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
The Bay Area’s Outdoor Movie Theaters
As the days get longer and the temperature begins to warm, it is the perfect time to spend evenings outdoors with friends and family. There is something very magical about cinema under the stars on a warm spring or summer night. The Bay Area has a lot to offer in the...
The Bay Area’s Mystery Walls
For more than a century, Bay Area residents have been puzzled over the existence of stone walls scattered across the East Bay, beginning in San Jose and continuing north into the hills of Berkeley. These structures appear to have been built from hand, some in long...
Celebrating Easter in the Bay Area!
Happy Easter!! Whether you are celebrating the holiday or not, this time of year brings endless parties, egg hunts, brunches, and unforgettable Springtime experiences to the Bay Area. Whether you are excited to attend an Easter service at one of San Francisco’s most...
Recent Comments