Seal season at Point Reyes and Año Nuevo, plus oysters on the way home.
Winter is elephant seal season on the coast near San Francisco, and gray whales pass by on their migration. Point Reyes National Seashore and Año Nuevo State Park are the big two. Some areas close to protect the seals, so check before you drive.
Our top picks for SF Elephant Seals and Whale Watching are Elephant Seal Overlook, Año Nuevo State Park and Point Reyes Lighthouse. The full map covers 4 stops across Point Reyes, Pescadero and Tomales Bay, with 2 routes you can follow in order.
An overlook above a beach where elephant seals gather in winter.
See the stop →Guided walks to a big mainland elephant seal colony during breeding season.
See the stop →The classic cliff-top spot to scan for gray whales.
See the stop →Map loading. The full list and location links work without it.
Approximate location pins. Follow current venue entrances and public-access rules. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
The classic cliff-top spot to scan for gray whales.
Check NPS for hours, shuttles and closures.
Free.
27000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness CA
Approximate venue, building or park location; follow the venue’s entrance directions.
An overlook above a beach where elephant seals gather in winter.
NPS posts seasonal closures near the seals. Check the page first.
Free.
Chimney Rock Road, Point Reyes National Seashore CA
Approximate venue, building or park location; follow the venue’s entrance directions.
Guided walks to a big mainland elephant seal colony during breeding season.
Breeding-season access is by guided walk. Check dates and book.
Walk fee plus parking.
1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero CA
Pinned at the street address; follow the venue’s entrance directions.
Fresh oysters on Tomales Bay on the way to or from Point Reyes.
Reservations recommended.
Check the current menu and book ahead.
20215 Highway 1, Marshall CA
Pinned at the street address; follow the venue’s entrance directions.
You will want a car between these stops; allow for traffic and parking.
Stop order is editorial, not turn-by-turn navigation. Check current access, weather and transit.
You will want a car between these stops; allow for traffic and parking.
Stop order is editorial, not turn-by-turn navigation. Check current access, weather and transit.
Researched November 9, 2026. Dates, menus, prices, access and availability can change. We have not checked tables or submitted any bookings.
Magnolias, cherry blossoms and wildflower hills around the Bay.
Open the guide →SF · Winter 2026–27Garden-scale light walks, waterfront glow and grand hotel displays.
Open the guide →SF · Winter 2026–27Six real market locations, with event dates kept separate.
Open the guide →SF · Winter 2026–27Holiday dining anchors and a waterfront after-dinner walk.
Open the guide →SF · Winter 2026–27Downtown holiday ice and clearly labeled regional indoor alternatives.
Open the guide →SF · Winter 2026–27A verified 2026 host list, a Victorian holiday menu and a hotel carousel.
Open the guide →Get the plans before everyone else does.
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