Elephant Seal Viewing Area
San Simeon, CA
Elephant Seal Viewing Area is one of the most reliable wildlife spectacles on the entire California coast, a boardwalk overlook above a beach where thousands of elephant seals haul out to breed, molt, and rest throughout the year. Docents are on hand to answer questions and keep visitors at a safe distance, genuinely helpful for a first time visit.
One of the most reliable and dramatic wildlife viewing spots in the entire state, genuinely worth the stop any time of year, made even better by the on-site docents.
How we score beachesVisit during winter breeding season if you want to see the most seals and the most dramatic behavior, bulls fighting for territory and dominance right on the beach below.
Free parking is available at the viewing area.
Blufftop boardwalk trails run along the viewing area above the beach.
Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome on the elephant seal viewing boardwalk, though barking dogs must leave the area.
Winter brings the most dramatic breeding season activity, though elephant seals are present on this beach in some numbers nearly year round.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.