Morro Bay Adventure: Sea Otters, Elephant Seals & Monarch Butterflies Along California’s Coast
December 2024 // Santa Monica, California to Morro Bay, California
Camera:
Sony α6700
Lenses:
Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto APS-C Lens
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens (SELP1650) *discontinued, link is for renewed version
Locations:
Morro Rock Ecological Preserve
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Sanctuary
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
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Took a trip up the coast for two reasons: birthday festivities and, of course, sea otters.
The focal point of Morro Bay is the ancient volcanic mound sitting at the end of Morro Rock Beach. The area is great for spotting sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, marine birds, and even the occasional whale passing through. We spent time watching the otters float effortlessly on their backs, twisting seaweed around themselves like nature’s own anchoring system. Local businesses like the Estero Inn rent out electric boats that are perfect for cruising the bay.
From Morro Bay, we continued north to Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Sanctuary - a stop that’s always worth it, no matter how many times I’ve been. The sheer size (and sound) of these animals never gets old. Massive males lounged along the beach, some sparring lazily while others barely lifted their heads from the sand. Juveniles practiced their best moves in the shallows, flopping and splashing in what looked like a slow-motion wrestling match. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s endlessly entertaining.
Further down the coast, we made a stop at Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, one of the few remaining overwintering sites for western monarch butterflies. Though the population has fluctuated drastically in recent years, we were lucky to see clusters of them hanging in the eucalyptus trees. Standing beneath them, watching as the sunlight filtered through the canopy, it was a quiet contrast to the energy of the elephant seals just days before.
Whether it’s sea otters wrapped in kelp, elephant seals bellowing on the sand, or monarchs clinging to eucalyptus branches, there’s something magical about these pockets of life along the Pacific. Already looking forward to the next trip up the coast.
Gallery
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