13 California State Parks You Must Visit

California has almost 300 state parks, covering some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state. Whether it is coastal landscapes, lush forests, or wildlife preserves, there is something for everyone in California's state parks. Here are 13 of my favorite state parks in California, let me know what your favorite is in the comments.
Read more about all of California state parks I have visited here - californiathroughmylens.com/c...
Chapters:
--
0:00​ - Intro
0:37​ - Emerald Bay State Park
1:22​ - Anza Borrego State Park
1:57​ - Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park
2:34​ - Crystal Cove State Park
3:04 - Limekiln State Park
3:38 - McArthur-Burney State Park
4:09​ - Angel Island State Park
4:45​ - Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5:18 - Prairie Creek Redwood State Park
6:03​ - Russian Gulch State Park
6:41​ - Antelope Valley Burns State Park
7:16​ - Torrey Pines State Park
7:45​ - Ano Nuevo State Park
8:14 - Outro
--
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[@Dfox4]

California, an outdoor soul’s paradise

[@slavikpashin4586]

This is one of the principal reasons on why I love California 😍 The landscape diversity is amazing 😍😍

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed, it is crazy how diverse the landscape is here!

[@HuckOutdoors]

The Humboldt Redwoods State Park may be favorite out of this list.

[@JForr64]

I came across a gem, Patrick's Point state park, a couple decades ago when on vacation. This place has been planted firmly in my head! Great views of the ocean and a beautiful beach covered with multi-colored pebbles. An enchanting place!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh, that is a great suggestion! I have been there only once but it was stunning!

[@CUTravel1st]

What area is that around??

[@JForr64]

@@CUTravel1st it is roughly 20 miles north of Eureka.

[@CUTravel1st]

@@JForr64 so is it close to the Avenue of the Giants. We have been wanting to see those. Thank you for letting me know thou

[@xiongchiamiov]

My family went camping every summer growing up, and that was one of our favorites. It's now named Sue-meg State Park in case you're having trouble finding it.

[@delphinenyirahabimanam.d.8510]

CA is more diverse than I thought it was! Thanks for sharing this beautifully made video.

[@thecrispeoutdoors3721]

Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park all the way up in Del Norte County is absolutely stunning. And one of California's prettiest rivers runs right through it, the Smith River.

[@californiahiker9616]

You left out our CROWN JEWEL: Point Lobos near Carmel! The park boasts gorgeous hiking trails and diverse coastal scenery. It’s my favorite State Park! Thank you for this beautiful video! There are just a few parks I have yet to explore, but most of them I’ve visited and revisited. All of them are worth the trip!

[@CC-adventure]

How about Montaña de Oro. Diverse hiking trails in forestry tree lines to the beach or along the cliffs. Spring flowers and sunsets in spring are gorgeous.

[@natlovell122]

Montana de Oro is beautiful! The Bluffs Trail and views from Valencia Peak are fantastic! Not to mention Spooner's Cove.

[@lisafriedman6070]

Fantastic collection and videos! Thank you so much. I travel with my dog often, State Parks are iffy. Could you add something in your site to let us know which are dog friendly?

[@StephenAldaco]

Anza borrego is AMAZING during wildflower season. Great video!

[@californiathroughmylens]

I agree, it is stunning to see the wildflowers there!

[@nhiayang2850]

What month does it bloom?

[@NursingPlantswithEvie]

We live in Northern California and didn't realize what we're missing til I saw your channel. Keep inspiring people my friend. New Subscriber from Cali too!💚💚💚🦋🦋🦋

[@californiathroughmylens]

Awesome! Thank you so much for subscribing!

[@olliojenarter]

Hi from another native Californian! I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to any of these state parks. 😒 And I live 45 minutes away from Big Sur and Santa Cruz.

[@liztury1434]

These are all hidden gems and nice places to hike.

[@TravelwithSuri]

Thank you so much Josh for coming up with this amazing list of state parks in CA! Fortunately, I have visited 3/4 of this list. I’ll cover the remaining parks this year! Great video as usual!

[@vrepair3070]

Again, Great job showing California at its best. I miss it so... props for your awesome treks .

[@slaviapolandia7541]

yet another amazing video on this channel!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you think so!!

