Seals, Sea Lions & Otters

Good day, we are planning a trip to the California coast this coming May, which will be a honeymoon for us. I am interested in a location to observe and photograph seals, sea lions, otters, whales and what ever else possible. Originally we were going to go to San Diego but I am realizing this is probably not the place to be for the above.

Any suggestions for the above and any other sea life or wildlife would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Rich Hahn

You can see seals and sea lions in La Jolla, just north of San Diego city. 

Further north on the Big Sur coast, the sea lions haul out on the beach at Año Nuevo State Park. 

There are several places to see seals and sea lions on the Oregon Coast. Travel Oregon has some suggestions: http://traveloregon.com/trip-ideas/oregon-stories/where-to-see-seals-and-sea-lions-on-the-oregon-coast/ 

Gray whales will be migrating along the Oregon coast in May. 

- Greg
 

Rich,

Last year in May we went to Moss Landing (Elkhorn Slough), north of Monterrey.  Sea lions, seals, and otters were present.  Quite a number of shore birds. Boat trips, I believe, are available to go out into the Pacific where you may see whales. We did take a boat trip up Elkhorn Slough and I thought the captain was photographer friendly.  It's a short drive to Monterrey and Pacific Grove.
Just my two cents worth.

Have fun,

Allen

I recommend checking out the elephant seals in San Simeon.  Not sure if the males are there in the spring, but if so they're impressively large beasts.  There's a well-marked viewing area just north of town, but it can get crowded.  If you go up the coast another half mile or so there is another parking lot with fewer people and a nice hike along the cliffs, north of the parking lot.  The entire section of coast from Morro Bay to Monterey is worth the trip in itself.   
Enjoy

Rich, I agree with Allen, Big Sur, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Moss Landing has what you're looking for; I live in the area.
 

Rich,

I'll second La Jolla - just north of San Diego, beautiful area (similar to the hamptons) and the seals and sea lions are right there.  

I'll underscore what the others have said.  Sea lions and seals (also pelicans and cormorants) at La Jolla, sea otters at Moss Landing, and elephant seals at San Simeon.  At San Simeon go north of the lighthouse, but not as far as the abandoned motel.  There's an unmarked pullout (dirt)  on the west side of the road with a horse-proof gate in the fence.  There's a trail that goes about 60-70 yds. down to the beach.  There's no viewing platforms or docents.  I found about 100 - 150 e-seals down there (You can't see them from the road) and you could get right down on the beach with them.

I'll underscore what the others have said.  Sea lions and seals (also pelicans and cormorants) at La Jolla, sea otters at Moss Landing, and elephant seals at San Simeon.  At San Simeon go north of the lighthouse, but not as far as the abandoned motel.  There's an unmarked pullout (dirt)  on the west side of the road with a horse-proof gate in the fence.  There's a trail that goes about 60-70 yds. down to the beach.  There's no viewing platforms or docents.  I found about 100 - 150 e-seals down there (You can't see them from the road) and you could get right down on the beach with them.  This was in Feb.  I don't know about May.

Thanks to everyone who has answered me.