Mountainous camping near San Simeon with wildlife watching

Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the coastal village of San Simeon hugs a picturesque stretch of Highway 1. No trip here is complete without a tour of Hearst Castle, an opulent estate perched above dramatic cliffs with sweeping vistas of the Pacific. Looking for natural attractions? The entire region surrounding San Simeon Bay is sprinkled with state parks, marine preserves, and beautiful beaches. Set up camp in nearby Montaña de Oro, Morro Bay, or Pismo Beach, or venture inland to find a creekside campsite in Los Padres National Forest. When you’re ready for civilization, the seaside town of Cambria fits the bill.

While winter rainstorms occasionally batter the coastline, it can be a quieter time of year to visit the region. Between October and February, monarch butterfly populations overwinter at San Simeon Natural Preserve, as well as groves in Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Elephant seals may be observed throughout the year, but you’ll see the biggest populations come ashore during late January, April, and October. State parks campgrounds fill up quickly in summer months, especially on weekends and holidays, so reserve early.

• Cambria is your go-to town for gas stations, grocery stores, cafes, and craft beer.
• Dogs must typically be leashed in campgrounds. They are prohibited on most beaches and trails except on W.R. Hearst Beach and some boardwalks.
• A portion of the 3.3-mile trail that runs along the San Simeon Natural Preserve is wheelchair accessible.
• Rookery viewing areas are open to the public year-round and are wheelchair accessible.  No reservations or fees are required.
• Harbor seals and other marine life can also be spotted from the Elephant Seal Boardwalk in Hearst San Simeon State Park.