Ultimate Guide to Central California Coast Wildlife Viewing
Hi friends! Central California’s stunning coastline takes my breath away every time I visit. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring wildlife in the state. From the gentle giants of the Pacific to the vibrant butterflies fluttering in eucalyptus groves, this region offers countless opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re an avid birder, a marine life enthusiast, or just love to marvel at the beauty of nature, this guide will walk you through the best spots to experience wildlife, share tips on when & where to visit for optimal viewing, and help you plan the ultimate Central Coast wildlife trip.
Wildlife viewing at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Central Coast 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Highway 1 road trip, make sure to download my complete Central Coast 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a complete dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, the best tide pooling locations, and more!
Under the Pismo Pier in Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach Region
Pismo Pier
What to See: As one of 6 spots the Whale Trail, the Pismo Pier is a prime spot for whale watching, among other sea life. Here, you can witness:
• Gray whales (December–April during their migration).
• Humpback whales (April–November).
• Dolphins, including bottlenose and common dolphins, playing close to the shore year-round.
• Sea otters floating among the kelp beds.
When to Visit: Winter and spring offer the best chance to see gray whales, while summer and fall are ideal for humpbacks.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars to enhance your viewing experience and arrive early to avoid crowds.
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
What to See: Every winter, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to the Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove, seeking shelter in the towering eucalyptus trees. From October to February, these monarchs form vibrant clusters, creating a magical, golden canopy.
When to Visit: The peak season is typically late November through January. Early mornings are great to beat the crowds and to see the butterflies still clustered together. As the temperatures rise in late morning, the butterflies become more active.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly as the grove can be chilly, and make sure to walk out towards the beach and sandy dunes along the Meadow Creek Trail.
For more info on this top Central California spot, check out my full Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove blog post.
Exploring the Dinosaur Caves in Pismo Beach, CA
Dinosaur Caves
What to See: Perched atop dramatic ocean cliffs, Dinosaur Caves Park and Margo Dodd Park provide incredible ocean views, and the rocky shoreline is a haven for seabirds and other sea life, including:
• Pelicans, especially brown pelicans.
• Cormorants, nesting along the rocky outcroppings.
• Western gulls soaring over the waves.
• Sea stars, anemones & crabs.
When to Visit: Birds can be spotted year-round, but nesting season (spring and early summer) offers unique opportunities to observe behaviors up close. Enjoy tide pooling during negative tide.
Pro Tip: After walking along the bluff-top paths for panoramic views and birdwatching opportunities, head down the staircase at low tide to explore along rocky shoreline. The terrain is wet and jagged, but the area is teaming with tide pools.
For more info on this top Pismo Beach spot, check out my full Dinosaur Caves blog post.
Montaña de Oro State Park in Central California
Morro Bay & Cayucos Region
Montaña de Oro State Park
What to See: This coastal gem offers rugged cliffs, tide pools, and trails teeming with wildlife. Hike one of the many bluff-top trails or venture down to shoreline to explore sea life up close. This area is known for:
• Tide pool creatures, such as sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
• Harbor seals lounging on rocky beaches.
• Deer grazing in the coastal hills.
When to Visit: Low tide is perfect for tide pooling, while seals and deer are visible year-round. Visit in spring (April and May) to see the hillsides burst with colorful wildflowers.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for exploring rocky areas and bring a guidebook for tide pool identification.
For more info on this top Central California spot, check out my full Montaña de Oro State Park blog post.
Sea otter seen from kayak in Morro Bay
Birdwatching & wildlife viewing in Morro Bay
Morro Bay
What to See: The bay’s calm waters and estuary are rich in wildlife. Birders and nature lovers can hike in Morro Bay State Park, explore the tide pools of North Point Natural Area, or head out on the bay waters in a kayak to get incredible up-close experiences of wildlife.
• Sea otters often float in groups called rafts near the marina.
• Egrets and herons can be spotted wading through the estuary.
• Sea lions bark from the docks.
• Hawks, falcons and eagles can be spotted soaring around Morro Rock.
• Anemones, mussels and hermit crabs are abundant in the tide pools
When to Visit: Wildlife activity is consistent year-round, but early mornings are particularly peaceful for observation. Explore the North Point Natural Area in Morro Bay State Park for the best tide pools at low tide.
