Elephant Seal Vista Point Tours

Photo by Terry Myles
Photo by Brittany Davidson
Photo by Laury Kelly
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
Rancho Robles by Avantstay Vineyard Villa w/ Views, Pool & Privacy
The Inn at Zaca Creek

Popular places to visit


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
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
Sands by The Sea

Sands by The Sea

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

San Simeon Lodge

2.5 out of 5
9520 Castillo Drive, San Simeon, CA
San Simeon Lodge
Sea Breeze Inn

Sea Breeze Inn

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

Coast Riders Inn

3 out of 5
9450 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Coast Riders Inn
Comfort Inn near Hearst Castle - Cambria

Comfort Inn near Hearst Castle - Cambria

2.5 out of 5
9280 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Comfort Inn near Hearst Castle - Cambria
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.

Things to do near Elephant Seal Vista Point

At Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon, California, visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and exciting wildlife encounters with elephant seals. Hiking expeditions along scenic trails offer stunning views, while nearby game viewing areas provide opportunities for close-up experiences with local fauna. The Elephant Point Lodge enhances your stay, making it a perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploration and adventure.

Recreation

At Hardie Park, located 25 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, you can enjoy serene walking trails and picnic areas surrounded by nature. The park's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for yoga sessions or meditation, allowing you to unwind and reconnect with yourself amidst the beautiful coastal landscape.

Adventure

Embark on the Salmon Creek Falls Trail, a scenic hike located 12 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, offering stunning views and adventure. For water sports enthusiasts, Oak Paradise Wakeboarding is 17 miles away, perfect for an adrenaline rush. Don’t miss the Giant Chessboard, a fun activity located 31 miles away.

Nightlife

Catch a film at the National Geographic Theater, located 4 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, where you can enjoy family-friendly and romantic movies. Afterward, explore local eateries for a cozy dinner and unwind under the stars with the beautiful coastal scenery.

Find the best attractions near Elephant Seal Vista Point

At Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon, California, visitors can explore historic houses, national parks, and jetties. This scenic location offers a blend of culture and adventure, perfect for all types of travelers. Don't miss the chance to stay at Elephant Point, where you can enjoy highlights like the Lucky Elephant and the stunning views reminiscent of Kruger National Park. Enjoy a memorable experience surrounded by nature and wildlife.

  • Hearst Castle: A magnificent estate perched on a hill, Hearst Castle offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. With stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views, this historic house is a treasure trove of art and culture, just 5 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point.
  • Piedras Blancas Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse, located 2 miles away, stands as a beacon of maritime history. Visitors can explore its rich heritage and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline, making it a perfect spot for photography and appreciation of California's coastal culture.
  • San Simeon Pier: Located 4 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon Pier offers a charming spot for leisurely strolls and fishing excursions. Its rich history and beautiful ocean views make it a wonderful place to relax and soak in the coastal ambiance.

Best time to go to Elephant Seal Vista Point

Visitor numbers around Elephant Seal Vista Point is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Elephant Seal Vista Point can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Elephant Seal Vista Point falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Elephant Seal Vista Point falls in December and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April56.8°F (13.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August66.2°F (19.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Elephant Seal Vista Point

To save money on your visit to Elephant Seal Vista Point, take advantage of the free entry. Plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices, and consider staying on Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices from lowest to highest and filtering for eco-certified options. Combining flights and hotel bookings through Expedia packages can also lead to savings. Don't forget to join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays, ensuring you maximize your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Elephant Seal Vista Point are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Elephant Seal Vista Point is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Elephant Seal Vista Point is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Plus, you can narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Elephant Seal Vista Point with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.