Get access to the resource library for free printables, resource guides and more!

Jonesin' For Taste

Inspiring the next generation of world explorers

  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Podcast
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Gallery
    • Cooking With Kids
    • Food Explorers
    • Bake Like Mary
  • DIY & Crafts
    • Crafts
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Printables
    • Holiday Crafts
  • Shop
  • Travel
    • Virtual Field Trips
  • Family Activities
Home » Family Activities » Elephant Seal Colony at Point Piedras Blancas, CA

March 23, 2015 / Updated October 17, 2018 / By Jade

Elephant Seal Colony at Point Piedras Blancas, CA

This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small fee when purchases are made through these links. For more info see my disclosure policy.
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
  • Mix

Visit the Elephant Seal Colony at Point Piedras Blancas near San Simeon, California for a fun and free family activity everyone can enjoy. Located just off Highway 1, this spot is located close to Hearst Castle and the Point Piedras Blancas Light Station. There is a gravel parking lot located along the coast line next to the walkway with plenty of parking for vehicles.

Although you might find some elephant seals here year round, the best time to visit is during the peak of breeding season between the middle of December and the end of March. This is the time when you are most likely to find the bull seals, mother seals, and seal pups.

Visit the Elephant Seals at Point Piedras Blancas near San Simeon, California for a fun and free family activity.

My kids loved walking along the path and seeing all the elephant seals. Some of the seals were very close to the path since they seemed to stick where it was cooler. As the day heated up they moved out closer to the water. So get there early if you can.

We were all laughing at the way the seals moved and interacted. Because they are so large they move very awkwardly which is very entertaining for kids (and husbands).

Visit the Elephant Seals at Point Piedras Blancas near San Simeon, California for a fun and free family activity.

Elephant seals are very noisy and their barks reminded me of the alien speak in Galaxy Quest (anyone know what I’m talking about). At the peak of the season the noise can be rather deafening.

If your children are sensitive to noise I would either bring headphones or come later in the day when they have moved further away from the boardwalk.Visit the Elephant Seals at Point Piedras Blancas near San Simeon, California for a fun and free family activity.

The coastline is just beautiful and we enjoyed just walking around the paths they had. The paths wind along the coastline and away from the majority of the colony so it’s a nice little walk to take a break from the noise and enjoy the views.

Along the path are informational plaques that were very interesting and there were also docents available at the head of the path who were available to answer any questions. If you would like to learn more in depth detail about elephant seals and their sanctuary here.Elephant Seals (10)

My kids are obsessed with the show Octonauts and they have an episode about an elephant seal. They were over the moon to get to see them in real life. This was a fun little day trip with the family, made even better by the absolutely gorgeous weather we had. The drive is breathtaking as you travel along coastline that is fairly untouched.

Elephant Seals (12)

Other places to visit in California:

  • Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
  • Mix

Filed Under: California, Family Activities, Travel Tagged With: california

« No Bake Fresh Strawberry Pie
Baked Orange Chicken »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

About Me

I’m a mom to 4 very busy world explorers and budding chefs. My blog is inspired by my mixed heritage and the many places my family has lived so far (4 states and 2 countries).

I help families learn about new people and places from around the world through food, travel, and education. I empower families to look beyond their comfort zone and embrace the diverse world around them. Read More…

a globe with text overlay that reads ready to explore? start here how to raise world explorers

St Patrick’s Day Favorites

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Potatoes

Bratwurst and Potato Casserole

A cast iron skillet of potatoes o brien

Potatoes O Brien

Sweet, rich, and hearty this Root Beer Beef Stew is simple to make on the stove or in the slow cooker and is sure to satisfy even the biggest eaters.

Root Beer Beef Stew

A loaf of Irish soda bread next to a tea towel

Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

More St Patrick's Day favorites

Resource library

Most Popular

Give your favorite Harry Potter fan some fun products to use in the kitchen- everything from mugs and aprons to some fun cookware and dishes.

35 Gifts under $35 for the Harry Potter Fan

Sourdough English Muffins are a delicious use for sourdough starter removed when feeding!

Sourdough English Muffins

A slice of Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Brownie Cake on a plate.

Easy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Brownie Cake

Whip up a simple marinade and grill or broil this chicken for a juicy El Pollo Loco knock off. Pair with tortillas and rice and beans for an easy dinner.

Loco Pollo- El Pollo Loco Chicken Knock Off

Disney Felt Potato Heads

Disney Felt Potato Heads

various media logos

Copyright © 2021 Jonesin' For Taste Divine theme by Restored 316