Pro Tip: Kayaking in the bay and estuary offers up-close and unique encounters with wildlife. Bring binoculars to spot birds hiding in the high crevice peaks of Morro Rock.
For more info on this top Central California spot, check out my full Kayaking & Tide Pooling in Morro Bay blog post.
Point Estero Shipwreck & tide pools in Estero Bluffs State Park
Estero Bluffs State Park
What to See: This undeveloped coastal park along Highway 1 provides bluff-top hiking trails and opportunities to scramble down to the rocky shoreline during low tide. This park is perfect for spotting:
• Hawks and peregrine falcons soaring above the cliffs.
• Harbor seals resting on secluded beaches.
• Whales, occasionally visible offshore.
• Barnacles, sea hares, anemones, and abalone.
When to Visit: Winter is the best time for whale sightings, while birdwatching along the bluff-tops is fantastic all year. Low tide offers the best tide pooling...and as for many spots along the central coast, sunset is magnificent here.
Pro Tip: Pack layers to stay comfortable—it can be fairly breezy along the bluff-top trails. Head to the Point Estero Shipwreck at the southern edge of the park at negative tide for fantastic tide pools around an abandoned fishing vessel.
For more info on this top Central California spot, check out my full Estero Bluffs State Park blog post.
Squirrel & coastal wildflowers at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA
Cambria & San Simeon Region
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
What to See: This coastal preserve offers a mix of marine and terrestrial wildlife from a system of wonderfully kept trails and boardwalks, including:
• Gray foxes and deer wandering the trails.
• Seabirds, including pelicans and cormorants, flying overhead.
• Whales visible from the bluffs during migration.
When to Visit: Sunrise and sunset are ideal for spotting land mammals and visit in spring for beautiful wildflowers.
Pro Tip: The preserve is dog-friendly, which is a great option for adventurers with furry friends, but stick to the designated trails to protect the sensitive habitat.
Hearst Castle zebras seen from Highway 1
Hearst Castle
What to See: The grounds around Hearst Castle was once home to the William Randolph Hearst’s private zoo, which had lions, tigers, camels, giraffes, and several other exotic species. Now, in addition to cattle and other native species to this region, Hearst Castle visitors and road trippers along Highway 1 may spot zebras grazing along the hillsides, which are descendants of the original herd brought here a century ago.
When to Visit: Wildlife is most active early in the morning or late afternoon.
Pro Tip: The zebras can often be sighted in the southwest corner of the property from pullouts directly off Highway 1. Bring binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to get great views of the herd, which has grown to about 150 zebras in total.
Large male elephant seal at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery near San Simeon, CA
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
What to See: This famous rookery is home to one of the largest elephant seal colonies in California. Elephant seals come ashore to mate, give birth, and molt throughout the year. Bluff-top trails, boardwalks, and viewing areas are available for visitors to see these incredible creatures up-close without disturbing them in their natural habitat. Visitors come for the elephant seals, but can also find:
• A variety of bird species, including cormorants, vultures, pelicans, and herons.
• Gray whales and humpback whales during migrations.
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Mammals, such as coyotes and foxes, along the trails north of the rookery.
When to Visit: The elephant seals here are most active and abundant in the wintertime, but they can be seen here year-round. Each season provides a unique opportunity to encounter them at different stages of their lives.
• December–February: Peak mating, birthing, and sparring season
• May–August: Molting season
• Sept–Nov: Juvenile haul-out
• May–August: Molting season
Pro Tip: Visit the boardwalk for up-close, unobtrusive views of these massive marine mammals, and then hike the trail north of the main rookery to escape the crowds and see more sea birds, elephant seals, and land mammals as you hike towards the Piedras Blancas Light Station.
For more info on this top Central California spot, check out my full Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery blog post.
Big Sur coast seen from Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point
Big Sur Region
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
What to See: Just north of McWay Falls and south of Partington Cove, the vista point in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park along Highway 1 is a prime location for wildlife viewing in Big Sur. State Park Rangers and docents will often have wildlife viewing events here, providing opportunities to see:
• Gray whales migrate by here during late fall-early winter and late winter-early spring. These gentle giants tend to migrate close to shore, so they are one of the most frequently seen whale species here.
• Blue whales and humpbacks migrate by here in summer and fall.
• California condors soar down from the clifftops above. Due to the topography and their nesting sites, this location actually provides visitors the best chance to see these massive birds along this coastline.
When to Visit: Late fall-early winter and late winter-early spring for gray whales. Summer and fall are better for blue and humpback whales. California condors are most active in early morning and early evening.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t spot any whales or condors, the coastal views here are still worthy of a spot—look to the south to see a natural arch in one of the sea stacks. Before leaving, take a photo of with the mosaic murals on the ground, showing the actual sizes of a gray whale and California condor.
Black tailed deer in Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Wild turkeys in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
What to See: Nicknamed “mini Yosemite” for it’s granite gorges and towering redwood trees, the park’s forests and creeks are home to all kinds of wildlife, including:
• River otters in the streams.
• All kinds of bird species, like Stellar’s jays, Cooper's hawks, spotted owls, belted kingfishers, dippers, and wild turkeys.
• Black-tailed deer
• Bobcats
When to Visit: Wildlife is active year-round, but early morning hikes offer the best chances to see animals. Fall and Winter have fewer crowds, which also increase your chances of a wildlife encounter.
Pro Tip: Visit the Ewoldsen Memorial in the park to learn about the local flora and fauna. Here, you can even experience what it's like to "Fly like a Condor" with the digital condor flight station, which was designed with actual Big Sur California condor flight patterns.
For more info on this top Big Sur spot, check out my full Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park blog post.
Monarch butterfly grove at the Cooper Cabin in Andrew Molera State Park
Molera Beach at sunset during low tide in Big Sur
Andrew Molera State Park
What to See: Located in Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is a quieter gem for wildlife enthusiasts. This park features a mix of coastal, river, and meadow habitats, making it a hotspot for diverse wildlife sightings, including:
• Birds like red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and herons.
• Bobcats and deer, often spotted in the grasslands or near the Big Sur River.
• Monarch butterflies in late fall and winter, clustered in the eucalyptus trees around the Cooper Cabin.
• Marine life such as seals and sea otters visible from the beach.
When to Visit: Year-round, but late fall to early winter is ideal for monarch butterfly viewing. Spring brings the highest bird activity and wildflower blooms.
Pro Tip: Bring layers, as the weather can change quickly. The Creamery Meadow Trail is perfect for spotting birds, and the secluded beach is a great spot for marine wildlife. Don’t forget your binoculars or camera with a zoom lens for capturing distant critters!
For more info on this top Big Sur spot, check out my full Andrew Molera State Park blog post.
Black-crowned night-heron at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Brandt’s cormorants nesting at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel, CA
Monterey Bay Region
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
What to See: Often called the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system, Point Lobos is incredibly scenic and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the state. Visitors are often treated to:
• Sea lions and harbor seals basking on the rocks.
• Sea otters playing in the kelp forests.
• Whales, visible from the shoreline.
• Brandt’s cormorants nesting along Bird Island Trail and Pelican Point, as well as numerous other bird species, including the black-crowned night-heron.
When to Visit: Year-round, with peak whale sightings in winter and spring. Spring and summer offer the most abundant bird populations
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure parking—it fills up quickly! Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, and park docents are often hanging out along Bird Island Trail with scopes for guests to look through. Check out the Whalers Cabin to see whale bones close up and to learn about the complex history of this area.
For more info on this top Monterey & Carmel spot, check out my full Point Lobos State Natural Reserve blog post.
Birds & Seals on Bird Rock along 17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach in Monterey, CA
17-Mile Drive
What to See: This 17-mile scenic route takes you through historic cypress groves and along coastal bluffs is a drive you soon won’t forget. You’ll pass by impressive castle-like mansions and alongside pristine golf resorts, such as Pebble Beach...but similar to Point Lobos to the south, this Monterey gem is packed with wildlife, such as:
• Harbor seals at Seal Rock.
• Birds, including cormorants and pelicans.
• Deer grazing in the Del Monte Forest and prancing across the golf links.
When to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic views and active wildlife.
Pro Tip: Set aside 2-3 hours to explore. There are 17 stops along the drive, and each one is unique and photo-worthy.
