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William Randolph Hearst
fell in love with this section of California's Central Coast as a child, and chose it as the site of the now legendary Hearst Castle. Characterized by rolling hills, windswept beaches, and a handfull of small towns, the San Simeon Coast is a place to relax, enjoy the fresh air and rejuvinate.
Among the area's small towns, Cambria is our favorite. A popular spot for romantic weekends among California locals, Cambria features cozy restaurants and b&bs, art galleries and a beautiful boardwalk for strolling the cliffs above the ocean.
Just north of Cambria, San Simeon isn't any more than a hotel strip that provides lodging for area visitors; particularly for visitors of Hearst Castle, the area's most famous landmark.
Several scenic state parks in the area offer nice spots to enjoy the area's scenery and outdoor activities.
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| WHAT'S TO SEE ? |
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Hearst Castle
One man's monument to himself, Hearst Castle is the San Simeon Coast's most famous attraction, and always a favorite with our clients. |
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The Charming Town of Cambria
Popular with California romantics, the small seaside town of Cambria features romantic b&bs, intimate restaurants with ocean views, and a number of shops and art galleries. |
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Springtime Blooms of Coastal Wildflowers
Every year, springtime California poppy blooms bring an explosion of color to the San Simeon Coast. |
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Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
In November of 1992, Piedras Blancas became the part-time home to a colony of Northern Elephant Seals. Starting wtih just a few breeding adults in 1992, the colony's population is now estimated at more than 7000 individuals who return to the beach twice a year (at different times) for breeding and for molting. |
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Windswept beaches
Some are popular with windsurfers. Others see moderate beachgoing traffic. Most offer a quiet venue for a contemplative seaside walk. |
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Rolling Coastal Hills
The hills of San Simeon are classic California landscape. |
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| Rocky Coastline |
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Migratory Waterfowl |
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The Piedras Blancas Lighthouse |
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Tide Pools with Abundant Sealife |
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| WHAT'S TO DO? |
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Wine Tasting |
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Go Horseback Riding:
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Have Lunch or Dinner with a View
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Go hiking.
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Simply enjoy the drive.
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Go wine tasting |
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Dine in a quaint local eatery with an ocean view.
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Walk the Moonstone Beach boardwalk |
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Take a hike in one of the area's state parks |
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Go kayaking |
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Ride a bike |
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Shop for local art, crafts and trinquets |
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| Nearby Destinations |
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The Big Sur Coast begins just as you pass north of San Simeon, and continues on for 90 miles to Monterey and Carmel.
San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach
Paso Robles Wine Country
The vineyards of the Paso Robles wine region are accessible by a short drive from the coast.
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