Año Nuevo State Park (Winter 2026)

Elephant Seals!

The last time I visited this park was probably 20 years ago. It was late in the season and most of the big seals had already left and there was just a scattering of the juvenile seals left. It was also a windy day that made you feel like you being literally sandblasted by the beach.

This visit was very much a different experience. It was peak seal viewing season at the end of January and the beach was filled with the bulls as well as the baby elephant seals. It was also a beautiful sunny day. We came mid-week so it was not too busy and basically had a private tour since no one else had that time slot.

The Big Male Bulls

You are guided by a ranger or docent once you pass a certain point on the beach where you may encounter seals. They tell you where the bulls are and when to stay away since they are huge and I guess could be dangerous if you get too close. Didn’t see any fighting each other on this visit. The males grow the big noses as they get older.

The Babies

The little black baby seals are scattered along the beach next to their mothers who are nursing them. There is one pup per mom. The seals come up on shore for months during this time and don’t drink or eat. They just live off the blubber. I was wondering why it didn’t smell there and the docent told us that since they don’t eat, they are also not pooping during this time.

Elephant Seal Skulls

Deer on the walk back from the beach