About five miles from the Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon is Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a place where animal lovers have a rare opportunity to observe elephant seals having their babies, changing their skin, mating, fighting and just lying about. The rookery stretches for about six miles along the shore, and there are paved walkways from which visitors can observe these rare animals without disturbing them, or the delicate coastal plants.

The northern elephant seal, Miroungaangustirostris, spends up to ten months every year in the ocean, diving down 5,800 feet deep in the open ocean where they feed. Twice a year they migrate thousands of miles to one of their land-based rookeries. Piedras Blancas is one of the best places to watch seals during their life onshore.

Address: Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, San Simeon, CA 93452, Phone: 805-924-1628

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