San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

From Whaling to Whale Watching

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 25, 2026

1. From Whaling to Whale Watching Marker

Inscription.
From 1850-1900, over 5,000 gray and humpback whales were taken by California whaling stations. By 1892, the capture of whales decreased from 22 to 5 in San Simeon Bay. The continued take and improvements in hunting technology contributed to the decline of whales and the end of California shore whaling. In addition, the discovery of petroleum in 1860 provided cleaner burning kerosene as an alternative to whale oil.

In the 20th century, changes in attitude towards whales and environmental awareness contributed to international conservation efforts to stop whaling. By 1972, the United States banned all whaling.

Erected by California State Parks and the NOAA Preserve America Initiative.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 35° 38.633′ N, 121° 11.257′ W. Marker is in San Simeon, California, in San Luis Obispo County. It can be reached from Slo San Simeon Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon CA 93452, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Turning Whale Blubber Into Valuable Oil (here, next to this marker); Catching a Whale (here, next to this marker); Shore Whaling in San Simeon

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(here, next to this marker); History of San Simeon Bay (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Simeon Bay is a Special Place (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hearst Ranch (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sebastian Store (approx. ¼ mile away); Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Simeon.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 25, 2026

2. From Whaling to Whale Watching Marker

Marker is on the far left

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 18, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.