Año Nuevo State Reserve

The world’s largest on-shore elephant seal rookery is at Año Nuevo State Reserve, about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz. Take a naturalist-led tour during the breeding season (December through March) for fascinating, close-up views of these impressively large mammals. The park is open for guided walks only, December 15–March 31, and reservations are required. At other times of the year (except December 1–14 when the park is closed), visitors can obtain permits to wander on their own and can enjoy the beautiful white sand of Cove Beach.