As my kid said watching the Giants Seals at Año Nuevo State Park is amazing, and a must-do in California Año Nuevo State Park is one of the best places in California. Not just because of its stunning views, vast dunes, coastal scrub hosting a high diversity of plants and animals’ beaches and more importantly, Elephant seals!
Año Nuevo State Park: Overview of Elephant seals
Año Nuevo State Park is one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for this Seal. The Giant Seals mating, giving birth and molting at this scenic beach. You can see all of this at this State Park! I found out the is around up to 10,000 elephant seals that return to these beaches, and this is a Natural Preserve established to protect the seals along with many other animals such as otters, elephants seals, coyotes, cormorants, terns and more. Not wonder why this place brings people from all over around the world.
Planning Your Visit
Location and Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
Año Nuevo State Park, situated on the coastal lands, is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Costanoan Ohlone tribe. We acknowledge and honor the indigenous peoples of this region, recognizing their enduring connection to the land and expressing gratitude for their stewardship.
Año Nuevo State Park: 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060
An Awe-Inspiring Coastal Landscape
The coastal landscape of Año Nuevo State Park is a breathtaking tapestry of rugged beauty and ecological significance. Stretching along the Pacific shoreline, the park features windswept bluffs, pristine sandy beaches, and dramatic rocky outcrops that create a stunning juxtaposition against the vast expanse of the ocean. Towering cliffs provide vantage points for sweeping views of the turbulent waves crashing below, while secluded coves offer peaceful retreats for reflection.
The park’s coastal ecosystem is characterized by a diverse array of flora and fauna, with hardy coastal plants clinging to the cliffs and seabirds wheeling overhead. The rhythmic ebb and flow of tides shape the intertidal zones, revealing tide pools teeming with marine life. Año Nuevo’s coastal landscape not only serves as a scenic backdrop but also plays a crucial role in supporting the abundance of wildlife, including the iconic elephant seals that find refuge along these shores. It’s a place where the raw power of the ocean meets the resilience of coastal life, creating an unforgettable tableau of nature’s grandeur.
A Brief History of Año Nuevo
Año Nuevo has a rich history that dates back centuries, shaped by the diverse cultures that have interacted with its coastal landscapes. Initially inhabited by the indigenous Costanoan Ohlone people, the region later witnessed Spanish exploration and the establishment of the Año Nuevo Rancho during the Mexican era. Today, the area is not only a haven for wildlife, particularly the renowned elephant seals, but also a testament to the layered history that has contributed to its unique character.
Why we visit?
I have been in Año Nuevo with the family before, but I didn’t get to see the giant Sea Lion until I chaperon at my kid’s school. Which nickname is “Sea Lion”. My son 4th grade class as a part of his curriculum got to visit Ano Nuevo State Park last January. It was the perfect time to visit. We were immediately captivated for the coastal terrace prairie view in contrast with the Ocean, Gosh it is really beautiful! However, the star of that day was the Giant Sea Lions. They were so close by that we could touch them, but we were advice to keep our distance and no try to touch them. Although these animals look big and heavy, don’t underestimate them, they can move fast because they weight tons, no one should be on its way!
Año Nuevo State Park is one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for this Seal. The Giant Seals mating, giving birth and molting at this scenic beach. You can see all of this at this State Park! I found out the is around up to 10,000 elephant seals that return to these beaches, and this is a Natural Preserve established to protect the seals along with many other animals such as otters, elephants’ seals, coyotes, cormorants, terns and more. Not wonder why this place brings people from all over around the world.
Elephant Seal Life in the Park
Within the bounds of Año Nuevo State Park, the lives of elephant seals unfold in a captivating natural spectacle. The park serves as a vital sanctuary for these marine mammals, providing a protected environment for breeding, molting, and birthing. Visitors to Año Nuevo have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the incredible life cycles of these seals, from the dramatic battles between males for dominance to the heartwarming scenes of mothers nursing their pups on the shores of this pristine coastal haven.
Prepare to go -Checklist
Guided tours are required from December 15th through March 31st, which is the elephant seal breeding season.
The tour takes approximately 2 hours and covers about 3 miles on uneven terrain. This season is very educational time but if you are more to a no guide trip you have to come during no breading season.
Is it recommendable to check the weather it is not fun to do this long hike under rain.
What to Pack for Your Visit
Water bottle
Good shoes
Hat
Binoculars
Snacks
Visitors should bring hooded rain gear, a warm jacket, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. Bring water for drinking on the trail.
Cameras and photography are permitted. Although there are no restrictions on flashes, photographers are restricted to stay with the guided walk group and cannot leave. Staying 25 feet from the elephant seals is firmly enforced.
What Not To Bring
- For safety reasons, umbrellas are not permitted on the walks.
- Baby strollers are also not permitted for safety reasons. Families may use them for the first .9 mile walk to the staging area but must then leave them there for the rest of the tour.
- No food is allowed on the tour, but you may picnic in designated areas before or after the guided walk.
- Pets are n
Time Your Visit for Optimal Seal Viewing
Once you book your visit it is important to learn the life cycle of Elephant Seal:
Elephant Seal Molting Season
April 1 to August 31 – During molting season seals come ashore to shed their outer layer of skin and fur. This happens during the spring and summer months. The Park is open during these months for self-guided hiking by Visitor Permit only. You don’t need reservations but visitors must exit the Natural Preserve by 5 p.m.
Fall Juvenile Haul Out
September 1 to November 30 – By the time summer ends only a few numbers of seals are around because most elephant seals have returned to sea to feed. Just the one to three-year-old juveniles hauls out on remote beaches as part of their early development. During this time the Wildlife Viewing Area of the Natural Preserve is open for self-guided hiking by Visitor permit.
