San Mateo Coast · CA
Año Nuevo
New Year's Point, where elephant seals come ashore to breed.
- Named
- January 3, 1603
- State park
- 1985
- Park size
- 4,209 acres
Then
- Before 1791
The Quiroste Ohlone are the first known people here.
- 1603
Vizcaíno sails past on January 3, and his chaplain names it Punta de Año Nuevo.
- 1985
Año Nuevo State Park is established.
Now
It is one of the largest mainland breeding colonies of northern elephant seals. From mid-December through late March, the reserve is open only on guided walks.