Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals

San Luis Obispo County

Piedras  Blancas elephant seals, San Luis Obisp County, California
Piedras  Blancas elephant seals, San Luis Obisp County, California

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals

San Luis Obispo County


Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals

There are several beaches along the coast immediately south of Point Piedras Blancas where elephant seals congregate.

Two parking lots and several trails allow visitors a chance to observe the elephant seals from a safe distance. Often a Friends of the Elephant Seal volunteer docent will be on hand to answer questions and share information about the seals.

Piedras Blancas

Located on Highway 1, 12 miles north of Cambria
Open every day, free
Facilities: Parking lots, accessible boardwalk, interpretive signs. No restrooms and no trash recepticales.
Best months for viewing are December - March, but be prepared for stormy weather.



Piedras Blancas elephant seal beaches, San Luis Obispo County, CA

Best Months for Viewing Elephant Seals

The elephant seals generally make two visits each year to the rookery beaches.

  • March - The last of the males leave the beach while weaned pups are teaching themselves how to swim.
  • April - August - Elephant seals return to the beach to molt, beginning with females and juveniles.
  • September - mid-December - Seals arrive, beginning with juveniles and younger adults, and finally bulls and females in late November and early December.
  • Mid-December - February Most births occur.
  • February - Births continue, making peaks around mid-February.

elephant seals at Piedras Blancas rookery, San Luis Obispo County, CA

Piedras Blanca Regulations

  • Park only in designated parking areas, not on roadway.
  • Stay on the trails.
  • Going on the beach is prohibited.
  • Avoid loud noises or threatening motions.
  • Dogs must be on leash and kept away from elephant seals
  • Do not feed ground squirrels.

Friends of the Elephant Seal

Friends of the Elephant Seal volunteer docents are on hand at Piedras Blancas to assist visitors in their viewing of the elephant seals.

Friends of the Elephant Seal
(800) 444-7275

History of Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas

In 1990 there were less than two dozen elephant seals on the beaches immediately south of Point Piedras Blancas. Amazingly only a year later that number had increased to 400. Within a couple of years more than 50 pups were being born annually at the rookeries. By 1995 the number of births had jumped to 600. Scientists believe that overcrowding at other beaches forced many elephant seals to seek out new rookeries.

elephant seal, Piedras Blancas rookery, San Luis Obispo County, CA

A year later the number doubled and the beaches along the coast were crowded with elephant seals. For a time visitors were stopping all along the highway and crowding around the elephant seals. Friends of the Elephant Seal was established in 1997 and since then they have worked to develop safe viewing and parking areas and to educate the public about the seals and other wildlife in the area.

coast near Piedras Blancas, San Luis Obispo County, CA



Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

A short distance north of the elephant seal rookeries is Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. The 100-foot-tall structure was completed in 1875 to serve as a beacon for coastal shipping. A year later a two-story, 12-room Victorian house was erected next to the lighthouse to serve as a residence for the three keepers and their families. In 1960 the Victorian was demolished and four ranch style homes were built as replacements. The lighthouse is still in operation today.

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, San Luis Obispo County, CA


Lighthouse Guided Tours

Guided tours are the only way to visit the lighthouse. They are offered year-round. September 1 through June 14 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:00 AM. During the rest of the year tours are only held on Mondays.

Tours last 2 hours and feature the lighthouse, the support buildings, wildlife, plants and coastal scenery. Tours meet at the former Piedras Blancas Motel, 1.5 miles north of the light station. Arrive there by 9:45 AM. No reservations required for groups less than 10.

Fees: Adults $10, ages 6-17 $5, children 6 and under free.
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse tours


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety