Año Nuevo State Park
Fee required
Parking available
Wheelchair accessible
Home to a large colony of Northern Elephant Seals, offering viewing opportunities and guided walks.

📜 State park and natural preserve, home to up to 10,000 elephant seals.
🔍 Features a Marine Education Center in a historic dairy ranch.

Why Go

🐘 Witness thousands of elephant seals breeding and giving birth
🚶 Guided and self-guided walks over scenic dunes
🦅 Excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing
🏛️ Explore historic buildings and learn about local history

Why Avoid

🚫 No pets allowed, even in cars
⚠️ 3-4 mile moderate hike over sand dunes required for seal viewing
⛔ Preserve closed Dec 1-14, guided tours mandatory Dec 15-Mar 31
❌ No bikes, drones, smoking, fires, collecting, umbrellas, or strollers (Dec-Mar) in preserve

Tips

👟 Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing
💧 Bring water and sun/rain/wind protection
♿ Equal Access Tours available for mobility assistance
🎟️ Reserve guided tour tickets in advance for breeding season (Dec-Mar)

Cost

💰 Vehicle day use $10.00, bus fees vary.

Hours

🕒 Park 8:30 AM to sunset. Seal viewing 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Preserve 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitor Center 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

🅿️ Parking

Day parking available, fee collected.

🚽 Toilets

Flush and chemical toilets available.

Last updated 1 day ago

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Please verify key info.