Top Things to do in California
The 10 Best State Parks in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Point Lobos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,751 reviews
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
This park is called the crown jewel of California’s State Park System, and rightly so. It’s one of the most beautiful places in California, equivalent IMHO to the National Parks, Lake Tahoe and Big Sur. Moreover, it’s small enough to see in a half day visit, and very visitor friendly to boot, with easy and well-groomed trails (many accessible) and restrooms scattered throughout the park. We went on a sunny weekday in December, parked at Whalers Cove, and hiked the coast trail counterclockwise around the peninsula to the southern tip of the park at Bird Island, taking every offshoot trail and climbing Whalers Knoll. We then walked straight back to our car. This was about a 5.7 mile loop, with 700 feet of elevation change. In general the trail is easy, packed dirt and sand, plus occasional stairs and some rocks to climb at the overlooks. The only real climb is at Whalers Knoll, which goes up about 180 ft., but you can bypass this via North Shore Trail. Highlights on the walk were the beautiful twisty trees on Cypress Grove Trail and the bird-covered Bird Island. The walk out to Sea Lion Point was closed, possibly because of high surf. No whale sightings, but we did see harbor seals lying out on one of the beaches near Bird Island. Some quick tips if you decide to visit: 1. If you’re a local, check the weather and wait for a sunny weekday to visit, preferably in the off season. If you do, the park will be fairly empty and parking is easy, except possibly near Sea Lion Point. A docent told us that on a sunny day in the summer, parking is full by 9 am, and the park is then closed to cars. 2. Entry is $10, $9 for seniors, plus $2 for the trail map (well worth it). You can get in for free by parking along Highway 1 and walking in. 3. Bring a picnic lunch. There are 3 picnic areas, 5 flush restrooms, and many drinking fountains, but no food for sale. 4. Bring binoculars for a close up look at the birds and marine mammals. 5. Bring a face mask or buff that you can pop on quickly when passing hikers on the trail. Mask usage here was very good. If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, visit Point Lobos; it’s the perfect antidote.
2. Marin Headlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,889 reviews
Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.
Reviewed By karen5326 - Grants Pass, United States
It is surprising to get such a sense of wildness so close to the city, but the Marin Headlands give you that experience. The Visitor Center was worth a stop and had interesting exhibits, helpful staff, and a good array of books and gifts. It is worth a drive to the end of the road if you have the time.
3. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,545 reviews
Part of the Redwoods National and State Parks system, this state park was established in 1929.
Reviewed By dunadan - Lynnwood, United States
We had two full days in Crescent City, and after consulting with the excellent staff at the park visitor's center, we made a full circuit of JSR State Park, making several stops and going on the recommended hikes. The information was spot-on, and made our visit to the park the highlight of our road trip (so far). What else to say about the redwoods and their environs that hasn't already been said in these reviews a thousand times? I can repeat all of the superlatives you've already likely read: majestic, incredible, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, mammoth, immense. They don't do the experience justice, and craning your neck up at a 300-foot giant that has existed since before the start of the Gregorian calendar will most likely just leave you slack-jawed. Take your time with the drive, and use the pull-outs: they will keep you, and other drivers, in good humor. As you walk the trails, pause and listen to distant fog horn and (hopefully) nothing else. Enjoy the views, and the presence of these magnificent sentinels, and maybe think about making a few changes in your personal habits back home to improve the living conditions for others on this planet. You don't have long in this world, unlike the redwoods, which will be here long after you are gone. :)
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 441 reviews
Beautiful state park north of San Francisco.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This area is north of the Marin Headlands and the Muir Woods. We drove all around on the Panoramic Highway down to Stinson Beach. Many of the roads are very narrow and have sharp curves. The main thing to do in this park are countless numbers of hikes you can do, many from the woods / mountains all the way down to either Muir Beach or to Stinson Beach.
5. Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
This 13,000-acre park offers over 50 miles of trails in the mountains soaring above the Sonora desert.
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
I enjoyed the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. The mountains were amazing! It was beautiful! Rocks and mountains. We even found a lake. The road was great as well. A must see!
6. Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 517 reviews
Welcome to Calaveras Big Trees State Park Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves two groves of giant sequoias - the world's largest trees - in the North and South Groves. The park is a mixed-conifer forest (a variety of trees living together). In addition to the giant trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows. Trails throughout the park allow you to discover the natural beauty that has awed visitors to the area since 1852.
Reviewed By joetteg2018 - Oakdale, United States
During this crazy pandemic, there is no more peaceful serene place to walk and enjoy than Big Trees State Park. We have gone 4 times this year and never tire of it. We have taken our grandchildren and have gone by ourselves. The park is so well kept and the trees are so magnificent and grand!! There are a number of trails from very simple and easy in the North Grove (even wheelchair and stroller appropriate) to the Rim trail which is a little longer and rugged and in the spring and summer, the south grove trail. We keep saying we will not take any more pictures but we can't help trying to capture more of the beauty in this lovely place. I advise all who can to come and visit and experience this place.
7. Asilomar State Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
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.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This State Beach starts at Lover’s Point and follows Ocean View Blvd around Pacific Grove to Sunset Dr and ends at Asilomar Beach. There is a something for everyone: nice boardwalks, footpaths, expansive tide pools at low tide, large crashing waves, lots of wildlife including sea otters, Pacific harbor seals, and lots of life in tide pools to explore. There are lots of benches to sit on and lots of rocks to climb at the right tide. Off shore you might see Humpback whales breaching, dolphins, or in winter time Gray whales. We have driven along the coast many times, taken many walks over the years and it’s always been an amazing place to hang and out enjoy nature. The weather can change a lot. Take and have with you layered clothing. The day after Thanksgiving was beautiful and sunny with no wind. Other times it has been extremely windy and cold.
8. Redwood National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,127 reviews
National park that preserves an area of over 110,000 acres of Redwood rainforest and 50 miles of scenic coastline in Northern California.
Reviewed By LeeRuth - Eau Claire, United States
* Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park/Redwoods National Park * Turn on Davison Road/Elk Meadow/Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park/Redwood National Park-follow to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground /Fern Canyon Trail—Awesome Drive !!!! * The scenery changes dramatically when you turn onto this road. A 4 mile beautiful drive on a narrow, curvy, up hill road. There are beautiful blue/green ferns on either side of this road.Arrive at the ranger station for entrance fee. Then another 4 mile drive to the Fern Canyon trail. The campground entrance is along the way. You’ll have to ford a creek. Fern Canyon-FANTASTIC!! gorgeous, lush, green rocky, damp trail alongside a babbling creek. ( Be sure you have walking shoes) I could only go about 1/4 mile. We didn’t make it to the waterfall. The entire loop is 1.1 miles. Because I walk with a cane I was unable to complete the entire loop. Don’t miss this Canyon! * After coming out of here we drove north Towards Berry Glenn just North of here take a right off Hwy 101 then a left for a more "wilderness type" experience amongst the giant redwoods on Newton Drury scenic parkway.
9. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 228 reviews
A number of areas for visitors along Lake Tahoe, with the most popular being Sand Harbor.
Reviewed By G2055DWpatriciah - Denver, United States
We planned the tour at the beginning of our trip so we would have an idea of where we might want to return. The tour was more fun and informative than we ever imagined. It was literally one of the best parts of our trip! Jim was an amazing guide.
10. Montgomery Woods State Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By karinitabonita - Elk Grove, United States
It’s about 3 miles long. Very tall and beautiful trees and a creek. Gorgeous views!! It was 16 of us ages 4 to 75. We all enjoyed it. Trees are just all different and beautiful to look at. Highly recommended if you’re in the area.
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