Trip Planner:   USA  /  California  /  San Luis Obispo County  /  San Simeon  /  Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop, San Simeon

4.8
#1 of 63 in Parks in San Luis Obispo County
Must see · Wildlife Area · Nature / Park
Driving along Highway 1 in California, close to San Simeon and four miles north of the Hearst Castle, you can see Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop. With over 5000 births per year, the estimated total colony size of 25,000 seals makes this site the largest mainland rookery (birthing place) for the Northern  Elephant Seal species. Protected from storms and predators, with wide sandy beaches and shallow rocky areas, this location is ideal for the seals. Depending on the time of year, you can witness the birth of baby seals, hear the iconic roar of male seals during the breeding season, or watch young seals spar with each other on the beach and in the surf. Using our international travel planner, San Simeon attractions like Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Create an itinerary including Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
3,092 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By YVArtist
    Fascinating....! There is nothing like bringing a chair, sitting on the wooden walkway and watching the Elephant seals. So interesting how they interact and move, scratch themselves with their...  more »
  • By Derek W
    Went in December. Many males lying on the beach, some females, some cute seals. Heavy croud of onlookers. Hard to get a decent view without waiting. Still a must-see for anyone in this area.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Chybreena Miller
    Had a great visit
  • By Viktoria A
    Thousands of lazy seals. Babies in the spring! A fun but loud and a bit smelly stop.
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to San Simeon

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in San Simeon

Hearst Castle ©
Castle
Hearst Castle
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Piedras Blancas
Beach
Piedras Blancas
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Piedras Blancas Light Station ©
Lighthouse
Piedras Blancas Light Station
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach ©
Beach
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from San Simeon

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park ©
Beach
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Pfeiffer State Beach ©
Beach
Pfeiffer State Beach
Big Sur
4.6
Duration: 1 hour
Pinnacles National Park ©
National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Paicines
4.5
Duration: 8 hours
Ragged Point
Lookout
Ragged Point
Big Sur
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in San Simeon

Ragged Point Overlook ©
Lookout
Ragged Point Overlook
5.0
Duration: 30 minutes
San Simeon State Park
State Park
San Simeon State Park
3.7
Duration: 2 hours
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary) ©
Specialty Museum
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Hearst Ranch Winery ©
Winery / Vineyard
Hearst Ranch Winery
4.2
Duration: 30 minutes

Nearby attractions in San Simeon

Kayak Outfitters
Kayaking / Canoeing
Kayak Outfitters
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Hearst Castle Theater ©
Theater
Hearst Castle Theater
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
San Simeon Pier ©
Pier / Boardwalk
San Simeon Pier
4.2
Duration: 30 minutes

Shopping in San Simeon

Sebastian General Store ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Sebastian General Store
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in San Simeon

Jade Cove ©
Geologic Formation
Jade Cove
4.2
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop by other users

37 days in Monterey BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES McAbee Beach The Cannery Row Monument Monterey Bay Aquarium 5 days in San Luis Obispo County, Carmel & Santa Cruz BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Cambria Carmel Santa Cruz 3 days in Paso Robles BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Tobin James Cellars Wine Tours & Tastings Morro Rock 2 days in San Simeon BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach Hearst Ranch Winery Hearst Castle 59 days in California BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Santa Barbara Los Angeles San Diego 60 days in California BY A USER FROM DENMARK Los Angeles San Diego Death Valley National Park