As summer heat sets in, take advantage of the beautiful Central Coast weather on your own, with a few friends, or with the family at San Simeon Bay! With gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and magnificent scenery, there’s no place like San Simeon Bay for a summer getaway.
Located just off the storied Highway 1, San Simeon Bay can be found neighboring Hearst Winery and directly across the entrance of the famous Hearst Castle. The tranquil haven of William R. Hearst Memorial Beach hugs the shore and is a peaceful spot to swim, to take in nature, or to relax with friends and family. The calm waters make the San Simeon Bay a great location to paddleboard or kayak. The beach also gives fishermen a great spot to wet their line and sunbathers a nice relaxing spot to catch a tan. Well behaved dogs are also welcome, and you’ll likely see at least a few playing in the surf with their human friends.
Since San Simeon Bay is just to the west of Central Coast wine country, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a glass or a flight of Central Coast wine at Hearst Ranch Winery. With nearly 20 different wines to taste and breath-taking views, Hearst Winery provides a slice of coastal living to visitors from all over the world. And with outdoor seating that overlooks Hearst Beach and San Simeon Bay, it’s not uncommon to spot whales, elephant seals, or otters during a wine tasting! Hearst Winery regularly offers local food trucks and entertainment in addition a range of merchandise in their large general store.
Feeling a bit peckish? Sebastian’s General Store, just across the street from Hearst Winery, offers up a range of sandwiches, salads, and other goodies made from fresh local produce and ingredients. Create pairings for your new favorite Hearst wines for a memorable afternoon meal.
San Simeon Bay isn’t only about food and wine – there’s plenty to learn about during a visit! Coastal Discovery Center, found near the entrance of the William Randolph Hearst Beach, provides educational and interactive exhibits exploring the local history and wildlife of San Simeon. The friendly and passionate staff will guide you as you learn about the Chumash tribe, the many different species found in the tidepools, and the massive elephant seals found just up the coast. It is free for the whole family and is open on the weekends.
Just outside of Coastal Discovery Center is the stunning San Simeon Bay Pier. Built in the 1800s for imports and exports, the pier was a hotspot for the Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. Today, it is used for fishing and leisure activities as it provides views of miles of the Central Coast. The pier is also a well-known whale watching spot. Be sure to bring binoculars when visiting for the chance to spot a breaching Gray or Humpback Whale.
Whether for a day trip, a weekend, or a full week, San Simeon Beach is a must for everyone’s summer bucket list! It’s the perfect spot to disconnect for a bit and refresh the soul before the hustle of fall activities start up again.
