Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center - San Simeon, California

Address: Shops Plaza Del Cavalier, 250 San Simeon Ave Suite 5A, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States.
Phone: 8059241628.
Website: elephantseal.org
Specialties: Non-profit organization.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Opinions: This company has 666 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

📌 Location of Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center

☎️8059241628

⏰ Open Hours of Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center

Monday: 10 AM–4 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–4 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–4 PM
Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM

Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center is a non-profit organization located at Shops Plaza Del Cavalier, 250 San Simeon Ave Suite 5A, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States. The center can be reached by phone at 8059241628 and their website is elephantseal.org.

Specialties

As a non-profit organization, Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center is dedicated to educating the public about the elephant seals and their habits, migration patterns, hunting techniques, and predators. The center offers on-site services and is wheelchair-accessible, making it easy for everyone to visit and learn about these magnificent mammals.

Other Points of Interest

The visitor center is located in a beautiful spot that is full of wonder and well worth a visit. Visitors are advised to be prepared for cold and windy weather, as the elephant seals are often found on the beach in these conditions. The center offers valuable background information about the elephant seals, making it a great place to visit before seeing them on the beach.

Opinions

The company has received 666 reviews on Google My Business, with an average opinion of 4.6/5. Many visitors have commented on the informative and interesting background information provided by the visitor center, as well as the beauty of the spot where the elephant seals can be seen. A visit to Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about and seeing these magnificent mammals.

Recommendation

For more information about the elephant seals and to plan your visit to Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center, be sure to check out their website at elephantseal.org. Whether you're a nature lover, a student, or simply looking for something new and interesting to do, the visitor center is a great place to learn about and see these magnificent mammals up close.

👍 Reviews of Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center

Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center - San Simeon, California

Paiboon L.

5/5

We received a very good and informative background information from the visitor center about the elephant seal about their habits and migration pattern, how they hunt and their predators. Good to know and understand them before you seeing them on the beach. Be prepared for cold and windy weather.

Mary Liber

5/5

Went there a decade ago and have wanted to go back again. Beautiful spot to see these gorgeous mammals. Well worth a visit. The entire area is full of wonder.

onthegoboomer

5/5

A must for anyone, I wish I had our grandchildren with us! They are massive and a male can grow to 5,000 pounds. They blended in with the sand and unless they move you hardly know they are there. We were here in July and the temperature was 58 degrees. An absolute wondrous sight and so happy to know they are growing in population.

Saniya R

5/5

07/2023
Great spot to view Elephant Seals (males, females, and occasionally pups) year-round. June/July-August is shedding season, so expect to see more at that time. Tip: Bring a sweater and/or jacket!

Steve Diano

5/5

Always stop here and speak to staff about the latest with the Elephant Seals before hitting the observation area. They are so helpful and easy to talk to. And, all your puchases go towards funding the preservation, protection, and public education for the elephant Seals. I always leave a little donation as well as purchasing gifts for the grandkids. They also have coastal sightseeing maps for great stopping points on your way up the coast. Love the Elephant Seals and the brigade of volunteers at the gift shop and the observation area. Ask them anything about the seals. They are very informative and love public interaction.

Sandra McCaslin

5/5

FYI - these photos were taken at the beginning of September. It just took me a while to get around to reviewing this wonderful place. It was pretty amazing to see these wonderful animals so up close. There was an awesome volunteer by the name of Mike who answered all of our questions with enthusiasm. I would definitely recommend stopping here!

Cary Brown

5/5

PLEASE NOTE: THE ADDRESS SHOWN IS NOT THE LOCATION OF THE ELEPHANT SEALS. You will find the bulls, cows and pups about six miles North on Highway 1, about four miles past Hearst Castle.

The experience of birth fascinates children and adults. New life emerges during the winter months, just a few feet below the boardwalk, and the deliveries are easily visible. Sea birds clean the placenta as the aproxmately four thousand pound (2,000 kg) bull guards his harem of about fifty, petite, fifteen hundred pound (600 kg) cows.

Elephant seals use their flippers to toss sand. Covering their body, it cools them down and acts as a sunblock.

The cold Pacific ocean, hugs the rookery. The cows neither eat nor drink while on the beach, they just nurse and protect their pups.

Be sure to bring a camera The shoreline is serpentine, so good lighting is available throughout the day.

My granddaughter loved the experience. The audience, on the block long, observation boardwalk seems to have no effect on the renewal of a species, happening below their feet.

While viewing elephant seals in their natural habitat, remember they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. For your and their safety, stay on the walkway and boardwalk.

Easy, free parking in a unpaved lot. Wheelchair accessible with some difficulty. A knowledgeable docent, recognizable in a blue jacket, is present. There is no change, however donations are appreciated.

Don Motz

5/5

Wonderful experience! My wife and I were so excited to finally get to see the elephant seals! A big thank you to this organization for doing a fantastic job in helping to provide a safe environment for these amazing creatures- as well as a very convenient area in which you can get close without disturbing the seals. The staff at the visitor's center were very friendly and welcoming. If you get the chance, would highly recommend you pay them a visit. Was definitely one the highlights of our trip!