For kind of experience that feels straight out of a nature documentary, head to Año Nuevo State Reserve, home to a large colony of northern elephant seals. With floppy snouts, bellowing roars, and large, oval eyes, these giant mammals tend to evoke feelings of both terrifying awe and heart-melting adoration. From mid-December to March, the 1,300–5,000-lb. seals come ashore to breed. And during this time, the reserve offers naturalist-led, 3-mile walks that take you over rolling sand dunes and into the life of these marine giants.
Guided Elephant Seal Walks
Visit an Ocean Giant's Natural Habitat
