Small beach but lovely and dramatic - tucked away in a little cove in the quaint area of San Simeon. The tide pools are fantastic - easy to access and there are lots of them! Plus you can walk under San Simeon pier and at sunset, it casts long shadows and makes for some very beautiful photos. The beach sits below some cliffs and is bordered by a small peninsula. The surrounding waters are part of the national marine sanctuary- so the tide pooling is excellent - especially during the king tides in the winter. In the mid 1800s, this area started out as a Portuguese fishing village - but drought forced them to relocate so the surrounding area was bought up by the Hearst family to accompany their castle. Many years later, they gave a lot of the land to the state, but they still own a portion of the beach today - it's their private property but they allow anyone to visit so it's open to the public. You park up on the cliff top or down closer to the beach. In the upper parking lot, there are picnic tables, interesting info signs about the area's history, bathrooms, and a "discovery center". Definitely worth spending some time here if you're in the area - I always make a stop on my visits! read more

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This was a very nice find on our road trip to Cambria with our husky. The parking lot was a little confusing at first, and the restrooms were closed (but portapotties were available). However, once we actually got to the beach itself (down the hill, attached to a lower lot), we had a pleasant time. It was rugged and pretty undeveloped, clean and quiet on a weekday afternoon. It felt tucked away in nature, and was scenic with the pier and view of the mountains in the distance. We even saw a seal riding the waves. Worth a stop if you are in the area. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - View towards a wooded area on the far side of the beach - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

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We enjoyed a relaxing day here with our dog. We were able to drive down to the lower beach and park with a great view of the old pier. There is lots of shade and space to relax and enjoy the sounds of the water. The beach and picnic area were pretty clean and although there were people fishing and BBQing, there was a nice quiet atmosphere. I don't know if it's typical but on our visit there were no screaming children or loud teens posing for the gram. It was a really calm vibe. The restrooms are near the entrance so it's a bit of a trek if you need to go and the portable restroom that was in the area was locked. Still this was better than the other beaches we visited in the area and I would definitely come back. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

OK...this review is for the coast line area right under the William Randolph Hearst Memorial View Point. It's about 5 miles from the State Beach memorial state beach, which the rest of the reviews mention. But it is part of the Hearst State Beach. It has plenty of gravel parking, and good views of the coastline. You are able to slowly climb down the low embankment and get close to the water. I don't think it's safe for swimming, and with the ocean breezes making it quite chilly, so didn't stay too long. The sand is rough, with some large driftwood on the beach. But I was only one on the beach for a bit, and it was nice just staring out to the ocean while hearing the loud rumbling of the shallow waves. read more

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A quiet beach in a large cove protected from the open ocean. Simple, peaceful, and what I like in a beach. The walk to the point and north along the seaside cliffs is also nice and well maintained. Ahhhh. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Sam Simeon pier, open and recently rebuilt due to storm damage - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

Beautiful! Nice place to stop by after visiting the Elephant Seal Vista Point. Quiet and so peaceful. I would love to come back when it gets warmer as it was a bit cold the day I visited. read more

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This is the best spot to go for small children to play in the water and build sand castles. It is protected by the wind and in a cove. There is an awesome trail to the point where you can surprise your love with a proposal in the hall of trees. This is a great spot. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Beach looking toward the peer - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

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This beach area is currently under construction and the pier is off limits but the beach is a great area to walk and play in the ocean. No fees to park when we were there. Stopped in after visiting Heart Castle and grabbing a great lunch just up the road. Perfect end to our family visit to the area with cousins from UK. Will be back and for sure once the construction is complete! read more

I had just left the Hearst Castle and I saw this beach right across the street from it so I ventured over. Glad I did. What I like about the beach is that it is small and it has this pier but it's not obstructed by hotels and buildings. It is a state beach. Unfortunately, it's not well taken care of. The grassy area needs to be mowed and the railings and steps to the sand need to be painted. The bathrooms are closed. They have portable toilets. Great place to sit next to the water and just listen to the waves. There are plenty of picnic tables. I wouldn't swim here because there is no lifeguard and the waves look dangerous. read more

