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.

Get in
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.

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

Go next

 * Cambria - Located ten miles to South along Highway One, Cambria offers visitors Moonstone Beach, home to tide pools and the semi-precious stones that give the beach its name. The town also offers an abundance of inns and hotels for those seeking a quiet weekend away.
 * San Luis Obispo - About 40 miles southeast of San Simeon, San Luis Obispo is a college town and regional center that offers countless opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities. Downtown features a historic 18th century Spanish mission surrounded by charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants while the immediate vicinity provides paths for hiking and mountain biking and highly rated wineries.
 * Big Sur - The Big Sur region can be loosely defined as the stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon, and the steep cliffs, rocky coast, churning waves, abundant wildlife, redwoods, and remoteness make it one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Big Sur Village lies at its heart, 81 miles north of San Simeon, and offers amenities for travelers.