Ano Nuevo Point is a low rocky point that juts 1.7 miles into the Pacific Ocean. It can be found at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains about 55 miles south of San Francisco. Its shoreline is largely undeveloped, thus, there are no major coastal hazards.

The state reserve is known as the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. These animals along with sea lions and other marine animals visit the sandy, gravelly beaches to rest, mate and give birth.

Behind the straight beaches are low cliffs cut into stabilized dunes. The dunes, stabilized by natural and introduced vegetation, no longer migrate or replenish the beaches.

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17 Mile Drive | Alcatraz | Ano Nuevo | Carmel | Half Moon Bay | Monterey | Pescadero | Rockaway Beach | San Francisco

San Diego Area | Santa Barbara to Malibu | San Francisco to Monterey