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We stopped at every vista point coming from north to south, starting with Elephant seal vista point. (Would have been the light hide but it was closed. It's opened 3 days a week for two hours). William R. Hearst State Beach is the closest public restrooms. It's also where you have access to the pier that you can spot from 101. The restrooms were clean and there are 4 single stalls. Don't forget to go to the back. One at each corner. We saw a several parties having a picnic at the tables throughout the site. read more

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I was told about this beach while staying in Cambria because Moonstone Beach is not dog friendly. I totally get it. It's not the dogs that are gross, it's their owners. We arrived around 9am on a warm and sunny December morning so parking was not an issue. Dogs are allowed to the right of the pier. This provides plenty of sand and waves for you and your fellow dog buddy to frolic in. * Make sure to pick up after your pet* read more

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A fun, free state beach with plenty of things to see and do.. What to do - Coastal Discovery Center. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. This small center is packed with knowledge and a few hands-on exhibits. Free. The Pier - Piers are always fun and this is a nice clean one. While fishing is allowed here it's few and far between.. The trail at San Simeon Beach - This is an epic family- friendly walk. The views of the bay and the ocean are amazing. You walk through forest like paths with small outcroppings of cliffside views of the Pacific. read more

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I almost hesitate to share this less touristy and calm beach (don't want to have it overcrowded during my next visit.) After arriving here, right at 8 am when the gates opened, I encountered a nice family out fishing who said "it's the quietest beach in California." Indeed it was very peaceful and even when I was leaving, around 10, there were still not a lot of cars in the lot. The beach is located across from the entrance road to Hearst Castle off Highway 1 and is free of charge to enter. There is a grassy area with barbecues, clean restrooms, a Marine Mammal discovery center (currently closed in November 2020 due to covid restrictions,) a pier and of course the beach itself. You can easily spend the day here, walking the pier, having a picnic and then embarking on the easy hiking trail that you can access from the beach out to the point. I spent time on the pier and then walked the trails out to some amazing scenic views. It was a great way to spend the morning and a highly recommended stop in the San Simeon area. read more

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We happened upon this beach in our quest to go somewhere else!! This is a pristine beach with a huge long pier with lots of informative signs about the wildlife and ocean. It wasn't crowded when we were there which was a Monday afternoon. We saw really interesting birds there. There were also bathrooms. Great photo opps and a pretty good place to propose too. :) I believe this beach is across from Heart Castle so that makes it convenient to visit. read more

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When I come here - and this is the third time - I keep picturing William Randolph Hearst in one of those striped, turn-of-the-last-century swimming suits, playing a ukulele and serenading his lover Marion Davies who would be twirling her beach parasol... "By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea! You and me, you and me, oh how happy we'll be! When each wave comes a-rolling in We will duck or swim, And we'll float and fool around the water. Over and under, and then up for air, Pa is rich, Ma is rich, so now what do we care? I love to be beside your side, beside the sea, Beside the seaside, by the beautiful sea!" Instead of turning left or right on Hwy 1 after leaving Hearst Castle, why not go straight ahead to this tranquil beach? The waves never get too aggressive since it's located in a large cove, which makes it ideal for kayaking and beginning surfing. I imagine this is where Hearst had all his luxurious items shipped to transport up the five-mile hill to his palatial estate. However, there are no remnants of that period at all. What does exist is a long fishing pier that's great for strolling and allowing you time to realize what you would do if you had more money than God (see my photos). The bad news is that this state beach is on Arnold's short-list for closure to help balance the state budget. It would be a darn shame to let that girly-man commit such an injustice. Visit while you still can... read more

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A must stop location when we visit the central coast. There's a big park area with plenty of parking or you can drive down to the beach and park there. Restrooms are clean. The Pier makes a great backdrop for pics. Lots of sandy beach for the kids to play. We love to beach comb at low tide. I usually find a piece of sea glass or two when I look real hard, too! read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Picnic area - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

