highway1roadtrip
Wildlife Viewing on your California Highway 1 Trip
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Watching for incredible wildlife on Highway 1 is often as simple as pulling over and staying present. But if you’re looking for places that are routinely excellent for wildlife viewing, we’ve listed some on this story series.
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Whale Watching
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales and even orcas: all of these whales and more can be seen migrating along the coastline of Highway 1. According to the Whale Trail organization, which tracks the top whale-watching destinations on the West Coast, our strip of Highway 1 is a hot spot.
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Elephant Seal Rookery
San Simeon, CA
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
Blink and you might miss this incredible wildlife habitat on the west side of Highway 1 near San Simeon. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery provides a rare glimpse into the lives of majestic Northern Elephant Seals, mere feet away from the viewing area.
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Zebras of Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA
Zebras along Highway 1? Yes! When William Randolph Hearst built his sprawling home above San Simeon in the early 1900s, he included space for the world’s largest private zoo.
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Even More Wildlife
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
With so many species in so many different habitats here, the Highway 1 experience includes lots of opportunities to see wildlife. We recommend reading our Wildlife Viewing Tips before heading out, to ensure that you, the animals, and their environment stay safe.