San Simeon Hotel Guide - Hearst Castle hotels in San Simeon, United States of America.

Top reasons to visit Hearst Castle

• Guided Tours: Experience the grandeur of Hearst Castle through informative guided tours that unveil its rich history and opulent architecture.
• Stunning Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery and wildlife, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
• Outdoor Activities: Engage in scenic hikes and picnics amidst picturesque landscapes, enhancing your visit with natural beauty.
• Charming Coastal Towns: Explore nearby towns like Cambria, known for their friendly locals and quaint atmosphere.
• Accommodation Options: Choose from a variety of hotels near the castle, ensuring comfort after a day of exploration.

Find great hotels near Hearst Castle

Discover the charm of San Simeon with a range of hotel accommodations near Hearst Castle, ideal for every type of traveller. From pet-friendly options to motels offering easy beach access, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure. Explore guest reviews and nearby hotels to ensure a delightful overnight stay as you immerse yourself in the stunning coastal scenery and rich history of this unique destination.

• FogCatcher Inn: This 3-star property, boasting a commendable guest rating of 8.8, offers a charming beachside escape just 12.9km from Hearst Castle. FogCatcher Inn is ideal for those seeking adventure and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, with a variety of adventure sports nearby, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. The inn also welcomes pets with certain restrictions, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the holiday fun. With its focus on outdoor activities and a relaxed ambience, FogCatcher Inn is a delightful choice for adventurous travellers.
• Blue Dolphin Inn: Rated 9.6 out of 10, this 3-star inn is also situated 12.9km from Hearst Castle, making it a perfect retreat for beach lovers and business travellers alike. Blue Dolphin Inn features direct beach access and offers a range of recreational activities, including horse riding and hiking, ensuring guests can fully immerse themselves in the stunning coastal surroundings. With its emphasis on comfort and convenience, this property is well-suited for those blending leisure with business needs during their stay.
• Cavalier Oceanfront Resort: With a guest rating of 8.8 and a 3.5-star designation, Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is located 8.0km from Hearst Castle, making it a favourable option for beachgoers and business travellers. This resort features direct beach access and is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their dogs along for the experience. The amenities cater to both relaxation and productivity, creating an inviting atmosphere for those looking to unwind or conduct business while enjoying the natural beauty of the California coast.

Where to stay near Hearst Castle

For a memorable getaway, Hearst Castle and its surroundings offer a charming blend of history and relaxation. Explore the opulent architecture of Hearst Castle itself, then wander through the quaint coastal towns like Cambria, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy scenic coastal drives along Highway 1, or discover the serene beauty of nearby state parks, perfect for leisurely hikes and picnics. This area promises an enriching holiday experience amidst stunning hillside vistas.

• Happy Hill: Nestled 14.5km from Hearst Castle, Happy Hill is a charming village offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With visitor numbers peaking from June to August, it’s an ideal spot for summer getaways. You can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting the recreational area to unwinding at the local spa. The nearby beach and urban park provide excellent opportunities for relaxation and exploration, while the local monument adds a touch of historical intrigue to your visit.
• Cambria: Located 16.1km from Hearst Castle, Cambria is a delightful city that attracts visitors throughout the year, with peak seasons in April, June, and July. Known for its stunning beaches and scenic vistas, Cambria promises a memorable outdoor experience. Take advantage of the amusement park and boardwalk, which are popular with both families and couples. As you stroll through the city, you’ll encounter local landmarks, including historic houses and monuments that reflect the area’s rich heritage.
• San Simeon: Home to the illustrious Hearst Castle, San Simeon is a city that offers a unique blend of culture and coastal beauty. With visitor numbers peaking from June to August, it’s an excellent destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the recreational areas or enjoy the local amusement park and boardwalk. The city is also home to significant landmarks, including historic houses and symbolic monuments, each telling a story of the region’s fascinating past.

Things to do in Hearst Castle

Shopping

While Hearst Castle itself doesn't have shopping facilities, nearby you can find the quaint shops in San Simeon offering local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Cambria's charming boutiques and galleries, showcasing unique gifts and art from local artisans.

Recreation

At Hearst Castle, indulge in tranquil strolls through the lush gardens, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The estate features guided tours highlighting art and architecture, while nearby, the serene beaches provide opportunities for relaxing walks and meditation amidst stunning natural beauty.

Adventure

Hearst Castle offers guided tours through opulent rooms filled with art and history, showcasing the grandeur of the estate. Explore the beautiful gardens and stunning ocean views or take a stroll along scenic trails that connect to the surrounding natural beauty of California's coastline.

Nightlife

While Hearst Castle itself is more renowned for daytime tours, nearby Cambria offers quaint pubs and wine bars, such as the Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill, where you can unwind with a drink and ocean views. For a relaxed evening, try the local eateries that showcase regional flavours.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hearst Castle

To save on your trip to Hearst Castle, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation rates, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid Saturdays, which tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also help you save money. Look for promotional offers featuring affordable rates and best price guarantees to maximise your savings while enjoying the castle and its surroundings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hearst Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hearst Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hearst Castle is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel reservation at Hearst Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Hearst Castle

Whether you seek stunning scenery, beach relaxation, or outdoor adventures, Hearst Castle and its surroundings have much to offer. Explore the beautiful Moonstone Beach, visit the historic Hearst Castle, and discover nearby state parks and lighthouses. For accommodation, there are several hotels near Hearst Castle in San Simeon, making it easy to enjoy the area's attractions all within a short distance from the castle.

• Moonstone Beach: Located 12.9km from Hearst Castle, Moonstone Beach offers a tranquil coastal retreat with stunning views. The beach is renowned for its smooth pebbles, particularly moonstones, providing a unique spot for beachcombing and leisurely strolls along the shore.
• Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument: Just 161m from Hearst Castle, this monument features the opulent Hearst Castle itself. The site is rich in history and culture, showcasing exquisite architecture and beautiful gardens, making it a romantic destination for visitors.
• Piedras Blancas Lighthouse: Situated 11.3km from Hearst Castle, this historic lighthouse boasts impressive coastal views and a captivating history. The surrounding area is home to elephant seals, adding to the cultural allure of this remarkable site.

Best time to go to Hearst Castle

The best time to visit Hearst Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hearst Castle falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Hearst Castle falls in December and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	56.8°F (13.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	59.4°F (15.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Hearst Castle

Reaching Hearst Castle is convenient via several major airports. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is 69.2km away, with nearby hotels such as the 4-star Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach and the charming Casitas of Arroyo Grande, both around 12.9km from the airport. Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) is 117.5km from Hearst Castle, offering options like the 3.5-star Monterey Beach Hotel, just 1.6km away. Alternatively, Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX), located 109.4km from Hearst Castle, features the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, conveniently situated 0.8km from the airport. These hotels provide accessible transportation options to their respective airports.