San Simeon California Accommodations

When should you visit San Simeon, CA?

You won't find a bad time to visit San Simeon, but weather and price may impact your travel plans. Like many destinations on the Central Coast, San Simeon has a cool Mediterranean climate, which means moderate weather year-round. Summers bring highs in the upper 70s, while spring and fall highs are in the upper 60s. Even in the winter, the area typically experiences highs in the low 60s.

While the summer months tend to be sunny and dry, winter is rainy season in San Simeon. February tends to be the wettest month of the year, so be sure to bring rain gear if you visit during the winter. Look for discounts, too. Since winter is low season throughout San Obispo County, you can look forward to great deals on hotels in January and February.

Want to make sure you experience San Simeon at its liveliest? Check the town's event calendar for a range of annual festivals and themed events. Mark your calendar for the Harmony Wine & Beer Festival in early August, the Coastal Discovery Center's Ocean Fair in late August, the ARTS Obispo Open Studios Art Tour in October, or the Cayucos Classic Car Show in November. From wine and gourmet dining events to nature walks to cultural festivals, you'll always find something happening in the San Simeon area.

What hotels in San Simeon have the best discounts?

When you stay in San Simeon, there's no reason to pay full price for accommodations. From group discounts to special rates, check out the area's best hotel deals.

AARP members and senior travelers can save at the Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach. This welcoming inn is minutes from the beach and nestled in charming Cambria.

AAA members can get low rates at the Fogcatcher Inn in Cambria. You'll love the cozy rooms and the convenient location near the Pacific Coast Highway and Cambria's many attractions.

Members of the military and government employees can get discounts at the Quality Inn. This mid-range San Simeon hotel offers rooms with comfortable beds and coffee makers along with free Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee.

Where are the hotels with the most value around San Simeon, CA?

Have your eye on a mid-scale option in San Simeon? Find out why these top lodging choices offer such great value.

When you want a resort experience without the resort prices, Sands by the Sea is an excellent choice. Located right on the Pacific Coast, this mid-range hotel offers easy access to the beach and all of San Simeon's top attractions. Guest rooms come equipped with essentials like mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Go for a run on the nature trails, use the fitness center to stay in shape, or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy a memorable meal at the on-site Cavalier Restaurant before or after a fun day of exploring California's Central Coast.

Book your stay at the Pelican Inn & Suites in neighboring Cambria, and get excellent value from your stay. This mid-size hotel features spacious rooms with ocean views and essentials like microwaves and mini-fridges. Extras like the outdoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast ensure that you get plenty of value out of your stay. Reserve the hotel's meeting space for a family-focused get-together or a small conference.

Also located in Cambria, the Cambria Pines Lodge offers quaint accommodations at a great price. The rustic decor sets the scene for an unforgettable getaway on California's Central Coast, and the hotel's many amenities ensure that you'll have just what you need for a comfortable stay. You'll love the free breakfast each morning, the outdoor pool, the gorgeous gardens, the on-site restaurant, and the day spa. This mid-range hotel is the ideal place to host events of all sizes, thanks to the five meeting rooms and 300-person banquet space.

What are the top things to see and do in the San Simeon area?

You can't visit San Simeon without touring the iconic Hearst Castle, located on the northern edge of the town. Perched on what's known as the Enchanted Hill, the Hearst Castle offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, San Simeon, and the surrounding area. Once the home of publishing and media magnate William Randolph Hearst, today, this incredible mansion is open for tours. Take your pick from nearly a dozen guided tours that enable you to explore the gorgeous guest rooms, the art collection, the grounds, and more.

After touring the Hearst Castle, be sure to visit the Hearst Ranch Winery. You'll find the winery's historic tasting room in Sebastian's General Store, a 19th-century building that offers lovely views of San Simeon Bay. Here, you can sample the winery's many red, white, and rosé bottles and purchase some to take home and share with family and friends.

Near downtown San Simeon, you'll also find the perfect place to soak up the sunshine while taking in the beautiful views. At William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, you can swim, fish, look for shells, and even kayak. Here, you'll also find picnic tables open to the public and a kayak rental stand that has all the gear you need to get out on the water.

To learn more about marine life that thrives along California's Central Coast, make your way to the Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay. This free educational center hosts displays that explore the history and wildlife of San Simeon Bay and interactive exhibits that delve into ocean exploration and the impact of watersheds.

Finally, make your way to the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, where you can see elephant seals in their native habitat. Although they gather in the thousands along this 6-mile stretch of coastline all year round, you'll see the most elephant seals during mating season. Plan your trip between late fall and early spring to catch these fascinating creatures at peak population.

Don't wait to plan your trip to San Simeon. Book the ideal hotel or resort, and start designing the perfect itinerary for California's Central Coast.