San Simeon, California: The Most Underrated Coastal Escape on the West Coast

Where do I even start? San Simeon is one of those places that stops you in your tracks the moment you arrive. Crystal clear waters, ancient forests, incredible hiking, and some of the best wildlife spotting on the entire California coast.

This stunning coastal town in San Luis Obispo County is a true hidden gem, and while most people know it for Hearst Castle, there is so much more waiting to be discovered here. We spent three days exploring San Simeon in August and this is our full itinerary with everything you need to know before your visit.

Quick overview: San Simeon sits along the Central California coast in San Luis Obispo County, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a perfect road trip stop or destination in its own right.

San Simeon Point

Where We Stayed: Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Our first stop was checking into the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, and from the moment we pulled in, the views took our breath away. This property sits right on the coast with some of the most beautiful ocean views you will find anywhere along the California coastline.

On the property: Oceanfront bonfire pits for evenings by the waves, outdoor games overlooking the water including chess, checkers, and tic-tac-toe, and an on-site restaurant we ended up returning to every single day for breakfast and dinner.

📍 Perfect Location

The resort is just three miles from Hearst Castle and within walking distance of the new elephant seal visitor center, making it the ideal home base for everything San Simeon has to offer.

Dinner: Cavalier Coastal Kitchen

We kept it simple and perfect for our first evening: dinner at the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen right on the property, followed by a long beach walk as the sun went down and a bonfire to end the night. With the sound of the waves all around us and that incredible coastal air, it was one of those effortlessly wonderful evenings that reminds you exactly why you travel.

Breakfast: Cavalier Coastal Kitchen

We started the morning back at the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen on the property, fueling up before a full day of exploring.

Must Do: Piedras Blancas Light Station

This is an absolute must when visiting San Simeon. The guided tour was wonderful, covering the full history of the lighthouse with plenty of fascinating detail, and there was also an optional guided walk along the coast that we really enjoyed.

🎟️ Tickets and Pricing

Purchase your tickets in advance at recreation.gov to secure your spot. Adults: $10 | Youth ages 6 to 17: $5

Lunch: San Simeon Beach Bar and Grill

Right across from the resort, the San Simeon Beach Bar and Grill is the perfect laid-back lunch spot with generous portions and a relaxed, easy atmosphere. Great for a casual midday break before heading back out for the afternoon.

Wildlife: Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Vista Point

Do not skip the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and gift shop before heading to the vista point to see the seals. I would strongly recommend this order because going in with the full background makes the whole experience so much richer and more meaningful for everyone, especially the kids.

At the viewpoint, there are knowledgeable docents on hand who share photos of what the elephant seals get up to at different times of year and are there to answer questions.

Good to know: The visitor center is free and well worth the extra time. The seals are visible year-round, but the experience varies significantly by season.

Hidden Gem: Arroyo Laguna Beach Tidepooling

Do not miss this one. We had the entire beach completely to ourselves and it was one of the most gorgeous stretches of sand I have ever stood on. Hundreds of pelicans, seagulls, and birds swirling all around us in every direction made the whole experience feel completely magical.

🦀 Before You Go

Check the tide chart before heading out for the best tidepool access. Low tide is ideal and reveals the most incredible marine life in the rock pools. Pack a picnic because once you arrive, you will not want to leave for anything.

Dinner: Ragged Point Restaurant

We ended the day with dinner at Ragged Point Restaurant along the Big Sur coast, and the combination of the food, the ambiance, and those views made it one of the most memorable meals of the whole trip. It is the kind of place that makes you want to linger long after the plates are cleared.

Do not miss: Just a short walk from the dining area is a trail that takes you down toward the ocean. The views from there are absolutely stunning and completely worth the extra few minutes.

Breakfast: Cavalier Coastal Kitchen

One final breakfast at our favorite spot on the property, with those ocean views to see us off for our last full day of exploring.

Iconic Stop: Hearst Castle

No trip to San Simeon is complete without a tour of Hearst Castle. We did the Grand Rooms Tour and it was genuinely impressive, walking through one of the most opulent and storied private residences ever built in America.

🎟️ Tickets and Booking

Book your tickets in advance at reservecalifornia.com to secure your preferred time slot. Grand Rooms Tour: $30 per adult | $15 per child. Fair warning: come prepared for an impressive collection of nude statues throughout the tour. There are a lot of them.

Lunch: Sebastian's General Store and Deli

A true piece of California history. Sebastian's has been family owned and has stood on this spot since 1878, making it the oldest store building along the north coast of San Luis Obispo County. The deli serves up a great selection of delicious sandwiches.

Best Hike: San Simeon Point

Save this one for last because it is an absolute showstopper. The San Simeon Point trail genuinely made us feel like we had been transported to Hawaii, minus the warm water. The weather was perfect, the ocean was impossibly blue and clear, and the trail itself was stunning from start to finish.

The hike begins along the coast at the San Simeon Pier, then winds up onto the trail toward the point. Along the way you will spot birds, climb through eucalyptus and manzanita trees, and feel like you have the whole coastline to yourselves.

Trail details: 2.5 miles round trip with just 100 feet of elevation gain, making it manageable for all ages and fitness levels. Starts at the San Simeon Pier.