Plan a fun weekend getaway to San Simeon and the beautiful Central Coast. If you’re driving south from San Francisco, stop at Big Sur, one of the world’s most scenic destinations. Its ocean and coastal views are breathtaking. Take a fun side trip and visit Santa Barbara, Elephant Seals, Cambria, and Solvang.
Elephant Seals
Be sure to check out San Simeon’s Elephant Seals, especially during December-March (birthing and breeding season). Stop by Elephant Seal Vista Point on the beaches of Piedras Blancas (pictured below), located approximately 4.4 miles north of Hearst Castle. Wait until you see how big and noisy these elephants seals are here in their natural habitat. Large males are 14-16 feet long and weigh between 3,000-5,000 pounds; adult females are 9-12 feet long and weigh between 900-1,800 pounds; and the little Pups are 3-4 feet long and weigh 60-80 pounds at birth. Our favorite time of year to visit the Elephant Seals is over Valentine’s day, the peak of mating season.
Cambria
Visit the picturesque seaside village of Cambria, located just four miles south of Hearst Castle.
Solvang
Enjoy a taste of Denmark in the quaint Danish village of Solvang, about a 2-hr drive from Hearst Castle. Explore the Santa Ynez Valley and go wine-tasting. We really loved visiting Solvang. It’s a fun place to stroll and shop.