Sure, San Simeon has sunny skies, wildlife, and beautiful trails and beaches – but it also hosts some of the best tours and events on the California coast. Here’s your guide on going truly local when you’re here.
Elephant Seal Exploratory Rookery Tour
Get up close to the magnificent northern elephant seal, whose males grow to an astonishing 5,000 pounds. This special tour runs mid-January through February. The tour includes a presentation, followed by a guided walk where you can also see mothers caring for their adorable seal pups.
Cambria Art & Wine Festival
The annual Cambria Art & Wine Festival near San Simeon kicks off every January with a five-course dinner and wine pairing, a two-day art show and wine tasting. Also many off-site activities including an art auction and additional wine tastings throughout the local villages.
Scarecrow Festival
Every October, the locals create the most hilarious, whimsical scarecrows for Scarecrow Festival. Take a selfie with any of the hundreds of scarecrows, doing different activities.
Adventures with Nature Series
Take a hike with a docent throughout November with the Central Coast State Parks Association’s Adventures with Nature series. Most activities are free and there are 150 activities to choose from throughout the year.
Hearst Castle Annual Twilight Tours
Hearst Castle glows with lights, décor and cheer during the holidays. Step back into a bygone era and see what the holidays were like for Hearst and his guests on this special tour, offered from late November through December.