Año Nuevo State Park: A Coastal Haven for Wildlife and History
Discover Año Nuevo State Park: where rugged coastlines meet fascinating wildlife and rich California history on the shores of the Pacific.
Año Nuevo State Park, located on California's central coast, is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including the famed northern elephant seal. Visitors can explore its varied ecosystems, from sandy beaches to coastal prairies, and discover remnants of Native American settlements and a 19th-century dairy farm, all while enjoying stunning ocean views.
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 elephant seal breeding season (Dec-Mar), as they often sell out.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and variable temperatures.
- Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for observing seals and birds from a distance.
- Obtain a free permit at the entrance station for self-guided hiking in the Natural Preserve during the non-breeding season (Apr-Nov).
- Be aware that pets are not allowed in the park, and leaving them in parked vehicles is prohibited.
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 west, then turn onto Highway 1 south. Once on Highway 1, look for the park signs. Follow New Years Creek Road to the park entrance and parking lot. Parking fee is $10 per vehicle.
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Public Transport
From San Francisco, take the SamTrans bus from Daly City BART to Palo Alto Transit Center. From there, connect to another bus or rideshare to Año Nuevo State Park; note that public transport options directly to the park are limited. From San Jose, take a bus to the Cavallaro Transit Center, then transfer to the Line 35 bus towards the park. The Line 35 bus will drop you off at Big Basin Way & China Grade Rd, from where you will need to take a rideshare to the park. Bus fare from San Francisco to Palo Alto is approximately $1-5. Rideshare from Big Basin Way & China Grade Rd to Año Nuevo State Park can range from $100-$150.
Discover more about Año Nuevo State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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