Discover the most popular places to visit in San Simeon
Hearst Castle
9.4/10 (2,346 reviews)
William Randolph Hearst's opulent estate showcases lavish architecture and an extensive art collection. Take a guided tour through the 115-room mansion and enjoy panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the hilltop setting.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
9.6/10 (2,054 reviews)
Witness one of nature's most impressive marine gatherings as thousands of elephant seals crowd the beaches. The boardwalk offers intimate views of these massive mammals during birthing, mating, or molting seasons.
San Simeon Pier
9.0/10 (920 reviews)
Historic San Simeon Pier (1878) was built to support Hearst Castle's construction. Enjoy license-free fishing while watching for migrating humpback whales and elephant seals along California's coast.
Hearst Ranch Winery
8.6/10 (302 reviews)
Savour premium wines with panoramic Pacific Ocean views at this estate across from historic Hearst Castle. Reserve a tasting on the dog-friendly patio and pair with lunch from the adjacent Sebastian's General Store.
Photo by Ryan Coleman
Open Photo by Ryan Coleman
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
9.2/10 (120 reviews)
This palatial estate showcases newspaper magnate Hearst's extravagant vision and world-class art collection. Explore ornate rooms, the swim-ready Neptune Pool, and gardens with sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
8.4/10 (414 reviews)
This historic 1875 lighthouse stands sentinel on California's rugged central coast. Guided tours reveal maritime history while offering glimpses of elephant seals and sea otters in their natural habitat.
Photo by James Eniffer
Open Photo by James Eniffer
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
9.2/10 (216 reviews)
Sheltered by a natural cove, this peaceful beach offers gentle waves and a pier for fishing enthusiasts. Explore the adjacent Coastal Discovery Centre to learn about marine ecosystems before picnicking with ocean views.
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay
9.0/10 (176 reviews)
This educational hub reveals 10,000 years of San Simeon Bay's marine history through interactive displays. Observe local wildlife and examine plankton under microscopes during the winter months for optimal seal watching.
"This is a beautiful property. We stayed in a deluxe king room, ground floor with a patio with large sliding glass doors that opened onto a lush, green lawn. The ocean was our view, and not only were there rocking chair on the patio, there were very comfortable chairs just inside positioned perfectly to enjoy the ocean and the in room fireplace. I would highly recommend this hotel."
"I recommend Room 119 for a great view from the 2nd floor and because it shares a wall with a utility room (in case you have noisy neighbors). I’ve stayed here twice and slept really well both times. The room has a fridge, microwave, small coffee maker and comfortable bed. There’s no A/C, but the windows slide open allowing the sea breeze to cool the room. The sheets, blankets and carpet all appeared clean. I did find several long, dark hairs on the towels, on the toilet lid, and in the shower."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your San Simeon getaway. However, factors like the hotel choice, length of stay and season will influence how much your holiday to San Simeon costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to San Simeon?
January, February and April are great times to look for cheap San Simeon holiday packages. Opting to travel in quieter months means you'll typically find better prices on flights and accommodation.
How many days is enough for San Simeon?
To get the most out of a San Simeon holiday, we recommend staying for 2 days. Divide your time between visiting Coastal Discovery Centre at San Simeon Bay, William Randolph Hearst State Park and other must-see attractions, as well as experiencing neighbourhoods like Lodge Hill and Park Hill. If you've got some time to spare, add a day trip to your San Simeon holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to San Simeon?
San Simeon offers everything you need for an unforgettable getaway. Begin your San Simeon holiday on a high note by exploring popular attractions like San Simeon State Park.
How to find the best San Simeon package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to find some of the best San Simeon package deals. When you start your search, just set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your escape for midweek, or search for San Simeon package deals in the off-season. Play around with your travel dates and you may land even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to book your holiday package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a San Simeon holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you significant savings when compared to booking accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can personalise your San Simeon getaway to match your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to San Simeon?
If you have your San Simeon holiday dates confirmed, book early to bag some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment trips? Our last-minute deals are ideal for jetting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to San Simeon?
Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you like can all influence your decision on when to visit San Simeon.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and food to experiences and flights. Your accommodation will likely be the largest expense during your trip to San Simeon.
Work out your trip length: Think about how much time you'd like to spend exploring San Simeon. Plan your days so you can get to all the activities and attractions you're interested in without rushing.
Combine your airfare and accommodation: After you've settled on your trip dates and duration, book the perfect San Simeon holiday package for you.