Where You Can Find Us
Elephant Seal Viewing Area
You can see the elephant seals (and many other wonderful sights) here! Open sunrise to sunset daily, 365 days a year. Free parking, no fees and no reservations are required. Docents/guides are available daily 10 AM-4 PM.
The Piedras Blancas Rookery Elephant Seal Viewing Area is located 7.8 miles north of San Simeon and 4 miles north of the Hearst Castle State Historical Monument. It is 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The trails and observation platforms are steps from the parking area, are wheelchair accessible, with available bench seating.
There are no restrooms, so please plan ahead. This is a pack-in, pack-out area. Please be careful to take your trash and belongings with you.
The ocean and marine environment are protected by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and are part of California’s Marine Protected Area Network.
GPS Coordinates to the Elephant Seal Viewing Area:
35.663028, -121.257556
35°39’46.9″N 121°15’27.2″W
Elephant Seal Visitor Center
The Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center is an indoor facility, located 7.8 miles south of the Elephant Seal Viewing area, in the Plaza del Cavalier in San Simeon.
Please stop by the Visitor Center, before or after your visit to see the seals, for more information and take a look at informative exhibits, the live seal cam, engaging children’s activities, fun gifts and souvenirs. Nearby restrooms and restaurants too! Free and no reservations are required. Ample free parking. Open 10 AM-4 PM daily.
Plaza del Cavalier
250 San Simeon Avenue, Suite 5A
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 924-1628
Email: [email protected]
Directions
To the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop: Search for Elephant Seal Visitor Center in Google Maps. Located at 250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 5A, San Simeon, CA, in the Cavalier Plaza. The Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is 1/4 mile north. The elephant seals are located 7.8 miles north at the Elephant Seal Viewing area.
To the Elephant Seal Viewing Area: Look for Elephant Seal Vista Point in Google Maps. The Elephant Seal Viewing Area is located on Hwy 1, 7.8 miles north of the Visitor Center, 4 miles north of the entrance to the Hearst Castle State Historical Monument. Turn from Hwy 1 into the large Elephant Seal Viewing Area parking lot.
Get the Latest News & Updates
Donate
Friends of the Elephant Seal is a 501(c) (3) non- profit corporation, relying on grants, sponsorships, memberships and your donations. Your charitable contribution supports our programs.
Sign Up for E-mail Updates
Be among the first to receive updates, photos, events and more about the Piedras Blancas northern elephant seal colony. The Friends of the Elephant Seal does not share your personal information with outside advertisers or other organizations.
Follow Us
Follow Friends of the Elephant Seal on our social channels for up-to-the-minute updates and images from the rookery.
Friends of the Elephant Seal is a cooperating association with California State Parks.