About

Discover San Simeon

San Simeon is a small town (population 445 at the 2020 U.S. census) in San Luis Obispo County in the Central Coast region of California. It is half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, about 250 miles and a 4.5 to 5 hours drive from each. The southernmost point of the scenic Big Sur stretch of California coast terminates just north of town. San Simeon is most famous for the palatial Hearst Castle, which overlooks the town and surrounding ocean on a neighboring hill. Take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) south from Big Sur or north from Cambria. The closest airport and Amtrak station are in San Luis Obispo.

Explore

What to Experience in San Simeon

A seal laying on top of a pile of rocks

group of sea lion on beach during daytime

Hearst Castle

indoor swimming pool with marble ladder

black seal on body of water during daytime

Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle

Wide shot of seals on beach.

Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, 9415 Hearst Dr, ☏ +1 805 927

seal lying on brown sand during daytime

sea lion on water during daytime

Elephant Seals

Cuisine

Taste of San Simeon...

There are numerous motels here and more lodging options further south in Cambria and San Luis Obispo.

Weather

Climate

Take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) south from Big Sur or north from Cambria. The closest airport and Amtrak station are in San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority bus route 15 serves San Simeon from Morro Bay, with connections farther south. The bus stops at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. There are numerous motels here and more lodging options further south in Cambria and San Luis Obispo.

Plan Your Trip

Essential Information

Getting There

Multiple Options

Take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) south from Big Sur or north from Cambria. The closest airport and Amtrak station are in San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority bus route 15 serves San Simeon from Morro Bay, with connections farther south. The bus stops at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. There are numerous motels here and more lodging options further south in Cambria and San Luis Obispo....

Travel Tips