Photo: California's Elephant Seals

Pull off the scenic stretch of California's Highway 1 near Piedras Blancas, just north of San Simeon, and you may find yourself standing a few feet away from a few hundred of these enormous seals. But, stay on the designated board walk--males can weigh up to two and half tons and are known to be bit cranky. The animals spend most of their lives at sea, but come ashore each winter to breed. Who needs the Discovery Channel when you can step our of your car and see this?