Harbor Seal, CaliforniaChildren’s Pool Beach in La Jolla is one of the best places in California to observe harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) up close in the wild. Originally built as a protected swimming area for children, the beach has become a favorite haul-out and pupping site. Visitors can often see seals lounging on the sand or bobbing just offshore, especially during pupping season from mid-December through May. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/2500th of a second.