[@jantelagen4262]

California dreamin’ all day everyday. I live in Sweden and it feels so depressing. I want to live somewhere like Los Angeles where it is warm all year around. That would help a little against my chronic depression. Love this channel!

[@JavierFernandez01]

Sweden looks absolutely gorgeous. :) i love to hike.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks so much for the comment and for watching the videos in Sweden! I would love to visit Sweden someday, it looks amazing.

[@jantelagen4262]

@@sallyhague5033 ❤️

[@DLMVegas]

You don't want to live in LA for sure. Too many commies running things in that area. Will be glad when the governor is gone as well. Arizona is nice and it's not a communist state like Nevada or California.

[@jantelagen4262]

Why does my comment get removed?

[@evslone]

Great list and wonderful photography. The California travel folks should be enlisting you to promote this great state.

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha appreciate the kind words! Just trying to do my part to show how amazing California is.

[@danielleporter1829]

@@californiathroughmylens I second that. Our state's tourism board should have called you a long time ago. Your videos are great

[@bugsbane]

The following parks mentioned are part of the California Golden Annual Pass: Emerald Bay State Park Anza Borrego State Park Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park McArthur-Burney State Park Angel Island State Park Humboldt Redwoods State Park Prairie Creek Redwood State Park Russian Gulch State Park Antelope Valley Burns State Park Ano Nuevo State Park The rest are not... - Crystal Cove State Park - Limekiln State Park - Torrey Pines State Park

[@adriantwomey4903]

Another great video. Thanks for all of your work on these. They are fun, entertaining and full of great suggestions. I relied on them heavily when planning a family holiday in California and we all had a fantastic time as a result.

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I am glad the videos were helpful for your trip!

[@paulab133]

Very inspirational. I’ve lived here my whole life, and missed a few of these. Thanks, I will be exploring more!

[@editheliassen398]

You covered our beautiful, diverse state well! Death Valley & Yosemite deserve their own videos! Well Done!

[@smileyfaceam18]

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park is one of the most beautiful places in CA. Love your videos!

[@andrelliev1268]

Thanks for this great video! I must say, I've been to 9 out of the 13 parks you listed.

[@CD-vu8hh]

I love your videos! I always check to see if you've published a video before visiting any CA state/national park. Please keep them coming.

[@californiathroughmylens]

So awesome, thanks for watching the videos and following my channel, I truly appreciate it!

[@chickplowman4333]

Love your videos, both content and delivery. Also love CA and going to visit in a couple weeks

[@kunjalshah5161]

I love watching your videos and many times keep on checking notifications if I can see new place through your lens. Your videos are truly amazing at the same time with all the necessary information which is unique. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching them and for the comment!

[@lenbata]

For real! this channel should get a million subscribers.

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha I appreciate the support!

[@hardcore4665]

@@californiathroughmylens ma dude definitely deserves the mili

[@m.murano749]

@@californiathroughmylens I hate to bring this up in public comments (feel free to delete if embarrassing), but when saying the name 'Año Nuevo,' (New Year) it's really important to pronounce the ñ (an-yo) sound, and equally important to spell it with the tilde on the n (ñ). Año means 'year'. Ano is... an anatomical term.

[@dougprovins7487]

To the readers, don't search "Feliz Ano" on the wrong websites. ;-)

[@deepalib3096]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video!

[@omarnajam]

This is absolutely one of my favorite channels

[@maverickm885]

Looks amazing!💚💚

[@willcrockett6707]

Great job as always, you make the absolute best California videos there are. Beautiful images, great editing by the way, and superb content. I really appreciate your effort on these terrific videos.😊

[@davejohanson4951]

Great video! You introduced me to some gems I didn't even know existed. I wish I had a year just to explore all the less-traveled corners of California.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad to hear I introduced you to some new spots. I agree, California is so big and it is so hard to explore it all!

[@travelercalvin8888]

Fantastic! Your California State Parks video took my breath away~~Wow, wonderful!!! Especially I want to drink cold milk shake at the Crystal Cove State Park. It feels like summer already in Korea.

[@TheOCMarc]

Great video Josh. I didn’t know about a couple of these parks and I had forgotten about several of the others. Great suggestions!!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad there were a few surprises on there. Thanks for the comment!

