How to visit the Elephant Seals along Highway 1 If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway, aka Highway 1, from L.A. to San Francisco or vice versa, don’t miss this spectacular sight! You find the Elephant Seal Vista Point just north of San Simeon.
Do I need reservations to see the elephant seals in San Simeon?
No reservations are needed. The rookery is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1. The Elephant Seal viewing area has plenty of parking. The dirt lot can accommodate vehicles of all sizes, including RV's and trucks. Elephant Seals haul out on beaches near San Simeon year round, as they go through different phases in their life cycle.
Can I Park my RV at the elephant seal viewing area?
The Elephant Seal viewing area has plenty of parking. The dirt lot can accommodate vehicles of all sizes, including RV's and trucks. Elephant Seals haul out on beaches near San Simeon year round, as they go through different phases in their life cycle. In peak times, there are up to 17,000 animals on the San simeon shores.
Can you go on the boardwalk near the seals?
No one is allowed onto the beaches near the seals. Ample parking is available and the boardwalk is accessible from the parking lot. Viewing walkways at each end of the parking lot are part of the California Coastal Trail and are wheelchair accessible.
What is the best time of year to see seals?
There are three peak times of the year that have large populations of seals - January, April, and October. Starting in November, adult male elephant seals start to arrive on the shore. Adult males will stake claim to female pupping areas on the beach. When another adult male challenges a pupping location, a fight for dominance ensues.
Where are the sea lions on Highway 1?
The Florence Sea Lion Caves are one of the best wildlife attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway, north of Florence and south of Yachats.
Where are the elephant seals now?
One is located at Año Nuevo State Park along the San Mateo Coast south of San Francisco. The other is Hearst-San Simeon State Park and the elephant seal vista point located about 5 miles north of Hearst Castle along the coast of San Luis Obispo County.
Where are the sea lions on the Pacific Coast Highway?
Point Lobos State ParkPoint Lobos State Park At this state natural reserve, the sound of barking sea lions carries over rocky headlands and echoes in secluded inlets. A myriad of walking trails provide great access while harbour seals with spotted silver-grey coats can also be spotted.
Where can I see seals in Big Sur?
Piedras Blancas rookeryThe Piedras Blancas rookery is about 7 miles north of the town of San Simeon (250 miles north of Los Angeles) on the California Central Coast. It's an unbeatable viewing area because the seals have conveniently situated themselves RIGHT NEXT to the highway.
What time are elephant seals most active?
Elephant Seals are seen year-round at the Piedras Blancas Rookery. Best times of year to see these amazing animals in action are October through May with the big show (birthing and breeding) in January and February.
Are there elephant seals at Point Reyes now?
Since the winter of 2018, male elephant seals have been returning to the beach near the visitor center in early December and pregnant female elephant seals have returned to the beach in late January to give birth to their pups, according to a Point Reyes National Seashore webpage on elephant seals.
Where can you see seals in the Bay Area?
At this Marin County park, there are three good spots to watch the seals: the Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above Drakes Bay and the South Beach Overlook.
Where can you see sea lions on California coast?
One of the best places to see sea lions in California is at La Jolla Cove (an excellent sea lion beach in California). However, they are all up and down the California coast. Other places include San Simeon, Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, Pier 39 in San Francisco, and King Harbor in Redondo Beach.
When can I see sea lions in California?
Sea lions have been spotted here for many years and can be seen year round. Similarly to Pier 39, the animals can be seen on docks and boats and sometimes even along the shoreline.
Are there mountain lions in Big Sur?
Cougars, or mountain lions, exist in Big Sur but are rarely spotted. They are elusive and quiet. Although strong and powerful, rarely are they considered a threat to people.
What is there to see between Carmel and Big Sur?
Table Of ContentsPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve.Bixby Creek Bridge.Point Sur Lighthouse.Pfeiffer Beach.Nepenthe Restaurant.McWay Falls.Big Creek Bridge.Limekiln State Park.
Are there bears in Big Sur?
Black bears are relative newcomers to the Big Sur area, and while still rare, are spotted occasionally. They are believed to be colonizing the area as a result of being pushed out of southern California. Many of the same common sense rules apply to bears that apply to mountain lions.
How many elephant seals are left in the world?
Today, there are approximately 200,000 northern elephant seals. The first elephant seals on Año Nuevo Island were sighted in 1955, and the first pup was born there in 1961. In 1978, 872 were born there. Males began to haul out on the mainland in 1965.
What are the elephant seals doing this time of year?
Northern elephant seals come ashore during the spring and summer months to shed their outer layer of skin and fur. This “molting” process takes from four to six weeks per animal as they rest along the beaches. Female and juvenile seals molt from May through June and older males from July through August.
Are elephant seals in danger of becoming extinct?
Today, elephant seals are not in danger of becoming extinct. This is because laws are now in place to protect their populations.
