San Simeon, California, is most noted for the location on a hill top above town of the Hearst Castle, a popular tourist attraction. The lavish residence, now a state monument, was built by the late (1951) William Randolph Hearst (newspaper publisher) as a livable retreat and place to invite other well-known and famous people. It sits on a hilltop that Hearst called the "Enchanted Hill", and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The hill includes the 115-room main house plus 50 other rooms in guesthouses, all on 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. The main house, or "La Casa Grande" contains a fantastic collection of art and antiques, many imported from Europe. All of this was part of Hearst's 250,000 acre ranch. Tours are available, reservations required (800-444-4445).
San Simeon State Beach, nicknamed "The Cove", is a favorite spot for the local population. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is about 7 1/2 miles north of San Simeon on Hwy 1. About 7 miles south of San Simeon on Hwy 1 is the little quaint seaside village of Cambria, a picturesque town with a country atmosphere and art galleries, antique and unique shops, and nearby wineries.