Looking for a hidden coastal hike with stunning views, secret coves, and a chance to see elephant seals up close? The San Simeon Bay Trail is one of the Central Coast’s most underrated treasures. This peaceful trail near Hearst Castle offers a rare blend of beach walking, forest paths, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking bluff views — with hardly any crowds.

Sweeping view of San Simeon Beach with a gently curving shoreline, clear blue waters, and San Simeon Pier in the distance.

I’ve always loved finding the quieter corners of the coast, the ones without signs pointing you to the obvious overlooks. Places where you can still hear only the ocean, where nature feels bigger than you.

As much as I adore the drama of Big Sur or the energy around Morro Bay, there’s something even more special about a trail like this — no crowds, no rush, just a slow, unfolding connection to the land and sea.

Fisherman standing on the shore of a calm bay, with forested cliffs in the background under a cloudy sky.

In this guide, I’ll share my experience hiking the trail, practical tips for your adventure, and other nearby coastal gems you won’t want to miss.

San Simeon Bay Trail Overview

  • Location: San Simeon State Park, San Simeon, California
  • Trailhead: San Simeon Pier parking lot (next to Hearst State Beach)
  • Distance: Approximately 3.8 to 4.3 miles if you continue to the bluffs at the end
  • Elevation Gain: About 170 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Type: Out and back
  • Highlights: Vast beaches, coastal bluffs, eucalyptus and cypress groves, elephant seal viewing
  • Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring (cooler weather and active wildlife)

Insider Tip: After your hike, you can explore nearby Cambria’s charming downtown for restaurants, shops, and scenic strolls.

San Simeon Bay Trail Parking and Trailhead Info

The San Simeon Bay Trail is located in San Simeon, California, along the iconic Highway 1 coastline. The trailhead starts at the San Simeon Pier, right next to William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach.

How to Get There:

  • Address for GPS:
    William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach
    750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
  • Directions:
    From Highway 1, turn west toward Hearst Castle Visitor Center, then immediately turn right into the parking lot for William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach and San Simeon Pier.

The parking lot is located just steps from the trailhead, making access extremely easy. The trail itself begins by walking directly onto the wide, sandy beach next to the pier.

Where to Park:

  • Parking: Free parking is available at the San Simeon Pier parking lot.
  • Hours: The parking lot is generally open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Size: Moderate size — plenty of spaces available during off-peak hours; weekends can fill up slightly later in the day.
  • Amenities:
    • Public restrooms near the parking area
    • Picnic tables at the beach
    • Easy beach access for picnicking, kayaking, or relaxing before or after your hike

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Just minutes away from Hearst Castle (great to combine into a day trip)
  • Very close to Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery (a larger seal viewing area)
  • Short drive to charming Cambria village for food, shopping, and coastal views

Why I Chose the San Simeon Bay Trail

This Saturday morning, I wanted to be more adventurous and decided to hike a new trail. I’ve spent a lot of time hiking through Morro Bay and Montaña de Oro since moving to the area, but I was ready to discover something new.

Coastal view of San Simeon Pier surrounded by lush greenery and distant rolling hills under a dramatic cloudy sky.

A few friends had recommended the San Simeon Bay Trail to me, and when I looked it up, AllTrails described it as a “mystical wonderland of ocean rocks, cliffs, and forest with so much biodiversity and stunning views.”

The description sounded almost too good to be true — but standing at the trailhead, I already had a feeling it was going to live up to the promise.

First Impressions: Beachside Magic

The moment I set foot on the trail, it felt magical. Everything was so close to the ocean and beaches, with no cars, no roads, and hardly any people — just pure nature all the way.

Starting from the San Simeon Pier parking lot, I stepped directly onto a beach that stretched for miles. It was so vast and beautiful that I could have easily spent the entire day walking along the shore. I made a mental note to come back soon and explore it further.

Wide sandy beach with driftwood and scattered beachgoers leading toward San Simeon Pier, framed by coastal trees under a moody sky.

After strolling along the beach, the trail gently climbed a sandy hill, leading to breathtaking bluff views. Looking back at the expansive beach from above was one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in.

Through the Eucalyptus and Cypress Groves

The trail soon veered inland, and the wide beach view slowly disappeared behind me. I walked through a eucalyptus grove, where the air was filled with the clean scent of trees and the distant sound of waves crashing.

Person in an orange jacket and red pants walking down a tree-lined dirt path under towering cypress trees.

Soon after, the eucalyptus trees gave way to a stunning cypress grove. The path wound through towering trees, some leaning into the trail like natural archways, creating a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere.

Quiet forest trail flanked by weathered cypress trees with a soft canopy overhead and logs scattered along the path.

