Thank you for purchasing tickets to view the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park. Your adventure will soon begin! Please note the following information as it will assist you and your visit to the park.

Be sure to plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled walk time. 

You can find the following information and more at www.parks.ca.gov/anonuevo.

Directions–Año Nuevo State Park is located on Highway 1, approximately 20 miles north of Santa Cruz and 25 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Travel time from San Francisco or the Midpeninsula is about 1.5 hours; from San Jose/South Bay Area about 1.25 hours; from East Bay is about 2 hours. Allow extra time during rainy/foggy or otherwise poor weather conditions.

Note: Weather conditions on the coast are almost always radically different than the Bay Area. Check your local weather sources before departure. Allow enough time for a safe journey.

Marine Education Center (MEC)–This building houses the park ticket window and is the starting point for all guided walks. Once a dairy barn, it now contains educational displays about elephant seals; the island foghorn/light station history; the birds, marine and land animals living within the park; the early Quiroste inhabitants; and the Steele family, who farmed the property through the 1950s. The MEC also houses the park store. The store offers a variety of educational materials, souvenirs, light clothing, hats, some light rain gear and bottled water. NO FOOD IS SOLD IN THE PARK.

Theater–Originally a horse barn, it is now a media center and meeting place. There is a continuous looped 22-minute video entitled “The Life of the Elephant Seal” as well as other interesting displays about the surrounding area.

Drinking Water–Visitors can find water fountains in the plaza near the Marine Education Center and at the main restroom building near the parking lot. These are the only water fountains in the park. Reusable water bottles are encouraged and are sold in the park store.

Picnic Areas–There are two main picnic areas. The larger of the picnic areas is located near the Marine Education Center. It has a commanding view of the park, Año Nuevo Island and Año Nuevo Bay. A second picnic area is located near the parking lot.

Restrooms–Flush toilet restrooms are located near the parking lot. The staging area located half way to the elephant seal viewing area has two pit toilets. There are no restrooms inside the seal viewing area.

Cancellations–All ticket sales are final and are valid only for the date and time reserved. There are no refunds or exchanges unless the park cancels a walk. Walks take place rain or shine.

If for any reason you decide not to use your tickets or know you will be arriving late, please notify the park at (650) 879-2025 as soon as possible. This communication is very helpful to park staff so that they can assist other groups, notify docents assigned to your group, or notify people waiting to get a spot on a guided walk.

Parking Fee

$10.00 Regular Size Auto

$9.00 Senior

$50 Bus (10-24 passengers)

$100 Bus (25+ passengers)

Arrival at the Park–Upon arrival at the Entrance Station, notify the park staff that you have a reservation. You will then proceed to the main parking lot to park. The parking lot includes a picnic area, a water fountain, and restrooms–the only flush toilets on the premises. The lower end of the parking lot leads to the Marine Education Center and another picnic area. Please check in at the Marine Education Center as soon as possible.

Ticket Pickup–Please plan to arrive at the guided walk ticket check-in at least 15 minutes before your walk time. Tickets are not transferable and can only be picked up on the date of arrival.

Trail Conditions–The trail to see the elephant seals includes a 3-mile hike and is considered moderate with varied terrain, including tall sand dunes. Strollers are not

allowed past the Staging Area. They may not be used within the elephant seal viewing area.

What to Bring–Weather and trail conditions are a major component of your visit. The weather can easily change from the parking lot to the seal viewing area: the temperature can change by more than 20 degrees; winds can go from a light breeze to 25 mph; it can go from completely sunny to dense fog or rain.

Clothing/Footwear–Warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear are a must. The layered combination of t-shirt, sweater, hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket, long pants, hat, and rain-resistant outer wear are recommended. Gloves and knit hats will help you stay warm.

Umbrellas–Umbrellas are not allowed in the natural preserve. High winds can blow them away and endanger wildlife.

Strollers–Strollers are not allowed past the Staging Area. You may park your stroller there.

Food & Drink–Food is not sold at the park. There are two picnic areas located near the parking lot and the Marine Education Center. Eating while in the natural preserve is prohibited. However, the staging area is a great place for snacking and is located right before tour groups enter the preserve.

Service Animals Only–Due to the Natural Preserve, pets are not allowed in the park and cannot be left inside parked vehicles in the parking lot.

Updated 7/24/2025