San Simeon trip planner

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 .