Expert: Steve Summers - 3/18/2002

Question
We will be spending time on the coast between Santa Barbra and Monterey from March 30 to April 7th.Do you have any idea where the best spot to view seals might be?thanks

Answer
As a matter of fact, I do.

You can get a great, safe view of a small colony just south of Carpinteria State Beach. There are several ways to get there: You can park in the municipal lot for the state beach, then walk southeast past all the campgrounds, then follow the dirt road to the Oil company lot. Continue walking through the lot, and you will see a small trail near the cliffs (do not take the trail to the beach). Walk quietly at this point, or you will get shushed by the folks who stand guard over the colony. There is a group of volunteers who watch over the sea lions, shooing away people on the beach who might disturb them. You can get a great view of the pups at this time of year, and the volunteers can tell you all about them.

Alternatively, you can get to the oil company lot by taking 101 to Casitas Pass road, turn south (towards the ocean), then LEFT at Carpinteria Avenue (instead of right, which takes you to the state beach). Turn right at Dump Rd., which is the third street on the right. Ask the person in the booth if you can park there, and they will tell you where to park. I have never had any problems there, and the attendant is very nice. This is where the workers park for the oil derricks in the channel. They are taken there by boat. Anyway, once you park, go east along the trail, and you will see the aforementioned volunteers. Shh.

Five miles north of Hearst Castle, right next to Highway 1, a breeding colony of elephant seals exists. It is within EASY reach (in fact, TOO easy) of passing motorists. Just look for all the cars parked on the shoulder. Walk over the first dune, and you can see thousands of them. A word of caution, don't be stupid here. Don't get too close, and don't stand between them and the water. Don't put your toddler on top of a sleeping bull seal (it has happened). If you see anyone molesting a seal, you can legally assault them with a beach chair or any handy item, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Well, not really. But it should be. But I haven't seen ANYTHING like this anywhere. I'm guessing it won't be too much longer before the government gets involved and fences off the beach entirely. For now, you can get more info at www.elephantseal.org.

Have fun, be safe.

Steve