You'll be transported by helicopter to the ice floes of the Magdelen Islands. California's Channel Islands National Park is perhaps the best place in the Lower 48 to view seals, sea lions and elephants seals. The most popular Channel Islands tour is a day-trip to Anacapa Island. Here you can observe sea lions hauling out on rocks, and playing in the island's many coves. Serious seal-watchers will want to head farther offshore to Santa Barbara Island, a major sea lion hangout.
Overnight camping is possible on both islands.
To the north lies San Miguel Island, the ultimate seal haven. Five different species of seals, sea lions and elephant seals inhabit the rugged shoreline by the thousands. Though you can explore San Miguel on foot, the largest rookeries, including the elephant seal breeding grounds at Pt. Bennett, are off limits to hikers, so you'll actually see more if you stay on board. Island Packers, a national park concessionaire, provides transport to all the Channel Islands.