Rocko, Joy, and I, emerging from isolation at the end of our bout with COVID, joined our local rock club for rockhounding below the high tide line at San Simeon State Beach. The parking was perfect, free, and right near restrooms. You walk down a short boardwalk and under a bridge (Hwy 1 above you) to the beach.
During our isolation, while we were getting stir crazy, Rocko decided to make a message in a bottle, complete with cork secured with wax. This was his opportunity to set his message free.
San Simeon Creek mouth had clear, fast flowing water; however, the wider areas were perfect for the kids to splash in and explore. They also got to climb on a sand mesa that the high storm tides had left standing after the waves breached the sand bar to the creek. They dragged driftwood over as bridges and ladders to climb up and roll down the mesa.
We saw some cool seam agate that had come down the creek in the recent storm. We also found chalcedony/agate (what the locals call "moonstone" but is not really), very colorful jaspers, brecciated jasper and beach glass. It was an ideal place to rockhound.
Are you looking for adventures nearby? Check out this list!