Año Nuevo State Park
Pescadero, CA
A breeding colony of northern elephant seals on the dunes of Año Nuevo Point. From mid-December to March you can visit only on guided walks booked ahead; the rest of the year you can hike out with a free permit from the visitor center.
Año Nuevo State Park, about 20 miles (32 km) north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, is home to one of the largest mainland colonies of northern elephant seals. The animals come ashore every year to give birth, mate and molt. From December 15 to March 31, the breeding and birthing season, access is only on guided walks, which you book in advance; from December 1 to 14 the colony is closed to visitors. According to the park, reservations open on October 20 for tours 56 days ahead (as of October 2026).
From April to November you can hike out on your own with a permit, and no reservation is needed; April through August is molting season. Depending on the season, the trails are 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) round trip and cross sand dunes; allow about 2.5 to 3 hours. Stay at least 25 feet (about 7.5 m) from the seals. Dogs, bicycles on the trails, drones and umbrellas are prohibited. Check the park's website for current closures.
- Nearest town
- Pescadero, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.1080, -122.3360
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Ben Ries CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Año Nuevo State Park
- Huckleberry Flat Dog CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Año Nuevo State ParkDogs allowed
- Santa Cruz Redwoods RV ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from Año Nuevo State ParkMotorhomes
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Año Nuevo State Park · 113 pitchesTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- New Brighton State Beach CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Año Nuevo State Park · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Half Moon Bay RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Año Nuevo State ParkMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Año Nuevo State Park?
Año Nuevo State Park is in Pescadero, CA, at GPS 37.1080, -122.3360. It is about 8 mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Can you camp near Año Nuevo State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rancho Del Oso Walk-in Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Año Nuevo State Park?
Año Nuevo State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Highway 1 south: San Francisco to Santa Cruz and Monterey.
What is there to see near Año Nuevo State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pigeon Point Light Station (6 mi), Natural Bridges State Beach (19 mi), Monterey Bay Aquarium (41 mi) and Carmel-by-the-Sea (44 mi).
When is the best time to visit Año Nuevo State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)