Park, California State

State Parks

Situated on the banks of the Eel River, the 45-acre park is known for its towering redwoods and serene-like atmosphere.

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This is not the most easily accessible state park in California, since you will need a boat in order to visit.

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This 1,065-acre park is more than just a breathtaking area of grass-covered marshes, rolling hills, and oak woodlands.

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With dramatic views overlooking Big Sur, this state park is a stunning mix of rugged coastline, cascading waterfalls, and forested meadows.

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Located 10 miles off the coast of San Francisco, this state park is the largest natural island in the Bay.

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This 4,209-acre nature reserve is one of the biggest habitats and breeding grounds for Northern elephant seals, California sea lions, sea otters, and other pinniped colonies.

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A visit to this park from February to May will undoubtedly reward you with one of the most stunning views in all of California.

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Step back in history and explore centuries of Native American history at this historic state park.

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Covering over half a million acres, this is the largest state park in the entire state of California.

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This 805-acre park is a protected reserve of beautiful, old-growth redwood forests.

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Famous for its mature stands of Joshua trees and Juniper groves, this 566-acre state park is a beautiful place to see the native flora of Antelope Valley.

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This 1-mile stretch of beach on the Monterey Peninsula is one of the more peaceful places to spend an afternoon.

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Located in the former heart of California Gold Country, this state park has its roots in gold mining.

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You can find this state park in Sonoma County, next to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

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As its name implies, this state park is dedicated to preserving the colorful western azalea flower, which blooms bright pink and white petals.

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Located between Calistoga and St. Helena, this 5-acre park is famous for its water-powered corn and wheat grain mill.

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A short 10-minute drive from Pescadero takes you to this lovely beach and state park.

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This park was named after a hydroelectric dam that was built over the South Fork Eel River in 1931.

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Visit this historic park and see the historic Benicia Capitol Building.

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This 447-acre plot of land in Solano County encompasses a diverse landscape of beaches, marshes, and grasslands.

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Thrill-seekers should make sure to add this state park to their list of must-see attractions.

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This historic site was once the home of John Bidwell, a congressman, rancher, and the founder of Chico, California.

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If a day out on the water sounds like an ideal way to spend your time, then make sure to visit this state park near Butte and Glenn County.

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Californias oldest state park is a must-see for anyone passing through Santa Cruz County.

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Tucked away on the eastern hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range sits this historic ghost town.

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Enjoy a day of sun and surf when you come to this beautiful beach north of Huntington Beach in Orange County.

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Nestled right on the border to Mexico, this state park contains the southernmost point of the state of California.

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You would never believe this beautiful park is located in the middle of California wine country.

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Although it is not the largest state park in California (it only clocks in at 329 acres), this recreational area has plenty of exciting attractions and activities to keep you occupied.

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The perfect mix of history and nature, this park was once a sheep and cattle ranch that produced dairy and other milk products during the late 1800s.

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Ideal for year-round adventure, this park is located near one of the busiest outdoor recreation areas in California.

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California may have many redwood forests, but this state park is one of the most stunning.

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If you are looking to see those giant sequoia trees that California is known for, then make sure to stop by this state park in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

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Southern California is synonymous with oranges, and this agricultural site is one of the best places to learn about its cultural and economic impact.

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This 51-acre plot of land was recently given to the California State Parks system by the city of West Sacramento.

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This museum is one of the most politically significant places you can explore in California.

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Visit the Mariposa State Fair Grounds, and you'll find this fascinating museum dedicated to the history of mining.

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Located between the Pico Creek bridge and the city of San Simeon, this nature preserves snakes for 5.8 miles along the California coastline.

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This is one of the coolest urban parks in San Francisco, with numerous hiking trails, two fishing piers, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.

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San Diego is home to many sun-soaked beaches, but this one mile south of Cardiff is one of the most peaceful.

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This 44-acre park in Carlsbad is a wonderful place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

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This 1-mile long stretch of beach is the clear highlight of this 297-acre park in Carmel.

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As one of the eight state vehicular recreation areas (SVRAs) in California, this riding area is made for adventure.

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A short drive south of Santa Barbara will drop you at this small but beautiful beach.

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Whether you are in the mood for sun, exercise, or wildlife viewing, this park in Mendocino County has something for you to enjoy.

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This park is mostly known for being home to the crystal blue Castaic Lake, a 320,000-acre body of water located in the Sierra Pelona Mountains.

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These impressive 170-million-year-old rock formations are some of the most stunning natural wonders of Northern California.

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If you have ever driven through Santa Cruz, then you have probably already seen parts of this state park.

