> Canonical: https://caparks.org/parks/ano-nuevo-state-park
> Content revision: 2026-10-20T20:49:56.870Z

[State parks](https://caparks.org/types/state-park)[San Mateo](https://caparks.org/counties/san-mateo)[Santa Cruz](https://caparks.org/counties/santa-cruz)

# Año Nuevo State Park

San Mateo · Santa Cruz · California Department of Parks and Recreation

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

Visitor advisoryWildlife

### Año Nuevo State Park: Natural Preserve wildlife viewing area

Park-specific information

- [Natural Preserve wildlife viewing area](https://caparks.org/parks/ano-nuevo-state-park)

Elephant seal viewing closes December 1–14. The source distinguishes this viewing-area restriction from access to other park areas, including Cove Beach. Check the current season’s tour information before booking.

[Read the official notice: California State Parks visitor directory ↗](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523)Source checked Oct 20, 2026

PLAN YOUR VISIT

## The practical details.

**Managing agency**: California Department of Parks and Recreation

**Telephone**: [(650) 879-2025](tel:6508792025)

**Hours**: Day Use Area 8:30am to Sunset Seal Viewing Areas 8:30am to 3:30pm

[Official park information](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523)

We have not yet verified entry fees, accessibility details. Confirm these with the managing agency before traveling.

Check notice timestamps and official updates. Conditions can change between source checks.

## Weather & forecast

National Weather Service · [Official forecast ↗](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.124034&lon=-122.308456)

## About Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park is listed in official public-land records for San Mateo · Santa Cruz, California and is managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation. Our research into visitor facilities is ongoing. Check the managing agency’s information for public entrances, permitted activities, and current access.

## Activities & facilities

[Picnicking ↗](https://caparks.org/activities/picnicking)[Interpretive programs ↗](https://caparks.org/activities/interpretive-programs)[Hiking ↗](https://caparks.org/activities/hiking)ParkingWheelchair AccessibleHistorical/Cultural SitePicnic AreasEnv. Learning/Visitor CenterExhibits and ProgramsGuided ToursInterpretive ExhibitsVista PointNature & Wildlife ViewingHiking Trails

Recorded from park sources. Availability and restrictions may vary by season or visitor area.

## Mapped hiking trails.

OpenStreetMap routes that intersect recorded park boundaries. Distances cover each route’s mapped California portion, which may extend beyond this park. Check official maps and current access rules.

- [Whitehouse Ridge Trail ↗](https://caparks.org/trails/whitehouse-ridge-trail-osm-19009397)1.3 mapped mi

[All mapped hiking routes ↗](https://caparks.org/trails)

Trail data © [OpenStreetMap contributors](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright) · [ODbL](https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1-0/)

## Find your way.

Map points represent park land, not verified visitor entrances. Follow the managing agency’s entrance directions. Tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.

This point represents park land, and may not be a public entrance. Follow official entrance directions.

[Official visitor information & directions ↗](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523)

## Read before you roam.

[THE FIELD GUIDE

### Plan around wildlife-area closures

A closed wildlife-viewing area can coexist with other visitor access; keep seasonal restrictions tied to the place named in the notice.

Read the guide](https://caparks.org/guides/wildlife-areas-and-seasonal-access)

## Sources & verification

Park facts and notices are checked separately. Missing facility information does not mean a facility is absent. Official visitor page checked Oct 20, 2026.

- [California State Parks visitor directory](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21805) · Oct 20, 2026

[Suggest a correction](https://caparks.org/about#corrections) · [Markdown version](https://caparks.org/parks/ano-nuevo-state-park.md)

## Nearby parks.

Within 35 miles in a straight line. Travel distances and entrances vary.

[All parks](https://caparks.org/parks)

[San Mateo

### Butano State Park

Camping · Picnicking](https://caparks.org/parks/butano-state-park)

[San Mateo · Santa Cruz

### Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Interpretive programs · Swimming](https://caparks.org/parks/big-basin-redwoods-state-park)

[San Mateo

### Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Picnicking · Interpretive programs](https://caparks.org/parks/pigeon-point-light-station-state-historic-park)