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Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park
If you fancy yourself a nature lover, there's a habitat for elephant seals along the California coast that you won't want to miss.

Visit between December and March

During the December to March mating season, there are docent-led nature walks at Año Nuevo State Park where you can learn all about the habits and habitats of one of nature's most enormous creatures, the elephant seal.

The main attraction is always the great northern elephant seals that can weigh 2 ½ tons each, but other visible species include sea lions, otters, and harbor seals.

It's fun to watch the big bulls fight for dominance on the beach and strut their stuff to attract the bevy of ladies in-waiting. At the end of the party, many of the females - pregnant from the year before - give birth in the sand. Then it's off to the ocean until next year's call to revelry.

Interesting History

Hunted to near extinction in the nineteenth century, the elephant seal population dwindled to about 100 animals. Protected by the American and Mexican governments in the early twentieth century, the population has rebounded to some 150,000.

The first elephant seal sightings at Año Nuevo began in the 1950s. The first pups were born on the mainland in the 70s, and by the mid-90s, the number of local births was in the thousands.

This is successful conservation in action!

Other Seasons

In March, and after the main group has departed for parts unknown, the pups and several hundred elephant seals remain to rest and recuperate along the beach and molt - not as lively as mating, but still worth seeing.

Be forewarned, on warm sunny days, there is nothing quite like the aroma of a molting elephant seal.

The island

Just off the mainland sits Año Nuevo Island. The barren and wind-swept island is home to the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse. The historic keeper's house shown above was constructed in 1872 and now provides shelter to an assortment of Cormorants and Sea Lions.

Prepare For A Mini-workout

You will walk approximately 3-miles during a tour at Año Nuevo. Wear comfortable clothes, especially shoes, because your guided walk will take you over varied terrain including sand dunes, and you know what it's like to trudge in sand.

Also, wear appropriate headgear because the tours go, rain or shine - and umbrellas are not permitted.

NOTE: There is an accessible boardwalk via van for those needing mobility assistance. Ask for details when purchasing tickets for the tour.

For more information about visiting with the fascinating elephant seals, check out the park's website.

There's also a worthwhile Marine Education Center located within the park boundaries with interesting animal, plant, and geological exhibits, along with information about the colorful history of the area.

If you go

Año Nuevo State Park is on California Route 1, approximately 20 miles north of Santa Cruz, 35 miles south of Half Moon Bay, and about 60 miles south of San Francisco.

Treat yourself and your family to a visit with the magnificent elephant seals. We recommend it. The scenic ride along iconic Highway 1 is the icing on the cake.

Happy travels!

Author: Wayne Bayliff

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There are many culturally diverse cities in Europe that are easily accessible with budget airlines, particularly Barcelona.

Often hailed as one of the best cities in the world, Barcelona is a fashionable location to come into contact with the old and new alongside each other and where all your senses will work overtime.

It is easy enough to see why Barcelona is so popular with its unceasing variety of attractions and sights tempting tourists from all walks of life. Stretching from La Ramblas covering the old port of Barcelona and the Plaza Catalunya, an entire day can be dedicated to walking around the Barri Gothic Quarter without venturing any further as there plenty to see and do. Wander around the labyrinths of the narrow streets that meander between old buildings which open out into quaint squares, and then have a break in one of the alfresco cafes full of bustling tapas bars in the vicinity. Find out something about the chronicle of the city and its Roman roots, or visit the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia that is constructed throughout the 13 and 14 century.

Initially planned by Catalan publisher Joseph Bocabella, who wanted to achieve Catholic Church triumphs via the guard of St. Joseph, this monumental assignment eventually came in the hands of Gaudi when he was just thirty-one years old. Barcelona is truly blessed with his wonderful designs, he could be indeed, and the main reason the city attracts so many sightseers. This famous work by Gaudi will be the most incredible church you will ever see.

Barcelona is still the birthplace for many progressive architects such as the award-winning Ricardo Bofill, the man behind the iconic W Barcelona, shaped like a gigantic boat sail. Born in Barcelona in 1939, Bofill is celebrated for his architectural structures that blend with different cultures. It will also be difficult to miss the perfect geometric block of ME Barcelona Hotel, a glass building designed by French architect Dominique Perrault. Barcelona is widely celebrated for its innovative planning and accessible open spaces; hence there are plenty of places to stroll such as the beaches and gardens. Two of the best are, that goes without saying, Guell Park, another Park de la Ciudadella, a park in Ciutat Vella famous for its museums and boating lake.


In the city centre, there are several places that you can take a walk and admire the sceneries, or enjoy fresh coffee in Las Ramblas while watching pedestrians, musicians and performers. Bars in Barcelona start to fill up from 2am onwards. There are plenty of late licensed bars that may stay open as late, or as early as 10am. These bars are not dance clubs but you can either wind down or party some more, depending on your state of mind at that time. There are plenty of live music jam sessions, jazz, blues, burlesque and clubs to choose from particularly in the Las Ramblas boulevard but do not expect crowds until 2 or 3am.

Maremagnum will be the ideal location for families as it is a huge waterfront mall with plenty of walkways and bars before the dark hour starts. As the families depart and the party animals arrive you will find everything here from stylish bars to Irish pubs, it is quite easy to party here till morning as some of the clubs stay open until 6am.

Obviously, holiday time depends heavily on either work schedule or budget. Many hotels and airlines give discounts on Friday to Sunday reservations and this gives you plenty of time to enjoy the attractions, shop and have a good night out.

If you want a simple way to travel, then think about staying in holiday apartments since Barcelona has a large number of apartments for any requirements. An apartment in any city can help save money and give you a more unique experience of living in a different culture. The internet is the best source for landing yourself the appropriate rental apartment.


Has that dream vacation been on your mind a lot lately, but the travel costs keep holding you back? Make that much-needed getaway possible with Wizootravel. Save up to 60% on hotels and flights with our guaranteed cheapest deals to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees. Just what you see. Book your dream holiday now!