22 California State Parks to Inspire Wonder
California’s State Parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventure. From ancient redwood groves to sun-drenched coastlines, and alpine lakes to granite spires, each park offers its own sense of place and wonder. This year, discover trails that wind through California’s history, beaches that hush the mind, and vistas that rearrange your sense of scale. Whether you’re chasing solitude or shared discovery, these handpicked parks promise to be unforgettable.
Angel Island State Park
A short 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon leads to Angel Island with 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Hike or bike the Perimeter Road or climb to Mount Livermore for sweeping vistas. Explore historic sites including a former U.S. Immigration Station and several military installations. With picnic areas and peaceful coves, it’s a day trip that blends nature and history.
WHERE TO STAY
In Tiburon, you couldn’t stay any closer to the water than the Waters Edge Hotel. This upscale, coastal-inspired boutique hotel juts out over the harbor providing glittering panoramas of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.
Año Nuevo State Park
This coastal park is best known for its elephant seals, which come ashore by the thousands each winter to breed and give birth. Through the winter months, guided walks lead visitors safely through dunes to see the massive animals up close. Outside of seal season, the park’s windswept cliffs, tide pools, and coastal terraces offer stunning hikes and ocean views. Año Nuevo Point is a fantastic birding site along a major bird migratory route. Just offshore, Año Nuevo Island features the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse which is now home to cormorants and sea lions.
WHERE TO STAY
Pescadero Creek Inn’s 100-year-old farmhouse beckons travelers with its peaceful creek-side setting. The inn is also just a few miles from the towering redwoods and uncrowded hiking and mountain biking trails at Butano State Park.
Beniamino Bufano’s Peace Obelisk
Rising above the rugged cliffs on the Sonoma coast, a 93-foot obelisk anchors California’s second-smallest state park—a 60-foot circular site overlooking the Pacific. Pacifist sculptor Beniamino Bufano began creating the obelisk as a monument to peace just weeks before the Cuban Missile Crisis. Countering its missile-influenced shape, the sculpture features motifs of the Madonna and child topped by an open, welcoming hand. The sculpture was the largest of Bufano’s work and took seven years to complete. The obelisk is accessible via a short trail at Timber Cove Resort.
WHERE TO STAY
Fully renovated in 2016, the iconic Timber Cove Resort retains the architecture and authenticity of the original midcentury resort while bestowing the comforts and amenities of a modern boutique hotel. The hotel is also just minutes from Salt Point State Park and Fort Ross State Historic Park.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
In the Sierra Foothills, this state park showcases some of the largest stands of giant sequoias outside of Yosemite. The North Grove trail is an easy, interpretive walk with famous trees like the Empire State and Mother of the Forest. For solitude, head to the South Grove where longer trails lead to some of the largest trees in the park. Both groves feature awe-inspiring trees that command quiet admiration.
WHERE TO STAY
In downtown Murphys, the Dunbar House is an Italianate-style estate with old-world appeal. Also in downtown, The Victoria Inn exudes European charm with elegant décor, fireplaces, and clawfoot tubs. Just above town, the cedar log Courtwood Inn is set on a five-acre hilltop with tennis courts and stunning views.
Castle Crags State Park
Inspiring legends, the 6,000-foot-tall Castle Crags tower above an alpine forest in Northern California. The Crags Trail climbs to a jaw-dropping vista point with views of Mount Shasta and the jagged granite spires that give the park its name. Many more trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging adventures (including the Pacific Crest Trail) pass alongside creeks and through alpine forests to dramatic viewpoints. The Sacramento River flows through the park and offers several access points for fishing and hiking as well.
WHERE TO STAY
Railroad Park Resort is one of the most unique places to stay in California. It features 28 train cabooses as guest rooms, each with private baths. The resort also offers food and cocktails served in a vintage dining car, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and extraordinary views.
