[…]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 […]
[…]the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery. We met John Flaherty of Central Coast Cycling near the rookery, where he fitted us with bikes and took us cruising down a small stretch of Highway 1, cutting through fog and grassy hills and borders of microclimates. We ended back at the rookery, […]
[…]Rookery Dedicated to educating visitors about marine wildlife, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a stop everyone will love. Right off the highway, the rookery consists of a boardwalk and other viewing areas, putting you less than 100 feet from one of the most beautiful sea creatures around — […]
[…]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 […]
[…]trailhead) or even at the end of the trail, 2 miles north of that. Options other than the main Rookery parking lot will be less crowded. All parking is free in these lots.There are two lookout spots along the Boucher Trail that provide excellent viewing of the Elephant Seals without […]
[…]thousands of Great Northern Elephant Seals make their home at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. Throughout the year, visitors can witness the life cycle of this majestic creature, including birth, molting, and mating. Enjoy an elevated viewing area with sightlines of all the action, as well […]
[…]Headlands State Park, six miles north of Cayucos. Best Beach for Seal Viewing Piedras Blancas Rookery For the best in free entertainment on Highway 1, you can’t do better than the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, just north of San Simeon. This beach is a natural habitat and mating ground […]
[…]like you’ve never seen it before. The majestic Great Northern Elephant Seal migrates to a rookery just north of San Simeon each year, transforming quiet beaches into live theater. Males brawl, females give birth, and pups squeal — and visitors can watch them from a safe distance on the elevated […]
[…]of the California coast.Elephant SealsThe northern hemisphere’s largest Northern Elephant Seal rookery stands lies along the San Simeon coast near Piedras Blancas Point. Open to the public, the rookery hosts up to 24,000 elephant seals annually, from newborn pups to 2-ton males. From the safety and proximity of the viewing […]
[…]seals come ashore to mate, give birth, molt and rest. One of the most exciting times at the rookery? December, when bulls fight for proximity and attention from females, as well as the end of January when birthing season peaks. Docents with Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal are […]
[…]BCU.) Bird watching and whale watching are excellent here, as is the view at the Elephant Seal Rookery on the north end of the park. Here, visitors can witness the lives of Northern Elephant Seals, which migrate here by the hundreds. The seals mate, pup, and molt here, just feet […]
[…]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 HWY 1, north of San Simeon is home to about 15,000 animals. The area is open for viewing every […]
[…]elephant seals migrate thousands of miles twice each year from the open ocean to this land-based rookery for breeding, birthing, molting, and resting between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery is located on Highway 1 north of San Simeon, and is home to about 15,000 animals. These mammals can grow up […]
[…]Twice a year, thousands of elephant seals migrate hundreds of miles of ocean to this land-based rookery, where the seals breed, give birth, molt, and rest between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery, on Highway 1, just a few miles north of Cambria, is home to about 15,000 animals—1,600 pups have […]
[…]and the end of the trail include the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse and Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Hearst Castle also stands watch over San Simeon to the east, totally visible on a clear day. Enjoy these sights before pedaling the remaining 10 miles back to Moonstone Beach in Cambria.Green Valley […]
[…]food nor drink is offered on the tour, but water bottles are allowed Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery and Marine Life The Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve (SMR) is a no-take zone located between Arroyo De La Cruz at Point Sierra Nevada and Arroyo Laguna, near San Simeon. It is […]
[…]different spectacle lies just west of Hearst Castle at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Great Northern Elephant Seals migrate to the beaches along this strip of shoreline to mate, give birth, and molt throughout the year. Watch the drama of life unfold from a front row seat at the […]
[…]the coastal rocks, as well as sea ducks and Harlequin Ducks. Continuing north to the Elephant Seal Rookery, find gulls here in winter, or Glaucous-Winged, Mew, and Herring. Just under a half-mile north of the Rookery, in a parking lot on the west side of Highway 1, find the whitewashed […]
[…]on these beaches, all within full public view. In particular, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery allows close-up views of beached elephant seals by the hundreds during high season. (Visit in late fall or late spring for the least crowded times in the viewing area.) The rookery also offers interpretive […]
[…]ride. All routes include the section of Highway 1 between Cambria and the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. Hosted by the Lions Club since 2001, the ride ends with a BBQ meal and no-host pub with local wine and beer. All proceeds go to local charitable causes; registration is […]
