Wild Zebras to Whale Watching: Top Five Winter Wildlife Encounters Along Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL), nestled along scenic Highway 1 in California’s Central Coast, is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. With its mild year-round climate, endless activities and an abundance of wildlife, this stretch of road along the most iconic drive in the country is one of the best places in the state to encounter wildlife, both on land and in the sea. The region is also home to two national marine sanctuaries, the only county with two sanctuaries along the west coast, which includes the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the recently designated (Oct. 11, 2024) Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (the first tribally nominated sanctuary in the county). Winter is a particularly magical time to check out the wildlife, bringing unique wildlife sightings that make the region a must-visit for nature lovers.
From migrating monarch butterflies to marine life like whales, sea otters and elephant seals, the Highway 1 corridor comes alive with animal encounters. Here are the top five wildlife experiences that make this region stand out:
- Butterfly Migration: Thousands of Western Monarch Butterflies will arrive this winter, attracting butterfly fans to one of the many butterfly groves along the Central Coast including the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Preserve, which sees thousands of butterflies annually and is one of the largest Monarch butterfly colonies in North America. These groves are stops along the Western Monarch Trail, which was created in an effort to support conservation efforts to protect their dwindling population.
- Wild Zebras: Surprisingly, wild zebras roam the rolling hills near San Simeon. Descendants of William Randolph Hearst’s private herd from the 1920s, these zebras have adapted to the area and now freely graze near San Simeon, offering a unique and unexpected wildlife experience for the California coast.
- Marine Life: The Central Coast is a marine wildlife haven, home to sea otters, seals of several varieties, sea lions, dolphins and migrating whales. The nutrient-rich waters support a thriving ecosystem, offering visitors unforgettable encounters. Explore the calm waters of Avila Bay on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to see many of these incredible animals up close.
- Whale Migration: From December to April, gray whales migrate south from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California for breeding, then head back north with their calves. Humpback whales can be seen from April to November as they migrate from Mexico to feed in the nutrient-rich waters off the Central Coast. To make the most of wildlife viewing, the Whale Trail has identified the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast, with San Luis Obispo County boasting the most sites in a single county. Best Day Ever Boat Adventures offers small-boat whale-watching experiences in Avila Beach.
- Elephant Seal Rookery: The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is easily accessible, free, and open to the public every day of the year. Friends of the Elephant Seal, which was formed in 1997 with the aim of increasing both wildlife public safety and respect for the local Elephant Seals created a viewing space that would allow visitors to observe the marine mammals from a safe distance. The elephant seals haul out on beaches near San Simeon year-round, as they go through different phases in their life cycle, with winter offering the best opportunity to see the babies. Guided tours at Hearst San Simeon State Park typically start in February, allowing visitors to learn about the species while observing them in their natural habitat.
Designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: Some of the most exciting news in the region is the new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, which was designated on October 11, 2024. The first Tribally nominated national marine sanctuary is 4,543 square miles of coastal and offshore waters along 116 miles of California’s central coast as America’s 17th national marine sanctuary. Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will conserve the area’s diverse range of marine life and celebrate Indigenous peoples’ connections to the region. It is the third largest sanctuary in the National Marine Sanctuary System. Stretching from just south of Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County to the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, the sanctuary will bring comprehensive community- and ecosystem-based management to nationally significant natural, historical, archeological and cultural resources — including kelp forests, rocky reefs, sandy beaches, underwater mountains and more than 200 NOAA-documented shipwrecks.
Stewardship Travel Tip: When viewing wildlife, it is essential to respect their boundaries and habitats. Many species, like sea otters, are protected and require a distance of at least 50 yards to avoid stress. It is important to always follow local guidelines and signage to ensure safe and responsible wildlife encounters. By being mindful, visitors can enjoy these amazing animals while helping to protect them.
For more information on wildlife experiences along California’s Central Coast, please visit www.Highway1RoadTrip.com. Images can be found here (please credit Highway 1 Road Trip unless otherwise noted in the photo).
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About Highway 1 Road Trip: Highway 1 is the most iconic roadway in California, but not all sections are created equal. Highway 1 Road Trip, the 100-mile stretch that weaves through San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) along California’s Central Coast, connects 10 artisan communities. Known for wide open spaces, uncrowded white sand beaches, mom & pop owned businesses, abundance of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and award-winning wineries, this scenic coastal route also includes Hearst Castle, 13 state parks, an elephant seal rookery, and the only drivable beach in California. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco with Big Sur to the north and Santa Barbara to the south, Highway 1 Road Trip includes: Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos/Baywood, Avila Beach, Edna Valley wine region, Arroyo Grande Valley, Oceano, and Nipomo.
Media Contact:
Kirstin Koszorus
K2 Public Relations
moc.snoitalercilbup2k@nitsrik
303-669-5997