Central Coast · CA
San Simeon
An old whaling cove below Hearst Castle.
- Population
- 445 (2020 census)
- Hearst wharf
- 1878
- Current pier
- 1957
Then
- About 1864
Portuguese shore whalers under Captain Joseph Clark settle near the bay.
- 1878
Hearst builds a new wharf and the settlement moves beside it.
- About 1908
Shore whaling ends.
- Early 1900s
Hearst Castle rises on the hill above for William Randolph Hearst.
Now
The old townsite beach is part of Hearst San Simeon State Park. Seven miles north, the Piedras Blancas rookery draws crowds to watch elephant seals.