Año Nuevo State Park: A Coastal Haven for Wildlife and History
Witness the majestic elephant seals and explore the diverse landscapes and rich history of Año Nuevo State Park on California's central coast.
Año Nuevo State Park, located on California's central coast, is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a place of historical significance. The park is renowned as one of the largest mainland breeding colonies for northern elephant seals, drawing visitors worldwide. Beyond the seals, the park boasts varied ecosystems, remnants of a 19th-century dairy farm, and Native American 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
- Book guided tours in advance, especially during the elephant seal breeding season (December 15 - March 31), as they sell out quickly.
- Obtain a free permit at the entrance station between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm for self-guided hiking in the Natural Preserve from April through November.
- Wear sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and sun/rain protection for the 3-4 mile moderate hike to the elephant seal viewing areas.
- Bring water, as there are limited facilities inside the Natural Preserve.
- Check the park's website for current conditions, closures, and accessibility information.
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 Highway 1, turn onto Año Nuevo State Park Road and follow the signs to the park entrance and parking lot. Parking fee is $10. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
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Public Transport
While there isn't direct public transportation to Año Nuevo State Park, you can take a bus to a nearby location like Half Moon Bay and then use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the park. From Half Moon Bay, a taxi or rideshare would cost approximately $40-$60 and take around 30-40 minutes. Check local transit schedules for bus routes and times.
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Walking
From the parking lot, follow the Año Nuevo Point Trail towards the coast. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, leading to the Marine Education Center and the start of the trails to the elephant seal viewing areas. Note that the walk to the viewing areas is a moderate 3-4 mile hike over varied terrain, including sand dunes.
Discover more about Año Nuevo State Park
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