San Simeon “The Point” Hike
A local to Cambria and San Simeon told me about this hike in San Simeon called “The Point.” She said it’s at the State beach and takes you through partly private Hearst land to the farthest edge on the central coast. She said that at the end of the hike that there is a local store where Hearst winery offers wine tasting and good food like burgers from Hearst land beef.
Based on her description, I couldn’t wait to make time to get to this hike. Four of us headed on this with water and cameras in hand. It was a beautiful Spring day.
It starts out at the San Simeon State Beach. We parked at the State Beach parking for free. No staff at the pay booth that day but State fees apply. You can always park up the road by the store for free and walk down. From the beach, if you look to the grove of Eucalyptus trees, you can see a foot-path going up to the bluff. Follow the path, it goes along the bluff as it climbs higher. As you finish the bluff walk over the beach, there is a fence and a spot where you can go through the fence. Following the foot path then takes you through a variety of tree I did this hike in April 2013 so there were wild flowers and high grass among the tree groves. At certain points on the hike, there is this sound that at first I thought was a bird. It turned out to be the sound of the wind as the tree trunks swayed with the breeze. Again, very cool!
As you make your way through the trees, you end up at the tip of the point. This would be a great picnic spot but as usual I didn’t have much with me. I did have water this time around. From The Point, you get great views of Hearst Castle across the Bay, the green hills of Cambria and San Simeon, coves and bluffs. You can see arches below with waves crashing all around them. Lots of birds and sea life. It’s just spectacular!
I don’t know the length of this hike officially but I would guess it’s about 4 miles round trip. Not a long one but it takes a long time because there is so much to see and photograph. Be sure to have your cameras with you.
After the hike, we headed to the Sebastian Store and Hearst Winery. I had a great Salad with the burger on top. Everyone else had the burgers and said they were the best they’ve had. It was a great day!
Be sure to check out the photos and leave me comments if you ever do make this hike.
I have an audio clip of the trees sounding like a wild bird that I hope to add soon.
Jackie's Voice 