San Simeon, California History and Timeline | Historic Highway 1 Location Home San Simeon History The Start of San Simeon Founded in 1836, San Simeon was first established when the San Miguel Mission was secularized and divided into three distinct ranches: Piedra Blanca, Santa Rosa and San Simeon Whaling and San Simeon’s Growth Less than 20 years later, the town soon became known for whaling A whaling station was established in the natural harbor at San Simeon
What To Do - Visit San Simeon What To Do San Simeon offers a variety of activities, tours, and sightseeing locations for visitors to enjoy during their stay at one of the most beautiful destinations along the Central Coast
San Simeon Hearst Castle San Simeon Hearst Castle In 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased about 30,000 acres from the Rancho Piedra Blanca, a Mexican land grant He also bought portions of the 4,800 acre adjoining Rancho San Simeon and eventually about 3,000 acres of the Rancho Santa Rosa George died in 1891
Where To Stay - Visit San Simeon Where To Stay Relax, unwind and escape with a tranquil stay in San Simeon, which offers a diverse selection of hotels at different price points All are just steps away from the rugged coastline and pristine beaches that make San Simeon special
About San Simeon, California Home About San Simeon Unspoiled Beauty Situated on one of the most beautiful stretches of Highway 1, San Simeon is a secluded retreat filled with natural splendor, endless outdoor adventure, scenic wonders, and treasured historic landmarks Watch the elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas rookery Tour the world-famous Hearst Castle Walk along the white sand beaches Hike the Pacific coastline
Elephant Seals of San Simeon | Free Viewing Area for Everyone Elephant Seal Viewing The Piedras Blancas Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is easily accessible, free, and open to the public every day of the year No reservations are needed The rookery is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1 History of the Elephant Seal Rookery The Elephant Seal Rookery dates back to the 1700s when elephant seals and other marine
San Simeon Bay Pier San Simeon Pier remains one of the select historic piers along Highway 1, valued for their historic and cultural importance to California development Because San Simeon Pier is located within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, or the MBNMS, it is part of a protected coastline vital to research and education
Where To Eat - Visit San Simeon Where To Eat San Simeon and the surrounding area, including Cambria and Ragged Point, are home to restaurants that will delight your senses and satisfy your cravings