Events | Coastside State Parks Association

Elephant seal mother and pup. photo: © Frank Balthis

Seal Adventures -- February 2024 tickets available 11/15/2023.

Thousands of visitors come to Año Nuevo, during the breeding and mating season, to watch as two-ton male elephant seals battle for access to females, and pregnant females give birth to their pups. Normally, time viewing the seals is limited to accommodate the large crowds of people. This event offers extended viewing with four periods over a single weekend in January. Tickets will be available on November 15, 2022.

Tickets are $89 per person, children 3 and under do not need a ticket. Ticket price includes parking in the Año Nuevo parking lot.

Funds raised will be used to support interpretive and educational programs, and park improvements at Año Nuevo and 14 other California State Parks on the San Mateo County coast.

Male elephant seat at the water's edge. photo: © Lee Aurich

Sunrise Photograph-- January/February 2024 tickets 10/15/2023.

Early morning access to Año Nuevo's wildlife at the peak of the breeding season available both Saturday and Sunday mornings for two weekends.

A park ranger will lead the tour into and through the elephant seal rookery. Since this access is early in the morning and before the normal guided walks for the public begin, a van will be used to facilitate the tour and to reduce the amount of walking. Each tour is limited to 8 people.

Funds raised will be used to support interpretive and educational programs, and park improvements at Año Nuevo and 14 other California State Parks on the San Mateo County coast.

Dancing to the music. photo © A. Boutell

Coastal Wildflower Day -- Sunday April 23, 2023, 10am to 2 pm

Welcome spring, celebrate California Native Plant Week and honor the vital role of community-based volunteer restoration efforts at our Coastside State Parks.

This free community event, held during April to coincide with Native Plant Week, offers games and crafts for young people, guided walks, live music and information and artists' booths.

Pigeon Point Light Station Anniversary--Our 151st Anniversary celebrated November 18, 2023.

Celebrate the anniversary of first lighting the iconic Fresnel lens!

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon on the Saturday closest to November 15, as California State Parks and Coastside State Parks Association celebrate the anniversary of the first lighting of the Fresnel lens.

Guided history walks, live music, and children's activities will be hosted by the Pigeon Point docents.