[…]from the dangerous shoreline. Just south of the lighthouse, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery hosts up to 24,000 Northern Elephant Seals each year. Watch these majestic marine mammals play out their life cycle just steps from the viewing area and Highway 1. Then head to the opulent hilltop home […]
[…]a peek at it, but there’s actually a better way. As an alternative, park at the Elephant Seal Rookery viewing area, where thousands of Elephant Seals can be seen mere steps away. Enjoy viewing the wildlife, then walk the adjacent Boucher Trail, which travels to the Piedras Blancas Light Station, built […]
[…]will find books, art and souvenirs related to the Northern Elephant Seals and their migratory rookery here, too. First, see the elephant seals in person at the rookery on Highway 1. Then head 8 miles south to the Plaza del Cavalier in San Simeon for the Friends of the Elephant […]
[…]attractions put wildlife front-and-center the way the Northern Elephant Seal Rookery does. Located just south of Piedras Blancas Light Station, this turnout and viewing area allows visitors to watch elephant seals in their migratory home. Thousands cycle in and out of this beach every year, pupping infants, competing for females, […]
[…]sure to pose for a few keepsake pics. Next up, Highway 1’s popular Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, home to a robust population of Elephant Seals. Free and open to the public all year round, you’ll be able to view these majestic creatures from a safe viewing area as they […]
[…]exciting wildlife viewing opportunity (plus, you won’t have to travel far). The Elephant Seal Rookery is just a short walk from Boucher Trail and a handy Boardwalk and Observation Deck provide a safe and easy way to view these animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy an up-close look as the […]
[…]species really stand out. As one of only a few habitats left in California, the Piedras Blancas Rookery allows visitors to see elephant seals up close. In fact, it’s the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is public and free to access, 365 days a year. Come see […]
[…]Seals Captivating and unreal, these marine mammals come to their rookery in San Simeon throughout the year to mate, pup, and molt. Watch their fascinating life cycle play out before your very eyes, just feet away from the viewing area.GET WILDLIFE MAP Whale Trail The Whale Trail organization identifies the […]
[…]see and track. These include resident local birds like several varieties of grebe, cormorant and herons, as well as migratory birds like finches, sparrows, thrushes and warblers. The best places to see a wide variety of species are marine waterways and forests—both of which provide the ideal climate for a […]
[…]and molt in spring. At the very least, don’t head home without a walk on the Piedras Blancas Rookery boardwalk. You haven’t lived until you’ve looked into the coal-black eyes of an elephant seal. Learn More. Watch National Geographic videos and get tips from Ocean Today. Learn about Orcas on a PBS Nature video. Human garbage is one the greatest threats […]
[…]every day to do just that. But beyond the mansion you’ll find Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where the beautiful northern elephant seals migrate thousands of miles twice each year from the open ocean to a land-based rookery for breeding, birthing, molting, and resting between trips.More — the nearby Coastal […]
[…]and rests between trips (wow, would our flippers be tired). The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery lets visitors see elephant seals up close, in their true element. Find these magnificent marine mammals on the beach, just off Highway 1, along a beautiful stretch of coastline. Tip: The rookery is easily […]
[…]grapes. Cheers to a Sunday well swirled!1 p.m. – Visit the Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas RookerySeal the deal: It’s not a question of “if” you’ll see an Elephant Seal along Highway 1—it’s a question of how many. January through February sees a surge in San Simeon’s famous Elephant Seal […]
[…]a sheltered stretch of beach next to the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station that’s become a rookery for northern elephant seals. Wildlife enthusiasts flock to watch the enormous and ungainly seals crowding the beach fall through spring with docents from Friends of the Elephant Seal often on hand to offer insights and […]
[…]hills of San Luis Obispo down into Morro Bay. Continue along to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, which you’ll smell before you see. Along the beach, hundreds of blubbery, belching elephant seals relax on the sand while you stand closer to them than you can at any other publicly-accessible rookery […]
[…]Visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal RookeryIt won’t cost you a dime to visit one of the most unique spots along the Highway 1 Discovery Route. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon is home to more than 25,000 elephant seals; although you’ll never see them at the beach […]
[…]population of wild elephant seals play out their daily dramas at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, free to the public all year round. A flat, easily accessible viewing boardwalk connects with the scenic California Coastal Trail, allowing anyone of any ability to enjoy the view. Depending on the season, […]
