Join Jennifer Fischer as she travels to the small town of Pescadero. This ocean town off Highway offers travelers a variety of outdoor activities, including the chance to sneak-a-peak at a large colony of Elephant Seals, which were named for their large size and long noses.

Thousands were slaughtered in the 19th century for the oil from their blubber and almost became extinct. In 1922 the Mexican government intervened and gave protection status to the Elephant Seal, with the U.S. government following suit a few years later. Male elephant seals weigh close to 2 1/2 pounds, whereas the females are much smaller, weighing about 800 to 1,600 pounds. Ranger Kevin Williams at the Ano Nuevo State Reserve leads the way on a guided tour over rolling sand dunes and says these magnificent creatures spend their whole life at sea and only come ashore to molt, give birth, and mate. There’s only a small window of opportunity to catch these seals in action. Their activities and population counts vary from mid-December to March 31.

Jennifer then heads over to the picture-perfect Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Camp. Surrounded by endless acres of undisturbed wilderness and coastal hills, this is a place where you can either pitch your own tent, or relax in a luxury room. Accommodations include Douglas Fir cabins, canvas tents and a 40-room lodge. General Manager Daniel Medine says this is a place to relax, have a conversation, read a book and enjoy the outdoors.

Ano Nuevo State Reserve
Elephant Seal Guided Walks
New Years Creek Road
Pescadero, CA 94060
(800) 444-4445
www.anonuevo.org

Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Camp
2001 Rossi Road at Hwy 1
Pescadero, CA 94060
(877) 262-7848
www.costanoa.com