Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center — Local services in Cambria

PLEASE NOTE: THE ADDRESS SHOWN IS NOT THE LOCATION OF THE ELEPHANT SEALS. You will find the bulls, cows and pups about six miles North on Highway 1, about four miles past Hearst Castle.

The experience of birth fascinates children and adults. New life emerges during the winter months, just a few feet below the boardwalk, and the deliveries are easily visible. Sea birds clean the placenta as the aproxmately four thousand pound (2,000 kg) bull guards his harem of about fifty, petite, fifteen hundred pound (600 kg) cows.

Elephant seals use their flippers to toss sand. Covering their body, it cools them down and acts as a sunblock.

The cold Pacific ocean, hugs the rookery. The cows neither eat nor drink while on the beach, they just nurse and protect their pups.

Be sure to bring a camera The shoreline is serpentine, so good lighting is available throughout the day.

My granddaughter loved the experience. The audience, on the block long, observation boardwalk seems to have no effect on the renewal of a species, happening below their feet.

While viewing elephant seals in their natural habitat, remember they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. For your and their safety, stay on the walkway and boardwalk.

Easy, free parking in a unpaved lot. Wheelchair accessible with some difficulty. A knowledgeable docent, recognizable in a blue jacket, is present. There is no change, however donations are...

Elephant seals!

This is a very cool experience and you can observe so many of these creatures from a very close proximity. Most of them are basking in the sun and relaxing or sleeping and then some of them are making love or even fighting. It's just like the real world, lol.

But...if you're extra lucky and I definitely was you may even experience something more special. As I was standing there & just watching them a tourist whispered to me that one of the females nearly in front of was in labor. I couldn't believe it. We saw her struggle & let out a few cries and you could even see the babies little tail sticking out of her. I really couldn't believe what I was witnessing. A few minutes later came out a little baby and another few minutes after the baby let out a cry and began squirming. Mama was in protection mode and seagulls landed all around her to welcome the little one. I couldn't help but to cry a little. Hands down one of the most precious moments I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

This place is very special and offers safety for these beautiful animals. There's plenty of parking & you can also find a few trails on both ends that will lead you along the...

Always stop here and speak to staff about the latest with the Elephant Seals before hitting the observation area. They are so helpful and easy to talk to. And, all your puchases go towards funding the preservation, protection, and public education for the elephant Seals. I always leave a little donation as well as purchasing gifts for the grandkids. They also have coastal sightseeing maps for great stopping points on your way up the coast. Love the Elephant Seals and the brigade of volunteers at the gift shop and the observation area. Ask them anything about the seals. They are very informative and love public...