Did you know there are nearly 300 California state parks? California state parks provide remote wilderness and amazing geologic features.Additionally, they are far less crowded than the state’s hugely popular national parks.
As a local of California, I have explored many California state parks myself. These state parks offer some of the top hiking trails in California as well as other outdoor recreational activities. Here are my selections for California state parks!
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13 Best California State Parks
Crystal Cove State Park
A renowned Southern California destination with elevated campsites featuring breathtaking coastal perspectives.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Crystal Cove State Park Website
Crystal Cove stands out from most other coastal California state parks and ranks among the best things to do in Orange County. Crystal Cove State Park exceeds expectations for state parks with private beaches, crystal clear waters, and rock formations right on the sand.
Even local residents of California near the shore make the day trip to Crystal Cove State Park. This Southern California destination is popular not only for scenic sandy beaches but also for its 2,400 acre undeveloped lands, through which hundreds of hiking routes cut into the hills.
Crystal Cove is best experienced as an overnight excursion. I recommend staying at the blufftop Moro Campground for incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Four-legged friends are permitted in the state park but only on the 3-mile paved trail and not the beach.
Russian Gulch State Park
One of the best blended California state parks with both wooded and seaside environments.
Hotel Website – Check prices on Booking.com
Russian Gulch State Park is ideal if you enjoy both beaches and forests. Hikers can traverse dense pine woods then cool off with a dip in the state park`s Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Russian Gulch State Park offers 15 miles of coastal trails, secluded coves, and tide pools for families to explore. A particularly popular spot is the easy-to-walk Headlands Trail with viewpoints overlooking the ocean and a section passing Devil`s Punchbowl, a deep natural indentation in the rocks.
The Fern Canyon Loop Trail is another excellent state park activity that brings adventurous visitors up close with a mist-shrouded waterfall. There are 26 campsites in the park available for reservation up to six months in advance.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The largest state park in California right on the Mexican border has ocotillo groves and luminous starry skies.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Website
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is my preferred out of all California state parks. The mesmerizing night sky glittering with stars is reason enough to visit this California state park – but the distinctive desert scenery is another main attraction.
Located 3 hours southeast of Los Angeles, Anza-Borrego is California`s largest state park. Primitive California campsites are scattered throughout the cactus and ocotillo-filled landscape and hiking paths blend well within the park.
Anza-Borrego is also home to the largest concentration of bighorn sheep found in California, so be sure to bring binoculars when exploring the region and always ensure proper distance from any wildlife present.
You are sure to enjoy this desert park, rich with native history, flora, and wildlife. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is one of the top activities in San Diego County.
👉 Pro Tip: Robust footwear will be useful for exploring Anza-Borrego due to the prevalence of cacti in the park. I suggest Blundstone bootsfor casual activities and Salomon boots for more extensive exploration.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Explore ancient redwood forests in this Santa Cruz state park.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Big Basin Redwoods State Park Website
- Korkmaz Büfe (120 Moda Caddesi, Moda) – Thought to serve the best döner kebap on the Asian side by many, arrive early – it’s usually sold out by 2pm
Just outside one of California’s premier beach towns, Santa Cruz, Big Basin Redwoods is a nature lover`s paradise. Visitors can enjoy 18,000 acres of park flora with scenic hikes, remote camping, cycling down fire roads, and learning redwood history at the visitor center.
👉 Pro Tip: Equines are permitted on the fire roads but canines aren’t allowed anywhere in the state park except for the parking lot. It’s most suitable to leave your four-legged friend at home when visiting Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
A slice of outdoor recreational heaven in Idyllwild, Southern California.
📍 Mapping Service | 🌳 Mount San Jacinto State Park Site
I may feel somewhat biased because Mount San Jacinto State Park houses one of my most favorite mountains, but this park can reasonably be viewed as one of the most scenic California state parks.
San Jacinto State Park is situated in Idyllwild, one of the mountain towns in California attracting a artistic crowd. This park is a hotspot for hiking routes, bird watching, spotting wildlife, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. As the park is located at a high elevation of around 6,000 feet, the winters are lengthy and snow filled.
Stop by the visitor center to go on a guided nature walk with a ranger or take the initiative of finding the top of Tahquitz Peak yourself. There are several primitive campgrounds in the park, all of which permit canines.
Castle Crags State Park
Marvel at unique, geologic rock formations in NorCal, unseen anywhere else in the state.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Castle Crags State Park Website
Castle Crag is a dramatic rock formation in Northern California. Located roughly 4 hours north of San Francisco, Castle Crags is one of the less-visited California state parks but should be at the top due to its remote natural beauty and easy accessibility.
The Castle Crags rock developments are over 170 million years old, a true geologic masterpiece. They inspire myths, evoke emotion, and draw inquisitive visitors to its granite spires.
Visitors will find varied hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities at the state park. The Sacramento River also flows through, providing a natural swimming spot in summer months.
🛎️ In need of lodging? River Oak Retreat is the highest rated boutique close to the state park entrance.
Morro Bay State Park
Witness the fabled Morro Rock in person at this San Luis Obispo County state park.
Copper Mountain is well known for being the largest ski destination in Summit County. It`s also considered one of the best winter sports areas in Colorado, appreciated for its diversity of terrain, on-site lodging, and various activities. Tubing, cross-country skiing, and several summer attractions make it a year-round place to visit.
When picturing Morro Bay, one likely envisions the gigantic, protruding Morro Rock. The immense landmark is actually component of the Morro Bay State Park, safeguarded by the national park service. This state park constitutes one of my favored activities found in Morro Bay.
