Skip to Content

Best California State Parks To Visit This Year, Including Awesome Hidden Gems

 Now more than ever, we are looking to escape everyday life and crowded places, and luckily, there are plenty of spectacular outdoor spaces scattered all over California. With nine epic national parks and over 300 state parks, the Golden State’s natural beauty serves us well.

Man walking on a trail in a redwood forest surrounded by giant redwoods. Del Norte Coast SP is one of the best California state parks to see redwoods

But with national parks often taking up most of the limelight, I wanted to focus on state parks on this post. So here are some of the best California state parks to visit this year, including some hidden gems.

Best California State Parks

Angel Island State Park, San Francisco Bay

Angel Island may not be the biggest state park in California, but it may be the most interesting. It has a unique combination of history and natural beauty.

Two hikers walking on a path that's on a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance

Over the years, it has been the home to military bases, an anti-aircraft missile site, and an immigration processing center. The immigration center has been turned into a fascinating museum to share the stories of how the immigrants were treated. It’s an eye-opening experience.

In addition to the Immigration Museum, you can take a tram tour and watch a short film at the Visitor Center to learn more about the island. It’s also nice to hike the Sunset Trail to the summit or bike around the Perimeter Road. You might even spot some deer.  

Angel Island is located in San Francisco Bay. It’s a scenic ferry ride from Pier 41 or Tiburon. It’s perfect for a day trip or if you want to stay overnight you can reserve a camping site in advance overnight.

By Anisa from Two Traveling Texans

Anza-Borrego State Park, San Diego County

Despite being one of the most visited California state parks, summer is not the best season to visit Anza-Borrego State Park.

Arguably, the best time to visit the park would be during mid-spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom across the mountains and nearby valleys. At this time of the year, this state park transforms itself into one of the best California flower fields.

Image of large field of yellow wildflowers with a mountain in the distance

If you plan it right, you might even visit during a super-bloom or during one of Coachella Valley’s many art or culture festivals. But regardless of if your visit coincides with an event, there are plenty of things to do in Anza-Borrego State Park, whether it’s for a long weekend or a day trip. 

Hiking is the main appeal of the park, with trails that lead to slot canyons (Split Mountain Trail), wheelchair accessible trails with less incline (Coyote Canyon), trails that lead to a Southern California hidden gem (Borrego Palm Canyon Trail), or even trails that will give you the best views of the local wildlife in the area.

Entrance to the park is free, though there is a fee if you want to snag a campground spot. Alternatively, you could stay at a place in the small nearby town of Borrego Springs.

By Kay from The Awkward Traveller

Castle Rock State Park, Santa Cruz County

Castle Rock State Park is one of the most popular parks in the San Francisco Bay Area. Most of it is located in Santa Cruz County, and a drive up the mountains from Saratoga downtown and Los Gatos.

Trail through a forest with tree trunks covered in moss. Castle Rock is one of the best California state parks all year round

It is one of the top spots for rock climbing and hiking in Santa Cruz. It has trails that are fairly easy except for the parts that have the boulders on the path.

Certain sections require some scrambling over rocks and there are many rocky sections. So, best to be prepared with good hiking shoes.

Castle Rock is one of the few all-season gorgeous hikes in the Bay Area. Spring brings gorgeous California wildflowers. Winter brings rains and lush greenery in the otherwise dry state. Summer is great in Castle because much of the trail is shaded and cool even on very hot days. 

With 32 miles of trails, this 5,242 acre park in the Santa Cruz mountains, offers wonderful hiking options for every level and ability.

By Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County

Crystal Cove State Park is well-known for its rustic landscape and scenic beaches. It’s one of the most popular California state parks and a perfect outdoor stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, offering three distinct outdoor areas to enjoy.

View of bluffs covered in green and red vegetation overlooking a long beach and the Pacific Ocean

Some must-do activities offered throughout Crystal Cove include beachfront horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Explore deep into the park by heading out to Pelican Point along a 3.25-mile sandy trail. Another popular hike is El Moro Canyon Loop Trail. This trail brings its hikers through Crystal Cove’s Canyon up to the Moro ridge where they can enjoy phenomenal coastal views, which makes it one of the best hikes in Southern California.

Later, head over to the Reef Point area of Crystal Cove which offers access to two unique coves. Another great spot to discover is the historic district of Crystal Cove, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful 1930s-style houses.

The park’s beach found along the Californian shoreline at Crystal Cove is a popular surfing and swimming spot.

