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Long ago, San Simeon Cove was home to the Playano Indians. In 1542, Juan Rodriquez noted the harbor in his
journals of exploration. In 1602, it was noted by Sebastian Vizcaino, who was looking for safe harbors for a fleet of
Spanish galleons. (In 1852, a small grocery store would bear his first name.) In 1797, Padre Fermin Francisco de
Lasuen named it San Simeon and claimed 66,000 acres of coastal grazing land for San Miguel Archangel, the 16th
California mission, located near Paso Robles. By 1836, the missions had become secularized, and San Simeon
became the rancho of Jose Ramon Estrada.
From 1852 to 1880, it was a whaling port. Twenty-two families lived in the whaling village. The blubber was rendered
in huge trypots on the beach. Sebastian's Store was there, along with a blacksmith shop, a barber shop and a
saloon. Forty-five buildings sat on the then treeless point. By 1878, the whaling industry had declined. Without
sufficient employment, the old village at San Simeon Point began to disappear and the store was moved on
horse-drawn skids to its present site.
In 1869, Senator George Hearst , father of William Randolph Hearst, built a pier out on San Simeon Point. A few
years later, storms destroyed it, though some bits of piling remain. Senator Hearst built another pier in 1878, and a
beautiful Spanish-style warehouse with residences along the beach for his favorite employees. This was the pier
used by William Randolph Hearst while he built Hearst Castle from 1919-1940. That pier broke up during the 1940s
and was never rebuilt. The present 1000-foot long pier was built by the county in 1957.
journals of exploration. In 1602, it was noted by Sebastian Vizcaino, who was looking for safe harbors for a fleet of
Spanish galleons. (In 1852, a small grocery store would bear his first name.) In 1797, Padre Fermin Francisco de
Lasuen named it San Simeon and claimed 66,000 acres of coastal grazing land for San Miguel Archangel, the 16th
California mission, located near Paso Robles. By 1836, the missions had become secularized, and San Simeon
became the rancho of Jose Ramon Estrada.
From 1852 to 1880, it was a whaling port. Twenty-two families lived in the whaling village. The blubber was rendered
in huge trypots on the beach. Sebastian's Store was there, along with a blacksmith shop, a barber shop and a
saloon. Forty-five buildings sat on the then treeless point. By 1878, the whaling industry had declined. Without
sufficient employment, the old village at San Simeon Point began to disappear and the store was moved on
horse-drawn skids to its present site.
In 1869, Senator George Hearst , father of William Randolph Hearst, built a pier out on San Simeon Point. A few
years later, storms destroyed it, though some bits of piling remain. Senator Hearst built another pier in 1878, and a
beautiful Spanish-style warehouse with residences along the beach for his favorite employees. This was the pier
used by William Randolph Hearst while he built Hearst Castle from 1919-1940. That pier broke up during the 1940s
and was never rebuilt. The present 1000-foot long pier was built by the county in 1957.
The point was naturally wind-swept and barren. George
Hearst planted rows of Monterey Pine, Cypress and
Eucalyptus trees before his death in 1891. Today San
Simeon Point is densely wooded and these trees form a
magnificent windbreak for San Simeon beach and harbor.
Hearst hoped to make pilings from the eucalyptus, but this
easily-splittable wood was not usable for that purpose.
Hearst planted rows of Monterey Pine, Cypress and
Eucalyptus trees before his death in 1891. Today San
Simeon Point is densely wooded and these trees form a
magnificent windbreak for San Simeon beach and harbor.
Hearst hoped to make pilings from the eucalyptus, but this
easily-splittable wood was not usable for that purpose.
(This website was named for San Simeon Cove, truly one of
my favorite places on this earth. -Deci)
my favorite places on this earth. -Deci)
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Today, this exceptionally beautiful place is home to William Randolph Hearst State Park.
Here, visitors have the opportunity to hike, swim, fish and beachcomb. Ocean kayaking is also popular. Picnic tables,
barbecue grills and restrooms are available.
This day use area offers 24 picnic sites, 150 parking spaces, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grill stands and
easy beach access. Recreational activities include picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and sunbathing.
There is a kayak and boogie board concession in operation with equipment for rent.
Fishing licenses are not required when fishing from the pier but limits are enforced.
barbecue grills and restrooms are available.
This day use area offers 24 picnic sites, 150 parking spaces, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grill stands and
easy beach access. Recreational activities include picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and sunbathing.
There is a kayak and boogie board concession in operation with equipment for rent.
Fishing licenses are not required when fishing from the pier but limits are enforced.
Location-Directions
The beach is located directly across Highway One from the Hearst Castle.
Hearst Castle is located on California Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Driving
time from either city is four to six hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The beach is located directly across Highway One from the Hearst Castle.
Hearst Castle is located on California Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Driving
time from either city is four to six hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
805-927-2020
Operating Hours
Dawn to Dusk
Address
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
Operating Hours
Dawn to Dusk
Address
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
