Reaching San Simeon Point, also marked as Donnay Point on some maps, is an easy out and back hike from Hearst San Simeon State Park. I set out in the late afternoon and walked north on the beach, the sun already dipping below the tree line, filtering the sunlight into distinct beams. I found the trailhead about two-thirds of the way down, a packed dirt pathway leading upward to forested path snaking along the bluffs above the ocean. The path was well-worn, though on this day I was the lone hiker.

The hike is level and easy going, offering nice views of the curved, protected cove and the Hearst San Simeon Pier. The afternoon sun peaked through the forest, creating starbursts and casting a golden glow on the mosses draping among the trees.

Where the hike to San Simeon Point was easy, reaching the beach below was a bit of a scramble. I made sure I had a couple of ways to climb back up the bluff so I would not be trapped by the rising tide. I reached the beach, already half in shadow, and took in the solitude. The sand was untouched, wiped smooth by the ocean. I captured my photos and returned to the safety of the forest before the waves cut off my access.

The tree-lined path back to the beach was beautiful lit by the evening sun. And by the time I was back on the beach, it was a beautiful sunset.