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Trip Planner :  USA  /  California  /  San Luis Obispo County  /  San Simeon

San Simeon

4.4
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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Popular things to do in San Simeon

Elephant Seal Rookery
4.9
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Hearst Castle
4.4
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Piedras Blancas
4.8
Duration: 3​h
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
4.7
Duration: 2​h 30​min

Side trips from San Simeon

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Moonstone Beach
Cambria
4.6
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur
4.6
Duration: 3​h
Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria
4.9
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Cambria
4.8
Duration: 2​h 30​min

Hidden gems in San Simeon

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Ragged Point Overlook
5.0
Duration: 30​min
San Simeon State Park
3.7
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
4.6
Duration: 1​h 30​min
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Jade Cove
4.3
Duration: 2​h

Wineries in San Simeon

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Hearst Ranch Winery
4.1
Duration: 30​min

Shopping in San Simeon

Sebastian General Store
4.1
Duration: 1​h
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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: Zoos & Aquariums, Museums, Beaches Anaheim BEST FOR: Theme Parks, Fun & Games, Parks
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Recently planned trips to San Simeon

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