Center provides an easily accessible location to help visitors learn more about the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. – The Friends of the Elephant Seal will celebrate the grand opening of the expanded Elephant Seal Visitor Center on Saturday, July 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new 1000-sq.ft. Elephant Seal Visitor Center provides informative exhibits, in-depth resources, educational programs, a live-streaming seal cam, and unique elephant seal gifts. The San Simeon-based Visitor Center provides an easily accessible location to help visitors learn more about the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery before or after their visit to the Elephant Seal Viewing Area, 7.8 miles to the north. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery is home to the largest mainland colony of northern elephant seals, estimated at 25,000 seals.