Año Nuevo State Park: A Coastal Haven for Wildlife and History
Discover Año Nuevo State Park: Witness elephant seals, explore coastal trails, and uncover California's rich history along the Pacific coast.
Año Nuevo State Park, located on California's central coast, is a sanctuary of rugged coastlines, diverse ecosystems, and historical remnants. It's most renowned as a breeding ground for northern elephant seals, attracting visitors worldwide to witness their spectacular behaviors. The park also features trails through coastal prairies, wetlands, and historical structures from a 19th-century dairy farm, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history.
A brief summary to Año Nuevo State Park
- 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, California, 94060, US
- +1650-879-2025
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- During breeding season (Dec-Mar), book guided tours in advance at ReserveCalifornia.com, as they are the only way to see the elephant seals up close.
- Wear layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring rain/wind gear, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Obtain a free self-guided permit at the entrance station between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to visit the Natural Preserve outside of the breeding season.
- Bring water and snacks, as there is no food available for purchase inside the park.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and permits.
Getting There
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Driving
Año Nuevo State Park is located off Highway 1, approximately 20 miles north of Santa Cruz and 35 miles south of Half Moon Bay. From San Francisco, take US-101 south to I-280, then Highway 1 south. Parking is available in the park's main lot for a day-use fee of $10. Note that parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. There are no additional access fees once you're parked.
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Public Transport
While public transportation directly to Año Nuevo State Park is limited, the closest option involves a combination of bus and potentially taxi services. From San Jose, take the bus to the Cavallaro Transit Center, then transfer to the line 35 bus towards Big Basin Way & China Grade Rd. From there, you would still need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare to cover the remaining distance to the park entrance. This final taxi segment could cost between $60-$100. The bus fare from San Jose to Big Basin Way is approximately $110-$150. Check current schedules and availability for bus routes as they may vary.
Discover more about Año Nuevo State Park
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