[…]a short talk about Great Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents of the Rookery. Walk to the site and observe these magnificent birds. Learn about and watch courtship rituals, nesting habits, and – in spring – adults caring for their young. Binoculars are […]
[…]Elephant Seal migrates thousands of miles twice each year, from the open oceans to a land-based rookery, where it breeds, births, molts, and rests between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery, on Highway 1, seven miles north of San Simeon is home to about 15,000 animals. The area is open for […]
[…]are late January, late April and late OctoberReservation Needed: No History of the Elephant Seal Rookery The history of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is inextricably linked to the dramatic rise and fall of the Northern Elephant Seal Population. Starting in the 1700s, the Pacific Northwest maritime fur trade […]
Embark on a journey through nature, spanning over a 100 miles of captivating history, pristine beaches, majestic bluffs, protected preserves, and abundant of wildlife. Get inspired by the beauty that surrounds you, learn from locals and connect deeper to mother nature. Your actions (including family fun “leave-no-trace” beach time) along […]
[…]over a pit of red oak coals, along with all the fixings…and plenty of authenticity.The Blue Heron, BaywoodPerched on the edge of Baywood Park, the Blue Heron provides an intimate farm-to-table and Pacific-to-plate dining experience. Try the oysters paired with excellent local and international wines, whether at a table for two inside […]
[…]seals sunbathe, feed and birth, depending on the season. Free and open to the public, this unique rookery allows visitors to pull off the highway and easily view elephant seals in their natural habitat. The grand Piedras Blancas Lighthouse stands a stone’s throw from the rookery, a remarkable testament to […]
[…]Osos-Baywood Park Head to the patio at Blue Heron for farm-to-table dining, or the Back Bay Cafe for breakfast and lunch with a pierside view. The Clubhouse Grill at Sea Pines Golf Resort restaurant also welcomes pets to the patio. Avila Beach Dine beside your four-legged friend at pet-friendly restaurants […]
[…]are specially protected, including the Sea Otter Sanctuary and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery near San Simeon. The MBNMS also covers state-protected waters near San Simeon and Cambria, including the Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Cambria State Marine Conservation Area. To explore more of the MBNMS, make a […]
[…]Highway 1’s majestic giants. At the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, visitors are privy to a rare sight: elephant seals in their natural habitat. Free and open to the public, this popular Highway 1 road stop is home to a robust population of migrating elephant seals (viewing is particularly good […]
[…]to see the Elephant Seals at the rookery Best Photo Opportunities Anyone with a camera, a phone, or a social media account will appreciate the photo opps available in Big Sur. Snapping photos of the landscape is irresistible as you drive along Highway 1. Want some of the most pic-worthy […]
[…]for a reason: Enjoy an action-packed itinerary that includes paddling out to a seal haul out area, heron rookery and oyster farm. The tour also includes a stop along the sandspit located on the far side of the estuary, a great opportunity for kids to explore sandy dunes. Along the […]
[…]Museum of Natural History is located in Morro Bay State Park and is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon’s Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The Museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary. Looking for […]
[…]will see a family of quail, and the observant and quiet visitor may see bobcat, deer, or a lone heron fishing in the pond. A ranch that typifies the natural beauty of the Central Coast, Shadow Run includes large areas of native plants that paint a spectacular palette in the […]
[…]Drift Studio. And for dining, several options await, including farm-to-table restaurant Blue Heron and Noi’s and Doi’s 2nd Street Cafe. After dining, walk off your meal with a stroll among the ancient pygmy oaks at the Elfin Forest. Downtown Baywood Downtown Avila Beach (The Promenade) Lying directly on the beach, […]
[…]wildlife habitat on the west side of Highway 1 near San Simeon. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery provides a rare glimpse into the lives of majestic Northern Elephant Seals, mere feet away from the viewing area. The rookery lies right off Highway 1, making it extremely accessible. Thanks to […]
[…]ViewingDepending on what time of year you visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, you may find adult males, females or pups. Each of these lives at the rookery at some point during the year, but the population varies greatly from season to season. Generally speaking, early winter is a […]
[…]to see these quirky creatures interacting with one another is at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. A boardwalk lets you get close to the action, while still giving the seals the space they need. Pro tip: The best times to visit the rookery are in late January, late April, […]
[…]you’ll get to experience the best of this conservation area. The free lot at the Elephant Seal Rookery is an ideal place to park. Find it about 13 miles miles south of Ragged Point or 6 miles north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1. The Elephant Seal Rookery Davidson SeamountBeneath […]
[…]to do in San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery Don’t miss the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a free wildlife habitat located near San Simeon on the west side of Highway 1. Here, visitors have the rare opportunity to witness majestic Northern Elephant Seals up close, just a few feet from […]
[…](look for the blue jacket) who will astound you with their knowledge. To support them and the rookery trails, leave a donation in the secure box by the trailhead. When to visit: The peak season for elephant seals is December to March, but you’ll be able see at least some […]
