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San Simeon

Trip Planner :  USA  /  California  /  San Luis Obispo County  /  San Simeon
#Historic Sites, #Wildlife, #Beaches
When you arrive in tiny San Simeon, which lies halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you can see why William Randolph Hearst chose this coastal locale for his famous hilltop castle. Mountains and cliffs plunge down to deserted sand beaches lapped by vigorous surf near this town of about 400 people. Here, thousands of elephant seals populate nearby coves, and vineyards soak up the plentiful sunshine inland. Pristine beaches, abundant marine wildlife, nearby wineries, and state parks give visitors plenty of things to do in San Simeon beyond visiting the mansion. San Simeon is in San Luis Obispo County. Make your own San Simeon vacation itinerary, with a little help from those that know the place like the back of their hands, by using our United States tour planning website .
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Best things to do in San Simeon

Popular
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Elephant Seal Rookery
San Simeon
Visit for: 3​h
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Hearst Castle
San Simeon
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
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Piedras Blancas
San Simeon
Visit for: 3​h
Side Trips
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur
Visit for: 3​h
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Pismo Pier
Pismo Beach
Visit for: 2​h
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Monarch Butterfly Grove
Pismo Beach
Visit for: 3​h
Hidden Gems
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Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
San Simeon
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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San Simeon Pier
San Simeon
Visit for: 30​min
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Hearst Ranch Winery
San Simeon
Visit for: 30​min
Kid Friendly Attractions
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
San Simeon
Visit for: 3​h
Nature
San Simeon State Park
San Simeon
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Shopping
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Sebastian General Store
San Simeon
Visit for: 1​h
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Where to stay in San Simeon

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Deciding where to stay in San Simeon doesn't require a great deal of consideration. All motels, hotels, inns, and lodges are located along Route 1 in the community south of the castle along the coast. If these are full, head just south of San Simeon State Park, where a larger selection of bed and breakfasts line the coast on the northern edge of the town of Cambria.
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Places to visit with San Simeon

San Francisco Best for: Nature, Museums, Parks Yosemite National Park Best for: Nature, Trails, Scenic Drive Los Angeles Best for: Museums, Theme Parks, Childrens Museums San Diego Best for: Museums, Zoos & Aquariums, Beaches Anaheim Best for: Theme Parks, Fun & Games, Parks
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