Elephant Seal Vista Point Tours

Photo by Terry Myles
Photo by Terry Myles
Photo by Brittany Davidson
Photo by Brittany Davidson
Photo by Laury Kelly
Photo by Laury Kelly
Photo by Krystalvation
Photo by Krystalvation
Learn about some of the creatures that live in and around the ocean at Elephant Seal Rookery. The waters in this area provide a habitat for an array of fascinating animals.

Elephant Seal Vista Point is a worthwhile place to begin your day of discovery in San Simeon. This colony of wild marine animals comes recommended by fellow travelers, but it isn't the only thing to do here. Save time for other sights like Hearst Castle, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, and Hearst Ranch Winery to make the most of what's on offer in the area.

Plan a trip to see Elephant Seal Vista Point

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Sea Air Inn & Suites - Downtown - Restaurant Row

Sea Air Inn & Suites - Downtown - Restaurant Row

2.5 out of 5
Price was $800, price is now $520 per person
$520
per person
Dec 31 - Jan 4
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Phoenix (PHX) to San Luis Obispo (SBP)
8.8/10 Excellent! (451 reviews)
Clean place there is a large room I would like to stay next time

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Wine Country Estate w/ Pool, Hot Tub The Residence at Truss Wines by Avantstay

Wine Country Estate w/ Pool, Hot Tub The Residence at Truss Wines by Avantstay

3 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $9,649, price is now $6,391 per person
$6,391
per person
Dec 31 - Jan 4
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Phoenix (PHX) to San Luis Obispo (SBP)
No reviews
Avila Village Inn

Avila Village Inn

3.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $993, price is now $701 per person
$701
per person
Dec 31 - Jan 4
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Phoenix (PHX) to San Luis Obispo (SBP)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Great place. While they have 24/7 coffee in the lobby, I miss having it in the room. Wonderful, big health facility next door that includes pools, saunas, courts, etc, as well as excercise equipment. Avila has a deal with that place, so helped create strong value for price paid.

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Reviews of Elephant Seal Vista Point

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
497
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
152
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

OK in the summer, but visit in February March when it is nursing season!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice view of the elephant seals.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

very windy wear a hoodie

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cold ocean breeze in April - take a warm jacket!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

bring a camera to film the antics of seals

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

bring a camera to film antics of the seals

Popular places to visit

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse which includes rocky coastline

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

4.5/5(69 reviews)

Go on a tour of this 19th-century lighthouse and explore an interpretive trail showcasing the surrounding scenery, historic buildings and wildlife.

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon Pier as well as a small group of people

San Simeon Pier

4.5/5(293 reviews)

Drop a fishing line to hook walleye perch and rubberlip or spend some time enjoying the views from this long timber pier that juts out from a protected cove.

San Simeon Pier
San Simeon Pier as well as a small group of people

William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach

5/5(4 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to San Simeon. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay

Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay

5/5(9 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to San Simeon. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument

You can take time to visit Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument during your travels to San Simeon. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

4.5/5(907 reviews)

You can learn about the history of San Simeon when you stop by Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Hearst Castle

Best Lodging Options Near Elephant Seal Vista Point

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Silver Surf Motel

Silver Surf Motel

2 out of 5
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Silver Surf Motel
Quality Inn near Hearst Castle

Quality Inn near Hearst Castle

2.5 out of 5
9260 Castillo Drive, San Simeon, CA
Quality Inn near Hearst Castle
Sands by The Sea

Sands by The Sea

2 out of 5
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA
Sands by The Sea
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon

The Morgan Hotel San Simeon

3.5 out of 5
9135 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

3 out of 5
6700 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA
Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach
Sea Breeze Inn

Sea Breeze Inn

2 out of 5
9065 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA
Sea Breeze Inn
San Simeon Lodge

San Simeon Lodge

2.5 out of 5
9520 Castillo Drive, San Simeon, CA
San Simeon Lodge
Coast Riders Inn

Coast Riders Inn

3 out of 5
9450 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Coast Riders Inn
See all 773 properties in Elephant Seal Vista Point
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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