[…]wildlife viewing is unparalleled. Stop by the nearby Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to view majestic Elephant Seals—one of Highway 1’s premiere attractions. Located just north of Cambria, the free, family-friendly viewing area and visitor center allows folks to observe seals tending to their pups, molting, competing for affection, and […]
[…]marine mammal viewing would be complete without a visit to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. And during the Coastal Discovery Celebration, visitors can take exploratory tours of the rookery, docent-led educational walks, or attend Life of the Northern Elephant Seal at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon. Visit […]
[…]Kitchen for a laid-back lunch next to the coast. Then, head to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.Wildlife viewers to the rookery can see the seals from a close but safe viewing distance. Over 25,000 Elephant Seals migrate back to where they were born every year for pupping and breeding along the eight-mile […]
[…]in their most intimate setting just a few feet off Highway 1 in San Simeon. The Piedras Blancas rookery is the seasonal home to as many as 24,000 elephant seals and an annual pup population that can reach 1,600. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary provides a habitat for 36 […]
[…]talks about the light station’s history.Elephant Seal ViewingThe Great Northern Elephant Seal Rookery is a wonder to behold, located just off Highway 1 north of Piedras Blancas Light Station. Come for the drama of mating, birthing and molting among the large majestic creatures who migrate here twice annually. Helpful docents […]
[…]too. These majestic, bizarre creatures often travel over from the Piedra Blanca Elephant Seal Rookery to sunbathe and eat. San Simeon Pier also offers splendid bird-watching. Look for seabirds like scoters and grebes, as well as pigeon guillemots and marbled murrelets nesting beneath the pier. A crowd gathers on the […]
[…]on the beach. Elephant Seals The viewing boardwalks at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery comprise a section of the California Coastal Trail. Short, flat, and easy to walk, these boardwalks are also wheelchair accessible with terrific views of the elephant seals. Junge Ranch Trail This 2.2-mile out-and-back trail offers […]
[…]red-legged from, Western pond turtle, and migratory birds like the cinnamon teal, mallards, herons and egrets. And for an up-close-and-personal wildlife viewing experience, nothing beats a visit to the Elephant Seal Rookery on the park’s northern end. Here, witness the life cycle of hundreds of Northern Elephant Seals in their […]
[…]the trail of migrating whales offshore with The Whale Trail, or tour the incredible Elephant Seal Rookery with an expert guide. Or help the Cayucos Land Conservancy by cataloging plant and animal life at the beach with the iNaturalist app. When you see this stretch of Highway 1 through the […]
[…]far from notable Highway 1 destinations, including Hearst Castle, Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery and Moonstone Beach, this is one road stop cut above the rest. Seaside Foods in Sebastian’s General Store Restaurants in Cambria Cambria’s East and West Villages serve up a cozy dining experience where pines meet the […]
[…]to see the Elephant Seals in action, drive up Highway 1 a bit to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.And if you’re looking for more kayak fishing opportunities, be sure to drive back to Old San Simeon and San Simeon Bay. In addition to pier fishing, this is a great […]
[…]Great White sharks). Watch out for these and their predators especially around the Elephant Seal Rookery and Piedras Blancas Light Station. Otherwise, pack your board, your gear, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to get stoked. Explore Surfing San Simeon to Ragged Point Pico Creek One of the […]
[…]gorgeous Big Sur. Along the way, don’t forget to visit the Elephant Seals at the Elephant Seal Rookery just north of San Simeon. There, you can see one of the largest populations of these majestic creatures in the world. Toasting to a day of exploring along Highway […]
[…]nearby Boucher Trail. It lies very close to the Piedras Blancas Light Station and Elephant Seal Rookery and can generally be very dense with elephant seals.) Interested in other dog-friendly beaches? Check our comprehensive list of other pup-tastic beaches and parks along Highway 1. Dog-friendly Hiking Trails Black Swift Falls […]
[…]Ragged Point, CAHidden BeachQMJ9+R8 Ragged Point, CABirthing Season at the Elephant Seal RookeryMP7R+5W San Simeon, CAKayak in PeaceJRR5+7H San Simeon, CAA Wine Experience Like No OtherJRV5+F8 San Simeon, CAEarn Your StripesJRRC+GQ San Simeon, CAPreserve Your Inner PeaceGVXX+GQ Cambria, CAHorsing AroundHWF5+J6 Cambria, CAThe House That Olallieberries BuiltHW89+35 Cambria, CAPicture PerfectG3X7+9W Cambria, […]
[…]of the Central Coast lies just north of Cambria and San Simeon on the beach at the Elephant Seal Rookery. Witness the lives of hundreds of Northern Elephant Seals as they migrate, mate, pup and molt, just steps from the viewing area. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve & Stewardship Travel For GoodStewardship […]
[…]seals line the beaches at the Piedras Blancas […]
