Pico Creek Beach Trail: San Simeon's hidden jewel for Highway 1
Coastal real estate can be difficult to come be.
Thankfully for visitors to the Central Coast and the small coastal town of San Simeon, that dream becomes a hiker’s reality. You see, the Central Coast is full of wide-open spaces along its coastline. This comes as a blessing for the hiker and Highway 1 tourist, who oftentimes beckon to its shoreline for some beach or hiking activity.
This short coastal trail is a bit of a hidden gem – reserved for the San Simeon hotel concierge word-of-mouth or for those who stumble by looking for beach space. I’ll call it the “Pico Creek Trail” as the trail is otherwise unnamed.
This trail is one of many unofficially named trials along the coast, which if connected, could provide a day of fun along Highway 1. The first that comes to mind is the wonderful Estero Bluffs trail system north of Cayucos, as well as the trail system connecting Arroyo Laguna Beach to San Simeon Pier area near the popular Hearst Castle and its zebras – which feed alongside highway 1 – run by California State Parks.
What surprised me about the Pico Creek trail: underused, verdant green in spring, tons of little side walkways down to beach
When I would hike the Pico Creek trail: With inexperienced hikers, first-time coastal viewers, when it’s too hot to hiking longer inland, when in San Simeon, to vary activity during a beach day in region
What I didn’t like about the trail: Short distance
Tips: The only snack-game in town is San Simeon Liquors, and the only gasoline is at Shell in the town of Cambria. Best time of year is likely winter or early spring when it’s green and wildflowers are out.
Variability is what lends this place a special note. Especially during low tides, the hikers can easily escape down to the beach for some rock-hopping and tide pooling. Navigate to your own private beach, shell-search or photograph the scenic landscape, which during the spring is a lush verdant green.
Pico Creek Trail is a short, safe, easy access and free hike along California’s Central Coast in San Simeon spanning Pico Creek Beach and north to the flanks of Cambria near some nice coast. It offers great coastal views, the chance to hang out on beaches and tranquility. This is an often-underused trail and not popular with local tourism agencies or sites; notwithstanding, for those looking for something to do on an active front in the actual town of San Simeon, this trail is great.
The walking is generally relatively flat with some rutted terrain. Do take caution when attempting to get down to the beach, if not for personal safety but for erosion control sensitivities. Always obey the rules of the trail and check regulations. To the north, viewshed opens up to Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, Hearst Castle and Hearst Pier. To the south, views jut toward Cambria, Moonstone Beach and Fiscalini Preserve.
Take Vista del Mar past the Sea Breeze Inn west to the coast for easy parking. Trailhead signage can’t be missed. Looks like an open pasture of coastal land: that’s exactly what you’re going to get. This coastal trial is short – about 1 mile – along stunning San Simeon coastline between Pico Creek Beach and a surf break known as “Cardiacs.”
Parking: Free parking in residential
Dogs: On leash only
Amenities: N/A
As pictured during spring, lush, verdant coastal viewscaping awaits the Highway 1 visitor near Hearst Castle for a short coast hike.
Hearst Castle stands like a beacon on the hill in San Simeon. Visitors looking for a view and a short hike can check out the Pico Creek Beach trail, a short coastal trail in San Simeon that meanders from the beach south toward some secluded beaches.
Pico Creek Trail offers all sorts of chances to meander along local beaches in the town of San Simeon.
During wet rains, the trail can get a big muddy. Pico Creek Beach is just a short walk from the trail for dry sand.
Pico Creek Beach offers a stunning getaway from the coastal bluff trail just above. You can make a day of wandering the coastal bluff trail and exploring the nearby coastline!
Stunning and secluded – beaches await the hikers along the short yet awefully photogenic expanse in San Simeon near Pico Creek.
Grasses spring up from the coastline beautifully along the flanks of Highway 1 in southern Big Sur, known affectionately as “Little Sur” with much less than less wonderment.
It’s a driftwood life – for us … those who walk the roughly 1-mile San Simeon Pico bluffs trail, located along highway 1.
Estate homes surround the trailhead site, a small cul-de-sac off the main strip in San Simeon. This is a great day hike.
Sunset is a fantastic time to catch those photographs of California sunsets near Hearst Castle.
Cliffs above southern Pico Creek are accessible subject to tides and surf conditions.
Poppies and wildflowers spring to life along Highway 1 in beautiful San Simeon, Calif.