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San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units
of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs of this
scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky
shore. It has a beautiful lagoon for great birdwatching, and
miles of hiking trails traversing multiple habitats. We stop by
often as we live on the Central Coast, and regularly enjoy
encounters with great blue herons, mule deer, white-tailed
kites, various hawks, ducks and the occasional elephant seal
(We have been fortunate in avoiding another park resident, the
mountain lion.) The pebbly beaches of San Simeon State Park
are also great for rockhounding. The park includes the Santa
Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural
Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve which were
established in 1990.
of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs of this
scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky
shore. It has a beautiful lagoon for great birdwatching, and
miles of hiking trails traversing multiple habitats. We stop by
often as we live on the Central Coast, and regularly enjoy
encounters with great blue herons, mule deer, white-tailed
kites, various hawks, ducks and the occasional elephant seal
(We have been fortunate in avoiding another park resident, the
mountain lion.) The pebbly beaches of San Simeon State Park
are also great for rockhounding. The park includes the Santa
Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural
Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve which were
established in 1990.
The initial acquisition of 69 acres of coastline property was made in 1932. San Simeon Creek Campground, with
34 campsites was constructed in 1971-72, the total campsites now number 134. Other improvements would
include: landscaping, comfort stations, a trailer sanitation station and a campfire center. A primitive campground
with 60 sites, Washburn Campground, was added in 1984. In 1990, San Simeon State Beach, now encompassing
540 acres, was reclassified from a State Beach to a State Park, because of the significance of the natural and
cultural resources to be found here.
34 campsites was constructed in 1971-72, the total campsites now number 134. Other improvements would
include: landscaping, comfort stations, a trailer sanitation station and a campfire center. A primitive campground
with 60 sites, Washburn Campground, was added in 1984. In 1990, San Simeon State Beach, now encompassing
540 acres, was reclassified from a State Beach to a State Park, because of the significance of the natural and
cultural resources to be found here.
Santa Rosa Creek Preserve is an area of approximately 40 acres, which includes valuable riparian forests and
coastal wetlands, that provide habitat for the endangered Tidewater Goby.
San Simeon Natural Preserve consists of approximately 365 acres of vast wetlands, riparian areas, and several
undisturbed native plant communities . The Natural Preserve is also a wintering site for
monarch butterflies.
The 13.7 acre Pa-nu Cultural Preserve contains the most significant archeological site within San Simeon State
Park. This site has been dated to 5850 years before the present, and it contains significant evidence documenting
prehistoric technology, subsistence practices and social organization over the course of several centuries.
In 1994, a 3.3 mile trail was constructed encircling portions of the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Washburn
Campground. The trail includes scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches and interpretive panels with information on
wildlife and habitat. A portion of the trail along the seasonal wetland is wheelchair accessible.
Continuing as a dirt trail, you ascend through beautiful pine forests and climb up to the ridge for beautiful views of
the hills and valleys to the east. We recommend staying on the trails, this is a wild and empty area. We once got
lost following a game trail down towards San Simeon Creek.( Not as easy as it looks.) Bring water, and wear light
clothing as ticks are abundant throughout the coastal scrub.
coastal wetlands, that provide habitat for the endangered Tidewater Goby.
San Simeon Natural Preserve consists of approximately 365 acres of vast wetlands, riparian areas, and several
undisturbed native plant communities . The Natural Preserve is also a wintering site for
monarch butterflies.
The 13.7 acre Pa-nu Cultural Preserve contains the most significant archeological site within San Simeon State
Park. This site has been dated to 5850 years before the present, and it contains significant evidence documenting
prehistoric technology, subsistence practices and social organization over the course of several centuries.
In 1994, a 3.3 mile trail was constructed encircling portions of the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Washburn
Campground. The trail includes scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches and interpretive panels with information on
wildlife and habitat. A portion of the trail along the seasonal wetland is wheelchair accessible.
Continuing as a dirt trail, you ascend through beautiful pine forests and climb up to the ridge for beautiful views of
the hills and valleys to the east. We recommend staying on the trails, this is a wild and empty area. We once got
lost following a game trail down towards San Simeon Creek.( Not as easy as it looks.) Bring water, and wear light
clothing as ticks are abundant throughout the coastal scrub.
The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 115 campsites for
tent camping or recreational vehicles; a fire ring and picnic table
at each campsite, and water spigots are available throughout
the campground. Restrooms with flush toilets and coin
operated showers complete this comfort zone.
The Washburn primitive campground is also accessed
through the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station.
This campground is approximately 1 mile inland from the
beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as
well as the Pacific Ocean.
For more info call San Simeon State Park at (805) 927-2035.
tent camping or recreational vehicles; a fire ring and picnic table
at each campsite, and water spigots are available throughout
the campground. Restrooms with flush toilets and coin
operated showers complete this comfort zone.
The Washburn primitive campground is also accessed
through the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station.
This campground is approximately 1 mile inland from the
beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as
well as the Pacific Ocean.
For more info call San Simeon State Park at (805) 927-2035.
| Sign Posted at Preserve Trail Entrance Mountain lions do live here, two years ago one paid a late night visit to the Motel 6 parking lot in San Simeon. Just hung around for a few hours, checking out the scene. They are regular visitors to nearby Cambria, and we have learned to live with them. However, they are quite dangerous and could easily kill you. We suggest reading the sign. |
You can download the Park Brochure in PDF format here.
You can also download a Park map.(pdf)
Aerial photos of the park and surrounding areas.
Panorama of The Pine Ridge Trail.
You can also download a Park map.(pdf)
Aerial photos of the park and surrounding areas.
Panorama of The Pine Ridge Trail.
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| Park Name Change State Park land stretching from Santa Rosa Creek in Cambria north to San Carpoforo Creek near Ragged Point is now called Hearst San Simeon State Park. The State Park and Recreation Commission voted 7-0 Feb. 29 to rename the former San Simeon State Park. Commissioner Clint Eastwood was absent. The change is intended to honor contributions to State Parks by the late William Randolph Hearst and his family. The new name will allow State Parks to market the entire Hearst San Simeon area, including the beach, elephant seal rookery, campground and the Castle. |
