The Santa Monica State Beach is a pretty long stretch of beach, and there are paid parking lots down it - with bathrooms and restaurants and playgrounds as well. When visiting LA with my husband and brother this past weekend, I knew I couldn't leave California without walking along the beach and taking in some ocean views. So we picked a parking lot ($7 for the day on a Tuesday; it was pretty empty) and walked along the beach for a bit. It was a grayish day, but it was still lovely to walk along the beach and watch and smell the ocean before heading back to wintery, rainy, gray Nashville. If your visit includes weekdays, I suggest visiting on the beach on a weekday - it was pretty empty! Very relaxing place to visit!See more..
4.5Old Town San Diego State Historic Park(5.673 reviews) - Loved It! Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Historic Walking Areas
Historic site in downtown San Diego that recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872.See more..
5.0Point Lobos(4.847 reviews) - Worth it to spend a few hours and get great photos! Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
Home to a rich marine habitat, this nature reserve is popular for both whale-watching (in winter) and spotting sea lions (all year round). With amazing natural landscapes, it's great for hiking along the ocean or simply strolling around and taking in the magnificent rocky coastline lined with rare Monterey cypress trees. If you’re into water activities, go kayaking or even scuba diving among 70-foot-high kelp forests and diverse marine life. Parking spaces are limited, so get there in the early morning to grab a spot. Otherwise, sign up for a guided tour that will take you straight into the reserve. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve(3.788 reviews) - Best hike ever! Friday: 7:15 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.See more..
5.0Marin Headlands(1.891 reviews) - Best Vantage point to View the Golden Gate Bridge State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.See more..
First the bad news. Arrived at about 3:00 pm. Parking for one hour was $5 or $10 until sunset. I opted for the $10 pass. There are four lots strung out over the 3.5 mile length of the park. A path runs its course along the top but there are a few places where one can go down to go down to the beach. I didn’t find beach access from lot 2 but there is two access parts from the path that can be accessed from parking lot 1. Depending on the tide, beach walking may require shedding the shoes. There are several overlook point where one can take beautiful pictures. I wasn’t able to do the entire length of the walking path due to time constraints. See more..
5.0Redwood National Park(1.158 reviews) - Amazing 2 day trip State Parks • National Parks • Hiking Trails
This massive natural reservation, located on the scenic coastline of Northern California, consists of nearly 140,000 acres of stunning redwood rainforest. It's a must-visit spot for nature lovers who enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking. There are multiple trails to explore the park's many wonders, from its majestic sequoias and towering Douglas firs to the stunning Lady Bird Johnson Grove. You might even spot wildlife like the majestic Roosevelt elk and the colorful banana slug. The best time to visit is in summer—make sure to pack layers as it can get chilly. Admission to the park is free, but the three state parks within the park charge a day-use fee. – TripadvisorSee more..
5.0Asilomar State Beach(1.060 reviews) - Absolutely beautiful beach State Parks • Beaches
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.See more..
4.5Anza-Borrego Desert State Park(988 reviews) - Pleasant Hike at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Deserts • Scenic Drives
The largest state park in California is home to amazing flowers and plants which bloom in the early spring.See more..
MacKerricher is a great place to observe whales, and it also provides a habitat for several rare plant species.See more..
5.0Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park(734 reviews) - Worth the Drive to Hike Through This Amazing Park Spent 1-2 hours State Parks
Minutes away from the city, this park has old redwoods.See more..
4.5Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park(733 reviews) - Amazing "Free Park". Hurry and don't linger there. State Parks
Review: I hated every state parks because they cost money, but you can walk in trails with limited time for free. Limited parking time is enough for a small hiking trip with a picnic. The tall redwoods are amazing. A big quiet river flow slowly. There's tables for picnic. Blue birds will fly very close towards you. The park is a nice protected environment in the harsh Big Sur lands, I would pick this out of all the Big Sur state parks. Useful Plans For You If You Want To Go There: My family started the second day of SF-LA trip. We went from Monterey to Pismo Beach. I suggest you to buy lunch in Monterey and serve in the picnic tables. Hike the river trail. Pass the water. Have your lunch at the lunch tables. Hurry, or you can't reach San Luis Obispo by sunset. There's not a single campground or hotel for you after this park.See more..
