Año Nuevo State Park
Pacific Coast Highway Travel gives the essential information on Año Nuevo State Park including essential information, wildlife viewing and best time to visit.
Watching Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park
Located along the scenic coastline of Northern California, Año Nuevo
State Park is a breathtaking destination known for its rugged beauty,
diverse wildlife, and fascinating history.
This protected area is
most famous for its large colony of northern elephant seals, which
draw thousands of visitors each year. Whether you're a nature
enthusiast, hiker, or photographer, Año Nuevo offers an
unforgettable outdoor experience.
About Año Nuevo State Park
Año Nuevo (Spanish
for "New Year") was named by Spanish explorers who first
sighted the area on January 3, 1603. The park spans over 4,000 acres,
featuring coastal dunes, marshes, and forests. Its most iconic
attraction is the northern elephant seal rookery, where these massive
marine mammals come ashore to breed, give birth, and molt.
Location of Año Nuevo State Park
Ano Nuevo State Park
is 21 miles north of Santa Cruz, a 30-minute drive along the Pacific
Coast Highway. Park Hours: 8:00 AM to sunset (varies by season)
Best Times to Visit Año Nuevo State Park
- December–March:
Breeding season (peak activity, guided tours required)
- April–August:
Molting season (seals shed their skin)
- September–November:
Juvenile seals and females return
Guided walks are
mandatory during breeding season (December 15–March 31) to protect
both visitors and seals. Reservations are highly recommended and can
be made through the ReserveCalifornia website.
Hiking Trails and Scenic Views
Año Nuevo offers
several trails that wind through coastal scrub, forests, and along
dramatic bluffs with ocean views.
- Año Nuevo
Point Trail (3 miles round trip): Leads to the elephant seal viewing
area.
- North Point
Trail (1.5 miles): Offers stunning coastal vistas and opportunities
to spot whales (gray whales migrate December–April).
- Cove Beach
Trail: A short walk to a secluded beach (check tide conditions).
Wildlife Viewing: The Elephant Seals
Northern Elephant Seal
The park is one of
the best places in the world to observe northern elephant seals in
their natural habitat. These impressive creatures can weigh up to
5,000 pounds (males) and are known for their loud vocalizations and
dramatic battles during mating season.
Other Wildlife and Nature
Beyond elephant
seals, the park is home to:
- Sea lions and
harbor seals
- Migratory birds
(including peregrine falcons and snowy plovers)
- Gray whales
(visible from shore in winter)
- Native plants
like coastal lupine and dune grasses
Our Pick of the California Guides
Visitor Tips and Regulations
- Reservations:
Required for guided elephant seal walks (Dec 15–Mar 31). Book
early—spots fill quickly!
- Parking: Small fee
(free for CA State Parks pass holders).
- Dress in layers:
Coastal weather can be windy and foggy.
- Stay on trails:
Disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
- No dogs allowed
(to protect seals and other wildlife).
Best Guide Covering Santa Cruz
Nearby Attractions
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Pescadero State
Beach (10 min drive) – A serene beach with tide pools.
- Pigeon Point Light
Station (15 min south) – A historic lighthouse with hostel
accommodations.
- Big Basin Redwoods
State Park (45 min east) – Ancient redwood forests.
Contact
Information
Address: 1 New Years
Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060
Website:
parks.ca.gov
Phone: (650)
879-2025
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