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Built-in 1848, this two-story building is one of the finest examples of an adobe Mexican Rancho.

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Thanks to the state department, this park now protects over 200 acres of endangered Riparian Oak Woodland ecosystem.

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A few steps from the charming town center of Cayucos is this sandy beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

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For over 300 years, the land in this state park was inhabited by a melting pot of cultures, including native Miwok tribes, Spanish colonists, and more recently, Chinese immigrants.

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Between the rolling grass hills, historic oak groves, and shrub-covered valleys, this impressive state park is one of the most beautiful places in the Santa Ana Mountains.

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Take a peek inside this cave, and you will see some of the best-preserved rock paintings in all of California.

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If you are ready to take your motorcycle, ATV, or 4x4 vehicle for a wild adventure, then look no further than this 220-acre recreational area.

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This park is perched on the southwestern banks of Clear Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in California and the oldest lake (2.5 million years old) on the entire continent.

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This historic state park is located in the former town of Allensworth, which was the only place in California to be completely financed and governed by African Americans.

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To learn more about the Gold Rush that swept through the state of California, check out this living history museum in downtown Columbia.

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For a day of fishing, head to this state recreation area near downtown Colusa.

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A popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, this 30-acre state beach sits right on the coast of Corona del Mar in Newport Beach.

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Running for 3.2 miles along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, this state park is a picture-perfect spot for nature lovers.

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Sitting 5,000-feet in elevation along the Peninsular Range, this park provides a unique environment for many different types of conifers and broadleaf trees, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in Southern California.

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If you are visiting Lake Tahoe, stop by this park on the western shore for amazing views and exciting hiking trails.

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For the perfect mix of ocean and forest, head to this state park in Northern California.

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This state beach has one of the more unique views in Los Angeles.

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Attracting over 1 million visitors a year, this is easily one of the most popular beaches in the entire state of California and for a good reason.

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If the name of this park sounds familiar, it is because it is the location where members of the infamous Donner Party were trapped.

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Sitting high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the western shore of Lake Tahoe is this beautiful park.

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Located on the Gaviota Coast, this 2,624-acre beach is ideal for day visitors and overnight guests.

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Located in downtown Santa Barbara in-between Anacapa and Garden Street is one of the last remaining military outposts from Spains occupation.

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Covering 1,533-acres across the Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, this stunning park is marked by mountainous cliffs and deep blue waters.

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This reserve is home to one of the most unspoiled marshlands in Northern California.

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There is a little bit of something for everyone at this state beach near the Santa Barbara Channel.

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During the California Gold Rush, miners produced over 5.8 million ounces of gold from this underground mine in Grass Valley.

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The diverse ecosystems of wetlands, coastal bluffs, and rocky tidelands make this 353-acre state park a scenic stop for anyone on a road trip along State Route 1.

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This 19,564-acre park surrounds Californias 9th-largest reservoir Folsom Lake.

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Built in 1895, this hydroelectric powerhouse was one of the first places in the country to generate electricity from running water.

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An astounding 80% of this 10,000-acre park is covered in a dense redwood forest, which is impressive considering the lands history.

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If you are a fan of military history, then a visit to this state park is a must.

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Position right on the coast of Monterey Bay, visitors to this state park will get to enjoy sweeping views over the ocean.

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From 1812 to 1841, this land was one of the southernmost settlements of Russias colonization efforts.

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This park is nestled along the Tejon Pass, which sits between the San Emigdio and Tehachapi Mountains.

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This unusual recreational area has been completely submerged in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta since the 1930s when the False River levee broke and flooded the land.

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Home to the iconic Fremont Peak, this 162-acre state park is the ideal setting for hikers, photographers, and birdwatchers.

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The rocky coastal shoreline of this state park is just one of the main reasons to visit.

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This 2787-acre park is one of the three major parks along the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara. Besides the pristine water views, most people come here for the excellent hiking trails.

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It may not be the most well-known park in California, but this little slice of paradise on the Merced River is a wonderful place to escape into nature.

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This 3-story Victorian mansion in Sacramento has historically been the main residence for California state governors.

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This small but picturesque 3-acre park is a great place to visit for dramatic coastal views.

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Established in 1982, this state park was created by merging together the former San Luis Island and Fremont Ford State Recreation Area parks.

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Located in the former logging town of Elk, this 47-acre beach is a quiet destination along the Pacific Coast.

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Skip the crowds and head to this state park to immerse yourself in century-old redwood forests.

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Situated in the Sierra Nevada near the Great Basin, this state park is known for its bizarre, green-watered hot springs.

