Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

In 1990, a colony of 25 elephant seals arrived on the beaches near the historic Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. The colony has been growing ever since — by 2020, local beaches hosted between 15,000 and 25,000 animals a year, with as many as 5,000 pups born annually. The viewing area along Highway 1 is free, open year-round, and requires no reservation. Docents are available to answer questions. Mature males can weigh up to 4,500 pounds, and the seals will bite if annoyed — keep your distance and take the warning seriously.