Young northern elephant seals can be seen in and around the Bay Area. The animals can be easily observed in their natural environment in three areas, and also at a marine-mammal rehabilitation center near Sausalito, where Hollywood sound specialists have come to record the otherworldly vocalizations of these animals. Costs range from free to inexpensive.
Where: Año Nuevo State Park (21 miles north of Santa Cruz)
When: Females come ashore to give birth from late December to early February. Mothers nurse their pups for only a month before mating and heading out to the open ocean. Pups typically stay through March.
How: Through March 31, elephant seals can be viewed via 2.5-hour docent-led walks, involving a moderate, 3- to 4-mile hike on varied terrain that includes sand dunes. Tours operate rain or shine. The tours start up again Dec. 15, and are available every day, except Christmas Day and Feb. 1-2.
Cost: Tours are $7 per person plus a $3.99 reservation fee. Children age 4 and under are free. Online reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
Phone number: (650) 879-2025
Where: Point Reyes National Seashore (37 miles north of San Francisco) Elephant seals can be viewed at the Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock; at the South Beach Overlook just north of the Point Reyes Lighthouse visitors’ parking lot; and on the beach beside the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
When: Females typically start giving birth in late December. Pups may stay into April.
How: Roads in the National Seashore provide easy access to areas for viewing. Areas and roads may be closed at times to protect the animals.
Cost: Free
Phone: (415) 464-5100
Where: Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve (50 miles north of San Luis Obispo)
When: Mothers begin giving birth in mid-December, with pupping continuing into February. The young seals usually depart in March, and some may remain into early April.
How: Parking lots are beside Highway 1 about a mile south of the entrance to the Piedras Blancas Light Station Natural Area. Accessible boardwalks extend from the north and south side of the parking lot, and paths lead to observation platforms.
Cost: Free
Phone: (831) 649-2870
Where: The Marine Mammal Center in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge)
When: The center begins to receive sick or injured pups around February, and many more arrive in mid-March through May.
How: Various tour options
Cost: Self-guided tours: free. Tablet tour: $5. Guided tours: $15 adults, $8 students and seniors. Behind-the-scenes tour: $20 adults, $10 students and seniors.
Phone: (415) 653-1870