Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve

The Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve is a no-take zone located between Arroyo De La Cruz at Point Sierra Nevada and Arroyo Laguna, near San Simeon. It is adjacent to the Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area centered around Point Piedras Blancas. The reserve is known for its colorful tidepools, which harbor invertebrates such as sea stars and limpets, and for its sand and cobble beaches. The deep rocky reef attracts large fish such as lingcod, cabezon, and multiple species of rockfish. The extensive kelp beds provide habitat and hunting grounds for diverse marine species. The beaches of Piedras Blancas are home to northern elephant seal rookeries, with over 25,000 elephant seals. Visitors can view the elephant seals from observation platforms, and the area offers many recreational opportunities, including kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming