San Simeon is truly magical during the holidays! Winter sparkle comes to life in San Simeon with elaborate holiday decorations, cozy spots to snuggle, and breathtaking winter wildlife vistas. Make a trip to San Simeon your new holiday tradition!
San Simeon’s own Hearst Castle is an artistic and architectural marvel any time of year and even more so during the holidays. William Randolph Hearst himself insisted on elaborate holiday decorations throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and today the tradition is kept alive with huge evergreen wreathes, adorned Christmas trees, and glowing holiday lights. With several different tour options, visitors are able to enjoy the unique décor of specific rooms. The holidays at Hearst Castle provide the rare opportunity to step back in time with Hearst’s massive collection of art and antiquities, complimented by the seasonal adornment. Be sure to stop into the gift shop to pick up a holiday memory to adorn your own tree!
Perhaps even more iconic than Hearst Castle are San Simeon’s elephant seal rookeries. One of the largest and most active rookeries is just near the Boucher Trail Head with a large parking lot above the shore for prime viewing. November and December mark the start of breeding season so there’s a good chance you’ll see a massive male hauling himself out of the waters and on to the beach in search of breeding territory. As always, leave plenty of respectful distance during this time of year as males sometimes clash for dominance – and, at up to 5,000 pounds each, that’s certainly a clash you don’t want to mediate!
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is another charming spot for a dose of holiday cheer! This oceanfront hotel provides on-site indulgences like a day spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant but the wintry star of the show are the outdoor firepits. Snuggle up with your favorite person – or, your favorite non-person since Cavalier is pet friendly! – and enjoy the wintry oceanfront evening next to a warming fire. Marvel at the dazzling night skies for nature’s own holiday light display.
Cambria, just south of San Simeon, is also a must during the holidays. This charming village is adorably quaint, with quirky shops and equally quirky residents. Cambrians love to indulge in every holiday, and the town goes all out during November and December! But the real holiday magic of Cambria is the Cambria Christmas Market. Located around the historic Cambria Pines Lodge, the annual Christmas Market is a stunning blend of modern light displays and old-world holiday nostalgia. Running from the end of November through to the end of December, the Christmas Market displays change every year, offering trail after trail of creative holiday illumination made up of over 3 million lights. Shop for holiday gifts by local artisans, and nosh on traditional European fare like glühwein, bratwurst, and more. There’s even a very photo-eager Santa who loves visitors of all ages!
From cozy nights at Cavalier resort to family-friendly light displays at the Cambria Christmas Market, San Simeon is a great option for an easily accessible holiday getaway.