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Sea Lion Caves, Florence

3.2

#1 of 20 in Things to do in Florence

Cave Nature / Park

The largest system of sea caves in the United States, Sea Lion Caves offers the chance to view sea lions up close in their natural habitat. Formed nearly 25 million years ago, the cave measures about 0.8 hectares (2 acres) and is 38 m (125 ft) high. Several caverns connected together by corridors make up the cave system. The Stellar Sea Lions and the California Sea Lions who make this cave their home are truly wild, so they move around freely. Staff can’t guarantee a sighting, but they recommend checking these four areas where the sea lions tend to hang out: in the cave, in the water, at the lookout or rookery, and on nearby rock ledges. Call ahead to confirm whether the sea lions are in the cave on the day of your visit. Even if they’re not, the impressive cave alone is worth a trip. Add Sea Lion Caves and other attractions to your Florence trip itinerary using our Florence trip generator.

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1,130 reviews

Google

3.9

NM80439

Definitely check the Sea Lion Caves out. It was very cool to see and hear (!) so many - in their natural environment. I would definitely go back again. more »
brianc00per2159

This is a great place to view wildlife and fun for kids too. Make sure to call ahead of time. There are some times during the year that the seals are not in the caves. Usually when the salmon are migr... more »
PelleasPhiladelphia

A simple and easy family stop that will excite everyone. This is access this a cliff view of a rock with 20+ sea lions sunning and frolicking. Then you take an elevator down into a HUGE underground ca... more »

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Jason Peterson

This is our second arrival to the sea lion cave. We stopped about 13 years ago, and took the kids this week. They have done several improvements over the past years. I was pleased to see the upkeep. The kids really enjoyed it too. This trip took place in the off season for the sea lions so there were only a few in the cave, but it was still enjoyable. There were dozens outside the cave on the rocks. We will stop again in the future. I have enjoyed both trips.

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Stephany N

We had a great time at the caves! We were under the impression that we would get to actually walk through the caves. You ride an elevator down to the caves (which was nice with two small children) and you look into the caves through metal bars separating us from the sea lions. Either way, it was fun to go through the caves and see the beautiful views. My children enjoyed seeing the sea lions and the popcorn!

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Nathaniel Robinson

We went In mid June, early morning, it was extremely foggy, but great time to catch the sea lions in their cave. It's smelly, windy, & chilly, but come on it's the coast! What did expect. Great view of the light house & waterfall. A couple of in-cave attractions. Be careful, you might get wet. The price is a little high, but they offer military / seniors discounts. The gift shop is amazing! The fudge shop is delicious. Friendly staff.

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Kelly Hansen

The sea lion caves have been apart of my memories since I was a little boy. So to me it's priceless to have those memories because I always get a smile from them. Now I get to make and share those memories with my daughter. Yes, there isn't anything super spectacular about them yet I think there are more positive things about them than there are bad. To see the most sea lions in the cave, winter months are the best. The sea lions like Sun also.

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Ran An

There are definitely places where you can see sea lions for free. However this is right there along the highway and easily accessible. So if you're just driving down the 101 it's a nice pit stop. About 15 per person, don't need to worry about parking or anything. Bring your own binoculars or use the coin operated ones.

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