William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach

William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach is the beach nearest Hearst Castle and not far from the town of San Simeon. The beach entrance road is opposite the road to the castle visitor center. There is a large parking lot with picnic tables near a long wooden fishing pier and the beach access. San Simeon Cove is protected by San Simeon Point which juts out southeasterly in front of San Simeon Bay. For this reason, it’s a safe beach for walking in the surf or for swimming near the pier. On many days there is even a sea kayaking outfitter renting kayaks for seeing the cove from the water. The farther you go south of the pier the rougher the waves are and the rockier the beach is. North of the pier the beach is outside of the state park property, but you can still walk there.

While you are here stop into the Coastal Discovery Center which has interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids that are focused on the history and the animals found in this region. Admission is free and it’s open Friday through Sunday.

Sebastian’s San Simeon General Store, a state historical landmark, is walking distance or a short drive down SLO San Simeon Road from the pier parking lot. The store has a cafe with outside seating and the Hearst Ranch Winery inside for wine tasting. It’s open daily from 11am to 5pm..

Address

Cabrillo Hwy and SLO San Simeon Rd
San Simeon, CA 93452

Park Name

William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, Hearst San Simeon State Park

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Fees for parking and for castle tours

Activities

Beach Walking, Fishing, Picnicking, Kayaking

Amenities

Fishing Pier, Store, Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Benches, Tide Pools, Hearst Castle Tours, Rentals

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart