Join us on July 16 for the Grand Opening celebration of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center!

The Friends of the Elephant Seal will celebrate the Grand Opening of their expanded Elephant Seal Visitor Center on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 11 AM to 4 PM. The new 1000-sq.ft. Elephant Seal Visitor Center provides informative exhibits, in-depth resources, educational programs, a live-streaming seal cam and unique elephant seal gifts. The San Simeon-based Visitor Center provides an easily accessible location to help visitors learn more about the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery before or after their visit to the Elephant Seal Viewing Area, 7.8 miles to the north. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery is home to the largest mainland colony of northern elephant seals, estimated at 25,000 seals.

The day will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 AM. The program will feature research and educational presentations, children’s story time, book signings, a Seal Science exhibit and surprises for all! Visitors will be able to experience how blubber keeps seals warm and learn more about elephant seals and one of their local predators, the white shark. State Park staff will provide a guided walk on the Boucher Trail, including several remote elephant seal look-outs. Friends of the Elephant Seal guides will be available all day to provide in-depth information and elephant seal safe viewing guidelines for visitors. There is no charge for the event.

An updated schedule for the day will be available on the Friends of the Elephant Seal website at: elephantseal.org/July16

250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 5A, San Simeon, CA 805-924-1628