OPEN 365 DAYS a YEAR -- THERE IS NO FEE -- Built between 1908 and 1909, and extensively restored, it is one of the most complete Lightstations in the U.S. and hosts visitors, vacation rentals, receptions and weddings, plus education programs for classes of local students. There is a parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse with its public restroom. Enjoy the half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings. There is parking for vehicles with Disabled placards at the bottom of the hill. There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. The Light Station includes the Lighthouse, which is an active duty Aid to Navigation, containing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens. -- Three restored Lightkeeper homes; the first is a period museum of a lightkeeper's house in the 1930s; the other two houses are comfortable vacation rental homes, -- The restored Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop houses the Marine Science Exhibit with its 240 gallon saltwater aquarium, -- Two lovely vacation rental cottages, and public restrooms, one by the lightkeepers houses and another in the Kearn farmhouse. THERE IS NO FEE to tour the Lighthouse museum/giftshop or the period museum lightkeeper's house, although your donations are welcome. The Lighthouse, 1st Assistant Lightkeeper's House and Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round, including holidays. The State Historic Park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily.See more..
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the nation's largest national park in an urban area, encompasses nearly 81,000 acres. Spanning Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties, Golden Gate National Recreation Area also includes areas such as Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Presidio of San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands.See more..
With a stunning landscape shaped by volcanic forces and natural erosion, this magnificent state park is a must-see whenever you’re in Burney. Wander through lush forests, spot a range of wildlife, and check out the 129-foot Burney Falls—a National Natural Landmark. Its three main hiking trails get you right up close. A portion of Lake Britton is also accessible for swimming, boating, water sports, fishing, and more. This popular park sees the most travelers between April and October, and is especially packed on the weekends, so mid-week is the best time to visit for fewer crowds. – TripadvisorSee more..
A great network of biking trails make this state park a perfect destination for expert and beginner bikers alike.See more..
4.5Columbia State Historic Park(536 reviews) - Pan for Gold or Ride in a Stagecoach at Columbia State Park Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks
This historic Gold Rush town was made a state park in 1945. Between the 1850s and 1870s over one-half billion dollars in gold (at today's value) was mined in the area.See more..
We did not reach the main area of this State Park but enjoyed the Boardwalk at the end of Linden Street. At the parking lot, there was a ping pong table, and musicians playing their guitars. We enjoyed seeing families playing on the beach but stayed on the Boardwalk with beautiful flowers surrounding it and lovely views of the ocean. We could not believe how pristine the beach was!See more..
Point Dume is a majestic headland that juts out onto the Pacific Ocean, with a boardwalk and viewing point that offers splendid views of Santa Monica Bay. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to the white sand. Unwind and watch thrillseekers rock climb and repel off the cliffs that tower over the beach. Hit the trails and make your way up yourself. The cliffs offer spectacular 360-degree views and are a great place to catch a glimpse of grey whales on their migration between December and April. You’ll also have a chance to spot birds, dolphins, and seals on this easy hike. – TripadvisorSee more..
This state park, established in 1923, is part of the Redwoods National and State Park System.See more..
4.5Fort Ross State Historic Park(383 reviews) - Interesting history that is worth the stop Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • State Parks
Originally built by Russians in 1812, Fort Ross became a state park in 1909. Today the 3,400 acre park offers pristine natural landscapes as well as historic structures and exhibits that bring to life the former Imperial Russian settlement, early California Ranch era, and the Kashia territory. Our visitor center showcases a museum, bookshop, and an 18-minute video introducing the park's history. Some points of interest: Russian Orthodox chapel, replica Russian-style windmill, historic buildings and exhibits, cannons, historic cemetery and orchard, and a San Andreas Fault marker. You can also enjoy Sandy Cove Beach and numerous trails. Activities include hiking, swimming, marine mammal watching, and more.See more..
We really enjoyed our visit here and all the unique formations. This place is definitely unique. Make sure you visit the visitors center to learn more about the history of this lake and the tufas. This lake has not only unusual formations but the saltiness of the water makes it the home of hundreds of brine shrimp which are harvested from the lake. The tufas at the south end of the lake are the best.See more..
