Top Things to do in Wine Coast Country California
Top Hotels in Wine Coast Country California
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The 6 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Wine Coast Country California, San Luis Obispo County
Discover the best top things to do in Wine Coast Country California, United States including Piedras Blancas, James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve, Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Biddle Regional Park, Elephant Seal Vista Point.
Restaurants in Wine Coast Country California
1. Piedras Blancas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 722 reviews
Reviewed By DePere - De Pere, United States
We visited the elephant seal rookery of Piedras Blancas in mid-April. We learned while we were there that the large males (5000 pounds) with the extended noses (proboscis ) would not be on the beach at this time of the year. The elephant seals on the beach would be females and adolescents using the beach as a place to molt. This was a great experience. We visited the boardwalk during the evening and then returned to the same area in the morning. We witnessed more activity in the morning session. The boardwalks extend both north and south of the parking lot. There were seals in the water, seals on the beach, seals sleeping, seals climbing over each other, and seals sparring with each other. This was just a great experience, especially for a person from the Midwest. The area has great signage on the road so a person can easily find the rookery, located a few miles north of San Simeon. Brochures and informational bulletin boards provides you with education about these sea mammals. No fee associated with parking or accessing the viewing area.
2. James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
3. Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,096 reviews
The Elephant Seal Viewing area and the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop (250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 3B, San Simeon, CA) are two separate locations. They are 7.2 miles apart. Please plan to visit both while you are in the area. Directions to both locations: https://elephantseal.org/locations/ The Friends of the Elephant Seal docents (guides) provide education for visitors to the Elephant Seal Viewing area at Piedras Blancas, every morning and afternoon, 365 days a year. Long boardwalks provide wonderful, up-close viewing opportunities. Look for docents in the blue jackets! Viewing Area is located 4 miles north of the Hearst Castle. Find us here: Put these coordinates into any map program: 35° 39' 48" N, 121° 15' 28" W Or use this link for the accurate location of the viewing area: https://goo.gl/maps/fzfACKBqNgcwurjf9
Reviewed By timohteee - Delaware, United States
My wife and I actually drove passed this stop and turned around to go back because we noticed a large group of people. We are glad we decided to turn around! When we got there around 6PM, there were a couple dozen elephant seals basking in the sun on the beach. Every now and then, you’ll catch one get up and stretch or another scooting across the sand to a new spot. It was surprisingly amazing to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat and was definitely a highlight for us both on our trip.
4. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
5. Biddle Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By batgirl150 - Arroyo Grande, United States
This park is big and open, and has lots of opportunities for bbq, soccer, softball, frisbee, football, picnics, playground activities and exploring through the huge sycamore trees. No overnight camping.
6. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Seaside52381475060
I was worried that we wouldn't see very many seals since we were traveling at the very end of March. We were pleasantly surprised to see HUNDREDS of seals (I'm assuming Males & Babies). They were in pockets along a large stretch of coastline near San Simeon. The viewing Vista's off of PCH 1 allowed for many visitors to park and view this amazing natural sight. You could easily walk to many different viewing points. The seals were very entertaining. Well worth the drive out of LA!
