About this campground
Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs highlighting the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California state parks, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The interface of land and sea is unique and draws people here for recreational opportunities and inspiration. Protecting these special places preserves them for use and enjoyment for generations to come. This visitor center provides a range of accessibility features for every visitor to enjoy the exhibits. Visit our website to learn more information specifically about wheelchair mobility, service animals, sight and hearing impaired assistance, and sensory friendly assistance.
Getting there
The Center is located at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, opposite the entrance to Hearst Castle Visitor Center on California Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is about a five-hour drive from either city. From Los Angeles: Take U.S. Highway 101 north to San Luis Obispo, then travel Highway 1 north about 39 miles. From San Francisco: Take U.S. 101 south to California Highway 46, then travel west on 46 to Highway 1 and north about 13 miles. From Monterey: Take California Highway 1 south (about 93 miles) to Hearst Castle. Or take Highway 68 east to Highway 101 south, then take Highway 46 west to Highway 1 and north, about 130 miles total. From Cambria: Take California Highway 1 north for about 7 miles.
Activities
- CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
- EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Ventana WildernessLos Padres National Forest25 mi
- Sanctuary Exploration CenterMonterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary28 mi
- Arroyo SecoLos Padres National Forest33 mi
- ARROYO SECOLos Padres National Forest33 mi
- Arroyo Seco TrailheadLos Padres National Forest33 mi
- Arroyo Seco Group CampgroundLos Padres National Forest34 mi
Explore more California camping
Coastal Discovery Center doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse California camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.