Ano Nuevo State Park

This 4,209-acre nature reserve is one of the biggest habitats and breeding grounds for Northern elephant seals, California sea lions, sea otters, and other pinniped colonies. They usually come ashore from December until March, although the elephant seals also return during spring and summer to molt. In addition to the abundant wildlife, the park also features coastal prairies, wetland marshes, sandy dunes, and old growth forests, making it one of the most diverse parks in the state. There is also a 19th-century ranch and several historic ruins from an ancient Native American village.