Columbia State Historic Park
Be transported to the Gold Rush era at Columbia State Historic Park. An authentic living history town, the park features well-preserved 1850s buildings, costumed docents, and working blacksmiths. Kids can pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, or enjoy old-fashioned sweets. The walkable downtown is charming, and nearby trails and picnic spots add outdoor appeal. It’s part museum, part time machine, and thoroughly entertaining.
WHERE TO STAY
Nestled in a quiet forest hollow, the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn is a charming mountain retreat near Twain Harte. The inn’s delightful guest rooms feature cozy fire stoves and forest views.
Donner Memorial State Park
Set along the edge of Donner Lake, this park combines alpine beauty with poignant history. The Emigrant Trail Museum tells the story of the ill-fated Donner Party and the westward pioneers. Outside, trails wind through forests of fir and pine, and in summer, the lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. It’s both reflective and recreational—ideal for a mountain escape.
WHERE TO STAY
Donner Lake Inn is a cozy, lodge-style B&B just a three-minute walk from the lake. The inn offers a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast to fuel the day’s adventures and an outdoor hot tub for unwinding beneath the forest at night.
Emerald Bay State Park
Tucked into Lake Tahoe’s southwest corner, Emerald Bay is a showstopper. Its vivid blue-green waters encircle Fannette Island—the lake’s only island—and the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm Castle offers a peek into 1920s Tahoe elegance. Hike in from the Eagle Falls trailhead or arrive by kayak for the best views. Summer brings vibrant wildflowers and warm water for paddling and swimming.
WHERE TO STAY
On Lake Tahoe’s quiet western shore, The Cottage Inn offers enchanting cottages tucked beneath the pines with access to a private beach. A short walk from the marina in South Lake Tahoe, Black Bear Lodge cabins and lodge-style accommodations offer a well-curated mix of modern and rustic-chic furnishings.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Just outside of Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell offers a classic redwood experience with an easy-to-navigate grove trail winding past trees over 1,500 years old. The Redwood Grove Loop is a serene introduction to these giants, while trails like the River Trail or Observation Deck reward hikers with peaceful river views and panoramic scenery. Next door, Roaring Camp Railroads offers vintage steam-train excursions through old-growth forests.
WHERE TO STAY
Near Downtown Santa Cruz, Babbling Brook Inn is an enchanting oasis with elegant guest rooms tucked alongside a stream lined with redwoods. Between downtown and the beach, the eco-friendly Pacific Blue Inn offers complimentary cruiser bikes and a secluded courtyard with fire pits.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Drive the legendary Avenue of the Giants and step into a forest where trees soar over 300 feet. This massive, 53,000-acre park contains the world’s largest remaining contiguous old-growth redwood forest. Trails like the Founders Grove and Rockefeller Loop showcase towering redwoods and fern-lined creeks. With over 100 miles of trails, it’s a dream for hikers and solitude seekers.
WHERE TO STAY
The landmark Gingerbread Mansion Inn exudes Victorian elegance. Guestrooms are uniquely styled, and most feature a fireplace and clawfoot soaking tub. Built in 1890, the Victorian Inn is a stunning display of craftsmanship with a romantic touch. Enjoy dinner and drinks in the popular VI restaurant downstairs.
MacKerricher State Park
Stretching along the Mendocino coast near Fort Bragg, MacKerricher offers a mix of windswept bluffs and beaches, sheltered lagoons, and rich wildlife. Explore tide pools, spot harbor seals near Laguna Point, or follow the former logging route of the Haul Road Trail for an easy coastal ride or stroll. Glass Beach, just to the south, is a popular stop, but MacKerricher itself offers more space, fewer crowds, and miles of windswept beauty.
WHERE TO STAY
In Fort Bragg, the historic Noyo Harbor Inn is a beautifully restored Craftsman rising above the Noyo River with a private path down to the harbor. The Inn at Newport Ranch’s remote, 2,200-acre setting feels like an unexplored frontier with 20 miles of trails that meander along oceanfront bluffs and climb through the hills to panoramic vistas.
McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Teddy Roosevelt called Burney Falls the “eighth wonder of the world.” Watching the 129 feet of cold, rushing water cascade over moss-covered rock is truly awe-inspiring and mesmerizing. Fed by underground springs, the falls flow year-round, creating a cool mist and constant roar. The loop trail offers multiple viewpoints, and nearby Lake Britton adds fishing, swimming, and kayaking to the mix. It’s a refreshing stop in the summer months but also very popular.
WHERE TO STAY
The historic McCloud River Bed & Breakfast is a country Victorian Inn set on five serene acres of lawns and woodlands. Each of the 12 stylish guest rooms at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel is inspired by an aspect of the region’s rich history. The meticulously restored, Art and Crafts-style McCloud Hotel Bed & Breakfast features two restaurants and 16 handsome guest rooms.
Montana de Oro State Park
Rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and golden hills define this Central Coast favorite. The Bluff Trail offers easy access to dramatic ocean views, crashing surf, and wildflower-strewn headlands in spring. For more adventure, hike up Valencia Peak or explore tide pools at Spooner’s Cove. With coastal breezes and wide-open space, it’s a go-to for hikers, bikers, and quiet coastal escapes.
WHERE TO STAY
A short drive inland, the legendary Madonna Inn has attracted road-trippers with themed guest rooms and hot pink décor for over 65 years. Near downtown San Luis Obispo, The Butler Hotel boasts striking industrial design and sophisticated modern details. Also nearby, the charming Apple Farm Inn features elegant accommodations with contemporary country décor.
Morro Bay State Park
Anchored by the iconic Morro Rock, this Central Coast park is a haven for birdwatchers, kayakers, and tide pool explorers. The estuary teems with birds and wildlife, while trails like Black Hill winds through dense stands of Monterey Pine to offer panoramic views of the bay and coastline. The park’s natural history museum adds to the appeal, making it easy to mix nature with a bit of learning. The park also has a café, marina, and an 18-hole public golf course.
WHERE TO STAY
The Art Deco-inspired Rhapsody in View offers stunning views of the iconic Morro Rock. Each of the thoughtfully appointed guest rooms features private west-facing balconies for a front-row seat to sunsets over the ocean. Stays include a full breakfast served daily.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
A Bay Area classic, “Mount Tam” offers sweeping views of the Pacific, Marin Headlands, and even the Sierra on clear days. Trails wind through redwood groves, open grasslands, and foggy ridgelines. The Dipsea and Steep Ravine trails are popular for good reason—mixing lush forests with coastal panoramas. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure park for hikers of all levels.
WHERE TO STAY
In downtown Mill Valley, the Mill Valley Inn is a collection of luxurious accommodations, including two creek-side cottages nestled among towering redwoods.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Craggy coastline, turquoise coves, and coastal trails make Point Lobos one of California’s most breathtaking seascapes. Harbor seals nap on rocky outcrops, sea otters float through kelp beds, and wildflowers bloom along the bluffs in spring. The Cypress Grove and Sea Lion Point trails offer the best views—and a front-row seat to the park’s rich marine life and dramatic geology.
WHERE TO STAY
Stilwell Hotel is a new luxury boutique hotel offering a modern, coastal-inspired oasis in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In the heart of the village, Coachman’s Inn features all-new custom furnishings and a soothing color palette. With a heated swimming pool and a range of room configurations, Hofsas House is one of the most family-friendly hotels in town.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
This lush wonderland on the Northern California coast blends ancient redwoods with fern-filled canyons and Roosevelt elk grazing in open meadows. One of the park’s primeval highlights is Fern Canyon—a narrow, mossy gorge with dripping green walls famously featured in Jurassic Park. For a broader redwood experience, the Cathedral Trees and James Irvine trails offer quiet, majestic hikes under towering trees.
WHERE TO STAY
North of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Historic Requa Inn is a simple, Art-and-Crafts-era inn standing above the banks of the Klamath River and surrounded by wilderness. The lovely Carter House Inns are an enclave of Victorians perched at the gateway to Eureka’s historic district.