Visitors that prefer to head further into the warm Pacific waters can head just offshore of Crystal Cove Beach to a massive underwater park – perfect for swimmers, scuba divers, and snorkelers alike.

By Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Del Norte County

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is located on the Pacific Ocean in northern California, very close to the Oregon border.

Man walking on a trail in a redwood forest surrounded by giant redwoods. Del Norte Coast SP is one of the best California state parks to see redwoods

It is one of the top state parks in California for redwoods and one of four parks that make up the Redwood National and State Parks group. Together, they grow the tallest trees in the world and protect 45% of the world’s remaining old-growth redwood forests. 

The park was established in 1927 and comprises 50% old growth coast redwood trees and 8 miles of wild, mostly inaccessible coastline. It has rugged and rocky terrain with severe elevation climbs –  from sea level to 1277 feet.

The coast can only be accessed on foot (not by car), normally with two hiking trails – Damnation and Footsteps Rock – however currently bridge access from Damnation trail to the coast is not available.

Swimming is not allowed because of the steep beach slope, rough and cold waters. However, you can walk along a couple beaches or explore the ocean bed during low tide. 

You can access California’s 1200 mile long Coastal Trail as it runs the length of the park. This is a favorite activity for cyclists and hikers. Mill Creek campground is nearby and an excellent spot to stay to explore the area.

It rains a lot or is foggy so make sure you pack appropriate rain gear

By Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

RELATED READING
19 tips for hiking in winter

Emerald Bay State Park, El Dorado County

Hugging the shores of Lake Tahoe in Northern California, Emerald Bay State Park is one of the best California state parks.

It is a very popular spot among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its gorgeous trails, known to be some of the best hikes in Northern California, and opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking along Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. 

View of Lake Tahoe over the tall redwood trees.

One of the most notable features of the Emerald Bay State Park is the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm Castle that sits near the beach and the Eagle Falls. 

In the middle of the Emerald Bay sits the historic Fannette Island that can be accessed by boat or kayak. However, if you don’t want to get on the water, you can get panoramic views of the island and the entire bay from Inspiration Point. 

This state park also has several campgrounds and if you want to stay in a hotel, the nearby South Lake Tahoe has tons of options from 5-star cozy accommodations to more modest options that are great for crashing for the night. 

By Daria from The Discovery Nut

Gaviota State Park, Santa Barbara County

Along the Pacific Coast, you’ll find the best outdoorsy Southern California cities that have lovely state parks, beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

View of a large beach from the shore with the sea on the left and sandstone bluffs on the right

A hidden gem in Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Park is located about 30 miles outside of the city. Known for its sunny year round weather, clean beaches and hiking trails, this state park is a favorite among locals.

Positioned right on the beach, Gaviota State Park offers its visitors a wide array of unique recreation activities.

In fact, to access the state beach visitors cross beneath the famous Southern Pacific Railroad. This famous railroad is beautifully located right above the Gaviota Creek.

In addition to the railroad, this park offers scenic beach camping (i.e. camping for trailers, tent camping, and RVs), day use activities, and a camp store onsite.

There are hiking trails such as the Gaviota Wind Caves, where you can view the beach and railroad from the soaring mountainside. At the beach you’ll find great waves for surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and more.

Stay cool as you explore the tide pools, bike around the campsite and relax at the park. Gaviota State Park is popular during the summer so plan ahead to snag a prime camping spot.

By Ciara from Wellness Travel Diaries

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz County

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is a peaceful and impressive place to visit and one of the best state parks in California to see the redwoods.

Its 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees soar hundreds of feet into the sky. 

Looking up in the middle of a forest of really tall redwood trees. Henry Cowell is one of the best California state parks to see the redwoods

Wide, accessible trails provide an easy way to get up close to the towering trees, including a 0.8-mile flat loop trail located near the visitor center.

Enjoy an easy walk through the trees and view the tallest tree in the park, which stands at approximately 277 feet tall, is about 16 feet wide and around 1,500 years old! On the trail you’ll even pass a tree you can walk inside.

The entire park encompasses 4,650 acres of land – plenty of space to hike, camp, have a picnic and swim. The Garden of Eden swimming area is a great place to take a dip – just keep in mind there are no lifeguards, restrooms or trash cans in the area.

The majestic redwoods are a California treasure not to be missed and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is the perfect place to peacefully enjoy them. 

By Deanne from Scenic and Savvy 

READ MORE
Things to Do on a Day Trip to Santa Cruz, California

Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is located in Weott, California, approximately 3.5 hours and 220 miles north of San Francisco.

