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Palo Alto to Pescadero and Ano Nuevo

Elephant seals and a Pescadero escape.

A full coast day from Palo Alto: protect the seasonal Año Nuevo viewing window, then enjoy Pescadero without packing every beach into the drive.

Plan this drive
Northern elephant seal resting on a California beach
Photo: USFWS Headquarters · Public domain
Time
Full day
Best for
Wildlife, a coastal hike and a small-town meal
Road character
I-280, Highway 92 and Highway 1

A flexible plan

How to spend the day

  1. 01
    Before leaving

    Check the seal-viewing season

    The wildlife area has seasonal permits, guided walks and a December closure period. Confirm the rules for your date before making the drive.

  2. 02
    Morning

    Drive to the park visitor entrance

    The planner ends the driving leg at the park, not at the seals. Allow a generous arrival buffer rather than squeezing in extra coastal stops first.

  3. 03
    Walk

    Give the wildlife visit its own time

    Expect a moderate walk over sand and varied terrain. Follow staff directions and the marked viewing areas; access depends on where the animals are.

  4. 04
    Return

    Stop in Pescadero after the main visit

    Choose a meal or a short town walk on the northbound return. Skip optional stops when daylight or energy is running short.

Fuel strategy

Make the fuel stop fit the outing

Check fuel in Palo Alto or Half Moon Bay before continuing south. Plan enough range for the return; do not build the day around finding a cheaper remote stop.

1

Palo Alto

Refuel before departure when needed.

2

Half Moon Bay

A practical comparison corridor before the quieter coast.

3

Año Nuevo outing

Keep enough range for the round trip; the wildlife stop is not a refuelling plan.

Compare fuel stops for this route

Before you leave

Practical notes

  • Seal viewing is generally a 3–4 mile round-trip hike; it is not a drive-up lookout.
  • April–November uses free onsite viewing permits; winter guided walks require reservations. The wildlife viewing area closes December 1–14; verify dates before departure.
  • Pets are not allowed, including in parked cars.
  • Bring water, sturdy shoes and wind protection; follow the park’s wildlife-distance rules.

Official information

Check the current details

Conditions, reservations and closures can change. These first-party sources should be your final check before departure.

Ano Nuevo State Park — seasonal viewing and access

Quick answers

What drivers usually ask

Can I drive right up to the elephant seals?

No. Drive to the visitor entrance and continue on foot under the current permit or tour rules.

What if seal viewing is unavailable?

Use Pescadero and an open coastal walk as a shorter alternative, or choose the Half Moon Bay guide instead.

See all image sources and licenses.