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 Park landscape

Moonlight State Beach

Encinitas, San Diego County
16 acres
California State Park landscape

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County
2,842 acres
California State Park landscape

Morro Strand State Beach

Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County
195 acres
California State Park landscape

Moss Landing State Beach

Watsonville, Monterey County
65 acres
California State Park landscape

Mount Diablo State Park

Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County
19,749 acres
California State Park landscape

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Idyllwild, Riverside County
Mount Tamalpais State Park - Dramatic coastal cliffs with fog rolling in

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mill Valley, Marin County
6,407 acres
California State Park landscape

Natural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County
64 acres
California State Park landscape

Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Albion, Mendocino County
730 acres
California State Park landscape

New Brighton State Beach

Capitola, Santa Cruz County
156 acres
California State Park landscape

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

Oceano, San Luis Obispo County
3,459 acres
California State Park landscape

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Borrego Springs, San Diego County
72,084 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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