California coastal landscape at Mendocino Headlands State Park
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California coastal landscape at Mendocino Headlands State Park

California Parks Explorer, by Sarah Stapleton-Gray

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California State Parks

Welcome to the California State Parks Explorer. You can browse featured parks, parks by county, parks by size, or search for parks. You can also view a gallery, statistics, or news about the state parks.

Preview of MacKerricher State Park - Ocean Trail
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Featured Parks

Antelope Valley CA Poppy State Natural Recreation

Antelope Valley CA Poppy State Natural Reserve

Lancaster, Los Angeles County
1,801 acres
Red Rock Canyon State Park, showing the distinctive layered rock formations, showcasing the dramatic red and orange sedimentary layers that give the park its name.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Cantil, Kern County
25,351 acres
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Crescent City, Del Norte County
31,353 acres
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - Mountain landscape with lake and pine trees

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Arnold, Calaveras County
6,485 acres
Russian Gulch State Park

Russian Gulch State Park

Mendocino, Mendocino County
1,297 acres
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park showing water and volcano.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Fall River Mills, Shasta County
6,515 acres

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California State Park landscape

Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area

Westport, Mendocino County
47 acres
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park showing water and volcano.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Fall River Mills, Shasta County
6,515 acres
Albany State Marine Reserve - Sunset over water with silhouetted mountains

Albany State Marine Reserve

Albany, Alameda County
182 acres
California State Park landscape

Anderson Marsh State Historical Park

Lower Lake, Lake County
1,354 acres
Andrew Molera State Park - Beautiful coastal view with beach cove and rocky cliffs

Andrew Molera State Park

Big Sur, Monterey County
4,698 acres
Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park

Belvedere-Tiburon, Marin County
776 acres
Ano Nuevo State Park

Ano Nuevo State Park

Pescadero, San Mateo County
4,098 acres
Antelope Valley CA Poppy State Natural Recreation

Antelope Valley CA Poppy State Natural Reserve

Lancaster, Los Angeles County
1,801 acres
Antelope Valley Indian Museum - Interior view showing Native American artifacts

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

Lancaster, Los Angeles County
411 acres
California State Park landscape

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Borrego Springs, San Diego County
613,826 acres
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Guerneville, Sonoma County
712 acres
Arthur B Ripley Desert State Park - Joshua trees in a desert landscape

Arthur B Ripley Desert State Park

Lancaster, Los Angeles County
573 acres
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Latest News

Recent stories about California State Parks

What If… State Parks Were Pro Basketball Teams?

What If… State Parks Were Pro Basketball Teams?

November 14, 2025• California State Parks

Traveling is typically a good thing. In California, visitors travel from near and far to visit 280 state parks located all over the Golden State.

ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Connects Native Past and Present through New Multimedia Exhibit

ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Connects Native Past and Present through New Multimedia Exhibit

November 10, 2025• California State Parks

Santa Cruz Mission, completed in 1795 on a hill overlooking the city that carries its name, was the 12th in the chain of Spanish missions along the California coast.

This Veterans Day Visit State Parks That Memorialize Military Heritage in California

This Veterans Day Visit State Parks That Memorialize Military Heritage in California

November 7, 2025• California State Parks

The nation celebrates Veterans Day in honor of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces each year on Nov.

4 Prescribed Burn Facts That May Surprise You

4 Prescribed Burn Facts That May Surprise You

November 6, 2025• California State Parks

California State Parks has a more than 50-year legacy of using prescribed fire to steward the Golden State's public lands.

ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH: Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area Celebrates 50 Years of Sustainable Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation

ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH: Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area Celebrates 50 Years of Sustainable Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation

October 17, 2025• California State Parks

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. On Oct. 1, 1975, the park in the Gabilan Mountains, south of the town of Hollister, became the first property to be specifically acquired as an SVRA.

Top Unforgettable California State Parks to Visit During the Fall Season

Top Unforgettable California State Parks to Visit During the Fall Season

October 1, 2025• California State Parks

With the temperatures cooling and the changing colors in the foliage, fall is one of the best times to visit California’s 280 state parks for a weekend getaway with friends or a nice family day trip.

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