To my left, thick sagebrush covered the bluffs, hiding the ocean view but not its presence. Every so often, small side trails disappeared into the brush, feeling like secret passages straight out of Alice in Wonderland.

Secret Passages, Tide Pools, and Sea Ledges

Thick coastal shrubs forming a tunnel-like opening over a small dirt path leading into the bushes.

Some side trails led to narrow ledges with waves crashing dramatically below. Others opened onto wide rock shelves dotted with tide pools, quietly inviting exploration.

Rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the rocks below the cliffs along San Simeon Bay Trail, overcast ocean horizon in the distance.

I made a mental note of one particularly magical sea ledge — a perfect spot to return with a beach chair and a good book, spending a whole afternoon when the weather is warmer.

Rugged coastal cliffs meeting the Pacific Ocean, with rocky outcroppings stretching into the surf under a cloudy sky.

Today, though, I needed to keep moving. The trail shifted to deep sand at times, making the hike a bit more challenging, but the extra effort felt rewarding. Sunlight broke through the clouds, warming my skin as the wind gusted gently.

I was completely immersed in nature, peaceful and free.

Encountering Elephant Seals

As I continued around the bluff, I heard the loud calls of a bull elephant seal in the distance and quickened my pace.

Turquoise waters lapping against a rugged, golden coastal bluff along the San Simeon Bay Trail on a partly sunny day.

At the first overlook, I spotted a small group of elephant seals — a mom, dad, and playful baby — resting on a private stretch of beach. The baby called out, trying to get attention, but the parents remained blissfully asleep.

Close-up of three elephant seals resting on the sandy beach, including a large adult and two smaller seals.

Further along, I reached a larger cove where dozens of seals had gathered — moms nursing pups, sand flicking in the air as they cooled themselves.

Group of elephant seals resting on a remote sandy beach below steep cliffs along the San Simeon coast.

Seals haul out to rest, regulate their body temperature, molt, interact, and care for their young.

  • Elephant seal mother cradling her small pup close against her body on the beach, both covered with a fine layer of sand.
  • Elephant seal lounging on a sandy beach near a pile of kelp, while her small dark pup rests beside her.
  • Elephant seal nursing her young pup on the sand, surrounded by scattered kelp and coastal debris.

Watching them in their natural habitat — pups snuggling, mothers protecting, occasional dramas unfolding — was an unforgettable experience.

Elephant seal mother tossing sand over her body while lying next to her young pup on the sandy beach.

At one point, a massive bull elephant seal emerged from the shoreline, bellowing loudly. Even though the moms seemed to ignore him, you could tell they were keenly aware of his presence. It felt like he was standing guard over his colony.

Elephant seal swimming near the shore, lifting its head and vocalizing above the surface of the water.

Trail Conditions and What to Expect

The San Simeon Bay Trail is generally easy, but here are a few details to know:

  • Beach walking: Some parts involve walking directly on sand.
  • Trail surface: Firm dirt inland, deep sand in parts.
  • Elevation gain: Mostly gentle, with a few slight climbs.
  • Wildlife: Elephant seals, seabirds, and tide pools.
  • Facilities: No bathrooms or water stations along the trail.
  • Crowds: Very low — perfect for peaceful hikes.

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What to Bring for the San Simeon Bay Trail Hike

Here’s what I recommend bringing — these are my go-to picks that I personally use and repurchase time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the San Simeon Bay Trail?

Most hikers can complete the San Simeon Bay Trail in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views, explore tide pools, or watch the elephant seals.

Is there an entrance fee for the San Simeon Bay Trail?

No, the trail is completely free to access. Parking at San Simeon Pier is also free.

Can you bring dogs on the San Simeon Bay Trail?

Dogs are allowed on the beach section on leash, but they are not allowed on the inland portions of the trail (inside San Simeon State Park property). It’s best to check current park regulations before visiting.

When is the best time to hike the San Simeon Bay Trail?

Fall through spring is ideal for hiking the trail — temperatures are cooler, wildlife is more active, and the beaches are quieter.

Are there bathrooms near the trailhead?

Yes, public restrooms are available near the San Simeon Pier parking lot.

Final Thoughts

The San Simeon Bay Trail is pure Central Coast magic — endless beaches, whispering groves, hidden coves, and the chance to watch wildlife living freely in their natural home.

Secluded sandy cove framed by cliffs and lush greenery along the rugged San Simeon coastline, with ocean waves reaching the shore.

Between the beauty of the trail, the peace of the secluded spots, and the unforgettable elephant seal encounters, this hike quickly became one of my favorites.

I’ll definitely be back — maybe next time with a beach chair, a good book, and nowhere else to be for the whole afternoon.

Jagged, colorful rock formations rising above crashing waves along a rugged coastal cliff line under dramatic skies.

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