Old Piedras Blancas Motel site (elephant seals)

The old Piedras Blancas Motel site is a wonderful spot to see elephant seals playing in the water, and hear their gurgling sounds, like a bottle pulled underwater! After you drive north past the Piedras Blancas Light station, two miles later, pull into the parking lot for the old motel, at 16420 Highway 1, San Simeon. You can see the motel building and site, which is being used as state park employee housing, a starting point for the light station tour, and a public beach. To the left of the motel is a state park plaque with information on this gorgeous coastal area. Take a few steps toward the ocean and you will hear the elephant seals, if you're lucky! Once you reach the clifftop, you can often see the elephant seals playing in the water! It is magical.

Another place to see the elephant seals that is better than the crowded Vista Point is the Boucher Trail. You can start the trail at the Elephant Seal Vista Point, or start at the secluded north end at Boucher Trailhead North.
It is amazing to tour the Piedras Blancas Light Station, on a gorgeous piece of land covered in yellow flowers, with a trail past beautiful sea stacks. Book ahead online so you don't miss out. Tours are offered most days at 9:45am (except Wed and Sun).
This is the beginning of the Big Sur Coast Drive from San Simeon to Lucia. You must do it!

Directions

The old Piedras Blancas Motel site is located at 16420 Highway 1, San Simeon. There is a parking lot, and a state park plaque with more information to the left of the hotel.

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