San Simeon State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Simeon State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Bufflehead, and Mourning Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Purple Finch (Western)

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Ragged Point Inn1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored/cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

2/28/2026Home1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

2/24/2026Villa Creek--Estero Bluffs State Park1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

2/23/2026Whale Rock Reservoir4 observed

Marbled Murrelet

Brachyramphus marmoratus

2/22/2026San Simeon Point4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/22/2026San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

152/28/2026

Bufflehead

202/28/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

22/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

Virginia Rail

12/28/2026

American Coot

42/28/2026

Killdeer

62/28/2026

Long-billed Curlew

42/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/28/2026

Great Egret

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/28/2026

White-tailed Kite

12/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Northern Flicker

32/28/2026

Say's Phoebe

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Simeon State Park for birding?
The best months to visit San Simeon State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Simeon State Park?
Notable species at San Simeon State Park include Mallard, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Simeon State Park?
Birding at San Simeon State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at San Simeon State Park?
San Simeon State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.