Top Things to do in San Luis Obispo County
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What to do and see in San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo County: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in San Luis Obispo County, United States including Piedras Blancas, James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve, Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Morro Bay National Estuary, Heron and Cormorant Rookery, Monarch Butterfly Grove, Harris Stage Lines, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Biddle Regional Park, Elephant Seal Vista Point.
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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. Morro Bay National Estuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
California coastal wetland located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and covering 10 miles of shoreline.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We had a fun time at Morro Bay National Estuary There were lots of cute sea otters to see There were people out on their boats. It was a beautiful day and lots of people were enjoying the day. The views of the estuary and of Morro Rock are always amazing.
5. Heron and Cormorant Rookery
6. Monarch Butterfly Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,031 reviews
Reviewed By TheadoraP
Nature at it's finest. The best time to go is when the weather is a little warm. You will see clusters of beautiful butterflies in the eucalyptus grove by the beach. Keep an eye out for the owl! There are knowledgable docents and telescopes set up for you to see the monarchs up close.
7. Harris Stage Lines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
8. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
9. 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.
10. 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!
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