Adventure and natural wonder awaits you in California’s state parks, with secluded beaches, dense forests, and dramatic waterfalls. These parks give you access to countless lakes, rivers, and trails, from the highest peaks to pristine shorelines. Join us as we explore the stunning beauty that rivals even the most famous national attractions.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This park features the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops directly into the Pacific Ocean. The park’s trails offer serene walks through redwood forests and along ocean cliffs, providing a quiet alternative to the more frequented sites of Big Sur. Julia Pfeiffer Burns provides a slice of a coastal paradise with less foot traffic but equal natural beauty.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin is home to ancient coast redwoods and offers more than 80 miles of trails. This park provides a rich forest experience that includes waterfalls, vast wilderness areas, and deep serenity, unlike more crowded locales. Following the 2020 wildfires, the park is undergoing restoration to preserve its natural beauty and accessibility.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego offers a stunning expanse of desert wilderness, making it the largest state park in California. During spring, the park bursts into color with a super bloom of wildflowers that rivals any scene at the national parks. Its vastness allows for solitude and exploration, with opportunities to see bighorn sheep, desert blooms, and intricate rock formations.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos’ stunning scenery, rugged coastline, and abundant marine life draw visitors seeking to snorkel and dive in its clear waters and explore kelp forests teeming with sea otters and seals. The scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking ocean views, often more accessible and less crowded than those in nearby national parks.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Home to some of the world’s tallest trees, this park offers a majestic redwood experience similar to that of the Redwood National Park. Visitors can stroll beneath the ancient canopy along the Fern Canyon, where walls are draped with lush ferns. The park’s resident elk herd adds a unique wildlife viewing opportunity that enhances its charm.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Just north of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais boasts sweeping views of the Bay Area, the Marin Headlands, and, on clear days, the Farallon Islands. Its extensive network of trails caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians, offering a variety of ways to explore the mountain’s diverse ecosystems. The park’s accessibility and panoramic vistas make it a favorite escape.
Salt Point State Park
Salt Point offers a rugged coastline dotted with tidal pools, coves, and natural sculptures carved by wind and sea. It’s a favorite among foragers, particularly during mushroom season, and its underwater parks are a hotspot for divers exploring the kelp-rich waters. The park’s unique pygmy forest and geological features provide a distinct experience not found in national parks.
Crystal Cove State Park
With 3.2 miles of pristine sandy beaches and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, Crystal Cove is ideal for both beachgoers and hikers who can enjoy the historic beach cottages and scenic bluff trails. Its underwater park is popular among snorkelers and scuba divers.
Henry W. Coe State Park
Henry W. Coe offers a rugged and relatively undeveloped retreat, with steep hills, wildflower displays in the spring, and opportunities for backcountry solitude where visitors can hike, bike, and camp. It’s particularly appealing for those seeking a challenging outdoor adventure away from the more curated paths of nearby national parks.
Castle Crags State Park
Trails here range from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, leading up to stunning vistas that overlook the crags and nearby Mount Shasta. Castle Crags provides a dramatic and less-traveled alternative to the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park.
Jack London State Historic Park
Visitors can explore the ruins of London’s Wolf House, visit his grave, or hike through 1,400 acres of trails that run across oak woodlands and redwood groves. It’s a place where literature and nature meet, offering a unique educational and recreational experience.
Van Damme State Park
The park’s Fern Canyon trail leads through a pygmy forest with stunted trees and then transitions into a lush riparian ecosystem, a stark contrast that captures the diverse beauty of California landscapes. Kayakers and canoeists also enjoy exploring the calm waters of the Little River.
Limekiln State Park
This small but mighty park offers a glimpse into California’s history with preserved limekilns that were once used in the production of cement. The park also features a beautiful beach and impressive redwoods, with trails leading to waterfalls and serene groves. Limekiln’s intimate scale and unique historical features make it a precious gem among California’s state parks.
Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Stretching along the coast, this park preserves three lagoons with their marshes and wetlands, providing critical habitats for birds and marine life. It’s a fantastic spot for bird-watching, paddle sports, and experiencing the serene, untouched coastlines that offer peace away from busier tourist spots.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Home to the spectacular Burney Falls, this park captivates visitors with its 129-foot waterfall and surrounding lush forest. The park’s loop trail offers stunning views from above and below the falls, providing a refreshing escape during the hot summer months. Burney Falls’ constant flow, sourced from underground springs, ensures a spectacular visit any time of year.
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park, known for its stunning views of the Big Sur coast and relatively hidden beaches, offers a retreat for those looking to escape the more crowded areas of nearby parks. The park’s trails offer expansive views of the Pacific. Its secluded beaches and rugged coastline provide a perfect setting for photography, hiking, and contemplation.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Located in the heart of San Diego County, Cuyamaca Rancho offers a diverse landscape of oak woodlands, pine forests, and meadows. With over 100 miles of hiking trails, it’s a haven for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers. The park’s elevation provides cool relief from the coastal heat and a chance to see the remnants of historic gold mines.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The park is home to the Big Sur River, redwoods, and popular sites like the Big Sur Lodge. Its extensive network of trails and campgrounds make it an ideal destination for families and adventurers alike.
Border Field State Park
Located on the southernmost tip of the West Coast, Border Field State Park offers unique views across the border into Mexico and a chance to explore the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The park’s beaches and trails provide a tranquil environment for horseback riding and birdwatching.
Malibu Creek State Park
Just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park is known as “The Yosemite of Southern California” for its striking scenery and dramatic rock formations. The park has been a popular site for Hollywood films and is perfect for rock climbers, hikers, and those interested in California’s cinematic history.
Tomales Bay State Park
Tomales Bay State Park is a quiet escape into coastal woodlands and offers some of the best kayaking experiences in Northern California. The park’s gentle waters and sheltered coves are perfect for paddlers of all levels, and the surrounding trails offer scenic views of the bay and its wildlife. This park is less visited than others in the Bay Area, offering a peaceful retreat.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Located at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains, Silverwood Lake is a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and boating. The lake’s clear waters are a popular destination for swimmers and water skiers, with family-friendly facilities that make it an excellent option for weekend getaways. Its high elevation and clear skies make it perfect for stargazing.
El Capitán State Beach
El Capitán’s easy access to a sandy beach and rocky tide pools make it a favored spot for families and nature lovers. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, picnicking, and fishing, along with its well-known walking trails along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
