San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
History of San Simeon Bay
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 25, 2026
1. History of San Simeon Bay Marker
San Simeon Bay has a rich history of human use. The area was inhabited for more than 10,000 years by Indigenous peoples. In the late 1700s, Spanish missionaries occupied the area and introduced cattle ranching to the coastal prairies. By the 1800s, San Simeon Bay was a vibrant seaport and shore whaling station, exporting dairy, mercury, and whaling products. Starting in the late 1800s, the Hearst family built piers to receive ships delivering goods from all over the world.
(photo captions:)
·San Simeon Bay was an important 19th century shipping port
·Starting in 1878, a series of wharves were built for offloading people and supplies.
·Steamer ships frequently made overnight stops at San Simeon Bay.
·Albacore fishing boats taking shelter in San Simeon Bay during the 1940s.
·Children float down the creek in a row boat around 1900.
Erected by California State Parks and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 35° 38.557′ N, 121° 11.27′ W. Marker is in San Simeon, California
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Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast and specifically on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: San Simeon Bay is a Special Place (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Whaling to Whale Watching (about 500 feet away); Turning Whale Blubber Into Valuable Oil (about 500 feet away); Catching a Whale (about 500 feet away); Shore Whaling in San Simeon (about 500 feet away); Sebastian Store (approx. ¼ mile away); Hearst Ranch (approx. ¼ mile away); Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Simeon.
Also see . . . Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA). (Submitted on April 10, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 25, 2026
2. History of San Simeon Bay Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
