Año Nuevo State Park

When to Go

The weather at Año Nuevo is generally pleasant year-round, with highs in the 60s in winter and in the mid-80s from June through September. Summers tend to be dry, while late fall through early spring can be rainy. Northern elephant seals are present in the park all year long, but you’ll see the largest number during the breeding season, which runs from mid-December until late March. Molting season starts in April and runs into autumn.

Know Before You Go

• Always stay at least 25 feet away from seals for your safety.
• If visiting from December through March, you'll need to join a docent-led guided tour to enter the natural preserve and see the seals.
• If visiting between April and November, you'll need a visitor permit, available Thursday through Monday between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.
• Accessible features include restrooms, a picnic area near the parking lot, the Equal Access Boardwalk Trail, and the Marine Education Center. There's also an Equal Access Guided Walk Program from mid-December through March.