Why San Simeon might be the mightiest mile in California

Humans aren't the only ones drawn to the climate and beauty of California's Central Coast; eleplant seals can be found basking in the sun on some of the beaches. The best place to see these quirky creatures interacting with one another is at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. A boardwalk lets you get close to the action, while still giving the seals the space they need. Pro tip: The best times to visit the rookery are in late January, late April, and late October, although the viewing area is open for spotting a variety of coastal wildlife year around.

Add a dose of inspiration to your adventure with a tour of Nitt Witt Ridge, a famed folk art icon. Built by an eccentric recluse named Arthur “Art” Harold Beal, it's a found-object masterpiece of a home built on 2.5 acres. Art, aka Captain Nitt Witt, was a garbage collector who took the phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure" to a whole new level, using beer cans, sea shells, and other odds and ends from his job to hand craft the house. The house has been preserved, and you can still tour it today. Call ahead to make sure it's open, and remember to leave a $10 donation to help keep this gem going.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offers an experience you can't find anywhere else. This ranch-turned-nature preserve, bisected by Highway 1, offers, hands down, one of the best views on the coast. Take a stroll down the gorgeous Fiscalini Trail with views of the ocean the entire time, and enjoy some of the best California has to offer. During your walk, you will encounter wildlife and colorful vegetation as far as your eyes can see. The walk is easy and accessible. In addition to the great views, you'll come across sea lions and sea otters in their natural habitat, as well as other wildlife. Fiscalini Ranch is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Be sure to time your visit during the sunset for a sight you won't forget!

Perfect for a bite to eat after visiting Hearst Castle, Sebastian's is an enduring local favorite, offering a seemingly endless amount of delicious meals. It's located in an 1850s-era general store, which adds to the quirky and casual vibe. Enjoy lunch outside with incredible ocean views, or sit in the cafe and admire Hearst Ranch and Castle photographs and memorabilia. On Saturdays, Sebastian's offers live music and wood-fired oven pizzas from 3:30 to 7 PM. The cafe also serves as the tasting room for a local winery, Hearst Ranch. They offer tons of different varieties of wine, from Tempranillos and Malbecs to rosés and Chardonnays, and the old-school copper-topped bar adds an authentic, vintage feel to the experience.

Just minutes away from the town of San Simeon off Highway 1, Willam Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach is the perfect place for some fun in the sun! Whether you're looking to hike, swim, fish, or just want a day to finish your book on the beach, William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach offers plenty of ways to enjoy a visit. With over 20 picnic sites and plenty of parking, it's hassle-free as well. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the ocean around the beach!