Russian Gulch State Park
Dramatic coastal scenery meets redwood forest at this Mendocino County gem. A trail along the wildflower-strewn headlands leads to a collapsed sea cave called Devil’s Punchbowl where waves crash and churn. Heading inland, the Fern Canyon Trail rewards hikers with a beautiful, 36-foot waterfall. The park also features an iconic bridge that gracefully rises 100 feet from the bottom of the gulch. Launch a SUP or kayak from the beach below the bridge to explore the cove’s calm waters.
WHERE TO STAY
The Inns of Mendocino is a collection of three stylish inns, each with its own modern coastal vibe. The Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast is one of Mendocino’s original B&Bs and features delicious breakfasts delivered to the room. Gourmet breakfasts delivered to the room are also the star attraction at the historic Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast. One of Mendocino’s finest Victorian landmarks, the MacCallum House Inn exudes the romance of a bygone era.
Schooner Gulch State Beach
A short detour off Highway 1 near Point Arena brings you to one of California’s most unique and surreal coastal photo ops. At low tide, the beach reveals smooth, round boulders that resemble oversized bowling balls—a natural phenomenon that gives it the nickname “Bowling Ball Beach.” With its dramatic cliffs, crashing surf, and unique geology, it’s a must-see for photographers and beachcombers alike. The clifftops also provide a stunning perch for watching sunsets.
WHERE TO STAY
In Point Arena, Wildflower Boutique Motel is a former roadside motel transformed into an eco-friendly getaway with blooming gardens and modern décor. Mar Vista Farm + Cottages is a bucolic hideaway with 10 vintage cottages scattered around a small farm. Guests can harvest vegetables from the gardens and enjoy fresh eggs delivered daily.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Off the beaten path from more well-known beaches and redwood parks near Santa Cruz, Nisene Marks offers a serene escape into a redwood forest in recovery. Once clear-cut by loggers over 100 years ago, this rugged semi-wilderness of second and third-growth redwoods rises from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. 30 miles of hiking, biking, and jogging trails take visitors deep into the forest past logging remnants, trickling streams, and a majestic grove of old-growth trees.
WHERE TO STAY
Built in 1887, Sand Rock Farm is a quiet retreat nestled on 10 acres in Aptos, south of Santa Cruz. Beautifully restored, the inn features a sunny reading porch, a large outdoor deck with a fire pit, and five, light-filled suites overlooking the gardens.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Clinging to the cliffs above the Pacific, Torrey Pines is one of only two places on the planet where the nation’s rarest pine tree grows. The park preserves not only the wind-sculpted pines but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve offers an easy urban escape with sweeping ocean views. Hike the Razor Point or Guy Fleming trails for dramatic overlooks and seasonal wildflower displays in spring and early summer.
WHERE TO STAY
In La Jolla, the Cormorant Boutique Hotel’s chic accommodations and rooftop restaurant offer stunning ocean views. Inspired by nature, Twelve Senses Retreat in Encinitas nurtures guests’ well-being with a focus on sustainability. A garden-filled oasis near the beach, every detail of the Inn at Moonlight Beach was designed with wellness in mind.
Van Damme State Park
Nestled just south of Mendocino, Van Damme offers a rare mix of pygmy forest, fern canyons, and a sheltered beach. Paddle sea caves and watch for marine life in a kayak or hike the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail, where lush greenery thrives beneath towering trees. The unique ecology of the pygmy forest—where ancient trees grow only a few feet tall—is both curious and captivating.
WHERE TO STAY
Next door to Van Damme, the historic Little River Inn offers sweeping ocean views and a popular restaurant and bar. The pet-friendly Cottages at Little River Cove feature fully equipped cottages, ocean views, and beautiful gardens. Revel in the cozy ambiance of Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse featuring a new tearoom and pet-friendly rooms. Nestled amid the gardens, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek offers 17 unique, pet-friendly rooms and cottages, many with ocean views.