San Simeon Beach Elopement

Visit San Simeon for your elopement and stay for your honeymoon.  Here's some of our favorite things to do when staying in San Simeon after your small wedding.

While you are staying on the central coast, there are many places you might want to explore. One of the best known is San

Simeon, the location of Hearst Castle. Set upon a hill, it was originally known as “Camp Hill” as a spot where family members

and friends of the Hearst family could sneak away from city life and rough it in the surrounding wilderness. But, since William

Randolph Hearst really envisioned more elaborate accommodations, he commissioned architect Julia Morgan to build “a little

something”. Today, that “little something”, Hearst Castle, is one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. Called by Hearst “La Cuesta Encantada” or the Enchanted Hill, anyone who visits will agree that it is indeed enchanting. Reservations are required for the docent-led tours and options are available. There are tours of the grand rooms, the upstairs suites, cottages and kitchen tours, and even nighttime tours, to name a few. Visit www.HearstCastle.org for more information.

You might also want to explore William R. Hearst Memorial Beach. Across from Hearst Castle, this beach offers 24 picnic

benches to enjoy. Or explore Arroyo Laguna Beach to watch windsurfers and kiteboarders. Or venture down the road to

Washburn Day Use Beach/San Simeon Creek Beach, where piles of pebbles and driftwood abound, not to mention fantastic

views of the Pacific Ocean.

One of my favorite activities is to explore the area by hiking one of the many trails. And, my favorite trail is San Simeon Point

Trail. Starting at Hearst Castle Beach State Park, walk along the beach for about a quarter of a mile. When you see the first trailon your right that ascends the hillside, walk along this path along the bluff. Be prepared for some spectacular views of the

ocean below as you hike along the bluff. If you are lucky, you may even spot some baby birds nesting in the Eucalyptus trees

along the path. If you continue walking, you will come to a spot that offers a broad view of the coastline – my favorite part. In

spring, you may even spot wild flowers along the trail. San Simeon Beach is also a romantic location for an elopement. It's a more secluded beach and has amazing views.

Another fun place to visit in San Simeon is the Piedras Blancas Rookery, the only elephant seal rookery in the world. It is free,

open to the public year-round, and easily accessible. The rookery dates back to the 1700s when the elephant seals along with

other marine mammals were hunted for their blubber. Threatened with extinction, the elephant seals received protected

status in 1920. Today at the rookery, there are viewing platforms and boardwalks for watching the seals and volunteers will

answer questions.

A little farther north on Hwy 1, you might like to visit Piedras Blancas Light Station. Perched above the coastline of the Pacific

Ocean, this historic monument was built in 1875. It once warned sailors of the rocky California coastline. Two-hour tours of the

grounds are offered year-round, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. During the summer months, additional morning tours are available.

If you are up for a little drive, follow Hwy 1 along the coast to Ragged Point Inn. There you can enjoy California dining at their

 restaurant. They have a sit down restaurant or one where you can grab burgers.  Walk along their paths that offer beautiful views of the ocean and cliffs below. If you want to drive farther north on Hwy 1, please check to make sure the road is open due to past heavy rains and rockslides in the area.

If you want to spend the night in San Simeon, check out the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. This hotel is tucked away in a seaside

bluff overlooking the blue Pacific. Otherwise, I would suggest returning to Cambria (my favorite spot), just south of San Simeon for a night’s stay and some good food. Try Madeline’s or the Sow’s Ear for some amazing food, or the Sea Chest on Moonstone or Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill for some delicious seafood selections.

Whatever you decide to do on your adventure along Hwy 1, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!