[…]you will find plenty to do in San Simeon. Apart from Hearst Castle, there is also an elephant seal rookery and state beach nearby. Guests who want to do some coastal wine tasting will find options nearby. Or travel scenic Highway 46 to the acclaimed Paso Robles wine region. If […]
[…]the Central Coast town of San Simeon, home to Hearst Castle and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Just south along Highway 1 is the nearby town of Cambria, a noted artist enclave. The town is full of galleries, boutique shops and eclectic restaurants. Head north of Highway 1 to […]
[…]at Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room. Venturing north, don’t miss the famous Elephant Seal Rookery for close-up views of magnificent marine mammals. Or try a tour of the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station, built in 1875 to protect sea vessels from nearby “white rocks.” Thrill-Seeker Central: Oso Flaco Lake and […]
[…]A national marine sanctuary and a national estuary. Thirteen state parks. An elephant seal rookery and Monarch butterfly preserves. A Scenic Byway designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Two historic lighthouses and five historic piers. The only drivable beach in California. Centuries-old forests. Hundreds of acres of coastal vineyards. […]
[…]drive will take you to world famous Hearst Castle, at San Simeon, and the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas. The charming city of San Luis Obispo is only twenty minutes away. You can tour the Mission, check out the Thursday night Farmer’s Market, or perhaps take in a world-class […]
[…]the 1920s and 30s. Along the coast you will also have the opportunity to stop at the elephant seal rookery and view these magnificent and oversized marine mammals hanging out on the shore. The great wildlife viewing continues in Cambria with the tide pools along Moonstone Beach. Layout The Garden […]
[…]Ranch Preserve down to the ocean. The Inn is close to Moonstone Beach Park, Elephant Seal Rookery, Hearst San Simeon State Park, the legendary Hearst Castle, and Piedras Blancas Light Station. You will find numerous restaurants and vineyards within walking distance or a short drive. Rooms There are a variety […]
[…]touring the north coast, make plans to stop and take in the sights of the elephant seals in their rookery. If you are into history, a tour of the Piedras Blancas Light Station can also be scheduled. The original Fresnel lens of the lighthouse is on display in downtown Cambria. […]
[…]the Strawberry Canyon trails, and a short drive north offers a visit to the stunning Elephant Seal Rookery where you may see hundreds of seals on the beach. Layout This vacation rental has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and sleeps 6. Abundant natural light and comfortable furnishings make the living room […]
[…]touring the north coast, make plans to stop and take in the sights of the elephant seals in their rookery. If you are into history, a tour of the Piedras Blancas Light Station can also be scheduled. The original Fresnel lens of the lighthouse is on display in downtown Cambria. […]
[…]Route along the Central California Coast, they stopped at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery – 6 miles up the coast from Hearst Castle. As it turns out, January is peak birthing season, so they saw a lot of pups. The docent (the volunteers are there every day) pointed out one female who was ready […]
[…]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. Read More » Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay – The Center offers interactive exhibits and education programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of […]
[…]Kit at their Visitor Center. Get back in your car and only a few minutes away is the Elephant Seal Rookery where these magnificent creatures migrate thousands of miles twice a year to breed, molt, birth and rest between trips. It is quite a sight and definitely worth the stop. […]
[…]of approval: The breezy, open air viewing point at San Simeon’s Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery allows for maximum Elephant Seal viewing without any danger of overcrowding. Join other socially distant bystanders as you observe the fascinating world of these blubbery creatures. Nearby, the restored Piedras Blancas Lighthouse provides a […]
[…]view.Continuing along the iconic stretch of Highway 1, stop for a photo op at the elephant seal rookery in San Simeon where the massive marine mammals lounge along the shoreline. You may catch a glimpse of males fighting, females birthing, or baby seals nursing. San Simeon is also famously home to the […]
[…]Conservation Area, Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, home to thousands of seals living out their daily dramas. Once known as a treacherous realm for passing ships, the breathtaking side-by-side Point Sur State Marine Conservation Area and Point Sur State Marine Reserve is crowned by the 1889 […]
[…]California’s coast, with thirteen state parks, a marine sanctuary, and even an elephant seal rookery contained within it. Road trippers can see monarch butterflies, migrating whales, and even zebras during their drive, but for many, the surprising highlight is the meals they can access along the way. Every great road trip […]
[…]can’t visit the Central Coast without stopping by the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. To see hundreds of elephant seals snuggled up to each other — the males bellowing as they battle to mate — is an unforgettable experience. Scientists have been trying to determine why these seals, which can […]
