Just a perfect afternoon! Picnicking at San Simeon pier, watching a pod of Humpback whales breeching offshore and enjoying one of the best "homemade" sandwiches not made at home. Our lunch, a hot New York Style pastrami, was prepared for us by Sebastian's General Store and Cafe.
Other than the great food offerings, what makes this eating establishment so unique and a draw to the curious, is the building's locale, uniqueness and history. Sebastian's General Store started aboard the brigantine sailing ship Ayachuchio under the command of Scottish whaling captain John Wilson, sailing between Peru, the Sandwich Island and California. In 1852, during the Whaling years, Wilson purchased one of seven licenses issued by San Luis Obsipo County and built the store out on San Simeon Point, the original location of most of the many buildings that comprised the booming whaling village of San Simeon. The store was then dragged by horses to the current location about 1878 and has been bought and sold several times since then. Recently renovated and opened, Sebastian's is now decorated with an eclectic collection of antiques. They have artifacts displayed from that time and a growing museum of pictures spanning 100 years or more. Along with the grocery store, Sebastian's also feature their cozy Cafe serving Hearst Ranch grass-fed free range natural beef, local wines and beer, bottled water and soda (including the rare Nesbitt line of soft drinks that you we boomers remember). Indoor and outdoor patio seating is available to patrons to eat their lunch there and relax and enjoy the historical scenery....or you can take it down to the pier as we did on this brilliant day.
Being part of the original village of San Simeon, you can view a collection of some beautiful historic Spanish adobe architecture of the old Village of San Simeon, although access is restricted. You will see a Julia Morgan designed warehouse and homes built for Willam Randolph Hearst employees. And right next door to the store is the picturesque and historic Home School built in 1903 with Hearst Castle framed in the background.
A short walk down the road, is our perfect lunch spot at William Randolph State Beach. The 1,000 foot-long fishing pier and crescent shaped beach offers families picnic and barbeque areas. The sheltered cove perfect for relaxing, getting some rays, kayaking and swimming for those willing to brave the brisk water. Or walk the white sand beach to San Simeon Point and baste yourself with spectacular ocean views.
Past the village is also an access point to a wonderful walking trail that will take you north to Arroyo Laguna Beach access. Situated on the cliff above the ocean below and through an eucalyptus grove and Monterey pine forest, you will be rewarded with beautiful sweeping ocean views. Some of the trail is through a "cave" of trees skirting the sea wall above the rocky beach below until it reaches the dunes.So if you are planning a trip to tour Hearst Castle, the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas or just a drive on scenic Coast Hwy 1, we highly recommend an afternoon lunch served up by Brian and Abby, and the rest of the wonderful folks at Sebastians.
