Southern California Roadside Seals
Just North of San Simeon Elephant Seals Can be Viewed Year Round
Visiting San Simeon's elephant seal colony can be combined with a trip to Hearst Castle but you may find yourself entranced by these aquatic giants and forget the castle.
At any time of the year, some southern California beaches that were once playgrounds for the wealthy are covered with northern elephant seals, lounging in the sun, flipping sand on their backs or reveling in the surf. The seals are hardly your everyday bathing beauties, but they have a charm all their own. And they are only 5 miles north of Hearst castle right on Highway One. A major part of the colony can be seen right from the parking lot but a slightly longer walk will reward you with views of the rest of the group.
The first parking lot is the Elephant Seal Viewpoint. This is the place to go to get a quick view and to learn more about the colony. Just a few minutes watching might be enough. There are informational signs explaining the world of the elephant seal and in breeding season, which is from mid-December to end of March, there are volunteer docents to explain more or point you in the direction of the day’s activity. If you have the time and interest go to the second parking lot and through the gate for a walk along the bluffs where more of the colony can be seen.
Sometimes the fighting between bulls as they protect their harems will command your attention. Or there might be the females giving birth or nursing newborn pups. The docents will tell you what to watch for and give you details about the animals on the beach that day. There are fences in place, some of which were originally constructed to prevent the elephant seals from crossing the highway and causing accidents. Now they also serve to keep the curious humans out of trouble. Northern elephant seals are not generally aggressive but getting in their way whether accidentally or on purpose can be dangerous. People are often lulled into a false sense of security as the massive animals sleep. But these creatures can move very quickly when they need or want to so it is wise not to take chances.
In the off season, there are still lots of animals to see. Once the bulls have left to forage, the juveniles come back to molt and the pups, now weaned, are beginning to explore their ocean home from the sheltered bays. Females and bulls return at different times for their molt so there is a constant flow of seals onto the beaches and in the nearby waters.