A forest of redwood trees with the ground covered in green lush ferns

The park is home to some of the largest old growth redwood trees in California and is famous for its Avenue of the Giants drive as well as easily accessible hikes full of insanely tall trees and lush ferns. 

The Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile drive that runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park and beyond. The drive is located along State Route 254 beginning north of Garberville and ends 15 miles south of Fortuna.

Avenue of the Giants is gorgeous and is well worth stopping along the way. It is also a great access point to many of the hikes in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. 

One of the best and easily accessed hikes in Humboldt Redwoods State Park include Founders Grove Loop Trail and Drury-Chaney Loop Trail, both of which are located off of Avenue of the Giants.

Founders Grove Trail is a quick 1.3 mile trail that takes you through a large grove of redwood trees and many gigantic fallen trees, including the Dyerville Giant. 

By Constance from The Adventures of Panda Bear

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte County

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park lies in California’s northernmost reaches, near the Oregon border. It is one of three state and national parks that make up the Redwoods International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Forest of redwood trees looking up slightly with ferns on the ground

While Jedediah Smith doesn’t have the tallest or largest redwoods in California, its groves are some of the most visually striking. They scrape the skies overhead, and tower over a lush carpet of ferns at their feet, making it one of the best California state parks.

Driving the Howland Hill Road is the top thing to do in Jedediah Smith State Park. The unpaved road weaves through a dense stand of trees and provides access to a number of trailheads. It is among the most scenic drives in northern California. 

Stout Grove lies near the start of Howland Hill Road. Accessible via a one mile loop trail, it showcases a particularly beautiful stand of redwoods.

If you are looking for a longer escape into the forest, the nearby Boy Scout Trail is another fantastic hiking option. 

The Jedediah Smith State Park is one of the top places in the world to see California’s famed redwood trees. And best of all, its distance from major population centers means that you’re unlikely to encounter large crowds.

By Erika from Erika’s Travels

Lighthouse Field State Beach, Santa Cruz County

Lighthouse Field State Beach, also known as Its Beach, is the first beach on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz.

It marks the boundary of the northern end of Monterey Bay, home to many species of sea mammals like sea otters, bottlenose dolphins and elephant seals. 

View of a wriggly coastline that follows a golden sand beach. There are trees on a headland in the distance

It is also one of the places along the coast of California Monarch butterflies migrate to for the winter.

Lighthouse Field State Beach is the location of the Surfing Museum, the first of its kind in California.

Overlooking the famous surfing stop of Steamer Lane, it houses photographs, surfboards and other interesting displays that go back 100 years covering the surfing history of Santa Cruz.

Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz County

Located at the end of West Cliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the most photographed beach icons in California. The natural arch on a huge rock located just off the shore gives the park its name. 

Sea view with a rocky arch with birds on top and the coast line in the background

The park is famous for being a great vantage point from which to observe marine wildlife such as birds, whales, seals and otters.

If you find yourself in here between mid-October and mid-January, this is one of the top places to visit in Santa Cruz. Thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate every year to Monarch Grove, a natural preserve within Natural Bridges State Beach. 

There is a butterfly migration exhibit where you can learn about the migration, and hiking trails where you can witness the butterfly magic yourself.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monterey County

Described as “the greatest meeting of land and water,” Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is considered one of the most beautiful California state parks. Point Lobos State Park is located a little south of Carmel, and a must-visit for all nature lovers.

View of an ocean cove from land, with trees on the headland on the left and a sandstone bluff on the right. Point Lobos is considered one of the most beautiful California state park

Hiking is the major activity in the park, with a number of trails that feature views of the Pacific Ocean.

The park is also a great place to see wildflowers in season, marine life such as harbor seals and sea lions, and a variety of birds. Plein air painters love Point Lobos.

There are picnic facilities in the park, so bring a picnic meal to enjoy. You can also go down to Gibson Beach, although the water is generally too cold to swim.

China Cove is the best photo spot in the park, which also has a small museum that documents its history as a whaling area in times past. 

Point Lobos is day use only. It is very popular, so arrive early for a parking spot!

By Dhara from Roadtripping California

Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County

Only an hour from San Francisco, Point Reyes Seashore is one of the best California state parks to escape the city and explore the beautiful coast. This park has it all: scenic hikes, beach views, and backcountry camping.

Image of a sandy beach with a waterfall pouring into the beach from a high sandstone cliff

One of the best hikes in the park is Alamere Falls. This challenging 14-mile hike takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California, and one of only four tidefalls in the United States (a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean). On the way to the falls, you can stop at Bass Lake for a quick swim in the summer. 

