Sea otters and elephant seals were nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century but both have made an amazing comeback.
Driving down California's highway 1 we were able to encounter both.
Moss Landing, between Santa Cruz and Monterey is a place where you are almost certain to see Sea Otters.
The otters are always fun to watch.
There are several places to see the elephant seals, our favorite is north of San Simeon.
Currently, in early October it is young seals on the beach. Soon they will leave and the mature seals will take their place.
Most of the time they just lay in a group on the beach but occasionally they get up and go for a swim or just play in the water.