Springtime means wildlife and beautiful views in San Simeon! Our springtime itinerary highlights the best spots during our favorite season.
Start your spring San Simeon adventure by heading north on Highway 1 and stopping off at the Elephant Seal Rookery Vista on the west side of the highway. March tends to be the end of breeding and birthing season so you’ll likely be able to watch babies growing and venturing into the water alone. April marks the beginning of molting season so if their coats look a little patchy, don’t be alarmed! It’s a normal, healthy process that ensures their warmth and safety for the coming year.
Roughly across the highway on the east side, keep an eye out for San Simeon zebras. This surprising dazzle of zebras thrives in San Simeon since there are no natural predators for them here. Mogul William Randolph Hearst originally imported zebras to be part of his private zoo but several must have escaped before the estate was shut down and the animals were donated to other zoos or sanctuaries. While no one is exactly sure when they began to thrive on their own, we do know that their numbers have increased slowly but steadily over the years. Be sure to pull over, break out your binoculars, and marvel at the adaptability of zebras in the wild.
After getting your fill of wildlife, head towards Hearst Castle. Originally called ‘La Cuesta Encantada,’ or ‘The Enchanted Hill,’ Hearst teamed up with the San Francisco architect Julia Morgan to bring his elaborate vision to life. As you head north on Highway 1, you’ll be able to see it perched high above the sprawling ranch lands that surround it. With several different tour options available, reserve a spot in the one that most intrigues you to explore the splendor of Hearst’s art and artifacts collections throughout Morgan’s architectural masterpiece.
For lunch, explore Old San Simeon back across Highway 1 right next to Hearst Memorial Beach. There, you can grab lunch at Sebastian’s General Store, a recently refurbished and reopened favorite among locals and visitors alike. Dating back to 1852, Sebastian’s has served the community as a post office, a sundries shop, and more. Today, Sebastian’s offers sandwiches, snacks, and other morsels to enjoy on the beach or at one of the many picnic tables in the area.
As the old saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans. So, when in San Simeon, taste wine at Hearst Ranch Winery! Located just across the street from Sebastian’s, Hearst Ranch Winery serves a range of locally made wines made from your favorite varietals. Taste through a flight or enjoy a glass with some of the most beautiful views around.
Finally, end your day with a stop at Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay. Located right at the base of the historic San Simeon Pier, the Discover Center offers a wide range of fascinating, interactive exhibits about elephant seals, tidepools, and more. It’s a wonderful spot for deepening appreciation of all that nature has to offer in San Simeon!