Tourists and locals driving along Highway 1 stop year-round to check out the elephant seals near San Simeon but right now is quite the show as adult males haul themselves out of the water to molt ...

Elephant seals rest at the Piedras Blancas rookery north of San Simeon, California, after evading great white sharks. Orcas were seen off the coast of Pismo Beach.

Juvenile elephant seals are on the beach at Piedras Blancas in San Luis Obispo County. A nonprofit is looking for volunteers for San Simeon Cove.

According to Friends of the Elephant Seal, the last pupping season saw around 5,000 seal pups born at the Piedras Blancas rookery, which is the largest mainland rookery for northern elephant seals.

Both elephant seal guides and visitors are preparing for the arrival of the first adult male in San Simeon. “It’s a highlight of the year,” said volunteer Tim Bridwell.

Elephant seals rest at the Piedras Blancas rookery north of San Simeon, California, after evading great white sharks. Orcas were seen off the coast of Pismo Beach.

Male elephant seals are back at the Piedras Blancas rookery north of San Simeon after migrating in the Pacific Ocean to rest and molt skin.

Elephant seals rest at the Piedras Blancas rookery north of San Simeon, California, after evading great white sharks. Orcas were seen off the coast of Pismo Beach.

Elephant seals rest at the Piedras Blancas rookery north of San Simeon, California, after evading great white sharks. Orcas were seen off the coast of Pismo Beach.