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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Asilomar State Beach - Dramatic coastal waves crashing against rocks

Asilomar State Beach

Pacific Grove, Monterey County
106 acres
Auburn State Recreation Area - River winding through a forested canyon

Auburn State Recreation Area

Auburn, El Dorado County
33,338 acres
California State Park landscape

Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Guerneville, Sonoma County
5,689 acres
Azalea State Natural Recreation Area A wooden A-frame structure nestled in the forest

Azalea State Natural Reserve

McKinleyville, Humboldt County
35 acres
Bale Grist Mill State Historical Park - A historic wooden mill with water wheel

Bale Grist Mill State Historical Park

St. Helena, Napa County
1 acres
Bean Hollow State Beach - Sandy beach with coastal vegetation

Bean Hollow State Beach

Pescadero, San Mateo County
49 acres
Benbow State Recreation Area - Hillside with golden trees against blue sky

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

Garberville, Humboldt County
1,138 acres
Benicia Capitol State Historical Park

Benicia Capitol State Historical Park

Benicia, Solano County
1 acres
California State Park landscape

Benicia State Recreation Area

Benicia, Solano County
487 acres
California State Park landscape

Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area

Byron, Alameda County
608 acres
California State Park landscape

Bidwell Mansion State Historical Park

Chico, Butte County
5 acres
California State Park landscape

Bidwell Sacramento River State Park

Chico, Butte County
295 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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