[…]and the technology used to discover them. Additionally, the largest northern elephant seal rookery in mainland US can be seen just 4.5 miles north of the Coastal Discovery Center! The Coastal Discover Center also offers numerous self-guided and guided programs. Self-Guided Programs include the Junior Ranger Adventure Program where children ages four […]
[…]day, I head north on U.S. Hwy 1 toward San Simeon, pulling out at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where thousands of elephant seals are sprawled out on the sand. Stopping frequently along the long boardwalk above the beach, I watch them bellow, squabble, and hump their way across the sand. […]
[…]like a tall task, you haven’t yet experienced San Simeon’s Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a must-stop for any family motoring along the coast. Observe magnificent Elephant Seals in their natural habitat from an easily accessible viewing point just off the highway (peak viewing runs October through March, when populations […]
[…]along Highway 1 and California’s Central Coast, just south of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where thousands of these marine mammals mate, molt, give birth and rest each year. It’s also only 24 miles south of Ragged Point—the gateway to California’s rugged Big Sur coastline, with its hiking trails, campgrounds […]
[…]wildlife viewing opportunities. Discover local Elephant Seals at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, participate in a beach cleanup in Cambria or embark on an exhilarating whale watching adventure in Cayucos. From Ragged Point Inn’s dramatic backdrop to Nipomo’s undulating dunes, you’ll make lasting memories as you Travel for Good […]
[…]grab the binoculars for an up-close look at Elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery (optimal viewing times include late January, April, and October.) Read the full article on Fodor’s […]
[…]With unique, trunk-like noses, they’re fun to observe at the The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. Get your wiggles out and watch these captivating creatures from a free, accessible viewing point. Depending on the season, you might see males challenge each other or even witness a birth! […]
[…]You deserve a break after all that do-gooding, right? Head to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, where you can view these majestic creatures in their natural environs. Viewing is free to the public and the path is easily accessible—plus, the nearby Friends of the Elephant Seal […]
[…]at the Piedras Blancas Motel at 9:45 AM. About a mile south of the lighthouse is the Elephant Seal Rookery, the largest on the West Coast, which offers a boardwalk for easy viewing. Between all of the hikes, historic sites, and the Ragged Point Inn, exploring this tiny, special stretch […]
[…]best places for peeping a fin, flipper or tail in the distance. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon also invites the public to view majestic elephant seals in the migratory habitat on the beach, free of charge.Like to hike? The heart of Highway 1 offers hundreds of […]
[…]Highway 1’s elephant seal population is a joy to observe. At the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, enjoy an up-close view of these curious animals in all of their uninhibited glory. With an ADA-accessible viewing area and a helpful visitor center nearby, you’ll deepen your connection to […]
[…]along Highway 1. A good place to start on your coastal safari? The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, home to thousands of majestic elephant seals. Visitors can witness these giants in person and learn all about their biology and conservation. The best part? This excursion is free […]
[…]style bungalow B&B inside the Monterey Zoo. Take a private or public tour as well.Piedras Blancas Rookery: Located a few miles north of Hearst Castle, guests can see elephant seals for free from an observation area, year-round. Peak times to see larger populations of these giant seals are January, April, […]
[…]roads in the world? From the wild landscape of Big Sur to the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery in San Simeon to agricultural walking tours in Monterey County, there’s plenty to see and learn when kids aren’t logged on to their home classroom. “There’s just the sheer volume of things to do along the […]
[…]RouteDistance: 3.8 miles round tripDifficulty: EasyAs home to the largest northern elephant seal rookery in the mainland U.S., this secluded trail (located in San Simeon, California, just north of San Luis Obispo) offers intimate views of the elephant seals in their natural beach environment. Midway along the trail sits the Piedras Blancas Light Station, built in […]
[…]loop heads north from San Luis Obispo to Cambria and the incredible Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon (also home to Heart Castle), before looping south to Cayucos and Avila Beach on your way back to SLO. If you splurge on just one stay, make it the new White Water […]
[…]and vintage buildings or enjoy local wildlife like the elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas Rookery, especially fun in autumn when juvenile seals arrive. Visitors can also venture less than 30 miles inland to Paso Robles for wineries and the stunning art installation Sensorio with its new light towers exhibit. […]
