It’s peak elephant seal season in the Bay Area! With the end of winter approaching, we have reached baby season for elephant seals. They hang around the Bay year-round, but there’s no better time to visit your local beach dwellers. The Bay Area is full of hidden gems, but be sure to stop by these spots to see the locals.
With seal viewing from 8:30-3:30 every day, Año Nuevo offers a perfect getaway for the whole family. Starting in mid-December, elephant seals make their new homes on the beach and give birth to their pups. With over three miles of beach, you’re sure to see thousands of seals! Seals can be seen from every point along the beach, but if you plan to hike the entire trail, be prepared for 2.5 hours of moderate activity.
Want more information? By visiting between now and March 3, you’ll gain access to naturalist-led walks. The walk will span over three miles of beach and dunes, and will operate no matter the weather! Reservations can be made in advance by going here, and it is recommended to book ahead so you don’t miss any action!
If you’re looking for a less strenuous adventure, check out Point Reyes’ Elephant Seal Overlook. This overlook sits right above Drake’s Bay and allows for optimal elephant seal sightings for only a 10-minute walk. Because it is peak season, be sure to arrive early, as parking at Chimney Rock, the nearest lot, fills up quickly.
To optimize your viewing experience, make sure to pack a pair of binoculars. Seal viewings are possible without them, but a good pair or a camera with good zoom will let you get an up-close view of the seals, so you feel like you are truly among them.
More Helpful Articles
Bay Area Pumpkin Patches!
Happy Fall! As temperatures begin to drop, and Halloween decorations can be found in every store, it is time to head to a pumpkin patch to get in the spooky spirit! With Half Moon Bay, nicknamed the World Pumpkin Capital, just around the corner, there is no shortage...
Traffic Safety in the Bay Area
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side (as San Francisco drivers yield). In a city known for its creativity and eclectic antics, the San Francisco Police have recently taken traffic enforcement to a new height: inflatable chicken costumes. A...
The Return of the Big (Gray) Wolf!
90 years ago, in 1924, the last gray wolf was shot in Northern California, rendering them eradicated from the state. In the past two years, however, they have made a surprising return to their native grounds. With seven packs and over 50 wolves roaming the state,...
Recent Comments