Año Nuevo Light

Built in 1890 on remote Año Nuevo Island off the San Mateo County coast, this fog signal and light station guided mariners through treacherous waters near Point Año Nuevo. The lighthouse was automated in 1948 and eventually deactivated, left to weather the elements alongside the island’s famous residents — thousands of elephant seals that now occupy the abandoned buildings.

The lighthouse is not open to the public, as the island is a protected wildlife reserve with no regular access. However, Año Nuevo State Park on the mainland offers guided walks with stunning coastal views. Winter months (December–March) are ideal for photography, coinciding with elephant seal breeding season. Nearby, Pigeon Point Lighthouse and the beaches of Santa Cruz beckon.

Explore Nearby

• Año Nuevo State Park — State Park in California
• Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park — State Park in California
• Felton Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in California
• in the scenic Turtle Mountain Wilderness area — Public Land in California
• California Powder Works Bridge — Covered Bridge in California