PRESS RELEASE

Año Nuevo State Park

Located off Highway 1, halfway between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz

1 New Year’s Creek Road, Pescadero | (650) 879-2025

Facebook: @Ano.Nuevo.State.Park | Instagram: @anonuevosp

Reservations for guided seal tours at Año Nuevo State Park go on sale October 4 for school groups and October 20 for the public. Guided walks to see the elephant seals will begin this year on

December 15, 2025, and continues through March 31, 2026. Tickets go on sale as early as 56 days in advance, and no later than one day before arrival.

Guided Elephant Seal Tours

Ticket sales for Public Tours open Sunday, October 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $7 per person + $2.50 reservation fee

Journey to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals, guided by your docent naturalist on this moderate 3-mile, 2.5-hour adventure. Every December, male elephant seals arrive along the shore of Año Nuevo State Park to establish hierarchy, while pregnant females come ashore to birth to their pups. These popular guided walks take place rain or shine, so be prepared for windy, rainy conditions as well as muddy trails. Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear is strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted. Service animals only; pets are not allowed in the park. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For reservations and info, visit www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-4445; December 15 through March 31. For more information, please call (650) 879-2025. 

School Group Tours

Ticket sales open Saturday, October 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: Price per school group ticket: $21.00

Reservations can only be made by calling ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-4445 for any dates during the season. There is a limit of four School Group Walk tickets per call.

Elephant Seal Walks for schools are offered January 5 through March 20, Monday through Friday mornings for grades 4 through 12. School Groups allow entry for up to 20 students with 2 adult chaperones per tour. One chaperone is required for every 10 youths, 17 years or under. There is no parking fee for school groups that arrive by school bus or individual cars. Reservations must be made at least 10 days in advance.

Equal Access Tours

Ticket sales open Sunday, October 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $7 per person + $2.50 reservation fee

Reservations can only be made by calling ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-4445

People with accessibility needs may reserve an equal access tour along our boardwalk. These tours take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, December 15 through March 16. Reservations are required and must be made at least 7 days in advance.

Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.