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
Fireside Inn
Geneseo Inn

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
Coast Riders Inn

Coast Riders Inn

3 out of 5
9450 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
Coast Riders Inn
Sands by The Sea

Sands by The Sea

2 out of 5
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA
Sands by The Sea
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
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
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, visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets while observing the fascinating elephant seals in their natural habitat. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are popular activities, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. The area also features easy trails, allowing for leisurely walks and captivating trail experiences. Join a tour to enhance your visit and learn more about the unique marine life and ecosystem in this stunning coastal setting.

Shopping

At Elephant Seal Vista Point, enjoy the scenic views and nearby shops. For more extensive shopping, if you're up for a drive, explore Cambria's Main Street, about 6 miles away, with charming boutiques and local art galleries. Alternatively, San Luis Obispo's Downtown, 40 miles away, offers diverse shopping options.

Recreation

At Hardie Park, 25 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, you can enjoy serene walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for mindfulness in nature. The park's tranquil atmosphere is ideal for relaxation, yoga sessions, and connecting with the stunning coastal landscape.

Adventure

Experience the stunning Salmon Creek Falls Trail, located 12 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, offering breathtaking scenery and invigorating hikes. For adrenaline on the water, try wakeboarding at Oak Paradise, situated 17 miles away. Don’t miss the Giant Chessboard, an engaging activity 31 miles from the vista point.

Nightlife

While Elephant Seal Vista Point is more about nature, you can enjoy a cinematic evening at the National Geographic Theater, just 4 miles away. With its cozy atmosphere and romantic vibes, it’s perfect for a laid-back night out after a day of sightseeing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Elephant Seal Vista Point

At Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon, California, visitors can explore a mix of historical attractions and natural beauty. Key points of interest include historic houses, a national/state park, and a historic lighthouse. Enjoy the stunning scenery and beach experience while observing the fascinating elephant seals. Don't miss the scenic viewpoints, such as Elephant Point and Vista Point, that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and marine life.

  • Hearst Castle: Located 5 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, Hearst Castle is a magnificent historic estate that showcases opulent architecture, stunning gardens, and breathtaking views of the California coastline. Visitors can explore its lavish rooms and learn about the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
  • Piedras Blancas Lighthouse: Just 2 miles away, this historic lighthouse offers a glimpse into maritime history with its picturesque setting and informative tours. The surrounding area is also great for spotting wildlife, including elephant seals and various seabirds.
  • San Simeon Pier: Situated 4 miles from Elephant Seal Vista Point, this scenic jetty provides historical insights and opportunities for excursions, including fishing and whale watching, while enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Best time to go to Elephant Seal Vista Point

The best time to visit Elephant Seal Vista Point is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August66.2°F (19.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
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 trip to Elephant Seal Vista Point, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to compare prices, customize your preferences, and consider booking a package deal that includes your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn rewards for future bookings. Lastly, explore the area’s free activities and enjoy the natural beauty without spending extra.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Elephant Seal Vista Point with your flights and activities.
  • 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.

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