Piedras Blancas

The offshore rocks surrounding Point Piedras Blancas are a hazard to ships, but provide a home to marine animals. California sea lions and harbor seals haul out on the offshore rocks to rest. Elephant seals utilize adjacent beaches. Gray whales, humpback whales, and bottlenose dolphins can often be seen. Sea otters forage along Point Piedras Blancas and wrap themselves in kelp to rest. Many bird species roost on the large offshore rocks. Sea lions barking, elephant seals trumpeting, and pelicans in flight fascinate visitors at Piedras Blancas.  The grounds of the light station have been restored to a landscape much like one that would have been seen prior to European settlement. Where a vast expanse of invasive plants once occupied, a gorgeous display of native plants now thrives. With the reintroduction of native plants there has been an increase in native animals. Scientific research at Piedras Blancas includes studies of sea otters, elephant seals, and gray whales.  Piedras Blancas has been designated an Outstanding Natural Area within the National Landscape Conservation System.