Where do you see the elephant seals in San Simeon?
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery The best viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon. They are 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open every day of the year, are wheelchair accessible and free.
Where did the elephant seals land?
—Elephant seals started landing on the beach of Northern Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas as early as 1990. Prior to that a group of seals had started colonizing a beach at Gordo, but they were not easily accessible or noticeable. The only other mainland colonies of elephant seals at the time were at Ano Nuevo and Point Reyes.
How long do seals stay in the rookery?
Nursing continues for four weeks and the pups eventually quadruple in size. From December through February, visitors will see the most activity in the rookery. For the most part, the seals lay motionless sleeping and flipping sand onto their backs.
How many elephant seals are there in California?
Today, the Marine Mammal Center estimates the northern elephant seal population to be approximately 150,000 with 124,000 of that in California waters. The population at Piedras Blancas is around 20,000 elephant seals, but the seals are not all in the rookery at the same time because males, females and young seals come to shore at different times ...
What is the elephant seal protected by?
Elephant seals are protected by Federal law. Use of drones or model aircraft is illegal in the rookery area.
Where to see the Rookery in Monterey?
The best rookery viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, five miles north of Hearst castle. The Piedras Blancas rookery spreads over six miles of beach from Point Piedras Blancas. Viewing areas are open every day. There are no fees or reservations required. No public transportation is available.There are no restrooms at the viewing area so plan accordingly
When do seals molt?
These young males will practice-fight each other in anticipation of challenging larger males during next breeding season. In August and September, large males return to molt; there are fewer seals on the beach, but the biggest seals are all present.
Where is the best place to see the Rookery?
Dogs must be on a leash. The best rookery viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, five miles north of Hearst castle.
2. Kayak amongst otters, sea lions, and whales
Stop by Avila Beach Paddlesports to pick up your gear and within minutes, you’ll be kayaking amongst otters, sea lions, and maybe even whales as you paddle through San Simeon Bay to the Point Sain Luis Lighthouse.
3. Snap photos of the wild zebras at Hearst Castle
Yes, you read that correctly. Zebras! As you drive between Cambria and Hearst Castle, you’ll notice a herd of zebras as they graze on the East side of Highway 1.
4. Hike down Black Swift Trail to access a hidden waterfall
Talk about hidden gems! At Ragged Point, hop on the Black Swift Trail for an exciting hike to a small black-sand beach. There’s even a hidden waterfall, so bring your hiking shoes with the best grip!
5. Enjoy the views at Ragged Point
Don’t leave Ragged Point just yet! Known as one of the most IG-friendly spots ever, Ragged Point is known as the Gateway to Big Sur. Not sure where to snap your Instagram pic? There’s a round sculpture near Ragged Point Inn that showcases the Big Sur coastline like a framed photo.
6. Visit the Elephant Seal Rookery
Off of Highway 1, the Piedras Blancas Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that’s free and open to the public all year. Just pull off the highway and into the parking lot, and you’ll immediately see thousands—yes, thousands! —of elephant seals on the beaches near San Simeon.
7. Ride a Clydesdale Horse
Covell Ranch in Cambria has the largest free range herd of Clydesdale horses in their countryside. You can arrange a trail ride on one of the horses, prancing through the hills and Monterey Pines.
8. Forage for (and eat!) seaweed
Join Spencer Marley of Marley Family Seaweeds as you sign up to forage for edible seaweed on the beaches along Highway 1. A complete experience of learning which kinds of seaweed to choose and then how to even cook it right there (a la seaweed ramen) on the beach!
When do seals come out in San Simeon?
There are three peak times of the year that have large populations of seals - January, April, and October.
Where is the Friends of the Elephant Seal located?
The Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift shop is located in the Cavalier Plaza, right next to the Chamber of Commerce at 250 San Simeon Avenue, Suite 3B. They're open every day from 10:00-2:00. Stop in and check it out.
How to keep elephant seals from barking?
Keep your voice down. Elephant seals have ears and can hear you. Loud noises disturb them. Do not shout or call out to each other on the beach. If your dog is barking, please leave the beach .
How much does an elephant seal weigh?
Elephant seals pups are typically born at night and weigh about 60 pounds at birth and can weigh as much as 300 pounds at weaning. During the last week of nursing her pup (about 24 days), a female will mate with the alpha bull. Once she has mated, the female will typically go to sea and leave her pup behind.
Where is the Elephant Seal Rookery?
No reservations are needed. The rookery is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1.
What to do if a seal lifts its head?
If a seal lifts his head to look at you, you have disturbed him and you are too close. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Elephant seals can bite with their large, sharp teeth. For your pet’s safety, do not ever allow your dog to approach a seal, regardless of how inactive the seal seems. Keep your voice down.
How big can an elephant seal bull get?
Elephant seal bulls can reach 16 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. Watching these enormous animals fight for dominance is quite a spectacle.
