Hearst Castle, officially known as Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, is a world-renowned historic estate located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, in San Simeon, California, on the central coast. It is famous for its opulent architecture, art, and the estate's rich history.
With soaring ceilings, plentiful seating, and an accompanying food truck, the San Simeon tasting room is the perfect place to stop on your way along the Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy excellent wine and a bite to eat inside or at the dog-friendly outdoor tables with sweeping views of the bay.
The San Carpoforo Creek Beach Access is the northernmost portion of the state-owned properties in Hearst San Simeon State Park. A portion of this beach is also in Los Padres National Forest and it’s signed that way at the trailhead.
At Elephant Seal Vista Point between mid-November through mid-January, the dominant bull elephant seals are returning, displacing the sub adult males who have been on the beach for weeks practicing their gladiator skills in hopes of competing against those giant bulls for the affection of the females.
Light Station provides a glimpse into our nation's past when lighthouses served a vital role in maritime navigation. Today it is managed as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary. The light station is part of the federally designated Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area and the California Coastal National Monument.
The William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach is located near the historic town of San Simeon along Highway One and gives visitors the opportunity to hike, swim, fish and beachcomb. A popular beach spot, this protected cove also offers visitors pier fishing. Ocean kayaking is also popular. Picnic tables, barbecue grills and restrooms are available.
Arroyo Laguna Beach is a windsurfing and kiteboarding spot along the northern San Luis Obispo Coast. The beach is at the mouth of Oak Knoll Creek which is commonly called Arroyo Laguna. This is another one of the many beaches that are part of Hearst San Simeon State Park.
San Simeon is a village and Census-designated place[2] on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo County, California. A key feature of the area is Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built for 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. It had a population of 445 in 2020.
