Outbound Collective logo

Hearst Castle, California

Top Spots in and near Hearst Castle

  • San Simeon, California

    Explore Hearst Castle

    4.5
    Hearst CastleYou always hear about it but rarely do you make the necessary full day stop to visit the castle with Big Sur just around the corner.Hearst Castle, located high above the ocean, was the creation of two extraordinary individuals, William Randolph Hearst, and architect Julia Morgan.They...
    Read more
  • San Simeon, California

    Elephant Seal Vista Point

    5.0
    Elephant Seal Vista Point is a favorite place to see the elephant seals. If you’re in the area and have the opportunity, it's a must see. During the Spring, the adult elephant seals and the baby seals are out. Nearby are easy, clearly marked, walking paths, along the cliffs edge. Dogs are not all...
    Read more
  • San Simeon, California

    Elephant Seal Vista Point Trail

    5.0
    5.27 mi / 184 ft gain
    Elephant Seal Vista Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near San Simeon, California.
    Read more
  • Cambria, California

    Camp at San Simeon State Park

    4.0
    San Simeon has two campgrounds to choose from – San Simeon Creek Campground has 115 campsites for tent or RV camping. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and nearby there is firewood for sale. Your other choice is the primitive Washburn Campground, located 1 mile inland. From this plateau, y...
    Read more
  • San Simeon, California

    Ragged Point Trail

    4.5
    0.81 mi / 249 ft gain
    Ragged Point is a quick stop off Hwy1 in Big Sur. It offers amazing vistas of where the mountains meet the ocean. There are scenic spots overlooking both the North and the South. The southern vista overlooks San Carpoforo Creek. Big Sur is truly one of the most beautiful places in California, and...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Salmon Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.29 mi / 102 ft gain
    The trailhead to Salmon Creek Falls is located along a pullout just 45 miles south of Pfieffer Burns State Park on the Highway 1. The falls are only about .25 miles from the trailhead, perfect for a quick visit if you are already driving through Big Sur. Though the Salmon Creek Trail continues on...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Salmon Creek Trail to Spruce & Estrella Camps

    4.5
    6.07 mi / 1919 ft gain
    Feel free to hike Salmon Creek Trail at your own pace – you can choose to turn back at any point, or at the Spruce (2 miles in) or Estrella (3.25 miles in) sites. The trail leads to open vistas of the coast, giving stunning views of the cliffs and ocean. Around 2 miles in, follow the fork to the...
    Read more
  • Paso Robles, California

    Kayak Lake Nacimiento

    Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a gorgeous reservoir used for kayaking, paddle boarding, and all manner of water sports. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive will eventually turn into G...
    Read more
  • Paso Robles, California

    Hike the Shoreline Trail

    1.0
    5.5 mi / 1100 ft gain
    The Shoreline Trail on Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a 5.6 mile trail used for hiking and trail running and located near Lake Nacimiento Resort. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive w...
    Read more
  • Paso Robles, California

    Stand Up Paddle Board at Lake Nacimiento

    Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a gorgeous reservoir used for kayaking, paddle boarding, and all manner of water sports. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive will eventually turn into G...
    Read more
  • Monterey County, California

    Camp at San Martin Top

    San Martin Top is a magical spot overlooking the coast in Big Sur. Accessible via a rutted, windy dirt road, it’s remote enough to guarantee some privacy though you’ll see fellow adventurous souls on surrounding ridges. Take care on the drive up, then set up camp overlooking the ocean or rolling ...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Luxurious Camping at Treebones Resort

    5.0
    If you’ve always wanted to experience Big Sur, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing, Treebones might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled along Big Sur’s beautiful coastline, Treebones Resort offers expansive views and easy access to everything the area has to offer. With a t...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Explore San Carpoforo Creek

    4.0
    Just south of Ragged Point, San Carpoforo Creek is an open beach that is fun to explore. There is a quick hike from the highway to the beach.  During heavy rain years, the creek will be flowing deeper, so you might need to do some swimming. There are waves occasionally here with a couple of surfe...
    Read more
  • Cayucos, California

    Cayucos Pier Trail

    5.0
    0.35 mi / 30 ft gain
    Cayucos Pier Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Cayucos, California.
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Hike down to Jade Cove

    2.0
    0.3 mi / 65 ft gain
    The entrance to jade cove is off the side of the road on Hwy 1.  There is lots of side parking available.  You go down a short unmarked trail and keep left.  You'll find yourself at the top of a cliff/mountain side that uses 2 ropes to get down.  The first rope is short and not super difficult.  ...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Sand Dollar Beach

    4.8
    0.35 mi / 82 ft gain
    Head into Big Sur and get a campsite at Plaskett Creek. You can either make a reservation through recreation.gov or show up and hope to luck out on one of the first-come, first-serve campsites. The campground is much more crowded during the prime summer months, so if you want to get better surf ...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Hearst Castle

Avila / Pismo Beach KOA
San Luis Obispo, California

Avila / Pismo Beach KOA

Santa Margarita KOA Holiday
Santa Margarita, California

Santa Margarita KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Hearst Castle

Exploring the San Antonio Valley: The other side of Big Sur

Exploring the San Antonio Valley: The other side of Big Sur

Keith Evans

Wine and Wanderlust: 72 Hours of Food and Fun in Paso Robles

Wine and Wanderlust: 72 Hours of Food and Fun in Paso Robles

Josiah Roe