Destination: San Simeon

San Simeon, located in California's Central Coast, is a fantastic family getaway with so many opportunities for natural education.  Located just north of Cambria and San Luis Obispo, the area is a great choice whether you are looking for a camping trip or a laid-back tourist experience.

Lodging:
Hearst San Simeon State Park offers two different camping areas.  The San Simeon Creek Campground has established sites for tent and RV camping.  Each campsite features a picnic table and a fire ring.  There are spigots for water around the campground.  Flush toilets are available, and showers are also available (coin-operated).    One mile inland, you'll find the Washburn Primitive Campground.  Sites here still have a picnic table and fire ring, but the toilets are chemical-flush.

There are also plenty of non-camping options in the area as well, since it is a busy tourist destination.  Cambria, just a few miles south on Highway 1, has plenty of beach-side hotels.  In San Simeon, we recommend The Morgan Hotel, which pays tribute the Julia Morgan, the architect of the famous Hearst Castle.  You can also check Airbnb listings, condos run $100-$200 per night in the area.

Activities:

The Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas

Elephant Seal Rookery - Just four miles north of Hearst Castle, you can visit the home of more than 17,000 elephant seals.  The Rookery is open year-round and there is no cost for admission.  The trails along the rookery are all wheelchair and stroller accessible.  While elephant seals visit the rookery year round, the Friends of the Elephant Seal website has a calendar that shows their annual patterns.

Zebras roam the area around San Simeon, they are descendants from Hearst's private zoo.

Hearst Castle - The main tourist attraction in the area, the Hearst Castle attracts millions of visitors per year to tour the grand estate built between 1919-1947 for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.  While Mr. Hearst was still alive, he had a private zoo on the grounds.  There were deer, camels, antelopes, and many other exotic animals living on the ranch at different periods of time.  Faced with financial difficulties, Mr. Hearts was forced to disperse many of the animals living on the ranch, however by the time of his death, many animals remained on the property and were allowed to roam free.  Herds of zebras can be found wandering around the property and the area of San Simeon.  The picture above was taken from the balcony of a condo we rented on our last visit there.

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse - Tours are offered year round at this lighthouse, built in 1875.  Check their website for tour schedules.  The tour is approximately 2 hours, with 1/2 mile of easy walking.  There is no charge for kids under 5.

Coastal Discovery Museum - Park of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Center offers interactive exhibits and education programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California State Parks and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The interface of land and sea is unique here, drawing people for its rich bounty, economic opportunity, recreation and inspiration. Protecting these special places preserves them for use and enjoyment for generations to come.  Admission is free, although hours are limited, so check the schedule before you visit

Mr. H and Lil' H enjoying a beautiful sunset at San Simeon State Park

Beach Access - There are plenty of spots to  pull over along Highway 1 and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.  There is a parking area directly across from San Simeon State Park that offers gorgeous views at Sunset.  If you are staying in San Simeon, you can take a short walk down Vista Del Mar Avenue. At the end of the road, it turns into a dirt path where you can walk along the cliffs or venture out towards the waves.  Pay close attention to the changing tidal patterns - we were walking far from the water line (we thought!) when the tide rushed in and soaked our shoes and pants!

Walking along the cliffs, off the Vista Del Mar path

If you venture south from San Simeon to the San Luis Obispo area, make time to visit the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum.  This was my favorite place to visit when I was a kid

If you are visiting San Simeon from the Bay Area, I recommend taking 101 South to get there, but driving home through Big Sur.  The elegant winding ribbon of road from San Simeon to Carmel is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States.  There are also many State Parks along the way if you need to stop and stretch your legs:

• Limekiln State Park
• Pfieffer Big Sur State Park
• Andrew Molera State Park

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on trails in most California State Parks, so if you are traveling with a dog, check out Pine Ridge Trailhead at Big Sur Station instead.