California State Parks and Coastside State Parks Association jointly hold several events each year. Please click on each event title to view exact dates and additional information.
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Seal Adventures
Seal Adventures
When: February Annually (Check back for specific dates)
Where: Año Nuevo State Park
Ticket Price: $89 per person (plus $7.81 in ticketing fees)
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 February.
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.
Sunrise Photography Tours
Sunrise Photography Tours
When: January/February Annually (Check back for specific dates)
Where: Año Nuevo State Park
Ticket Price:$250 per person (plus $18.61 in ticketing fees)
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.
Coastal Wildflower Day
Coastal Wildflower Day
When: Spring Annually (Check back for specific date)
Where: Venice State Beach
Free Event ($10/car State Parks’ parking fee)
Welcome spring, celebrate thriving coastal wildflower habitats 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
Pigeon Point Light Station Anniversary
When: November 15, 2025
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Free Event
Celebrate the anniversary of the 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.