This California State Beach is located directly across Highway 1 from the Hearst Castle. When you drive in, take a moment to stand in front of the plain school. You can see Hearst Castle on the crest of the hill, it makes an interesting contrast. The clean white sand beach is in a calm cove. However, the waves do crash a bit against the long pier. This also is a popular fishing area. I asked a walking along the shore what he was fishing for and he told me Rockfish. This would be a great spot to enjoy a sunset. It's easy to get too and there are tables, benches even parking spots, where you can enjoy the sun sinking in to the Pacific. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Incoming tide - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

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On a girls trip heading to Big Sur me and my friends stopped by here for a rest break and a few photo ops. Absolutely worth stopping for...when you first arrive you are greeted by the most amazing Mexican Sycamore trees, you must get a picture hugging them LoL. It was mid-day when we stopped and I was still able to get some great shots of the pier and water. I wish we had taken the time to go on the trail but what we did see was very beautiful. The Castle was closed and you're unable to drive up to it at all but the rest of what's there is certainly worth seeing! read more

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On the way to Channel Island on highway 1, I was sitting at a shotgun seat. I saw a black thing moving in the pond. I got scared and saw carefully and realized it was an elephant seal. We immediately stopped and enjoyed watching their weird and lazy movement. Then saw the sunset. Nice relaxing beach. read more

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Awesome place to bring your dog! It is heaven--your dog can have the freedom of being off-leash. Just stay north of the pier. Showers and water here for post beach cleanup. Saw lots of people using the barbecues and enjoying the picnic tables. Lots of easy parking. The sand is very soft. My boys love digging for sand crabs!! read more

Hiked this with my husband and dog! Great vistas, short hike, saw elephant seals! Ticks on the trail so watch yoir furry friends!

A cozy park with lots to offer (also referred to as San Simeon). We were there on a Sunday and the entrance booth was closed. There's a small parking lot with picnic benches. But the good stuff is by the water. There's a pier that allows you fantastic views of the ocean and coastline and you can fish off it. We saw several fishermen and a fish cleaning station (first time I've ever seen one). The pier itself looks like it's been extended since my family last visited decades ago. You can also rent kayaks and water gear below the pier. And as you walk back, you can see Hearst Castle in the distance. It's a great place to spend the afternoon, or just to stop to stretch your legs a little and enjoy the views. read more

As you travel along the iconic Route 1 you will come upon a tiny place which you may be inclined to pass by. But don't! It's directly across (due West) from the Hearst Castle turnoff. Here you will find a sweet park with picnic area, beach, pier and bathrooms (always important when you're traveling!) It's not at all uncommon to spot a whale near the pier frolicking in the blue/green waters. I didn't see one there, but the views and tranqulity made my short visit there a special treat. If you're hungry or thirsty, continue down the street to Sebastian Cafe to sample Hearst Ranch Winery selections and indulge in the cafe's menu of sandwiches, burgers, salads and other treats. read more

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Visited July 4th weekend Very crowded due to long weekend. Sat at one of the tables to eat lunch while checking out the view. Pier but no shops. read more

Beautiful scenic coastline! It's right across the street from the entrance to the castle, so it's definitely a worthwhile stop after a visit to Hearst Castle to soak in a sunset before getting back on the road. It's usually very vacant as it's a ways from civilization. The long pier is a nice walk to get out past the waves and look back upon the coast, the castle, and the expanse of the entire cove. Down on the sand, there's some areas for kids to play in a small lagoon. When I visited, I spotted a few kids with boogie boards kicking around in the waters. There's also a guy with kayaks, which sounds like a fun idea! You have to admire all the beauty around you when at this beach and appreciate Mr. W R Hearst for his excellent taste in scenic spots. read more

Hmmm ... Better beaches await in Big Sur, even if they are harder to access. The pier is a real plus here, as is the mixed collection of people who patronize the beach, from picnic-packed families with beach balls and swimming paraphernalia to local dog walkers, kite people, surfers, and the scattered tourist looking to feed the birds, take photos, and otherwise soak in the Pacific views. The parking lot was unpleasant, crowded, and dirty, which made our first impression of Hearst MSB a less than impressive one. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Pier and pelican, Hearst Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

