Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Point Reyes Headlands Special Closure and Point Reyes State Marine Conservation Area

Bull kelp and giant kelp beach wrack. The Pt. Reyes peninsula and surrounding waters are also part of the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve. photo © C. Wing, CC BY-NC 2.0

California mussels at Point Reyes SMR. photo © L. Zentall, CC-BY-NC 2.0

Aerial view of common murres at the Point Reyes headlands and offshore rocks, which provide breeding grounds for nine seabird species. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo

The best time of year to observe young elephant seals is between January and April. photo © S. Hayden, CC BY-NC 2.0

As one of the windiest places on the Pacific Coast, Point Reyes is quite literally breathtaking. But the rocky shores, sandy beaches, and other habitats found here do not merely provide majestic scenery; they also support a remarkable array of species.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Estero Americano State Marine Recreational Management Area

A bird’s eye view of Estero Americano SMRMA and nature preserve. photo © Stephen Joseph, courtesy of Sonoma Land Trust

American white pelicans rest and forage for food in Estero Americano SMRMA. photo © Stephen Joseph, courtesy of Sonoma Land Trust

A small snake blends into the pickleweed at the edge of Estero Americano SMRMA. CDFW photo by S. Worden

The road out to the Sonoma Coast north of San Francisco is surrounded by rolling hills that are dotted with dairy cows. The area is a popular tourist destination, famous for its natural beauty

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area

 

Northern elephant seal emerges from the surf in the reserve. photo © John ‘K’, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Yelloweye rockfish over a reef covered in strawberry anemones, Piedras Blancas SMCA. CDFW/MARE photo

Northern elephant seals resting on the beach in the reserve. CDFW photo by L. Slatoff

Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve (SMR) and its neighbor, the offshore Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) are located just south of the twists and turns of Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast, a few miles north of San Simeon.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve

Sea arch at Natural Bridges State Beach
CDFW photo by C. Shen

Santa Cruz is known for being a laid-back beach town, located at the northern edge of Monterey Bay. Home to a world-renowned surf scene, bustling wharf and harbor, and historic Beach Boardwalk amusement park, Santa Cruz is a popular destination for seaside escapes and outdoor recreation.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: South Cape Mendocino State Marine Reserve, Sugarloaf Island Special Closure, and Steamboat Rock Special Closure

MPA sign at the SMR, Steamboat Rock to the left. CDFW photo by S. Worden

Sugarloaf Island, just north of South Cape Mendocino SMR. photo by A. Zykov, CC BY-SA 2.0

Sunrise at Cape Mendocino. photo by S. Worden

Although California is the most populous state in the United States, much of the coastal area north of San Francisco is undeveloped and provides the perfect escape for those seeking a bit of solitude.