How to Enjoy California’s Parks and Public Lands
Rod Hanna/Tahoe South- Summary
- Experiences
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California’s 280 state parks showcase a dynamic collection of natural treasures and historic sites. You’ll find wild beaches, Gold Rush mines, lush forests, and booming waterfalls. The biggest, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offers unparalleled stargazing within a short drive from San Diego. The oldest, Big Basin Redwood State Park, features some of the most magnificent trees you will ever see. The newest, Dos Rios State Park, is near Modesto. The strangest, Bodie State Historic Park, showcases a ghost town that time seems to have forgotten.
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- California State Parks: An A to Z Guide
California State Parks: An A to Z Guide
- Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach
- Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
- Beachside Camping at Crystal Cove State Park
Beachside Camping at Crystal Cove State Park
- Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- 5 Amazing Things to Do Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park
5 Amazing Things to Do Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park
- Stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park
- Salt Point State Park
Salt Point State Park
- Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Russian Gulch State Park
Russian Gulch State Park
Explore State Parks
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- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle
More Resources
- Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle
- Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Natural Bridges State Park
Natural Bridges State Park
- Sonoma Coast State Park
Sonoma Coast State Park
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Travel Stories
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- Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County
In quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal
- How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
Honor America’s birthday in 2025 with fireworks, festivals, and gorgeous settings around the Golden State
- The Best Bike Trails and Paths in San Diego
The Best Bike Trails and Paths in San Diego
No matter what kind of biking adventure you’re after, the bike trails and paths of San Diego offer great options
- Discover 8 of California’s Best-Kept Secrets
Discover 8 of California’s Best-Kept Secrets
These remote and surprising spots fly under the radar for even the most well-versed California travelers
- 16 Amazing California Lakes
16 Amazing California Lakes
Swim, waterski, wakeboard, paddle, fish, or go houseboating on the Golden State’s lakes
- 12 California Beaches for Kids
12 California Beaches for Kids
Make lifelong memories at these family-favorite beaches in the Golden State
- 10 Best Family Camping Sites in California
10 Best Family Camping Sites in California
Whether you’re looking for high-end amenities or an off-the-grid experience, California has a family-friendly campsite to meet your needs
- June 2025 Events in California
June 2025 Events in California
Embrace summer with beer festivals, classic fairs, and live music
- 10 Super-Scenic California Road Trips
10 Super-Scenic California Road Trips
Follow these classic routes for magical scenery and worthy stops
- Ready, Set, RV: Exploring California’s Great Outdoors
Ready, Set, RV: Exploring California’s Great Outdoors
Beaches, parks, and scenic drives await—all on your own terms
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Luxury Minute
The Resort at Pelican Hill: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California 101
Mendocino County Road Trip
California 101
Gold Country Road Trip
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California Dream Eater
Huntington Beach’s Secret Surf-n-Turf Burrito
Hidden Gems
Drive the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
California 101
San Diego County’s Best Beaches
California 101
Lake Tahoe: 5 Amazing Things
Anza Borrego State Park and Borrego Springs - 360° VR experience
California 101
Big Sur: 5 Amazing Things
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Native American Travel Experiences in California
1hr
Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Josh Meyers' California Favorites
41min
Exploring Monterey County
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Fascinating Road Trips
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Exploring San Luis Obispo County
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Ways to Play in California
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Northern California's Greatest Hits
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