One place you must visit along Hwy 1 is the Hearst Memorial State Beach fishing pier. We brought our fishing poles on the trip with us and happened to find this pier by luck. Across the highway, we could see the entryway to the bustling tourist destination - Hearst Castle. We avoided the crowd and opted for the peaceful and serene surroundings of the coast. We watched visitors row their kayaks alongside seals and saw beach lovers test their threshold for the cold pacific waters. On the pier, a father tried to attract seals by throwing anchovies off the pier with his two kids and an elderly couple spent their morning cuddling on a bench with their fishing poles in hand. Here, we spent the morning fishing and the enjoying the beautiful scenery. read more

Great part of thd beach that's clean and usually not as busy. There is also a pier here that you can walk out on for some great views. The picnic area is also nice. read more

W R Hearst Memorial State Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Simeon, California

I love this place. I came here for a mini vacay and it was just delightful. I don't know what it is like during the summer, but for the off season, it is not crowded. There is a nice stretch to walk dogs...on leash. Free parking. There looked to be a little trail running alongside as well, but I did not get the chance to explore it. The view is great. The California shoreline is just so pretty. There was also ample parking while I was there. I had issues with cell service (data) but really, who needs to be online when you can be enjoying the beach. Loved my few days here and looking forward to coming back again. read more

I really didn't like this beach very much (the actual beach, not the surrounding visitor center, etc)...I had just come from San Simeon State Park, which was much nicer. Also, this beach smelled. The pier is nice though, and there was a lot of whale activity fairly close to shore, which was interesting. I guess the real draw of this place is the history...personally, I just like a nice beach, and there are probably a lot of better alternatives in the area. read more

Beautiful beautiful!!!! You have to come here to experience it .. No service out here .. Look out the cougars it's really wilderness out here .... read more

i don't know how it is possible to be more happy about this beach. its pristine with white sand and a pier and great views of the san simeon coast AND hearst castle and why was it so goddamn hot out and not windy at 3:30pm? i feel bad for the two 15 year old boys who witnessed my slightly inebriated roommate from the back doing down-dog in her undersized bikini. oops! now please enjoy this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n92ATE3IgIs i know it doesn't relate, but its how i felt here... read more

Pretty peaceful and very picturesque with Hearst Castle in the background on top of the hills. A nice little beach away from the crowds and quite a few people fishing on the pier. There are kayaks for rent; which is nice, but beware of elephant seals! The museum is pretty fun with nice displays and very friendly staff. Highly recommend this place for a quiet picnic or beach stroll. read more

the beach is so beautiful,,,,iv never been there before,,,,,,,,im homebound,,,but i love looking up things on my computer,,, read more

this is a nice, quiet, small beach, located in san simeon, at the base of hearst castle road, the road that leads to the enchanted castle! this beach is dedicated to the "chief" himself, mr. william randolph hearst, although i wonder if the chief ever visited this beach, given how busy he was with his paper! this beach is free to the public, with public toilets, free parking, a nice stretch of boardwalk. there were some fishermen on the boardwalk when we visited. in general, i thought this beach was pretty clean and definitely family friendly. read more

Peaceful. Gorgeous view. Cold water (in the morning). Very relaxing. Just what a beach should be.

This was the most protected beach between Big Sur and Pismo. It had less wind and generally seemed nicer than most of the other beaches. After you look at the elephant seals 5 miles north of here, come here and relax for a while. read more

Couldn't help but to stop by here off CA-1 when I saw that appealing pier. I wish I had a fishing pole or some crab nets because this definitely would have been a legit spot to try out. Saw plenty of sea otters and was on the look out for whales but couldn't catch any. Hearst Castle is also visible within the distance which is always nice. Dogs allowed too! read more

Another great coastal resource in a region filled with great attractions. Recommended.

A beautiful little peach of a beach. What a lovely place to spend an afternoon. A couple of elephant seals were on the beach. People were getting so close to them that I thought I was going to lose my temper and yell at them. The signs clearly give distances, and warn of fines. Leave the poor animals alone. read more