Hearst San Simeon State Park covers six miles of Central Coast shoreline and about 1,000 acres of bluffs, beaches, and pine-oak woodland across from Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County. The park combines two separate sections: the developed San Simeon State Beach and the more remote Piedras Blancas area to the north. San Simeon Creek, which flows through the park, supports a seasonal lagoon and steelhead habitat, and the coastal cliffs here host harbor seals, sea otters, and year-round gray whale sightings offshore.

Dogs on leash are welcome in the San Simeon Creek Campground, the Washburn Primitive Campground, the day-use picnic area, and on the paved roads through the developed portions of the park. Dogs are not permitted on the park’s hiking trails. The San Simeon Creek beach area, reached by a short walk from the day-use lot, is dog-accessible along the shore.

San Simeon Creek Campground has 115 sites in a flat, sheltered area just inland from the beach; RVs and tents both fit, and all sites are leash-friendly. The beach at the creek mouth is wide and sloping with gentle surf most of the year — dogs on leash can walk south toward William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach, which also allows dogs in its day-use area. Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, nine miles north, are best observed from the designated overlooks; dogs must stay in the parking area.

The park is on Highway 1 at San Simeon, three miles south of the Hearst Castle visitor center. Day-use parking is free at the creek beach lot; campground reservations run through ReserveCalifornia. Coastal fog is common in summer mornings through about 11 AM, with afternoons often clear and warm.