Tomales Point is a popular hike for spotting wildlife. The 9-mile trail takes you along the coast through a tule elk reserve. You’re almost guaranteed to see these beautiful creatures roaming around!

Point Reyes Seashore is one of the best places in California for beginner backpackers. A network of short trails takes you to the park’s backcountry campgrounds. Wildcat Campground is the most scenic, only a short hike along the beach to Alamere Falls!

By Julia from Well Planned Journey

Torrey Pines State Beach and Park, San Diego

Located within city limits, Torrey Pines State Beach and Park is a Southern California gem and a must on any day trip to San Diego.

View of interesting rock formations on a sandstone cliff by the ocean. Torrey Pines is one of the best California state parks if you are in the San Diego area

With miles of trails through the park’s bluffs stretching along a wild coastline, this state beach is one of only 14 parks with a reserve status protecting its important biodiversity.

Grab your sunscreen and a water bottle and hit the trails through marshy lagoons, sagebrush, and red rock cliffs to take in the sights of this beautiful nature preserve.

Hike down to the beach for a picnic and some sunbathing but be aware that Black’s beach on the southernmost end of the coast within the park is famously known for its nude beach-goers. 

Just south of the park is the Torrey Pines Gliderport where you can hang glide and paraglide, taking in spectacular bird’s eye views of the nature reserve as well.

By Michele from Adventures Abound 

Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, Malibu

Located in Malibu, California, Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach comprises of three “pocket” beaches, which are little coves that protrude from cliff sides.

Beach with sandstone bluffs on the left and the ocean on the right. There are small rocks scattered along the shoreline

El Pescador, La Piedra, and El Matador are some of the best beaches in Los Angeles and are lesser known than bigger spots like Santa Monica or Venice. Therefore, they are less crowded, especially during off season, which is anytime but the summer.

Signs off of Pacific Coast Highway lead you to parking lots for each beach that sit on the bluff top. Parking is free, but during summer lots fill up quickly so you may need to park along the road.

As you descend to each beach, admire the rock formations and once you make it down, be sure to explore the alcoves.

At El Matador Beach if you head to the right through a few arches and caves, you arrive at a final cave sealed off from the rest of the beach. It’s a beautiful place to sit and relax, or even take a picnic!

Note that the beaches do not welcome dogs and are not handicap accessible.

By Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures

California state parks also include Historic State Parks, or places of nationally significant historic importance. So I also wanted to include a couple of state parks that give us a small but important slice of California’s past.

Columbia Historic State Park, Tuolumne County

Columbia is the best preserved Gold Rush town in California, so it’s probably the best place to start if you’d like to get a good overview of the history of Gold Country

Old fashioned wagon cart and a small wooden house in Columbia. Visiting Columbia is one of the best things to do in Gold Country, California

Gold was discovered here in 1850, and today you can find the state’s largest collection of Gold Rush era structures here, and immerse yourself in authentic California history. Columbia is one of the coolest places to visit in California if you enjoy history. Here you will find shops, exhibits and all sorts of activity from the 1850s.

Visit the blacksmith shop, enjoy the aroma of the candle and soap store, shop for leather cowboy boots and jackets, and even take a photo in a Gold Rush era costume.

One of the highlights for me was tasting the delicious treats (especially the marshmallows) of Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen, which has been running for five generations.

READ MORE
Things to Do in Gold Country, Tuolumne County – A Travel Guide

Railtown 1897 Historic State Park, Tuolumne County

When the Sierra Railway arrived in Jamestown and Sonora in 1897, linking the ‘Southern Mines’ with Tuolumne City, the area enjoyed its second heyday.

Old train approaching a wooden station platform. There is a sign in the platform reading Waiting Room

Located in Jamestown, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park brings this era back to life, where you can take a tour of the roadhouse complex, with its historic locomotives.

It includes the famous Sierra No 3, which has been featured in more than 300 films and TV shows such as Back to the Future III, Unforgiven, Lassie and Bonanza. 

Railtown 1897 is known as ‘The Movie Railroad’ and here you can also find many movie props like smokestacks, headlights and station signs.

Don’t miss the steam train rides on weekends between April and October. Take a 45-minute ride through the rugged hillsides of California’s Mother Lode country and one of the best things to do in Gold Country.

Admission to the Park is $5 and train rides are $15, which includes access to the Park.

Find the full California state parks list here.

What would you add to this list of the best California state parks?
Let me know in the comments!

Exploring California? Check out my other California articles

More US articles

Like this post? Pin and save for later

Best California State Parks Pin
Best California State Parks Pin