Año Nuevo State Park

This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (September 9, 2021)

What is open now?

  • Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve has reopened - Self-guided walks to view elephant seals are available Thursday through Monday. Free permits are required to visit the preserve. Permits are issued between 8:30am and 3:30pm.
  • Main parking lot
  • Gazos Beach parking lot
  • Trails
  • Visitor Center

Phone Number

(650) 879-2025

Park Hours

Day Use Area 8:30am to Sunset

Natural Preserve: Permits to view seals issued 8:30am to 3:30pm, Friday through Monday

Dogs Allowed?

No

Driving Directions to Año Nuevo SP

The park is about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1.

View on Map

Camping and Lodging

Año Nuevo State Park is a day use facilities

Reserve tickets online for Guided Seal Walks

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Wheelchair Accessible

ELEPHANT SEAL GUIDED WALKS  

On sale October 20 for December 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Click here for more information.

 To view the seals during this period, you must be on a guided tour. A face mask is required for everyone on the tour and must be worn when social distancing is not possible.

Visiting Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park's rich variety of natural and cultural resources draws visitors from around the world. The park’s Natural Preserve offers an extraordinary wilderness experience, where every year up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches.

The park features the Marine Education Center boasting a natural history exhibit, bookstore, and theater. This complex is housed in the historic nineteenth century dairy ranch of the Dickerman/Steele family. These restored buildings recall the early American settlers, while the midden sites throughout the Natural Preserve tell us the story of the Quiroste Indians that lived peacefully here for thousands of years prior to the 1600s. Cove Beach is a short walk from here for beachgoers and surfers.

The physical terrain of Año Nuevo is distinctive, with coastal terrace prairie, wetland marshes, dune fields and coastal scrub hosting a high diversity of plants and animals, including the rare and endangered San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-legged Frog.

Looking at Seals on the beach.

A hike out along ocean bluffs brings visitors to Año Nuevo Point, a major bird migratory route and fantastic birding location.  Located just offshore sits Año Nuevo Island and the remains of a 19th century lighthouse and fog signal station.  Built in 1872, the historic keeper's house now provides a new home to Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants as well as California Sea Lions. Otters and harbor seals are often sighted in the waters and magnificent Steller Sea Lions take up residence on the outlying rocks.

Click here to learn about visiting the northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park.

Experience the Elephant Seals Year-Round 

One of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for the northern elephant seal is at Año Nuevo State Park. A Natural Preserve has been established to protect the elephant seals along with many other animals such as otters, California sea lions, coyotes, cormorants, terns and more. Native plants and an untouched intertidal ecosystem also find shelter inside the Natural Preserve. Elephant seals can be observed here year round either on a docent lead tour or through a self guided permit system within the Wildlife Viewing Area.

IMPORTANT PARK INFORMATION

The following rules and regulations are for your own safety and to protect the plants and animals that live in this park.

TO SEE THE ELEPHANT SEALS
Elephant seal viewing requires a 3-4 mile moderate hike over varied terrain, including sand dunes. Driving to see them is not an option. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, water and rain/wind/sun protection are reccomended. Visitors requiring mobility assistance are encouraged to make a reservation for an Equal Access Tour.

December - March: You must be on a Guided Walk to see the seals. Reservations are made through www.reservecalifornia.com 

April - November: Visitor permits to see the seals inside the Natural Preserve are issued from 8:30 to 3:30, Thursday-Monday. Visitors will not be able to obtain a permit after 3:30pm due to the lenghth of time it takes to hike to the viewing areas. 

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM SEALS
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, the majority of the time they are very much alive. Never get within 25 feet of an elephant seal.

NO PETS
Due to the nearby Natural Preserve, pets are not allowed in the park and cannot be left inside parked vehicles in the parking lot.

NO BIKES ON TRAILS
Bikes are prohibited on all trails in the park.

NO COLLECTING
Shells, rocks, wood, plants or animals may not be collected. All features of this park are protected by law.

NO SMOKING OR FIRES
Smoking is not permitted in buildings or on guided walks. Fires of all types are prohibited.

NO DRONES
Drone use is prohibited within Año Nuevo State Park.

ELEPHANT SEAL GUIDED WALKS  

On sale October 20, 2021 for December 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Click here for more information.

 To view the seals during this period, you must be on a guided walk.