Natural Preserve Closed
December 1 to 14 – It is close to visitors during this period because pregnant females arrived at the beach. And adult males begin to arrive on the beaches and form harems.
Elephant Seal Breeding Season
December 15 to March 31 – This is the “magical time” when you can see them from close through a Guided Tour. this is the time when we visited. The Northern elephant seals come ashore to give birth and mate. Also, Bull seals battles for breeding access to the females. While pregnant females come ashore to the pup, and mothers nurse their pups for about a month. After that time mate and return to the sea. By the end of this period, Pups remain behind through March basking in the sun and learning to swim but most of the adults have returned to the sea. Crazy right! To view the elephant seals during this season, you must be on a guided walk.
Tip:
- Arriving Early for a Seamless Experience
- Preparing for the Hike to Seal Viewing Areas
- Make sure kids and adults knows about safety if you go during breeding time specially because you find many of them at the shore
Making the Most of Your Encounter
Choosing Your Viewing Area(s)
Año Nuevo State Park boasts several outstanding viewing areas that offer visitors unparalleled vistas of its coastal beauty and wildlife. Here are some of the best viewing areas within the park:
Take the trail to the creek/river some elephants seal lied down there. Año Nuevo Point Trail (3-4 miles round trip)
Before the Gate:
Our guided tour started walking from the parking lot to a historic nineteenth-century dairy ranch of the Dickerab/Steele family. In this building, you find a marine education center, also a bookstore and a viewpoint. Bring some money you can find cool souvenirs. The park features the Marine Education Center boasting a natural history exhibit, bookstore, and theater. The building has a nostalgic feeling of the American Settlers.
After I was able to pull the kids out of the store (don’t make my mistake – don’t stop there first!) we did a mild hike of ten minutes to the gate, where a little exhibition shed is located. It didn’t feel too long because the view during our hike was great. We saw so many different birds because Ano Nuevo State Park is also a major bird migratory route and birding location. Also, native plants and an untouched intertidal ecosystem also find shelter inside the Natural Preserve.
After we admired the birds and local plants on our hike, we arrived at the exhibition shed where the kids were able to see and touch different sea animal’s bones and birds. Volunteers guided them through a hand-on the activities of guessing and proceeded to explain what animal every bone belong. Kids love to guess and be right! Volunteers, there are very knowledgeable people. Once we finished that activity, kids were allowed to pass the gate and hike on the dunes to see the Giant Seal.
After the Gate:
Before crossing the Gate, they explained that we need to keep our distance for safety reasons. Giant Seal was on the path and having a great time. I didn’t know we could get so close. The experience was amazing to see this beautiful creature so close. It was possible because we visit during the matting time. To view the elephant seals during this season, you must be on a guided walk only. Elephant seal viewing requires a 3–4-mile moderate hike over varied terrain, including sand dunes. The walks last about two and a half hours.
People can observe the Giant Elephant Seal all year-round either on a docent lead tour or through a self-guided permit system within the Wildlife Viewing Area.
Another thing AMAZED me is how loud these creatures are, also how exhausted they are.
Tip:
Utilizing Binoculars for Enhanced Observation
Interacting with Exhibits at the Staging Area
People can observe the Giant Elephant Seal all year-round either on a docent lead tour or through a self-guided permit system within the Wildlife Viewing Area.
Viewpoints
1. The Bluffs: Elevated bluffs along the coastline provide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. These vantage points offer a perfect perch for observing marine life, including passing whales and dolphins.
2. The Seal Overlook: Strategically positioned for seal watching, this designated overlook allows visitors to observe the elephant seals as they bask on the beach, engaging in various behaviors, from molting to social interactions.
3. The Dunes: A stroll through the dunes not only reveals the park’s diverse flora but also opens up expansive views of the coastal landscape. It’s a serene setting to take in the vastness of the ocean and appreciate the unspoiled nature of the surroundings.
4. Cove Beach: Nestled within a cove, this beach offers a more secluded viewing experience. The sandy shores provide a tranquil setting for taking in the coastal scenery and perhaps catching a glimpse of seals or seabirds.
5.Waddell Creek Beach:To the south of Año Nuevo, Waddell Creek Beach provides a different perspective of the coastline. The wide beach and open expanse create a stunning backdrop for those looking to enjoy the seaside in a more expansive setting.
These viewing areas collectively showcase the diverse coastal landscapes and wildlife that make Año Nuevo State Park a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
How to get there
If you are coming from San Francisco take Highway 1 when arrived get a guided tour of the elephant seal colony. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and bring sunscreen and water.
Safety Guidelines for Everyone
Keeping a Safe Distance from Elephant Seals
Stay at least 25ft apart! These animals are faster than humans in land and weight tons.
Take the trail to the creek/river some elephants seal lied down there. Stay at least 25ft apart! These animals are faster than humans in land and weight tons. They can get angry if they smell human disturbing their sleeping. I was glad kids knew all these facts and were extra careful about their distance!
Elephant seals are deadly wild animals and are protected by the park. Harassment and disturbance of elephant seals is prohibited by state and federal laws. Seals can sometimes appear dead due to their quiet nature of sleeping on beaches. However, most of the time they are very much alive. Never get within 25 feet of an elephant seal.
Park Information
Phone (650) 879-2025
Park Hours
- 8:30 am to Sunset Permits to view seals issued 8:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- 3-4 mile moderate hike over varied terrain, including sand dunes
- Visitor permits to see the seals inside the Natural Preserve are issued from 8:30 to 3:30.
- Keep your distance from Seals Elephant seals are dangerous wild animals and are protected by the park. The majority of the time they are very much alive. Never get within 25 feet of an elephant seal.
- No pets.
- No bikes on trails.
- No collecting Shells, rocks, wood, plants or animals. All features of this park are preserved and protected by law.
- No smoking or fires
- No drones