This park's view of the Mendocino headlands is enhanced by a spectacular array of wildflowers.See more..
4.5Mission San Juan Bautista(294 reviews) - Worth the drive Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM State Parks • Missions
This is my favorite mission to come to. Their gift shop has the most to offer in comparison to other missions. Beautiful grounds,spacious and always well kept. The church is nice and is also where a scene from Vertigo was filmed. Outside in the front there's a big square with pretty views of the town, and a historic park across from the mission which you can admire from the outside or pay a small fee to see some more history inside the small park. I also found a little garden area across the street and there's a little old town with cute shops and places to eat. Definitley a nice day trip with lots to see!See more..
4.5Crescent Beach(278 reviews) - Lovely beach! State Parks
A coastal state park which offers tours to a nearby lighthouse.See more..
4.5Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park(273 reviews) - Gold Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a state park of California, United States, marking the discovery of gold by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush.See more..
Spectacular walk along the stunning Pacific Coast. A must see! Sheer cliffs & crashing waves make this very picturesque. There are also opportunities to see seals but they weren’t out this day. A pretty good hike so not for those unable to walk. Also, the rocky open ledges can be treacherous for children so be mindful. Take a camera! See more..
4.5Limekiln State Park(258 reviews) - Big Sur Camping at Limekiln State Parks
What a beautiful campground. Dawnette and her husband the camp host were extremely helpful and was able to score us a spot since we didn't have a reservation. The second night we moved to the most beautiful and best spot #29. We watched a deer and her fawn eat nearby. The soothing sound of the creek the trees plus on the other side of the campground was a beautiful beach. They have 3 hiking trails we took which were easy. Loved the waterfall hike. My husband and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary since our Hawaii trip was scrapped due to Covid-19. I feel we had a much better time seeing Big Sur and the California coastline than going to Hawaii and the best part was camping at Limekiln Campground.See more..
4.5Malibu Creek State Park(255 reviews) - nice nature, all day spend expect most trails no shade Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM State Parks • Parks
Used as a setting for many television shows and movies, this park offers every type of backdrop from volcanic cliffs and babbling creeks to gorges and waterfalls.See more..
I do this hike EVERY time I go to Tahoe, mostly cuz it's walking distance from my hotel, but also cuz it's my happy place. I basically tag the waterfall then turn around. It's never too busy, but also not so quiet that it feels spooky. If you see me up there don't judge me for lip syncing to the music on my headphones.See more..
4.5Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach(244 reviews) - Peaceful Beach for Artists like Myself Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM State Parks • Beaches
I the Leo Carrillo Beach and it is one of my favorite beaches on the PCH whenever I go to visit family in LA. On my last visit I watched an artist paint a gorgeous seascape/landscape. It was so peaceful to see all the activity around me and hear the soothing waves. I am looking forward to going back soon and bringing my own canvas to paint on next time. See more..
4.5Van Damme State Park(239 reviews) - So beautiful, so wuiet State Parks • Beaches
Picturesque spot known for its Pygmy Forest of small trees and Fern Canyon.See more..
Located on the grounds of an old Chinese fishing settlement, this park includes over 1,500 acres of beaches, hiking trails and picnic grounds.See more..
4.5Mount Diablo State Park(209 reviews) - Great Views Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks • Mountains
4.5Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness(196 reviews) - Take only photos; leave only foot steps. Leave no trace. Stop movement. Inhale. Release. State Parks • Mountains
This 13,000-acre park offers over 50 miles of trails in the mountains soaring above the Sonora desert.See more..
This 300-acre park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry and tells the story of this industry's role in the history and development of California. Fruit Tastings at the Visitor Center/Museum Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, please stop by our museum/visitor center. You can roam the museum, and we will have fresh fruit to taste on the back patio! Tastings are offered from 10 am to 3:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Entrance to the museum/visitor center is free, with paid $5 parking fee. Guided Tours Join us for a free guided grove tour where you can learn about California's historic citrus industry and experience the horticultural aspects of a working grove. Our tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:00am and 2:00pm.See more..