For more info on this top Monterey & Carmel spot, check out my full 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach blog post.
Monterey Bay sea lion
Monterey Bay Aquarium
What to See: While technically not “wildlife in the wild,” the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an unparalleled opportunity to see marine animals up close and learn about the central coast’s underwater ecosystems. Highlights include:
• Sea otters floating and playing in the two-story exhibit.
• An awe-inspiring kelp forest teeming with fish, sharks, and eels.
• Jellyfish displays that feel like an art exhibit come to life.
• A tidal touch pool where you can gently interact with sea stars and other invertebrates.
When to Visit: Any time, though weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded.
Pro Tip: Step outside to the aquarium’s back deck for incredible views of the Monterey Bay. From there, you might spot wild sea otters, seals, and even whales in their natural habitat. Download the aquarium’s app for feeding times and behind-the-scenes insights!
Monarch butterflies clustered together in eucalyptus branches
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
What to See: This peaceful grove in Pacific Grove is one of the best places in California to see monarch butterflies in their overwintering habitat. Between October and February, you can expect:
• Hundreds to thousands of monarchs clustering together in eucalyptus and pine trees.
• The occasional hummingbird or warbler flitting among the trees.
When to Visit: Peak monarch season is from late October to early February, with the largest clusters visible on sunny mornings when the butterflies are most active.
Pro Tip: The sanctuary is small but enchanting, so plan to spend about 30-60 minutes here. Bring a camera or smartphone with a zoom lens for close-ups of the clusters, and check out Pacific Grove’s “Butterfly Town, USA” vibe with murals and local shops celebrating these iconic insects.
Humpback whale breaching in Monterey Bay
Pod of orcas seen from Sanctuary Cruises near Moss Landing, CA
Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough
What to See: This estuary is a paradise for birders and marine wildlife enthusiasts and the underwater topography in the open ocean here is perfect for whale watching and seeing all kinds of marine life, including:
• Pelicans, cormorants, egrets, and herons in the bay and estuary.
• Sea otters in the marina and estuary.
• Thousands of sea lions hanging out on the marina docks.
• Whales, orcas, dolphins and sharks from boats out in the Monterey Bay.
When to Visit: Morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photography.
Pro Tip: Consider a guided kayak tour of the Elkhorn Slough and book a group or private whale watching tour out on the Monterey Bay for a one-of-a-kind experience. Sanctuary Cruises has always been my go-to whale watching company out of Moss Landing. If you hope to see orcas, the apex predators of the ocean here, plan a visit in April/May or September/October.
For more info on this top Monterey Bay adventure, check out my full Monterey Bay Whale Watching blog post.
Orcas seen from Sanctuary Cruises private charter out of Moss Landing, CA
Know Before You Go
Best Times for Wildlife Viewing:
• Monarch Butterflies: October–February.
• Whales: December–April (gray whales) and May–November (humpbacks and blue whales).
• Elephant Seals: December–February (mating/birthing season) and May–August (molting).
What to Pack:
• Binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for close-up wildlife encounters.
• Sturdy shoes for exploring trails and tide pools.
• Layers to handle the coastal breeze and cool mornings.
Respect Wildlife:
• Keep a respectful distance—use binoculars or zoom lenses rather than approaching animals.
• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Please follow all Leave No Trace Principles and recreate responsibly.
Plan Ahead:
• Advanced reservations are highly recommended at popular spots like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Hearst Castle.
• Arrive early for the best experience and fewer crowds.
• Always check road closures and conditions before you travel to Big Sur. Landslides are a part of life along the Big Sur coast, and Highway 1 can be closed at times as a result.
• Make sure to download my complete Central Coast 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a complete dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, the best tide pooling locations, and more!
Top 10 Central Coast Wildlife Spots
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining this me this week along California’s central coast. For a virtual visit of my Highway 1 wildlife adventure, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Sea otter in Morro Bay
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Where are the best spots along the Central Coast to see wildlife? Read this ultimate travel guide to viewing marine life, birds, and all kinds unique animals along a Central California Highway 1 road trip. We'll cover the top wildlife spots in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Cambria, Big Sur, Carmel, Moss Landing, and Monterey Bay, with special views of orcas, elephant seals, and sea otters.