Visit the park’s museum to learn about the history and cultural resources of the area or put on your bathing suit and hit the waves. My favorite activity in the park is hiking along the scenic boardwalk trail or lounging beachside listening to the harmonizing waves breaking.
The park is also a habitat for sailing, fishing, and bird-watching. Camping at the tent or recreational vehicle sites in the park offers a tranquil experience and is completely reasonable at only $35 a night for tents and $50 for full RV utilities.
👉 Don’t Forget: It is important to remember to bring your golf equipment to play at the state park’s scenic 18-hole golf course with spectacular coastal views.
Malibu Creek State Park
Rock climbers, hikers, and equestrians enjoy exploring the canyon locations and perfect granite rock faces found within this popular Los Angeles state park.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Malibu Creek State Park Website
Malibu Creek State Park is a huge, 8,215-acre state park and outdoor playground that’s home to some of the finest hiking and rock climbing in California. Explore the Santa Monica Mountains in depth with a trip to one of the most favored California state parks.
Only 25 miles outside central LA, this is among the top day trips from Los Angeles. This beloved tourist spot allows horseback riding through the ravines and rolling hills, mountain biking routes, and angling from Malibu Creek.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Sepulveda Adobe, a 1863 Chumash construction made using local materials. The California state parks foundation highlights its rich Native American history through such features.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
The sizable 129-foot Burney Falls cascade is sure to create a lasting memory for visitors to this park nestled within the Cascade Mountains range.
📍 Location Map | 🌳 Park Website
McArthur-Burney Falls is a beautifully scenic natural area with breathtaking waterfalls as its prominent attraction. It’s one of the oldest of the California state parks. The jagged mountain range surrounding the park contributes to its mystique and status as one of the finest California state parks.
The 129-foot Burney Falls and its mist-filled basin are the highlights of the park. The park is accessible year-round but summer is the best time to visit the park for the most clement weather. Keep in mind that no vehicle exceeding 32 feet is allowed inside, so you may have to detach your sedan from the rear of your RV before touring the park.
🚗 Need Transportation? Discover Cars is the best way to get around in Northern California. This reliable rental service has sedans, trucks, and cars with 4WD to get you to rugged mountain locations.
Bodie State Historic Park
Visit an old gold mining town amid the Eastern Sierra Mountains, one of the most distinctive California state parks.
📍 Reference Map | 🌳 Bodie State Historic Park Site
Bodie State Historic Park is one of the coolest California state parks. This former ghost town is situated in the Eastern Sierras and retains an antiquated, American mining village charm.
There is an abandoned community of old Gold Rush mining homes at Bodie State Historic Park. Wander the silent streets of the once-bustling town, capture footage of an ironic tumbleweed blowing by, or visit the old town museum for a pleasant afternoon in the Sierra Mountains.
There is a $8 fee for adults and $5 for children to enter, while kids under 3 can go in for free. Be sure to experience one of the top attractions in Northern California.
Topanga State Park
Explore nearly 40 miles of hiking trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains.
📍 Online mapping resource | 🌳 Salt Point State Park digital site
Topanga State Park is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s great for hiking in the hills of Los Angeles and has scenic views of the Pacific Ocean along most of the hikes. Topanga State Park offers a great way to spend an afternoon outside of the large city.
Explore 36 miles of hiking paths through grasslands and live oaks in the state park or attempt the single-track mountain biking trails. Visitors interested in geology can look for signs of faults from earthquakes, fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide array of sedimentary formations.
Topanga is among the more considerable California state parks away from a significant populated zone and is the ideal location for a romantic weekend escape in California.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
A Big Sur hotspot for hiking, swimming, and sightseeing among the rugged California coastline.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Website
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in coastal California boasts some of the most scenic vistas. It shelters secluded coves and crystal-clear Pacific waters surrounded by towering ocean cliffs.
McWay Falls is the primary attraction of this spectacular state park, which drops into the Pacific Ocean from an 80-foot cliff. The park is also home to ancient coast redwood trees, making it one of the top California state parks that shouldn`t be missed.
This Big Sur County park is the highlight of any California vacation and is located within one of the finest destinations to explore in California.
🛎️ Need Accommodations? Alila Ventana Big Suris my favorite intimate hotel in the area situated a brief distance from the state park. It sits on a hillside overlooking the stunning coastline and provides a romantic getaway experience.
Point Lobos State Park
Scuba dive in one of Central California’s premier state parks.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Point Lobos State Park Website
Point Lobos State Park is one of the most scenic California state parks by the sea. Situated just outside of Carmel, one of the most charming cities in California, the California department state park is right on the coast and offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
This is a premier destination for scuba diving in California, as well as photography, painting, and hiking. This distinctive park has uncommon plant species, endangered archaeological sites, exceptional geological formations, and abundant wildlife.
Make sure to book a reservation at the park campsite or a nearby hotel because the majesty of the area will make you want to stay more than a day.
🚙 Have a Recreational Vehicle? Check out our guide to the top RV parks in California.
FAQs About State Parks in California
What is the most popular state park in California?
Crystal Cove State Park is the most visited state park in California. This Orange County coastal park sits right on the pacific ocean offering unparalleled natural beauty compared to other parks in the state.
How many state parks are in the state of California?
California possesses two hundred seventy-nine secured condition woodland, the greatest in the country. These, together with the nine national stops, represent the most delightful, crude biological systems in California.
What is the largest state park in California?
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, encompassing over 600,000 acres of prime California desert housing fragile flora and fauna.
👉 Help with packing for a California trip? Get a printable packing list here!
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Have fun exploring the hiking trails and sleeping under the stars in California`s top state parks. Be sure to check out my selections for the best California National Parks to discover more nature havens in the Golden State.
