Close
We're Sorry
Ano Nuevo Beach and Elephant Seal Rookery
Ano Nuevo Beach and Elephant Seal Rookery
view website
Highway 1, 18 miles north of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
800-444-4445
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Ano Nuevo Beach and Elephant Seal Rookery Description
Elephant seals are the Laurel and Hardy of the animal kingdom; their antics will have you laughing so hard you can't hold your video camera steady. Kids love them because they're playful, silly, feisty, greedy, and competitive – when they slap their flippers and throw sand on each other, you know exactly how they feel. Ano Nuevo State Park is the largest elephant seal mainland breeding colony and visitors come from all over the world to see these highly entertaining creatures. Be sure to check out our other Santa Cruz vacation ideas.
Aquarium
Park
Kid Tips
Babies: Access to the elephant seals requires walking in on a sandy trail that crosses dunes, so you'll need a backpack or Snuggli; strollers won't be able to navigate the sand.
Planning Notes
- Elephant seals are protected by wildlife viewing schedules so reserve ahead. Visitor entry to the elephant seals breeding and "haul out" area is restricted to guided tours during the most active seasons for the seals, which occur in the winter and early spring. And there are a few times, such as the birthing season in early December, when access is off-limits altogether. So check ahead of time to plan your visit; information is offered via recorded phone message. During other times of the year you may be able to visit at your leisure.
Just the Facts
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
