San Simeon State Park

San Simeon State Park is also known as Hearst San Simeon. It is one of the oldest state parks in California. It is well known for its promontories and bluffs offering a scenic park with unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore below. The state park is a short drive from San Simeon. At the park are three preserves: Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, Pa-nu Cultural Preserve, and San Simeon Natural Preserve. Pa-nu Cultural Preserve was founded in 1990.

As part of the park, there is a 3.3 mile trail running from San Simeon Natural Preserve to Washburn Campground. The trail has several overlooks and benches. There are even a couple of interpretive panels to discuss wildlife and habitat.

Santa Rosa Creek Preserve is known for its riparian forests and coast wetlands. Visitors can enjoy the Tidewater Goby, which is an endangered area of the preserve. San Simeon Natural Preserve is known for riparian areas, wetlands, and undisturbed plant habitats, which include mima mound topography. Pa-nu Cultural Preserve is 13.7 acres in size. It is an archeological site dating to 5850 years ago. Prehistoric technology and artifacts have been located at the site and preserved for visitors.