Ano Nuevo CA State Park - On Highway CA-1 in San Mateo county between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. It's a three mile round-trip hike out to see the Elephant Seals from the Parking lot. But I think the backdrop of the "Seal House" makes the beached seals view more interesting. You're not allowed to be within 25 feet of the seals on the beach. And park rangers are posted at each viewing station (there's two different views) which prohibit you from risking a closer look. But the Rangers are friendly and equipped with a folder of photos and a plethora of information regarding the animals and the park property.
McWay Falls - 37 miles South of Carmel inside Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Don't be suckered in at Pfeiffer Burns State Park which is only a few miles away from the Julie park of the same name. McWay Falls is on the ocean side of CA Highway 1. There is parking on the mountain side, where you should pay the $10 parking/day use fee and support our State Parks, and offers quick access to an underground tunnel that takes you right to the pathway out on the point to view the falls.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse- Pigeon Point is only a few miles north of Ano Nuevo State Park, and South of Half Moon Bay. The interior of the lighthouse is not accessible, but there is a Hostel located on the property. There's also a small beach and two look out points surrounding the lighthouse.
