Although its most famous attraction remains temporarily closed, San Simeon is still a fascinating and affordable California destination. Just minutes from the world-famous Hearst Castle, San Simeon is a historic seaside town filled with spectacular ocean vistas and friendly locals. While Hearst Castle takes much national attention, San Simeon has other activities, like hiking, pristine beaches, and the world’s only admission-free elephant seal rookery. Here’s a look at five of the best places to stay in the idyllic community of San Simeon. Each is within a short drive from Hearst Castle, Hearst Ranch Winery, and the neighboring seaside village of Cambria.
Best Places to Stay in San Simeon, California
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
9415 Hearst Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 927-4688
www.cavalierresort.com
With sweeping ocean views, Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is TripAdvisor’s top-rated hotel in San Simeon. A pet-friendly property with two swimming pools and a hot tub, the Resort offerResortceanfront or ocean-view rooms. Each room has excellent amenities like complimentary Wi-fi, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig single-serve coffeemaker. Premium Oceanfront Rooms are 20 feet from the shoreline, with additional amenities like a soaking tub and fireplace. ADA-accessible rooms are also available. As the area’s only oceanfront resort, CavaResortlso also features a fitness center, spa, and Cavalier Coastal Kitchen.
San Simeon Lodge
9520 Castillo Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 927-4601
www.sansimeonlodge.net
Just one block from the shoreline, San Simeon Lodge is an affordable option for this peaceful seaside community. The lodge offers free parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms. Each of the 60 rooms also comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Premium rooms with oceanfront views are located on the second floor. The San Simeon Lodge also offers onsite dining at San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill and fitness center. Adjacent to the restaurant is an independently owned convenience store for food, refreshments, and sundries.
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Sands by the Sea
9355 Hearst Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 927-3243
www.sandsmotel.com
The affordable Sands by the Sea is conveniently located next to a popular spot for elephant seals. A modest, pet-friendly motel, it offers 33 rooms and free parking. Each room has modern conveniences like complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwave ovens, and refrigerators. Although Sands by the Sea does not have a dining facility, it recommends Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, which is located next door. Sands by the Sea offers a 15 percent discount when booking early. Discounts are also available for AAA, AARP, state and federal employees, and the military. The popular Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery and the beach are mere footsteps away.
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Sea Breeze Inn
9065 Hearst Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 927-3284
www.seabreezein.com
Sea Breeze Inn is one of San Simeon’s most affordable motels and is conveniently located on Hearst Drive. Just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Sea Breeze Inn offers 26 rooms, many with ocean views. Listed as San Simeon’s second-ranked hotel by TripAdvisor, the two-star property has several excellent amenities. This includes a swimming pool, complimentary parking, and wireless access. Each room also has microwave ovens, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs. Sea Breeze Inn is ADA-compliant, with accessible rooms, access to the pool, and ADA pool lift. Sea Breeze Inn does not allow pets, except service animals, for no additional fee. Many dining options are nearby, like Sunset Grill, El Chorlito, and Cavalier Restaurant.
The Morgan Hotel
9135 Hearst Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 927-3878
www.morgansansimeon.com
Named after the architect of Hearst Castle, the Morgan Hotel is San Simeon’s only boutique hotel. Remarkably affordable, the Morgan 56 offers nicely appointed guest rooms across two buildings. Among the impressive amenities are complimentary parking, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Each guestroom also has additional conveniences like a mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, and luxury linens. The complimentary breakfast is served in the lobby lounge, with additional dining options nearby, like El Chorlito and Sunset Grill. Current specials from Morgan are discounts for AAA, older adults, and AARP members. The hotel, named after renowned architect Julia Morgan, offers up to 20% off nightly reservation rates.
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Update
Hearst Castle reopened in May, 2022
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS Local websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. During his peak years with CBS, he reportedly had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million monthly visitors. His other stories have also appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC, NJ.com, OWC.com, and Radio.com, among others. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.