About
Año Nuevo Field Trips and Virtual Programs include live interactive videoconference programs and traditional in-person field trips. Specific options include the Breeding Season Guided Walk, the Spring Season Guided Walk, the Spring or Fall Season Self-Guided Walk, and the Virtual Program Elephant Seal Tour. Elephant seals visit Año Nuevo State Park twice a year to breed and molt, and tours are required for viewing the seals from December through March due to high park visitation.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Breeding Season Guided Walk is a 2.5-hour program available December through March; Spring Season Guided Walk is a 3-hour program available in April and May; Spring or Fall Season Self-Guided Walk is a 3-hour program available April through November; the Virtual Program Growing up on a Mexican Rancho is a 45-minute presentation; the Reserve California call center is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
• Price: The cost is $21 per school group plus a $7.99 reservation fee.
Guided tours during the breeding season are limited to grades 4–12 with a total of 20 students maximum, accompanied by a maximum of 2 chaperones per tour. The Breeding Season Guided Walk is appropriate for grades 4–12, while the Spring Season Guided Walk and the Spring or Fall Season Self-Guided Walk are appropriate for grades K–12. The Virtual Elephant Seal Tour program is appropriate for grades K–12. Homeschool groups with group sizes of 10 or more students are accepted. Docent guides may potentially be available upon request for self-guided walks at no cost once registered. The spring season receives fewer park visitors and allows more flexibility for school visits.
The mission of the program’s managing agency is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's biological diversity, protecting its natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. This 170 year old adobe hacienda connected with the program was built over 170 years ago.
Last updated December 11, 2025.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Breeding Season Guided Walk is a 2.5-hour program available December through March; Spring Season Guided Walk is a 3-hour program available in April and May; Spring or Fall Season Self-Guided Walk is a 3-hour program available April through November; the Virtual Program Growing up on a Mexican Rancho is a 45-minute presentation; the Reserve California call center is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
• Price: The cost is $21 per school group plus a $7.99 reservation fee.
Guided tours during the breeding season are limited to grades 4–12 with a total of 20 students maximum, accompanied by a maximum of 2 chaperones per tour. The Breeding Season Guided Walk is appropriate for grades 4–12, while the Spring Season Guided Walk and the Spring or Fall Season Self-Guided Walk are appropriate for grades K–12. The Virtual Elephant Seal Tour program is appropriate for grades K–12. Homeschool groups with group sizes of 10 or more students are accepted. Docent guides may potentially be available upon request for self-guided walks at no cost once registered. The spring season receives fewer park visitors and allows more flexibility for school visits.
The mission of the program’s managing agency is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's biological diversity, protecting its natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. This 170 year old adobe hacienda connected with the program was built over 170 years ago.
Last updated December 11, 2025.
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