[@villanuevafamily4]

Awesome video! Great information. Thank you so much.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kylebayliff9360]

I have a few favorites in NorCal that didn't make the list, but are definitely worth the trip: Van Damme SP near Mendocino is a nice partner to Russian Gulch. It has its own Fern Canyon trail that follows a creek through the redwoods and is absolutely gorgeous. It also has a unique trail that goes through a pygmy forest that contains some unique species like the Mendocino cypress and Bollander's beach pine. Grover Hot Springs SP is wonderful, too. It's got a beautiful boardwalk trail that goes over moutain meadows and wetlands, a lovely trail along sawmill creek that leads to several waterfalls, and of course the hot springs, which are generally open year-round. Plumas-Eureka SP is also very nice especially if you're into mining history. It has an active gold assayers office and a working scale model of the Mohawk stamp mill (the actual stamp mill is right outside, but it is closed for renovations). Calaveras Big Trees SP is excellent, too. It's one of the best places to see the Giant Sequoias outside of the National Parks.

[@IMP3TIGO]

Another great video!!!

[@allisonsherman7231]

Great list!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@marc4825]

Fern Canyon trail in Van Damme SP (Mendocino) is gorgeous

[@pappysproductions]

Another awesome video, my man.

[@kassandrarendon723]

Will make it a point to visit all these places in the upcoming year! Great list!

[@californiathroughmylens]

That's awesome! Have fun!

[@markcain8325]

Thanks for another awesome video!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you like them!

[@Lovherfurs]

I love it! I’ll be taking my family to many of these parks

[@californiathroughmylens]

So awesome! There are tons more amazing ones as well!

[@jonny4509torres]

Great video like always! Always looking forward to your posts. Recently took a trip out to Joshua Tree and explored the park pretty much completely based on your suggestions. Had a great time and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for you channel when traveling more this summer

[@californiathroughmylens]

So awesome to hear the videos were helpful for Joshua Tree. That is a favorite park of mine for sure!

[@SippyCupAdventures]

Well done! 👏👏👏 I am not as familiar with the SoCal parks, but agree with your NorCal state parks for sure. Thank you.

[@eydienoteddie]

Great list! I need to start making plans.

[@BadHikers]

Such a fun video!! Anza Borrego has been on our list for so long to hike. I think we missed it as its a little hot now but this fall we will go forsure!

[@clarktferrill]

Wow!....This is an awesome list..thanks ..I like the no B.S. narration. ..

[@kathrynmercier4874]

I would have to add Mount Diablo State Park to this list! The view from the top of the mountain allows you the farthest views in the entire state on a clear day.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh, that is a good suggestion as well!

[@CUTravel1st]

So funny you never think of the one that’s closest to you or something to see lol.

[@marcoverde9790]

Apparently they used the summit of Mt Diablo as a way to map counties all across the state back in the day

[@eleanormorgan7979]

Yeah. At a certain location you can see the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

[@deanflet973]

I usually stay at Gold Bluffs Beach then hike over to Fern Canyon then hike to the rangers station such a Beautiful hike.🏕🚙🌲

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Awesome list! And so many I haven’t been to. Nice job!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for watching! Glad there are a few new ones for you!

[@ninamc6116]

Great video!!

[@thobbs4526]

Prairie Creek Redwoods SP is heaven on earth! Brown Creek Trail glows green!

[@Mickey_McD]

Great list!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks!

[@aaronromano261]

Red Rock Canyon State Park is also really cool!

[@malakangel9322]

Amazing!! Thank you

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you liked it!

[@msadrakhall]

Calavaras Big Trees is a great state park too!

[@JoseGarcia-cr7hs]

Another great video man. I miss a couple of great spots on your list: MccCoud Falls and McArthur-Burney falls. Both in Mt Shasta area. Keep up your awesome work!

[@jaaz5531]

Great Video! You have amazing voice and content. I feel grateful to be living in CA. I would add Chino Hills State park to this list (especially during spring).

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks that is kind of you to say! I agree, Chino Hills in the spring is amazing

[@franksalsa9342]

Always enjoy your videos and have visited many of these..I realize that it's a county park but...jalama beach near lompoc is a beautiful gem..🤔😄

[@jamespbuckman6172]

Love every video you do! One of the few channels my wife will watch with me ! (thank you!! ) suggestion for us in the "Midwest" show a map in the corner of the video so that we can get we can get a bearing on what part of the state you(we) are in!! Once again you are so talented!!

