Although the elephant seals are by far the main attraction at Ano Nuevo, there are many other things in the park worth experiencing.

Marine Education Center

The Visitor Center- or Marine Education Center is located in the historic Dickerman Barn and other buildings from the Steele Dairy Ranch, dating as far back as 1861. The facility is located a short distance south of the parking lot. The goal of the facility is to bring Ano Nuevo's rich cultural and natural history alive, and encourage visitors to learn both in the center and while exploring the reserve.

The Marine Education Center offers exhibits about natural history, focusing on elephant seals, but also including information on intertidal zone, birds, geology, and prehistoric cultural traditions. Classrooms allow for science-based, hands-on lessons. The bookstore, located in the dairy barn, sells educational items such as books, postcards, and posters. Food and drinks are not sold in the park.

Cove Beach Trail, 0.1 miles one way

Actually two separate trails lead to Cove Beach. Watch out for poison oak.

Upper Pond Trail, 0.4-mile one way

Simply an alternate trail to the Ano Nuevo Point Trail, circling north of the pond.

Franklin Point, 0.6 miles one way

Take the Franklin Point Trail west from the trailhead on Highway 1 to beach access and historic Franklin Point. A boardwalk guides hikers on the tip of Franklin Point. Be cautious of unstable coastline north of Franklin Point. Parking for 8 vehicles at trailhead.

Whitehouse Creek South Trail, 0.19 miles one way

Find parking for 4 vehicles at trailhead along Highway 1. Hike west to the coast. There you can access a small beach. The trail connects with the Whitehouse Creek North Trail and the Atkinson Bluff Trail.

Whitehouse Creek North Trail, 1.2-mile loop

Find parking for 5 vehicles at trailhead along Highway 1. Make a loop out to the coast to a small point. Connect with the Atkinson Bluff Trail leading north and the southern Whitehouse Creek Trail.

Cascade Creek Trail, 0.5 miles one way

Find parking for 5 vehicles at trailhead on Highway 1. Follow the trail south to long, narrow stretch of beach just north of the restricted access area of the park. The trail connects with the Atkinson Bluff Trail.

Atkinson Bluff Trail, 1.8 miles one way

This trail is accessed by most of the other trails in the northwest part of the park. The Atkinson Bluff Trail winds its way along the top of the bluff overlooking the Pacific, offering wonderful views along its course.

Whitehouse Creek Road, 3.5 miles one way

Follow Whitehorse Creek Road north from the trailhead on Highway 1. Parking for 5 vehicles at trailhead. Climb about 300 feet over the first two miles until you reach Whitehorse Creek. Follow the creek for a little over half a mile. Then turn south onto Whitehorse Ridge Trail, climbing steeply 1,000 feet to two wonderful observation points. The trail continues on into Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

  TOP