Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Elephant seals crowd these two sandy San Luis Obispo County beaches at different parts of the year but especially during their mating rituals in February. The other peak periods include April & May when the females molt (shed their skin) and Sept-Nov when the juveniles haul-out onto the beaches. January is the main month for births. It’s possible to see them between the peak periods too.

These beaches are part of the Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area (SMR and SMCA) and are operated by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a perfect place to pull off Highway 1 for a break and to view the elephant seals from the low bluff. Public access to any beach below is strictly prohibited and could be dangerous anyway.

Two parking lots can be found about one mile south of the entrance to Piedras Blancas Light Station Natural Area. From each parking lot there is an accessible boardwalk that leads to observation platforms above the beaches. Informative docents might be walking around in royal blue outfits – feel free to ask them questions about the animals.

When you are not able to visit, there is a web-cam of the beach to see what the seals are up to!

If you want to hike along this rugged shoreline, the north parking lot is also the trailhead for the Boucher Trail (part of the California Coastal Trail) which goes past the lighthouse to another small parking lot at Point Piedras Blancas Beach (also covered with seals). It’s about two miles each way.

Address

Cabrillo Hwy
San Simeon, CA 93452

Phone

805-924-1628

Park Name

Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve & Marine Conservation Area

Owner

State Lands

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Wildlife Watching, Hiking, Birdwatching

Amenities

Seal Rookery, Trails, Observation Platforms, Accessible Features, No Facilities

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart