- The list below includes 25 free or cheap things to do in or near San Simeon, California, including 51 different types of inexpensive activities like Beaches, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Specialty Museums and Camping Site.
- From William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach to Moonstone Beach, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Simeon and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cambria, Big Sur, Morro Bay and Paso Robles.
Showing 1-10 of
113
0.5 Miles
94%
120 votes
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
MoreLess Info
A state beach located just across the road from the famed Hearst Castle is the William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach. The beach is a popular area for sunbathing, picnics and enjoying the scenery that surrounds the castle grounds.
5.7 Miles
Moonstone Beach is a charming, natural beach of San Simeon. The beach features a pier, picturesque views and multi-colored stones that reflect the light of the moon at night, giving the beach its name.
0.6 Miles
88%
16 votes
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
MoreLess Info
Lined with Eucalyptus trees, W R Hearst Memorial State Beach offers visitors a place to sunbathe and watch the neighboring seals. The beach has a boardwalk where local fisherman fish for rockfish.
6.4 Miles
Elephant Seal Rookery is a delightful stop along California Highway 1 and serves to protect the Elephant Seals and their pups. Visitors can observe the elephant seals as they lounge, play and swim while learning about their history.
4.4 Miles
A great sight-seeing spot to watch the famous San Simeon elephant seals in their natural habitat is Piedras Blancas. The area also features a lighthouse that is popular with tourists visiting the area.
0.6 Miles
Coastal bluffs, rocky shores and tree lined trails make up San Simeon State Park. The picturesque locale is the perfect place for morning hikes, sightseeing and watching the elephant seals and other wildlife play on the shore.
0.6 Miles
80%
10 votes
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
MoreLess Info
The Hearst Castle Visitor Center is the first location visitors should stop at on their trip to the Hearst Castle. Guests can stop by one of the many restaurants available for a meal or visit the gift shop for souvenirs.
3.1 Miles
San Simeon's most prominent place to visit is the beautiful and historical Hearst Castle. Having taken over 28 years to complete, the home is a masterpiece featuring 165 rooms and 127 acres of garden available to tour.
3.4 Miles
92%
25 votes
W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach, San Simeon, CA 93452
MoreLess Info
Celebrating the connection between sea and land, the Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay covers both wildlife and history of the area. Exhibits include the history of San Simeon Bay, an ocean exploration delta sub, and wildlife who have found a home in the sanctuary.
5.4 Miles
94%
119 votes
Tours meet at the former Piedras Blancas Motel 1.5 miles North of the light station, Cambria, CA
MoreLess Info
At the Piedras Blancas Light Station, guests will be able to take a guided tour of the lighthouse. The location also features a gift shop that sells mugs, t-shirts, watercolor prints, and ball caps.