Make the Most of California State Parks Week: Which New Adventure Will You Take? | Cal Parks
Published: May 23, 2024

This June 12–16, help us celebrate the third annual California State Parks Week, presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League. This year’s tagline, “This is where you live,” nods to the miraculous home state we share, boasting natural wonders within a walk, bike ride, or drive from home. With over 200 events in over 100 state parks across California, there’s something for everyone to celebrate! 

From Wednesday to Sunday, rejoice in all the things that make California state parks so special. Each day has its own theme, pointing to the variety of benefits we get from state parks, which nourish the body, mind, and soul. For most events, the only cost to participate is the regular park entry fee. If you want to park for free, grab one of these park passes, hit the road, and spend the week immersed in nature. 

In support of California State Parks Week, California State Parks Foundation gave out 24 grants totaling $50,000. We’re supporting events that align with our core values and that offer unique opportunities for park visitors. Explore the events we helped fund below and sign up for the ones that spark the most joy for you! 
 

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Join us June 12-16, 2024 for California State Parks Week! After all...this is where you live!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12: EXPLORE NEW EXPERIENCES

There are many ways to enjoy California state parks. This year, California State Parks Foundation funded a diverse set of activities, opening our parklands to folks across California with different interests, abilities, and passions. We chose activities that you might not have experienced before and that are welcoming to diverse park visitors. From fishing to horseback riding to learning about new animals, we hope you’ll find something that suits you in these hand-selected events. In addition to the events funded by California State Parks Foundation, you can view and RSVP to all events on Wednesday, June 12 here. 

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 13: NOURISH YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Spending time in nature is a well-known antidote to many of life’s challenges — from mental struggles to physical health. At California State Parks Foundation, we cherish any opportunity to tap into this restorative power, and we work continuously to open these opportunities to everyone. Whether you’re more of a city-goer or a beachside lounger, explore these two events we’re supporting this June which will help you connect to the curative forces innate to our state’s protected places. In addition to the events funded by California State Parks Foundation, you can view and RSVP to all events on Thursday, June 13 here.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14: SUPPORT CLIMATE RESILIENCE

As we explored in our recent report “Building a Climate-Resilient California State Park System,”  climate change poses an “unprecedented threat [that] requires immediate and bold action to create a climate-resilience state park system that will endure for future generations.” Alongside our year-round funding, volunteering, advocacy, and research around climate resilience, we are thrilled to support the following events in Auburn State Recreation Area this June, which introduce attendees to some of the wildlife that contribute to our state’s magnificent biodiversity. In addition to the events funded by California State Parks Foundation, you can view and RSVP to all events on Friday, June 14 here.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 15: CELEBRATE COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

While California state parks are public spaces, many people cannot access or experience them. There are unfortunately many barriers that can stop people from underrepresented and/or marginalized communities from fully experiencing our enjoying California state parks. Breaking down those barriers is key to our access and experiences work, as well as to our guiding justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity goals. That’s why we’re so excited to help fund the following nine events this California State Parks Week, each of which takes a key step toward making our parklands more open, welcoming, and relevant to all visitors. In addition to the events funded by California State Parks Foundation, you can view and RSVP to all events on Saturday, June 15 here.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16: CARE FOR OUR SHARED LANDS

Park stewardship is a backbone program at California State Parks Foundation. Each year, our volunteer program plans over 100 volunteer workdays to benefit nearly 30 parks across California. This year for California State Parks Week, we’re also supporting these two park stewardship opportunities to further expand how we care for our shared lands. In addition to the events funded by California State Parks Foundation, you can view and RSVP to all events on Sunday, June 16 here. 

Please visit the California State Parks Week website for full event descriptions details and to RSVP, as many events require advanced registration. We hope you’ll join in this year’s celebration of California State Parks Week by signing up for an event that interest you!