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Pacific Coast Highway Wildlife:
See Whales and Sea Lions!
The Pacific Coast Highway offers so much by way of spectacular scenery, beaches, good food and wine, yet for most people it's seeing something of the Pacific Coast Highway wildlife that makes for those special moments. To see a humpback whale breaching the surface of the Pacific Ocean, spouting or slapping its tail on the water reminds us of the power and majesty of the natural world. No wonder whale watching, in California especially, is one of the most popular activities all along the Pacific Coast. If you can, you should try to time your visit so you're there during California Whale Watching Season. We did just that, and you can read our own account of a Hornblower whale watching cruise.
Whale Watching with Newport Landing Whale Watching
Newport Landing Whale Watching does year-round whale watching from Newport Beach in Orange County which is just south of Los Angeles. We'll definitely be trying them out when we're next in Newport Beach.
You'll see seals, elephant seals, and sea lions too, wherever you go. Some of the easiest to see are those that hang out in popular tourist spots like Fisherman's Wharf at Monterey, and at San Francisco too. You'll also get close-up views of magnificent elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Beach, just north of Hearst Castle, and one of the most amazing of the Pacific Coast Highway's wildlife experiences is a visit to the Florence Sea Lion Caves north of Florence and south of Yachats. See Mike's piece about some of the California Wildlife including the elephant seals of Piedras Blancas on the excellent Travel-Lists website.
Yet there's as much joy to be had in observing some of the tiniest creatures you find along the coasts of Oregon, Washington and California. From March to September you'll find hummingbirds, those flying jewels, along the west coast of the United States. Little wrens too, and larger birds like graceful egrets and herons, through to the big birds of prey including bald eagles, golden eagles and turkey vultures. There are mammals ranging from chipmunks and raccoons to deer and elk, while on the shoreline you can look for sea lions basking on the rocks or sea otters playing around in the waves. And beneath those waves another world lurks, a world of dolphins, humpback whales, orca whales and even blue whales. Either pack your binoculars and a good field guide or take advantage of one of the organized wildlife tours up and down the Pacific Coast.But whatever you do and wherever you go, always look for opportunities to enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway's wonderful wildlife.
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