The parks in California are without a doubt amazingly beautiful!
From the pristine Pacific Coast to the mystical desert valleys, you’ve got it all.
Travelling to state parks is an excellent cost-effective way to enjoy nature.
Witness the colorful sky when you take a walk in this amazing place.
Updated 2/9/2020 – And hands down visiting the top 10 Amazing State Parks In California That Will Blow You Away is the best route to have fun with the whole family.
Kids and adults will love it – Promise!
A family vacation everyone agrees on really is a beautiful thing.
When it comes to learning a little more about the great state of California, each of these wonderful bits of nature has a story from which you will learn.
Exciting and alive!
Your kids will open their minds with the beauty of it all while they’re asking questions and you are filling in the blanks.
Inspiring is what these parks are and that’s simply beautiful.
Besides, everyone deserves a time-out from the grind of the work day.
As humans we are creatures of habit and that’s not always a good thing.
Break the habit and get excited!
Make the time to plan a visit to one or all of these interesting monuments of nature and here’s why…
10 Amazing State Parks In California That Will Blow You Away
Table of Contents
- 1 1) Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- 2 2) Angel Island State Park
- 3 3) Emerald Bay State Park
- 4 4) Grover Hot Springs State Park
- 5 5) Bodie State Park
- 6 6) Death Valley National Park
- 7 7) Point Reyes National Seashore
- 8 8) Lassen Volcanic National Park
- 9 9) Pinnacles National Park
- 10 10) King Range National Conservation Area
- 11 Your Next Step
1) Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Of the parks in California, this is the oldest and some argue the one with the most character.
The main attraction is the state’s redwoods.
Of course with these beautiful trees you get a medley of nature; spectacular waterfalls, birds, and other creatures at home.
A beautiful sight to see and photograph.
Photo credit: flickr/jimpatterson
2) Angel Island State Park
This neat tourist park is located on the outskirts of San Francisco, so you get to hop on a ferry to get to it.
If you’re looking for hiking there aren’t too many trails here, but you won’t be disappointed with the camping and sensational view overlooking picturesque San Francisco!
Photo credit: flickr/roijoy
3) Emerald Bay State Park
This is one of those parks in California, locals venture to for a little peace and quiet.
Compared with many other state parks in California this one has a lot less going on.
Not to say it’s not awesome, because it is located near the hot spot of Lake Tahoe and the lake is absolutely beautiful.
Check it out!
Photo credit: flickr/19224593@N04
4) Grover Hot Springs State Park
You’ll find this natural hot springs park nestled close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Eastern California.
Where there’s really nothing better than a little bit of hiking and a nice steamy hot soak in the natural springs to loosen up those achy muscles and send your internal stress away.
A hot springs a day keeps the doctor away!
Photo credit: flickr/jarrodlopiccolo
5) Bodie State Park
If you love spooky adventure this is likely the one of the only state parks in California that has an authentic real-life ghost town.
Preserved just like it was many moons ago.
It’s not considered a natural state park because it was once a town.
But because it’s historical it’s still a state park you should visit!
Photo credit: flickr/tcdrushgeddy
6) Death Valley National Park
This is likely one of the hottest state parks in California.
So make certain you visit in early spring or winter; even then you’re dealing with 30 degrees Celsius plus! EEK!
That’s what you get when you’re in the desert.
I’ll let you in on a secret, it’s because of the vibrant and spectacular array of colors that you MUST visit!
Photo credit: flickr/mrbarbosa2000
7) Point Reyes National Seashore
If you are searching for seals, surf, and bikinis, this is the California State Park to visit.
It’s located almost 40 miles north of San Francisco; protected from development.
The spectacular sea cliffs are home to nesting sea birds and raptors; you’ll find elk grazing nearby, and from December to March you can watch the grey whales migrate.
Photo credit: flickr/patrick-smith-photography
8) Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located about 50 miles east of Redding, you’ll find the world’s largest volcanic dome; reaching a peak of 10,462 feet.
You’ll get to see what 100 years of natural healing will do; which is approximately when the last eruption occurred.
Breathtaking fauna, wildlife, and vegetation are thriving amidst the hardened lava rock.
Photo credit: flickr/35592860@N08
9) Pinnacles National Park
This is the newest of the state parks in California.
Comprised of the ancient remains of volcano separated naturally by the San Andreas Fault.
A mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts, bats, and rare birds alike.
And if you plan your visit outside of the rainy season you can explore the bat caves!
Photo credit: flickr/tombricker
10) King Range National Conservation Area
There’s a 65 mile stretch between Rockport and Eureka called the Lost Coast.
Here’s where you’ll find camping at the base of the Mattole River.
Keep in mind you’ve got to hike to get there because it’s not road accessible.
The beaches are amazing but cold and rough; so bring your surfboard and suit!
Photo credit: flickr/infranippies
Your Next Step
These superb parks in California have a sweet special something for everyone.
Each one offering tranquility and awesome adventure; fun for the whole family!
Take note it’s always wiser to travel with other people at all times just because this is Mother Nature you’re dealing with and you never know!
Not to mention the fact wild animals tend not to play by human rules.
“GO AWAY” just doesn’t work with a pissed off hungry bear!
Have fun picking out which one of these peaceful parks in California suits you best.
Be safe and have fun!
