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.
Año Nuevo State Park
Spot elephant seals basking on Pacific Ocean sand dunes at this California gem.
Set in the San Mateo County town of Pescadero, about an hour south on Highway 1 from San Francisco and half an hour north of Santa Cruz, Año Nuevo State Park is known for its large population of elephant seals, though it’s also a great spot to see California sea lions, otters, and cormorants. Park features include a visitor center with a theater and interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and picnic tables. The park is open for day use only, but campsites can be found nearby at Butano State Park and Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Set in the San Mateo County town of Pescadero, about an hour south on Highway 1 from San Francisco and half an hour north of Santa Cruz, Año Nuevo State Park is known for its large population of elephant seals, though it’s also a great spot to see California sea lions, otters, and cormorants. Park features include a visitor center with a theater and interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and picnic tables. The park is open for day use only, but campsites can be found nearby at Butano State Park and Half Moon Bay State Beach.
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
Read more...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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —