Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
San Simeon, CA
Thousands of elephant seals haul out on the beach below a free boardwalk. Pups are born from December through March.
The northern elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas lies right on Highway 1, about 7 km (4.5 miles) north of the Hearst Castle entrance. At peak times, thousands of animals crowd the beach. Bulls grow 4 to 5 m (14 to 16 feet) long and weigh up to about 2,300 kg (5,000 pounds); females are much smaller. The bulls arrive from November, and births peak in late January. The spring molt follows, peaking in early May, and in late October mostly young seals haul out – so there is something to see year-round.
A level, wheelchair-accessible path with a railing runs along the colony, and parking and access are free. Volunteer docents are on hand to answer questions. There are no restrooms, and drones are prohibited. Bring a jacket: afternoons are often colder and windier than mornings.
- Nearest town
- San Simeon, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.6630, -121.2570
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Hiker-Biker Campsite - San Simeon CreekCampsite9 mi from Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal RookeryTents
- San Simeon Creek CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal RookeryTentsCaravansShowers
- Washburn CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery · 68 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Buckeye CampCampsite14 mi from Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery · 3 pitchesFree
- Camp NatomaCampsite17 mi from Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
- Ponderosa CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery?
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is in San Simeon, CA, at GPS 35.6630, -121.2570. It is about 39 mi from King City.
Can you camp near Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hiker-Biker Campsite - San Simeon Creek, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery?
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Highway 1: San Francisco to Santa Monica and Fog, cliffs and elephant seals – the Pacific Coast Highway by camper.
What is there to see near Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hearst Castle (5 mi), Kirk Creek Campground (26 mi), McWay Falls (41 mi) and Madonna Inn (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)