California’s Finest – Top State Parks to Experience

California, often known as the Golden State, is not only famous for its diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities but also for its stunning natural beauty. This beauty is encapsulated in its state parks, which offer unique landscapes and experiences.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the towering redwoods of the north, from the serene deserts to the majestic mountains, these parks showcase the state’s rich biodiversity and geographical variety.

The best state parks in California provide a comprehensive guide for nature lovers, adventurers, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether planning a hiking trip, a camping adventure, or a historical exploration, these parks will indeed offer unforgettable experiences.

The Best State Parks in California 2023

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park, nestled between Corona Del Mar and Laguna on the Pacific Coast Highway, Crystal Cove State Park is a gem of Southern California. This park uniquely blends wild backcountry hikes and a classic sandy beach.

With over 2,400 acres of coastal landscape, vibrant tide pools, and a 3.2-mile beach, it’s a haven for diving, surfing, camping, or simply soaking up the scenery. The park also features the Oceanfront Beachcomber restaurant, Bootlegger Bar, and 24 oceanfront cottages for overnight stays.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California; Anza-Borrego Desert State Park covers a staggering 600,000 acres in Borrego Springs near the Mexican border. The park is renowned for its wildflower blooms in the spring, colourful sunsets, and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. However, due to its harsh desert terrain and high summer temperatures, visitors are advised to prepare adequately and use an all-terrain vehicle for navigation.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Par,k just a few miles from Santa Cruz, is a favourite among hikers and backpackers. It boasts over 4,650 acres of forest and open land, including a 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees. The giant tree in the woods stands 277 feet tall, is 16 feet wide, and is estimated to be 1,500 years old.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park This park is home to the iconic 80-foot McWay Falls, which cascades from a rocky cliff directly onto the beach. The park also features a half-mile trail that offers a fantastic view of the waterfall and a 1-mile round-trip Partington Cove Trail that leads to another nearby rocky beach.

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Empire Mine State Historical Park is in Grass Valley in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, preserving a significant part of California’s Gold Rush history. Visitors can learn about the park’s retired gold mine and historic buildings at the visitor’s center and explore 14 miles of interpretive hiking trails.

Columbia State Historic Park

Columbia State Historical Park offers a comprehensive glimpse into the Gold Rush era. Visitors can walk through the well-preserved town that was the second-largest city during the peak of the Gold Rush, complete with stagecoach rides, a Western-style saloon, and a blacksmith’s shop.

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park, named for the stunning blue-green waters of Lake Tahoe’s southwest corner, teaches Tahoe’s only island, an underwater maritime heritage trail, and the Scandinavian-style stone castle known as Vikingsholm Castle.

Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park, located just north of Sonoma Coast State Park, Salt Point offers some of the best coastal views in Northern California. The park’s 6,000 acres include two campgrounds and 20 miles of hiking trails.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve this park is popular with scuba divers and wildlife enthusiasts who come to explore the dynamic waters of Monterey Bay. The park hosts a large colony of seals, sea lions, and otters.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park As the oldest state park in California, Big Basin Redwood State Park is home to some of the world’s oldest and largest trees. Established in 1902, the park spans 18,000 acres and hosts the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Located about an hour east of Sacramento, this park is the site of the first gold discovery in California. Visitors can learn about local history at the Gold Discovery Museum, try their way at panning for gold, or walk through the park’s oak woodlands.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Located about 50 miles north of Eureka, is one of four parks thatprotectingpercent of California’s remaining old-growth redwoods. The park is a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve and is home to Elk Prairie, a large meadow regularly grazed by Roosevelt elk.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is Located in the Cascade Mountains and centred around Lake Briton in Shasta County; this park is the second-oldest in the California State Park system. The park is known for the 129-foot Burney Falls, which Burney Creek and several underground springs feed.

Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park This park and nature reserve is a habitat for several endangered species and an important breeding site for thousands of elephant seals who migrate there yearly. The park also features dunes and a Marine Education Center.

Limekiln State Park

Limekiln State Park Named for the historic limestone kilns used to extract pure lime from the coastal slopes, Limekiln State Park offers history and scenery on just over 700 acres. The park also offers beach access and 29 dedicated campsites set among redwood groves.

These state parks offer a chance to connect with nature and provide a glimpse into California’s rich history and diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or a nature lover, these parks have something to offer you. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of California’s state parks.

The Best State Parks in California 2023

1. Crystal Cove State Park
2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
3. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
5. Empire Mine State Historic Park
6. Columbia State Historic Park
7. Emerald Bay State Park
8. Salt Point State Park
9. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
10. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
11. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
12. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
13. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
14. Año Nuevo State Park
15. Limekiln State Park