SLO CAL Visitors Magazine 2019

SPLENDOR IN SAN SIMEON
Head up the hill to San Simeon’s historic Hearst Castle (tickets are available at
HearstCastle.org), the 90,000-square-foot home of newspaper magnate William
Randolph Hearst from the 1920s through 1947. Populated with art and antiquities
from across the world, the castle welcomed personalities including Charlie
Chaplin, Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo in its day. Don’t miss the Neptune
Pool, a marvel of classical architecture; the Egyptian Sekhmet figure in the garden,
dating back over 1,000 years before the birth of Christ; or a glimpse at the zebras
wandering Hearst Ranch, remnants from the zoo Hearst built to entertain guests.
Not into all the grandeur? Chill out in old San Simeon, just across Highway 1,
where Hearst’s private beach has been opened to the public as the William R.
Hearst Memorial State Beach. Laze on the beach, paddle out in a kayak or bring
your pole and fish from the pier—no fishing license necessary.
HANG WITH THE
ELEPHANT SEALS
Just north of San Simeon, Mother
Nature is on full, glorious display
at the Piedras Blancas Elephant
Seal Rookery. A breeding and
birthing ground for the northern
elephant seal, the rookery is
just off Highway 1 and offers
unparalleled views of these unique
“locals” in their natural habitat, all
completely free of charge. Come
for the peak of birthing season in
January, the peak of mating season
(and comically entertaining fights
between males) around Valentine’s
Day and the height of elephant
seals on the beach in October.
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