Año Nuevo State Park
Pescadero, CA
Año Nuevo State Park protects one of the largest mainland elephant seal breeding colonies anywhere, with guided walks required during the winter breeding season to see the animals up close without disturbing them. Beyond the main colony beach, trails also reach Franklin Point, the site of an 1865 shipwreck, and the rocky cove at Whitehouse Creek further south within the same park.
The elephant seal colony is genuinely one of the best wildlife spectacles on the entire California coast, though winter access requires a booked guided walk rather than a spontaneous visit.
How we score beachesBook a guided walk well in advance for winter breeding season, spots fill up fast and it's the only way to get close to the colony during that time of year.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
Stairs, a path, and blufftop trails lead from parking to the beach and elephant seal viewing areas.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Winter brings the elephant seal breeding season, the main draw here, with guided access required during that period. Fog is common the rest of the year.
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