By Staff
We are all looking for ways to fill our free time, especially with summer right around the corner. Staying in is always nice but doing that day after day can be unhealthy and boring. California has some of the best scenic areas and numerous different environments to explore. With the beach, forests, deserts and mountains all at our fingertips, visiting a state park is a great way to spend the day, whether it be over the summer or even over the weekend. Here are some popular state parks along with some not so popular but equally beautiful parks to visit.
Beginning in Northern California we have Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park! No surprise here, when it comes to northern california one of its biggest attractions is the Redwoods. This beautiful park is located just a few miles south of Oregon and is the last state park in the umbrella of Redwood parks. While noot the most popular park for viewing redwoods, it definitely should be! Only a few miles from the coast with few people and the Smith river running right through, this park offers miles of hiking trails and is home to some of the oldest redwood trees.
Next up we have Van Damme State Park. Also in northern California and similar to Jedediah Smith Park, Van Damme offers a multitude of environments. From coastal experiences including the opportunity to kayak through sea caverns to beautiful hikes through fern and redwood covered canyons. This is a great place to spend multiple days and partake in the variety of outdoor opportunities.
Taking a turn we have Bodie State Historic Park. This park is a bit different due to its rich history as a gold rush town that has now been abandoned. If you’re looking for a taste of the “wild west” this park is the place to go. Some tour guides even say this old town is haunted and ghost tours are available.
Spotlighting a park close to home, this is a great place to check out if you aren’t up for a long drive.Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. This park is home to the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse along with million dollar views during the hike to the lighthouse. Surrounded by beaches, this park is a great place to have a picnic and look out for migrating humpback whales during April – December.
For more of a desert destination we have Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This versatile park houses countless species of desert wildflowers, canyons, sculptures, and allows for some of the best stargazing. The best time to visit this park is in late spring during a super bloom in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the desert flora. Also, don’t forget to stick around for amazing sunsets and stargazing.
These are certainly not the only parks worth visiting in California, which is home to over 250 state parks. Whether you’re traveling over summer or staying local there are plenty of parks to visit anywhere you go in California, these are just a few! Next time you’re bored at home, consider taking a day trip to one of our beautiful parks and reconnect with the beautiful state we live in!
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