The Best of San Simeon California

The Best of San Simeon California – San Simeon is home to world-famous Hearst Castle, known for its towering terraces, picturesque pools, lush gardens and opulent art collection. Located off scenic Highway 1, dramatic coastal cliffs and vast ocean views are a welcome sight for visitors. Fishing, camping and whale watching are all popular activities here. Just a short drive to the north, you’ll be able to take in even more scenery at Ragged Point, the gateway to Big Sur. In nearby Cambria, wine tasting, art and fabulous dining options await. Wild and rugged, the beaches of San Simeon have been carved by the crashing waves of the Pacific for centuries. Unspoiled, uninhabited and completely intact, San Simeon’s beaches are among the most beautiful in all of California.  Come and visit the best of San Simeon!  For a list of all the area beaches << Click Here >>.

San Simeon Weather (When to Visit)

Being slightly inland means higher average temps than much of the rest of our county. Winter temps can rarely have extremes from low 40s to low 80s, but average temps are in the 60s and 70s. Summers see most days with temps in the 70s and low 80s. The warmest month is September; the coldest is December. Average annual rainfall is about 18 inches with February being the wettest month. Humidity here is in the 65% to 75% range.  If you like to swim in warmer ocean waters, July and August are the best months to visit. Be aware that this is also high season. Fog often rolls in along the coastal areas in early summer; you’ll need a jacket, especially after sunset, close to the shore. It usually rains from December through March. From April to early June and in early fall the weather is almost as fine as in high season, and the pace is less hectic.

San Simeon Best Beaches

Point Sierra Nevada Dunes Beach

North of the point is a seldom visited sand dunes structure and a sandy beach. It’s a northwest facing beach and since the point is shaped like a hook, it catches driftwood and ocean debris and creates a perfect beach combing beach. If you are here at low tide, look for tide pools at the north end of the beach.

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William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach

The beach is located near the historic town of San Simeon along Highway One and gives visitors the opportunity to hike, swim, fish and beachcomb. A popular beach spot, this protected cove also offers visitors pier fishing. Ocean kayaking is also popular. Picnic tables, barbecue grills and restrooms are available.

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Arroyo Laguna

Arroyo Laguna Beach is a windsurfing and kite boarding hot spot. Arroyo Laguna is famous for its afternoon breeze, which can get up to 40 mph. On a windy day you can watch dozens of colorful kites and their riders flying high across the ocean’s surface.

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Ragged Point Beach

Located at the Ragged Point Inn, the beach can only be reached by taking a short but steep trail .6 miles down a coastal bluff. Good shoes and a walking stick are recommended. Once you get down to the beach, a waterfall, small creek and pristine beach await. Then there’s the hike back up!

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Hearst San Simeon State Beach

The beach has pebble piles for sorting, driftwood and fantastic ocean views. Surf fishing is popular here, as well as bird watching and relaxing. Bring a beach chair and a jacket for enjoying breezy spring afternoons.

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Best San Simeon Restaurants

Ragged Point Restaurant  $11 – 30

Ragged Point’s restaurant has quickly become known, both locally and internationally, for its unique ambiance as well as its sumptuous, fresh cuisine. Whether you’ve come for a romantic dinner, an inspiring business lunch, or a delicious breakfast break from your Highway 1 vacation, our restaurant is sure to please. Since our dining room is made of glass from floor to ceiling, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset or a starlit evening while you dine. Telephone:  805-927-5708  Web:   Ragged Point Restaurant.

El Chorlito Mexican Restaurant  $11 – 30

Indoor and ocean view patio seating with house specialties such as homemade vegetarian salsa, lamb shanks in a mild tomato sauce and our famous “Margaritas De Vino” made with Los Cabos Agave Especial Wine. Telephone:  805-927-3872  Web:   El Chorlito Mexican Restaurant.

Cafe Zack  $11 – 30

A local favorite for anniversaries and other celebrations, Zack’s serves classic European dishes in an intimate, two-room 1930s cottage adorned with local art. Entrées of note include seafood specials (depending on the local catch), slow-roasted boar shank and filet mignon, the latter typically crusted in peppercorns or topped with porcini mushrooms.  Telephone:  805-643-9445  Web:   Cafe Zack.

Ember  $11 – 30

A barn-style restaurant with high ceilings and an open kitchen, Ember enjoys a red-hot reputation for Italian-inflected dishes prepared in an authentic Tuscan fireplace or a wood-burning oven. Chef-owner Brian Collins, a native of Arroyo Grande, the town bordering Pismo Beach, honed his culinary skills at Berkeley’s legendary Chez Panisse Restaurant. Ember doesn’t accept reservations, so come before 6 or after 8 to avoid a wait.  Telephone:  805-474-7700  Web:   Ember.

First & Oak  $11 – 30

Create your own custom tasting menu by choosing among five different groups of eclectic California-French dishes paired with local wines at this elegant farm-to-table restaurant inside the Mirabelle Inn. The seasonal menu changes constantly, but regulars include smoked sweet-and-spicy duck wings, truffle-roasted cauliflower, local spot prawns, short rib bourguignonne, and pears poached in red wine from the sommelier-owner’s organic Coceliquot Estate Vineyard. Telephone:  805-688-1703  Web:  First & Oak.

Best San Simeon Bars

San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill

They offer ocean views from every table. Their menu has a variety of fresh foods from exquisite appetizers, to fulfilling main courses, and tasty desserts. In addition, their restaurant is well known for our premium steaks, seafood, and their diverse selections of wines.   Telephone:  805-927-4604  Web:  San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill.

Sea Chest Restaurant & Oyster Bar

The Sea Chest has been serving fresh seafood for over 35 years. Located a stone’s throw away from Moonstone Beach, it is a popular stop for visitors and locals who enjoy the exhibition-style oyster bar. Telephone:  805-927-4514  Web:  Sea Chest Restaurant & Oyster Bar.

San Simeon Lodge Restaurant & Bar

They offer a full bar with great drinks from draft beers to any cocktail with reasonable prices. Come and join us for happy hour from 4-6 PM every day. If you are in a party mode join us for  “Karaoke With Elvis” on Friday and Saturday from 8pm-1am. Telephone:  805-927-4601  Web:  San Simeon Lodge Restaurant & Bar.

Madeline’s

Madeline’s Wine Shop is located in the heart of picturesque Cambria, CA at 788 Main St. Inside the store you will find an extensive selection of boutique wines from the California Central Coast including vintage and hard-to-find wines, a large selection of beautiful stemware, decanters, tabletop, wine and picnic accessories as well as gourmet cheese and cured meats, Our selection of wines change constantly as we discover new wineries and new releases. Telephone:  805-927-0990  Web:  Madeline’s.

Mozzi’s Saloon

Originally established in 1866, Mozzi’s Saloon is the last remnant of “the Cowboy bar” in Cambria. Completely remodeled in 2007 with the original ambiance as yesteryear.  Full bar, Live Music,Pool and Snooker tables, friendly atmosphere, bar menu. Telephone:  805-927-4767  Web:   Mozzi’s Saloon.

Best San Simeon Area Hotels