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

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Marina, Monterey County
982 acres
California State Park landscape

Fort Ross State Historical Park

Jenner, Sonoma County
3,374 acres
California State Park landscape

Fort Tejon State Historical Park

Lebec, Kern County
650 acres
California State Park landscape

Franks Tract State Recreation Area

Bethel Island, Contra Costa County
3,592 acres
California State Park landscape

Fremont Peak State Park

San Juan Bautista, Monterey County
159 acres
California State Park landscape

Garrapata State Park

Carmel, Monterey County
2,900 acres
California State Park landscape

Gaviota State Park

Goleta, Santa Barbara County
2,712 acres
California State Park landscape

George J Hatfield State Recreation Area

Hilmar-Irwin, Merced County
62 acres
California State Park landscape

Governor's Mansion State Historical Park

Sacramento, Sacramento County
1 acres
California State Park landscape

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Pacifica, San Mateo County
3 acres
California State Park landscape

Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Stevinson, Merced County
2,881 acres
California State Park landscape

Greenwood State Beach

Elk, Mendocino County
58 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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