Best of California’s State Parks 2025: Your Favorites Revealed | Cal Parks
Published: May 7, 2025

With 280 state park units, more than 340 miles of coastline, 15,000 campsites, and 5,200 miles of hiking trails, California State Parks represent the most expansive and diverse collection of public lands in the nation. These landscapes are not only beautiful — they are deeply personal places, filled with memories, traditions, and transformative experiences. 

To celebrate this remarkable system, we launched our first-ever Best of California’s State Parks poll, inviting our members and followers to nominate their favorite parks across a variety of categories. From camping and hiking to picnicking, birdwatching, and family fun, we received over 1,300 submissions — each reflecting the deep love people have for these parks. 

Now, we’re excited to share your top picks.
 

Best California State Park for Camping

Photo by Norma Spencer at Morro Bay State Park

Winner: Morro Bay State Park (San Luis Obispo County)

Coastal fog, kayaking adventures, and views of iconic Morro Rock make this a camping destination unlike any other.  

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
  • Montaña de Oro State Park 

Planning a camping trip? Check out our California State Parks Foundation Camping Guide for expert tips and inspiration. 
 

Best California State Park for Hiking

Photo by Andrew Aldrich at Mount Tamalpais State Park  

Winner: Mount Tamalpais State Park (Marin County)

Panoramic views, redwood groves, and fog-kissed ridgelines await hikers of all levels. 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park 


Best California State Park for Birdwatching

Photo by Sandy Zelasko at Salton Sea State Recreation Area   

Winner: Salton Sea State Recreation Area (Imperial and Riverside Counties)

A birding paradise on the Pacific Flyway — home to hundreds of migratory species. 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Henry W. Coe State Park
  • Millerton Lake State Recreation Area 


Best California State Park for Wildflowers

Photo by Susan Eskridge at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Winner: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties)

A springtime wonderland bursting with desert blooms (when rainfall allows). 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
  • Chino Hills State Park 

Need bloom updates? Visit our Wildflower Guide for the best spots and timing. 


Best Kid-Friendly California State Park

Photo by John Carrillo at Natural Bridges State Beach   

Winner: Natural Bridges State Beach (Santa Cruz County)

Tidepools, butterflies, and waves — perfect for young adventurers. 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Robert Crown Memorial State Beach 


Best California State Park for Picnicking

Photo by Samantha Joseph at Torrey Pines State Beach

Winner: Torrey Pines State Beach (San Diego County)

Enjoy lunch with sweeping ocean views and sea breezes. 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • China Camp State Park
  • Palomar Mountain State Park 
     

Best California State Beach

Photo by Brandon Moore at Crystal Cove State Park

Winner: Crystal Cove State Park (Orange County)

Wide beaches, tidepools, and historic cottages make this an unforgettable coastal escape. 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Cardiff State Beach
  • Carmel River State Beach 


Best California State Park for Learning About History

Photo by Randy Widera at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

Winner: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park (Santa Cruz County)

Honoring Indigenous stories and re-examining California’s mission history in partnership with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
  • Sue-meg State Park 


Best California State Park for Dog-Friendly Adventures

Photo by Elizabeth Bishay at Sonoma Coast State Park  

Winner: Sonoma Coast State Park (Sonoma County)

Leashed pups can roam scenic beaches and ocean-view trails — paw-some! 

Honorable Mentions: 

  • Palomar Mountain State Park
  • Bean Hollow State Beach 

 

To see a detailed list of winners, view our full report here.

 

Share Your California State Parks Adventure!

Have a favorite trail, campsite, or scenic moment of your own? We want to see it! Whether you’re hiking through redwoods, camping under the stars, or soaking up coastal views, your stories bring California’s state parks to life.  

Share your adventure on social media using the hashtag #MyCAStateParks and tag @calparks on Facebook and Instagram, and @californiaparks on Bluesky. Let’s celebrate these special places together — and inspire others to explore all that California has to offer. 

Ready to discover more? Join California State Parks Foundation and be part of a growing community that protects, champions, and cherishes the best of California.