San Simeon

The Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, seven miles north of San Simeon with a large marked parking lot, is a six-mile protected area where elephant seals can haul out to mate, give birth, rest, or molt. Molting season is in the spring, but for the most excitement, visit from November to March when these giant 2.5 to three-ton animals show up to battle for breeding rights and give birth; you may find upwards of 10,000 animals at the rookery around January and February.

While you're there, grab a burger and taste Hearst Ranch wines at Sebastian's General Store, originally built in 1852. Also, take our guide to sights such as Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County.

Santa Cruz

You can also spot elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park north of Santa Cruz. During breeding and birthing season here, all viewings are via organized tours ($7, plus a $4 reservation fee). During molting season, you can get a free permit; sightings require some hiking over sand dunes.

If you're there Friday through Sunday, visit Harley Farms Goat Dairy, where you can tour the farm and sample cheese and goat's milk–based bath products.