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Stretching for 2-miles along the Pacific Ocean, this park is actually made up of four different beaches - Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice, and Francis.

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If you are looking for a place to hike along the coast near San Luis Obispo, then this natural park is an ideal place to visit.

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Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy a peaceful day at this quiet area near the Humboldt Lagoons State Park.

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Arguably the most iconic home in California, this magnificent hilltop castle is a rare glimpse into aristocratic society.

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This sprawling 3,409-acre park is home to notable attractions like the Hearst Castle, the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve, and the San Simeon Natural Preserve.

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Hugging the border between California and Mexico, this vehicular recreation area is a mecca for ATV riders, motorcyclists, and dirt bikers.

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Tucked away in the Anderson Valley sits this 816-acre park. Here, you'll find one of the last remaining old-growth forests, with massive 1,000-year-old redwoods towering over 300-feet in the air.

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As one of the most popular attractions in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this state park is a must-visit for any nature lover.

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This park protects an astonishing 87,000-acres of the Diablo Mountain range, making it the largest state-owned park in the state.

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Californias first state vehicular recreation area is a thrilling 6,800-acre property full of rolling hills, steep canyons, and oak woodlands.

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The four lagoons that make up this state park are part of the largest lagoon system in the whole country.

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After years of logging in the early 1900s, very few natural forests remain in California.

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Californias third-largest vehicular recreation area is a whopping 19,000-acres of scenic trails for both beginner and experienced riders.

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If you are ever been to Southern California, you are enviably heard of the charming surf town Huntington Beach.

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Situated in a small valley in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this park is famous for its marbleized limestone rocks and bedrock mortars.

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Take a short drive into the Coachella Valley, and you will end up at this park.

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Before it was a park, this ranch was the home of Jack London, one of Americas most famous journalists, from 1905 until he died in 1916.

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An astounding 7% of the worlds remaining old-growth redwoods can be found in this state park near the Oregon California border.

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Although it is one of the more undeveloped nature preserves in California, this park is still a great place to see the groves of native redwoods.

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The awe-inspiring ocean views from the bluffs of this natural reserve are nothing short of amazing.

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Rocky bluffs, never-ending coastlines, and cascading waterfalls are just a sample of what you will get to see when you visit this state park.

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If you need a break from the high-rises and urban environment of Los Angeles, then spend a few relaxing hours in this state park.

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Boasting almost 1,000-feet of shorefront along the northern part of Lake Tahoe, this park is a popular destination for recreational activities.

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If you are in town during early spring, then a visit to this natural reserve in Northern California is an absolute must.

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At the heart of this sprawling 29,447-acre park sits Lake Oroville, the second-largest reservoir in all of California.

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Despite being completely man-made, Lake Perris is a flourishing habitat for some of the countries most elusive creatures.

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Grab your clubs and play a round of golf at the on-site 18-hole course in this state recreation area.

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This beautifully restored Spanish mission is an authentic glimpse into life during the 18th and 19th-centuries.

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Situated right in the heart of downtown Sacramento, this state park is home to a historic Victorian mansion built in the mid 1850s.

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This rugged beauty along the Malibu Coast is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

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Referred to by the locals as "Beacon Beach," this coastal shoreline is just a mere 10.6-acres wide.

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There are many amazing surf spots in Santa Cruz, including this small state beach on the north end of Monterey Bay, which is home to the iconic Steamer Lane surfing area and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

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In the late 1880s, this area was used by the Rockland Lime and Lumber Company for limestone harvesting.

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Nestled at the mouth of the Little River, this 152-acre beach is a wild and unspoiled area just a few miles north of Eureka.

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In between the restaurants, cafes, and wine bars near downtown LAs Chinatown sits an urban oasis where visitors can unwind after a day of shopping or sightseeing.

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This historic park is home to the Rancho Los Encinos, a 19th-century ranch that was used for cattle and sheep grazing.

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This 85-acre park is one of the best places to see a diverse collection of native Californian foliage.

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It is hard to summarize what makes this state park so special.

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Learn more about the history of the California gold rush with a visit to this park.

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Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains just a stones throw outside of downtown Los Angeles sits this protected 8,215-acre state park.

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A landmark amongst the surfing community, this state beach put California on the map as one of the countrys best surfing destinations.

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With over 18,000-feet of Pacific Ocean beachfront, this state park is one of the more rural places in California for wildlife watching.

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Comprised of rugged sand dunes and unspoiled coastal wetlands, this state park is one of the more rustic places to visit.

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This 138-acre beach is perched on the shores of Monterey Bay and boasts amazing coastal views of the ocean and surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains.

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For pristine views over the glistening Tomales Bay, head to this state park in Marin County.

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This beach is easily the best place on Monterey Bay for extreme sports.

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Established in 2012, this is one of the newest state parks in the California park system, although its history extends back over 7,000 years.

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When James W. Marshall discovered gold here in 1848, it created a frenzy that would forever change the shape of Californias history.

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Admiring the mighty 129-foot Burney Falls is one of the main reasons why visitors come to this state park.

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Grab your fishing pole and head to this recreation area. It sits right on the banks of the Merced River and is known for its abundant catfish, black bass, and perch population.

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Encompassing 8.5-miles of shoreline along San Francisco Bay, this park is a rich environment of wetland, marsh, and mudflat habitats.

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History and nature collide at this stunning state park along the coast near Mendocino.

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For a weekend camping in the forest, head to this 720-acre state park just a couple of miles east of downtown Mendocino.

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Blocked by the Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River, this 1,675-square mile lake is completely man-made.

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These unusual rock formations protruding from the middle of Mono Lake are called "tufa towers."

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Spanish for "Mountain of Gold," this park surprisingly is not related to the California Gold Rush.

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Just off State Route 1 north of Half Moon Bay, sits one of the cleanest beaches in the entire state of California.

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California is a melting pot of American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures, all of which are represented in this historic park.

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This beachfront on the southern shores of Monterey Bay is the perfect spot for many different recreational activities.

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Surround yourself in over 1,323-acres of towering redwood groves when you spend the day at this majestic nature reserve.

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This is a great all-around beach for both families and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Grab your tent and a couple of friends and make your way to this state park for a night under the stars.

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This beach along the north part of Morro Bay is a quiet but scenic place to stop for lunch.

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This small state park is one of the best places to see the rare Western Snowy Plover, a small shorebird that nests directly on the sandy shores of the beach.

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With over 20,000 acres to explore, you will have no problem finding something to keep you occupied during your visit to this state park.

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Although it is located in Southern California, do not expect to have sunshine and warm weather during your visit to this park.

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Home to sprawling oak groves and redwood forests, this park covers more than 6,300-acres of California landscape.

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This 65-acre state park in Santa Cruz is primarily known for two things its naturally-carved stone bridge and its population of migrating Monarch Butterflies.

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As you head towards the Pacific Ocean down Highway 128, you will enter the Anderson Valley and drive through an 11-mile stretch of redwood forest.

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Between the tree-covered bluffs and soft sand beaches, this beach is the ideal setting for a day outdoors.

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Take your ATV or motorbike on a thrilling adventure as you cruise across the dunes and beaches of this sprawling recreation area in Oceano.

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Enjoy over 85,000-acres of desert, dunes, and even bubbling mud pools as you explore this park by ATV, motorbike, or dune buggy.

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Considered a U.S. National Historic Landmark District, this area of Sacramento includes over 50 historical buildings built during the Gold Rush era.

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Take a trip down memory lane and visit this historic park to learn more about the early days of San Diego.

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This 700-acre park has a history that dates back to 6,000 BC when native Coast Miwok tribes made this area their main village.

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Originally part of the El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga Mexican land grant, which was gifted to Francisco Pacheco in 1843.

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With a 0.75 mile crescent shaped beach, this is one of the longest of the Pacifica beaches.

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The landscape of this park is rather unusual for Southern California.

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This state park has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor adventure.

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Located next to the Oregon border, this is the northernmost beach in all of California.

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With two miles of unspoiled coastline, this state beach has both sandy and rocky shores.

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This park is home to one of the largest Monterey Colonial-style adobe houses.

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Considered to be a mini version of Yosemite National Park, this 1,006-acre property is known for its ancient redwood trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old.

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Nestled on the banks of the Colorado River, this recreation area was once the site of an old gold mining town.

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This park is home to the tallest lighthouse on the west coast.

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This park is home to the El Ranchito Mansion, the final home of Californias most prominent historical figure - Governor Pio Pico.

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Whether you are looking for a day of relaxation or a thrilling outdoor adventure, this state beach has something that you will surely enjoy.

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Six years from the Gold Rush, a man named Francisco Lopez discovered gold flakes on the roots of wild onions he pulled from the ground.

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History buffs and nature lovers will both enjoy a visit to this state park.

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Built-in 1909, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is the main attraction of this coastal state park.

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Although it is only 63-acres in size, this state beach has a wild mix of rocky cliffs, coastal bluffs, rolling grasslands, and golden sand beaches.

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There are very few places as stunningly beautiful as this nature reserve.

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The diverse landscapes of this state park make it one of the coolest places to visit in California.

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With over 80-acres of land and 1.5-miles of coastline to explore, this state beach is one of the most beautiful sites of Santa Barbara County.

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This park on the Big Sur coastline is home to the only accessible lighthouse from the late 1800s in California.

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If you are looking for a scenic pit stop along State Route 1, then this beach is just for you.

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Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to this state park in San Mateo County.

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The majority of this 14,000-acre park is covered in old-growth redwood forests, including the legendary Big Tree, Corkscrew Redwood, and the Cathedral Trees.

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Overlooking the Mojave Desert, this park on the eastern side of the Providence Mountains is an excellent spot for hiking and wildlife viewing.

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California railway history is alive and well at this historic park in Jamestown.

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The bizarre desert cliffs and rust-red buttes are some of the most iconic landmarks in this state park.

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Lined with swaying palms and rocky outcroppings, this beach is one of the more unique places to visit along the Gaviota Coast.

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Take a drive down Highway 101, and you will come across this park while crossing into Humboldt County.

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This protected wilderness area in Mendocino County is a local-favorite spot for hiking.

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This area is actually comprised of three different pocket beaches on the coast of Malibu.

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In between wine tastings, it is worth stopping by this state park in between Sonoma and Napa County.

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Although this beach has been a popular tourist attraction since the late 1880s, it looks far different than how it is today.

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Perched over a rocky coastline overlooking the ocean, this state park has a diverse landscape of sandy beaches and steep canyons.

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Although this park has almost 3,000-acres of land to explore, most visitors come to see the iconic Saddleback Butte.

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While the waters may be too strong for swimming or boating, this beach is the perfect place to marvel at Mother Natures beauty.

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Theres a lot of discovery in this Northern California park.

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Surrounding the landlocked Salton Sea, this recreation area is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring this fascinating saltwater pool.

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Home to the picturesque Lagunitas Creek, the grass-covered Barnabe Peak, and over 600-acres of old-growth forest, this park has plenty to offer in terms of beautiful landscapes.

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Sandwiched between Brisbane, South San Francisco, Colma, and Daly City, this residential park is one of the more urbanized areas of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range.

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Venture is home to some pretty fantastic beaches, but this one might be the most beautiful.

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Located halfway between the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, this is considered to be the most popular beach in California for almost 100 years.

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Just steps away from the laid-back community of Cardiff sits this 2-mile beach.

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Although not as developed as other beaches near Half Moon Bay, this one is the perfect escape for those looking for peace and quiet.

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This park is home to the former Mission San Juan Bautista, the 15th Spanish Mission in present-day California.

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Comprised of three different bodies of water (San Luis Reservoir, ONeill Forebay, and Los Banos Creek), this recreation area is famous for its water sports.

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Clocking in as one of the most visited parks in California, this beach attracts swimmers, hikers, anglers, boaters, surfers, and vacationers.

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Despite having one of the most spectacular views over the Pasqual Valley, this park has a dark history that should never be forgotten.

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This park is home to the last remaining building from the 12th California Mission (Mision la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz) that was founded in 1791.

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As one of the most iconic places in Southern California, this beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Santa Monica.

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Located at the foothills of the Simi Hills and the Santa Susana Mountains, this park is marked by its sandstone canyons and dense vegetation, which is unique considering its central location next to Burbank and Los Angeles.

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Even if you have not heard the name of this beach before, you probably know about one of its most prominent attractions Bowling Ball Beach.

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This state beach may have beautiful golden shores and towering cliffs, but it also has something most other beaches do not a sunken concrete warship.

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Once a thriving mining town, the 19th-century buildings of Shasta are now preserved inside this historic park.

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With 2-miles of soft, golden sand hugging both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, this park is one of Southern Californias most beloved areas.

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Centered around the 73,000-acre Silverwood Lake, this park gives visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

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If you are looking for an unspoiled coastline with relatively few tourists, then look no further than this state park.

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Although this natural reserve may be known for its massive redwood trees, it also features a lush forest of Douglas firs, willows, giant chinquapins, black oaks, and ponderosa pines.

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When this state park was founded in 1909, it only featured one site the 21st Mission San Francisco Solano.

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The rugged landscape of this park is a diverse mix of coastal prairies, marine terraces, and rocky shorelines.

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Whether you are here for the day or the weekend, you will enjoy the scenic sea views when you visit this state beach.

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Stretching for 20 miles along the banks of the South Yuba River, this park has plenty to offer nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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For thousands of years, indigenous tribes inhabited that land of what we now call modern-day California.

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Although it is one of the least developed parks in Sacramento County, this landscape of riparian woods and grasslands is an important habitat for wildlife, including the giant garter snake and the longhorn elderberry beetle.

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There are several iconic sites to see during your visit to this state park.

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The views of Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Monterey Peninsula are unparalleled from the shores of this state beach.

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In 1841, Swiss builder John Sutter constructed a two-story adobe fort and started a settlement he referred to as New Helvetia (New Switzerland).

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In 1841, Swiss builder John Sutter constructed a two-story adobe fort and started a settlement he referred to as New Helvetia (New Switzerland).

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Hugging the border between the U.S. and Mexico, this area is the largest coastal wetland in Southern California and an important habitat for 370 species of native and migratory birds (including six endangered species).

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This 5,00-acre park is comprised of several different environments, including sand dunes, wetlands, and coastal ocean beaches.

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Whether you are looking to spend a relaxed day at the beach or an adventurous afternoon hiking, this state park is guaranteed to have something that sparks your interest.

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This 11,000-acre park is one of the best places in Los Angeles to go hiking.

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This picture-perfect Southern California beach is nestled right on the edge of the Torrey Pines State Reserve and features a wide, open stretch of golden white sand.

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This coastal wonderland may be located in San Diego city limits, but it Is an unspoiled wilderness that seems like a completely different world.

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This is a beautiful, quiet beach with amazing views of the ocean and sheltered coastal coves.

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The best time to visit this state park is during early spring until summer when the open meadows and fields are filled with budding wildflowers.

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Nestled at the foothills of the San Joaquin Valley sits this pristine park.

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This mile-long stretch of beach overlooks the sparkling Monterey Bay, making this a scenic place to spend the day swimming or picnicking.

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A great place for a day hike or overnight camping, this state park near the town of Little River boasts 1,831-acres of natural beauty.

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Set entirely in Los Angeles County, these urban mountains are a sight to see.

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For thousands of years, Sierra Miwok tribes resided in this area before being displaced by European settlers, miners, and loggers.

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Attracting artists, poets, and visionaries from around the world, this state park is one of the more unique places to visit in California and a landmark of Los Angeles.

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Home to the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California, this historic park is a landmark within the Taoist community.

State Parks

As one of the more rugged beaches in Mendocino County, this park boasts over 3 miles of coastline for you to explore.

State Parks

Nature lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy spending the day at this state park.

State Parks

This canyon/state park can be found near the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on the southwestern side of the San Bernardino National Forest.

State Parks

This 1.75-mile beach on Santa Monica Bay is one of the most recognizable beaches in Southern California.

State Parks

Tucked away in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles is the former home of famed performer Will Rogers.

State Parks

Dedicated to William B. Ide, one of the most influential pioneers in California state history, this historic park offers a rare glimpse into life during the 19th-century.

State Parks

This historic landmark is one of the four remaining function opera houses in the entire state, earning it the rightful place on the U.S.

State Parks

Located right on the banks of the Sacramento River, this park has a scenic backdrop of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Trinity Alps.

State Parks

As one of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Monterey, this state beach is a quiet place to admire the wild and rugged coastline.

National Parks

Just off the coast of teeming Southern California lies a sanctuary from civilization, Channel Islands National Park.

National Parks

Paradoxically, there is life everywhere in Death Valley, especially when spring rainstorms cause this 140-mile swath of desert to erupt in a colorful profusion of blooming wildflowers.

National Parks

Home of Nobel Prize winning playwright has been preserved to honor the man who wrote some of the 20th century's most memorable plays.

National Parks

Dubbed the "Gibraltar of the West," Fort Point was built to defend San Francisco Bay, completed in 1861 on the south side of the bay's entrance at the Golden Gate.

National Parks

Comprised of about three dozen sites in and around the San Francisco Bay area; totaling 75,500 acres, the part is actually far larger than the incorporated area of the city and county of San Francisco.

National Parks

America's most acclaimed naturalist, John Muir played foundational roles in the Sierra Club and the National Park Service.

National Parks

Low and high desert regions converge in this southern California park, named for the distinctive species of yucca trees that can grow up to 50 feet high here.

National Parks

Containing 30 volcanic peaks, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers the opportunity to see the devastating results of relatively recent volcanic activity on the landscape along with still-active geothermal features.

National Parks

The United States had its own "concentration camps" during World War II: more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned.

National Parks

Mojave National Preserve is more than just the Mojave Desert: it also includes parts of the Great Basin and Sonoran deserts among its 1.6 million acres.

National Parks

Established in 2013, Pinnacles is the youngest U.S. National Park but a most ancient place.

National Parks

Located on the California coastline north of San Francisco in Marin County, Point Reyes National Seashore is remote in many ways.

National Parks

Port Chicago in Concord, Calif., was the main supply depot for U.S. forces fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and on July 17, 1944, it became a scene of tragedy.

National Parks

Redwood National Park is located on the north coast of California and is home to old-growth coastal redwoods, some up to 300 feet tall and 2,000 years old.

National Parks

"We Can Do It!" is the motto on the famous, sleeve-rolled-up "Rosie the Riveter" poster from World War II, and America's wartime "can do" attitude -- and the contributions of women in particular -- is celebrated.

National Parks

Ships of every size, design, and purpose comprise the main collection at this park.

National Parks

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is 153,250 acres of wilderness and parkland amid the sprawl of Los Angeles County, helping to protect remnants of the region's rare Mediterranean climate ecosystem.

National Parks

Located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world.

National Parks

Lake or waterfall? Choose your pleasure, or experience both, at California's Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

National Parks

Plunging waterfalls, tall trees, and the stark majesty of El Capitan define Yosemite, a 1,200-square-mile park that stretches far beyond the valley that bears its name.

National Forests

Tucked in to the San Gabriel and the Sierra Pelona mountains, the Angeles National Forest is located north of Greater Los Angeles.

National Forests

Names can be deceiving, as the Cleveland National Forest is nowhere near Cleveland--it's actually northeast of San Diego.

National Forests

El Dorado National Forest lies northeast of Sacramento, California, has a rugged topography with elevation changes in excess of 9,000 vertical feet.

National Forests

The largest national forest outside of Alaska.

National Forests

The Inyo National Forest should be a place of pilgrimage for any outdoor enthusiast.

National Forests

More than 1 million acres of land and a handful of wilderness areas.

National Forests

Home to a couple of large lakes, the Lassen Volcanic National Park, hiking trails, campgrounds, and opportunities for both hunting and fishing.

National Forests

Just under 2 million acres in size, the national forest stretches along the coast, and inland in some regions.

National Forests

Just under 1 million acres in size, and found in the Coastal Mountain Range of California, the Mendocino National Forest has more than just a few noteworthy places for visitors to see.

National Forests

The Modoc National Forest is filled with green mountain slopes, and well-kept trails that traverse high mountain ridges.

National Forests

The Plumas National Forest of Northern California is a goldmine of hiking trails.

National Forests

The Sequoia National Forest is world-famous for its 38 groves of towering giant sequoia trees.

National Forests

At 2.2 million acres in size, the Shasta - Trinity National Forest is the largest of all the national forests in California.

National Forests

The elevation spans 13,000 vertical feet between the lowest and highest points in the Sierra National Forest.

National Forests

The Stanislaus National Forest is home to the Emigrant Wilderness, and has thousands of miles of trails, 800 miles of rivers and streams and nearly 80 lakes.

National Forests

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit helps to curate, keep clean and pristine, and maintain the great areas surrounding Lake Tahoe.

National Forests

Tahoe National Forest is located northwest of Lake Tahoe.

National Monuments

Located in northern California, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is easily accessible to those who find themselves in the San Francisco or Sacramento areas.

National Monuments

In 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped ashore on the Point Loma Peninsula making him the first European to land on the west coast of the future United States.

National Monuments

The California Coastal National Monument encompasses the entire 1,100 miles of coastline of the state of California, as well as more than 20,000 rocks, islands, and reefs within 12 nautical miles of the shore.

National Monuments

Located about 100 miles from Los Angeles, the monument is a 246,812-acre grassland surrounded by mountains.

National Monuments

Established in February 2016, Castle Mountains National Monument is 21,000 acres of desert and mountains -- an isolated land accessible only by dirt roads.

National Monuments

Established in 2000, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was expanded in early 2017 to include additional areas of both southwestern Oregon and northwestern California.

National Monuments

Some of the earth's most dynamic forces worked together to create the Devil's Postpile in eastern California.

National Monuments

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument honors the preeminent U.S. Latino leader of the 20th century, who worked tirelessly on behalf of agricultural workers and co-founded the United Farm Workers union.

National Monuments

The Fort Ord National Monument was previously a U.S. Army post from 1917 to 1994. Many soldiers who served in the Vietnam War went through their training at this site.

National Monuments

The Giant Sequoia National Monument is located in the southern Sierra Nevada in eastern central California and is administered by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Sequoia National Forest.

National Monuments

A half-million years of eruptions from the Medicine Lake Volcano formed the landscape of this monument.

National Monuments

The Mojave Trails National Monument covers around 1.6 million acres of California terrain.

National Monuments

Muir Woods is small -- just 554 acres -- but perhaps the most famous national monument in the U.S. Parks Service system.

National Monuments

Located within San Francisquito Canyon in southern California, the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and Monument.

National Monuments

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is located in the San Gabriel Mountains of the Transverse Ranges.

National Monuments

As its name suggests, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument contains parts of both named mountain ranges.

National Monuments

The Tule Lake National Monument includes both the Tule Lake Segregation Center, the largest and most controversial of the sites where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II.

National Monuments

Sand to Snow National Monument is a popular area for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and horseback riding, much of which can be accomplished via the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

National WildLife Refuges

Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge is the only national wildlife refuge in the United States established to protect only plants and one insect.

National WildLife Refuges

The Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge protects the California condor's habitat and is home to numerous animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer, pronghorns, tule elk, and western rattlesnakes.

National WildLife Refuges

Located in the Sierra Nevada, Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is a wild space dedicated to the California condor.

National WildLife Refuges

Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes a stunning 20,000 acres of open water, and 26,000 acres of juniper, upland bunchgrass, and low sagebrush surrounding the water.

National WildLife Refuges

Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge holds most of the critical habitat for the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard within the Indio Hills Palms State Reserve and Coachella Valley Preserve.

National WildLife Refuges

Wetland impoundments, with a few grassland and riparian habitats make up the landscape of the 4,507 acre Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.

National WildLife Refuges

The Delevan National Wildlife Refuge in the Sacramento Valley is 5,877 acres of mostly wetlands.

National WildLife Refuges

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is crossed with multiple miles of hiking and trails.

National WildLife Refuges

The rocky islands of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge hold the largest seabird nesting colony south of Alaska, and holds the largest colony of western gulls in the world.

National WildLife Refuges

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge holds one of the largest coastal dune systems left in California.

National WildLife Refuges

The Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is a rocky and mountainous area in the heart of California condor country.

National WildLife Refuges

Located on the California North Coast, the refuge protects wetland habitats for migratory water birds including shorebirds, ducks, swans, and the black brant.

National WildLife Refuges

The Kern National Wildlife Refuge sits on an area that was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the United States, west of the Mississippi.

National WildLife Refuges

Developed using agricultural runoff from farmlands in Central Valley, the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge is an artificial wetland habitat.

National WildLife Refuges

The Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is located on the border between California and Oregon and was the first refuge for waterfowl in the United States.

National WildLife Refuges

The islands provide a place for nesting for one of the largest heron and egret rookeries in northern California.

National WildLife Refuges

The Merced National Wildlife Refuge was set up to bring in wintering waterfowl from nearby farmland to cease crop damage.

National WildLife Refuges

The 5,360-acre Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is on the western edge of the Great Basin.

National WildLife Refuges

The habitat of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and Tipton kangaroo rat.

National WildLife Refuges

Full of agricultural activity, with rice, walnut, almond, and prune orchards along the river.

National WildLife Refuges

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Northern California is 10,819 acres, primarily made up of wetlands, with a few grasslands and riparian areas as well.

National WildLife Refuges

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge is flush with wildflowers growing along the slopes and canyons of San Miguel and McGinty Mountains, open grasslands, and river corridors.

National WildLife Refuges

Diverse endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species are protected in the 2,620-acre area of land and water.

National WildLife Refuges

The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge is located where the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers meet in the San Joaquin Valley.

National WildLife Refuges

A set of canals provide food for thousands of mallard, pintail, green-winged teal, and ring-necked ducks.

National WildLife Refuges

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a 13,190-acre area that extends from the northern shore of San Pablo Bay, to Mare Island.

National WildLife Refuges

Over 900 acres of coast, tidal mudflat, a system of channels, and salt marsh habitats make up the refuge.

National WildLife Refuges

The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is 227 feet below sea level, making it one of the hottest areas in the United States.

National WildLife Refuges

The 17,641-acre refuge is home to 200 bird species, grassland critters, and the endangered valley elderberry longhorn beetle.

National WildLife Refuges

The Sutter Bypass floods the refuge at least once annually with up to 12 feet of water, and supports large wintering populations of ducks and geese.

National WildLife Refuges

The refuge is a vital spot for many migratory waterfowl and shorebirds on the Pacific Flyway.

National WildLife Refuges

The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, close to the Oregon border, stretches across 39,116 acres of the Tule Lake basin.