Central California Coast: San Simeon to Monterey

Pictures of Beaches Pictures of Beaches

The Central California Coast from San Simeon in the south, to Monterey in the north, is filled with natural and man-made visitor delights.

San Simeon is best known as being home to Hearst Castle, the early twentieth century home to the newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst, and now one of California's state parks.

The top picture shows Hearst beach, another state park near the town of San Simeon. It is easily reached via Highway 1.

As long as the weather holds, traveling north along Highway 1 or Big Sur Coast Highway can also be a real treat.

Piedras Blancas, located about seven miles north of San Simeon, hosts an Elephant Seal Rookery.

Northern Elephant Seals, (Mirounga angustirostris), large marine mammals with swimming and diving abilities that rival whales, spend most of their time at sea. They come ashore to molt, breed and give birth.

January through March are the best times for seeing both males and females at the beach with the young pups.

The approximately fifty mile drive from Piedras Blancas to Monterey hugs the Pacific Ocean, providing ocean views to the west and views of Los Padres National Forests to the east.

Much of the remainder of the Big Sur Coast Highway route consists of hairpin turns up and down the coastal bluffs. A stop at any of the State Parks, restaurants or shops along the road is always recommended.

Traditional whale watching season runs from December through May. Look for signs announcing the Point Sur Lighthouse. It's open to the public.

© 2004-2008 Patricia A. Michaels