Año Nuevo State Reserve

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The best sights in Pescadero are outside. Año Nuevo State Reserve (Hwy. 1 south of Pescadero, look for signs, 650/879-2025, www.parks.ca.gov, daily 8 a.m.–sunset, $8/car) is world-famous as the winter home and breeding ground of the once-endangered elephant seals. The reserve also shelters Pomponio Native American remains and extensive dune and marshland.

The beaches and wilderness are open all year. The elephant seals start showing up in late November and stay to breed, birth pups, and loll on the beach until early March.

Visitors are not allowed down to the elephant seal habitats on their own and must sign up for a guided walking tour. Once you see two giant males crashing into one another in a fight for dominance, you won’t want to get too close!

Book your tour at least a day or two in advance since the seals are popular with both locals and travelers.

© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition

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