simeon on horseback.
- Wine Tasting: Discover the local wineries and tasting rooms in the San Simeon area.
Week-Long Itinerary for San Simeon
If you have a week to spend in San Simeon, here is a suggested itinerary of some of the top activities and experiences that the region has to offer:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tour of Hearst Castle |
| 2 | Hike the San Simeon Creek Trail |
| 3 | Visit the Elephant Seal Rookery |
| 4 | Wine Tasting in San Simeon |
| 5 | Kayaking Tour |
| 6 | Horseback Riding in San Simeon |
| 7 | Relax and enjoy the beaches and scenic drives in the area |
Food and Drink Scene of San Simeon
The culinary scene in San Simeon is a celebration of fresh ingredients and local flavors. From seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, there are plenty of options to satisfy any palate.
Must-Try Dishes
- Abalone: A mollusk that is highly prized for its delicious taste, particularly when breaded and fried in San Simeon-style.
- Artisanal Cheese: The area offers a variety of artisanal cheesemakers, using local dairy to produce delicious cheese. Look out for Central Coast Creamery and Fromagerie Sophie.
- Gourmet Burgers: If you crave a burger, grab one at Sebastian’s, where beef is raised on Hearst Ranch and topped with local produce.
Local Beverages
- Wine: With 200 plus wineries in San Luis Obispo County, you will not be hard-pressed to find a unique wine experience.
- Beer: San Simeon has several craft breweries and tasting rooms, including Lost Coast Brewery and 927 Beer Company.
Where to Stay in San Simeon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
San Simeon offers a range of accommodation options suitable for any budget. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, here are some of our recommendations:
- Cavalier Oceanfront Resort: A luxurious oceanfront resort, providing a perfect relaxing getaway experience.
- San Simeon Lodge: A budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms and a heated pool for visitors.
- Oceanfront Inn at the Hearst Castle: An inn with unique Cape Cod stone architecture with a stunning open-air terrace.
What to Buy in San Simeon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
From artisanal cheese to wine and local artwork, San Simeon offers a range of unique products to take home with you as a gift or personal memento.
Shops and Markets
- Ragged Point Market: Family-owned since 1972, the market offers exclusive delicacies, cooking accessories, and outdoor gear.
- Hearst Castle Gift Shop: Find unique souvenirs, including Hearst inspired jewelry, artwork, and books.
- Farmers Markets: Every week, farmers markets pop up throughout the San Simeon area, offering fresh produce such as avocadoes, citrus, and strawberries.
Local Culture and Customs of San Simeon
The town of San Simeon boasts a rich cultural heritage and unique customs worth experiencing. The Chumash tribe, known for their basket-weaving art and other crafts, has been present in the area for thousands of years, and they continue to preserve their traditions and culture today.
Best Time to Visit San Simeon
San Simeon is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit would be during spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and crowds are smaller. Winters in San Simeon can be beautiful but also bring rain, while summers are known for its high numbers of visitors and hotter temperatures.
Do’s and Don’ts of San Simeon
Do:
- Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
- Explore the stunning beaches and scenic drives in the surrounding areas.
Don’t:
- Disturb the elephant seal rookery.
- Ignore safety warnings around the ocean.
Safety and Health
Safety in San Simeon
San Simeon is a relatively safe destination, but visitors should take precautions as usual. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid leaving expensive items in plain sight in your vehicle, and don’t leave your valuables unattended.
Health in San Simeon
San Simeon has good medical facilities, but it’s always advisable to have enough medical insurance when traveling. Make sure to pack any regular medications you need for your trip.
Getting to San Simeon: Transportation Options and Logistics
San Simeon can be reached by car or public transport. Here are some transportation options to consider:
Airports Near San Simeon
- San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport: The nearest airport, located approximately 40 miles south of San Simeon. Airlines that serve this airport include Alaska, American and United.
Bus Stations Near San Simeon
- Greyhound Bus: The Greyhound terminal is available in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, on the way from San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Other Options
- Renting a Car: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore San Simeon and the surrounding areas.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate in San Simeon
How to Get Around in San Simeon
The best way to get around San Simeon is by car, but renting a bike is a good option for short distances. Walking on most routes can be a great exercise option too.
Where to Go Next from San Simeon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
San Simeon offers many day-trip options to nearby locations. Here are a few recommendations:
- Morro Bay: A small fishing town known for its iconic volcanic rock, Morro Bay State Park, and excellent kayaking in the harbor.
- San Luis Obispo: A classic college town with live music, farmer’s markets, art galleries and historic architecture.
- Paso Robles: A wine lover’s paradise, this town offers excellent wineries, gourmet food and lovely hot springs.
Conclusion
San Simeon is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on any traveller’s bucket list. With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, this charming coastal town offers something for everyone. We’ve covered everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit, from where to stay to what to do and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip. Happy exploring!
