What can you expect at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Viewing Area?

The Elephant Seal Viewing Area provides boardwalks and viewing platforms that extend both north and south of the parking area. Rather than stopping at the first seals in sight, give yourself time to move around and take in the sights and sounds of the rookery. Take a look at the interpretive educational panels and pick up a free copy of the E-Seal News.

Binoculars are recommended for the best views. Similarly, be sure to use the telephoto lens on your camera or mobile phone for the best images and memories of your visit.

Our knowledgeable Friends of the Elephant Seal docents (guides) in royal blue will welcome you, answer your questions and invite you to return soon!

The viewing walkways at each end of the parking lot are part of the California Coastal Trail and are wheelchair accessible. There are also benches available at each viewing location.

The guidelines below are given for your comfort and safety and for the safety of the seals:

• Park in the designated parking area.
• Remain on the viewing walkways. The dunes and other bluff areas outside the fences or ropes are home to native plants and animals.
• Elephant seals are protected by federal law. It is illegal to touch or throw things or cause a reaction from any marine mammal.
• Watch quietly and keep your voice down. The seals can hear and see you and may be disturbed by your actions.
• If you witness someone harassing a marine mammal, call 1-805-927-2068.
• Dogs and seals do not mix. Keep dogs on a leash and well away from the seals.  Dogs may be frightened by the vocalizations of the seals. Return a barking dog to the car.
• Do not feed the squirrels. Ground squirrels are wild animals, carriers of fleas and other vectors of disease, and occasionally they do bite.
• Drones are not permitted.
• Please view the National Marine Sanctuaries Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines