BEST OF CALIFORNIA’S STATE PARKS 2025
With 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings, and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, California’s state park system holds the largest and most diverse recreational, natural, and cultural heritage of any state agency in the nation. To honor this incredible system — and the deep connections people have to it — we launched our first-ever Best of California’s State Parks poll.
We invited our members and followers to nominate their favorite parks across a range of categories, from best camping to dog-friendly adventures. We received 1,358 submissions, each reflecting the beauty, variety, and personal meaning California’s parks hold. Voters also shared the stories, moments, and memories that made those places special.
Now, we’re thrilled to reveal your favorites.
PICTURED ABOVE (TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT): MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK BY HUEI-JUN HSIAO, CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK BY PAULA JOHNSON, AND NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH BY JOAN SORENSEN. (BOTTOM ROW LEFT TO RIGHT): POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE BY DANIEL HILLS, CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK BY OANH SHOCKLEY, AND SALTON SEA STATE RECREATION AREA BY SANDY ZELASKO.
BEST CALIFORNIA STATE PARK FOR WILDFLOWERS
WINNER: ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK (San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties)
Each spring — if the desert gets enough rain — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park transforms into a sea of vibrant wildflowers, with desert lilies, dune primroses, and blooming ocotillo spreading across the landscape. While Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is often top of mind for wildflower lovers, its popularity can lead to heavy crowds; Anza-Borrego offers a more expansive and serene experience. For current bloom conditions, visit the Anza-Borrego Foundation’s wildflower guide
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
I love how, upon parking … and opening your car door, you are immediately hit with the pleasant aroma of wildflowers. One of the best sensations in the world!”
— Elexis Padron
Some years are better for wildflower blooms than others, but when desert flowers bloom here, it’s spectacular.”
— Deb Baumgartner
BEST CALIFORNIA STATE PARK FOR KID-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES
WINNER: NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH (Santa Cruz County)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
• SUGARLOAF RIDGE STATE PARK — Rolling hills and open meadows fill with lupine, poppies, and paintbrush in early spring.
• CHINO HILLS STATE PARK — A stunning carpet of wildflowers, especially during superblooms, makes this park a favorite for hikers and photographers.
Looking for more places to catch a bloom?
Check out our California State Parks Foundation Wildflower Guide for tips on where and when to go.
With gentle surf, tide pools full of marine life, and migrating monarch butterflies in the fall and winter, Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderland for curious kids. Its compact size, easy access, and hands-on learning opportunities make it a favorite for family adventures.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Beautiful beach, great nature center, easy hike to see the butterflies, and tons of fun kid activities in Santa Cruz.”
— Kirsti Scott
Kids love the activities — digging for sand crabs, wading in the surf, picnicking, observing tide pools, walking the monarch butterfly reserve — all spectacular!”
— Tammy Au
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
• MACKERRICHER STATE PARK — With seal watching, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, and tide pools, it’s a coastal experience all ages can enjoy.
• ROBERT CROWN MEMORIAL STATE BEACH — Calm, shallow water and a natural history center make this a perfect introduction to outdoor play for young explorers.
NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH BY JOHN CARRILLO
PARK BY SUSAN ESKRIDGE
BEST CALIFORNIA STATE PARK FOR PICNICKING
WINNER: TORREY PINES STATE BEACH (San Diego County)
With sweeping ocean views, golden cliffs, and the sound of waves just steps away, Torrey Pines State Beach offers an unforgettable backdrop for a seaside picnic. Its coastal breezes and scenic trails make it the perfect spot to relax and refuel between adventures.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Close to town for an easy place to picnic anytime. Plus great views!”
— Susan Eskridge
With the shore right there. Terrific background for a quiet lunch.”
— Karen Nelson
BEST CALIFORNIA STATE PARK FOR LEARNING ABOUT HISTORY
WINNER: SANTA CRUZ MISSION STATE HISTORIC PARK (Santa Cruz County)
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is a place of deep history and healing. In partnership with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, park staff are reexamining and sharing the true impacts of the mission system — centering Native voices, stories of survival, and cultural resilience through updated exhibits and interpretation.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Great visitor center to learn the history.”
— Joel Kwiatkowski
The mission is still there, with all of its stories and all of its history. Docents are very knowledgeable.”
— Pat. Mcveigh
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
• COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK — This park honors California’s only town founded, funded, and governed by African Americans seeking self-determination in the early 1900s.
• SUE-MEG STATE PARK — In partnership with the Yurok Tribe, the park shares Indigenous history through redwood structures, cultural interpretation, and living traditions.
Want to hear from members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Indian Canyon Nation, and T’rowt’raahl Salinan, Rumsen, and Ramaytush Ohlone communities? Watch the 10-minute documentary It Needs To Be Told on Native perspectives of the Santa Cruz Mission.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
• CHINA CAMP STATE PARK — Nestled on the shores of San Pablo Bay, this park pairs historic charm with peaceful picnic areas overlooking the water.
• PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK — Shady forests, cool mountain air, and quiet meadows make this a refreshing retreat for a scenic lunch break.
TORREY PINES STATE BEACH BY SAMANTHA JOSEPH
SANTA CRUZ MISSION STATE HISTORIC PARK BY RANDY WIDERA
BEST CALIFORNIA STATE BEACH
WINNER: CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK (Orange County)
Crystal Cove’s wide sandy beaches, tide pools, and scenic bluffs make it a quintessential California coastal experience. With historic beach cottages and miles of trails, it’s the perfect place to explore, relax, and soak up ocean views.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Crystal Cove is one of the busiest state parks & for good reason! The weather is always beautiful, getting there is easy, camping is so fun and the ability to see the wildlife so easily is a draw.”
— Erin Carvalho
The shoreline and cliffs offer a beach experience where you feel so far from the city.”
—
Michael Beckage
BEST CALIFORNIA STATE PARK FOR DOG-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
WINNER: SONOMA COAST STATE PARK (Sonoma County)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
• CARDIFF STATE BEACH — Known for mellow waves and coastal charm, it’s a favorite for beachgoers and surfers alike.
• CARMEL RIVER STATE BEACH — A quiet stretch of sand where the river meets the sea, offering beauty, birdwatching, and peaceful walks.
With coastal trails, scenic beaches, and plenty of fresh ocean air, Sonoma Coast State Park is a pupfriendly paradise. Dogs on leash are welcome in many areas — just be sure to follow posted rules to protect wildlife, other visitors, and your furry friend.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Coasts, water, dogs, sand, beach, fresh air. Enough said.”
—
Sally Finch
Great, flat coastline for everyone to enjoy, including our fur buddies!”
—
Diane Richards
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
• PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK — Shaded trails and cooler temperatures make this a great mountain getaway for dogs and their humans.
• BEAN HOLLOW STATE BEACH — Leashed dogs can enjoy ocean breezes and rocky tide pools at this beautiful, lesserknown stretch of coastline.
SONOMA COAST STATE PARK BY ELIZABETH BISHAY
CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK BY BRANDON MOORE