Seals and Sea lions - San Diego, California

If you're the outdoorsy type, renting a kayak is an exciting way to see Monterey’s indigenous sea lion population. Paddle across the bay to Cannery Row, a protected marine conversation area, where an underwater kelp forest affords these magnificent sea mammals rare protection.

You’ll even spot the rare southern sea otter, currently a threatened species with only 2,900 left in the wild. Meanwhile, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is famous for its interactive exhibits, which showcase a myriad of incredible marine animals including penguins, sharks, and jellyfish.

This area is also home to some of California's most beautiful beaches – another place to spot seals and sea lions basking in the sun.