[@miahmarieeeeee]

Always impressed keep up the great videos

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks, will do!

[@qelapafu]

Great list, my recommendation is Garrapata State Park. The short trail down to the beach is always stunning. Randomly found it on the way south of Monterey. Specifically the "Garrapata State Beach" off PCH

[@mamartinez77]

Those are all great places. The only state park that I think you left off was Montaña de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo. The coastal views on the Bluffs Trail are even more stunning than Crystal Cove, and I live in Orange County.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh, that is an amazing one! It has been a while since I visited there but it was beautiful

[@anthonycovarrubias5949]

Right you are. I live 3 miles outside of MDO. I am in the park at least 4 times a week. It truly is an amazing place.

[@stephenjones6030]

My younger brother is one of those mega-backpacker kind of guys; he's hiked all over CA. He told me one day: "Visit Prairie Creek, my favorite place". Coming from HIM, I was like, "I gotta go!" I went a few years back...fricking incredible!

[@jwt1035]

Palomar Mountain State Park is also incredible.

[@randyclark1221]

Great video. Well done.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you very much!

[@giuliom8520]

Sheesh, I live here and wasn't even aware of all these State Parks! Thanks for the ideas💡!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Oooh... more grist for the photography mill! Anza Borrego is one of my favorite places in the world.

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha yea, so many stunning photo opportunities at these spots!

[@buzzbatra3]

Awesome 🤘🏻

[@jessebirchfield9608]

Great video! Don’t forget Point Lobos!

[@TghtLin]

I second Point Lobos! I have lived in Cali my whole life. I have been to all said Parks. Josh you nailed 95% of this. Take the trail that goes along the bluff of the north side of the park. The beauty is breathtaking. There is hardly an equal when it comes to seeing sealife from land... otters to pelicans. This will make your next top Ca State Parks Video.

[@gsr4535]

Well done Josh. 👍

[@kylebayliff9360]

I got to visit Ano Nuevo SP a couple weekends ago. Lovely place (though hiking in sand is a bit tough). Got to see the big male elephant seals out on the beach and saw my first Steller sea lion on the little rock island where the lighthouse used to be! It's a little rare for them to travel this far south, so that was a nice surprise.

[@ellafields9424]

Great video as usual. Many places I've not seen even though I lived in CA 36 yrs. Too busy with a career then.Hope to get back there for a long tour especially up north. Meanwhile I can enjoy it thru your lens. 😊

[@WeWander2]

Good job

[@haroldmorey1107]

Before Limekiln was a State park My Wife and I ran it for 3 year's.. It was one of the best job's I ever had . We had no bridges. They came after the State took it over. We Loved it.

[@Ekkie101]

Terrific and informative video. We have recently hiked on two occasions at Vasquez Rocks Park. It's unclear whether it's a county park or a national monument. I've seen it listed both ways. It's off the 14 Freeway at Agua Dulce, about 45 minutes north of the San Fernando Valley. It has towering slanted rocks that we've all seen in countless movies and TV shows: Star Trek, The Flintstones, Blazing Saddles, etc. and you can instantly see why it's a favorite for sci-fi movie locations. But the park is much bigger than the iconic familiar rock formations being on almost 1,000 acres. There are twisted and slanted rock formations throughout the park. Lots of trails and climbing at Vasquez Rocks.

[@nestormejia2692]

Yosemite park I think is the best!! But all California is beautiful

[@Michael-Bennett]

Red Rock Canyon State Park! Some of the most unique red rock scenery around. Different from other red rock parks.

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

I definitely want to do Redwood(Jedediah Smith included) as it is a World Heritage Site and Humboldt state park. And I agree with your full list.

[@TravellingTrav1025]

Great selection of parks! You missed Calaveras Big Trees SP in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Up Hwy 4. Huge huge trees 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@roulab8657]

You might want to add Henry W. Coe State Park the largest in Northern California. It is an amazing place for hiking with great vistas and a feel of wilderness. Getting there is an adventure on its own but worth it.

[@toddryan0108]

Great video, me and my wife just got back from exploring Red Rock Canyon.

[@naturetherapyfilms]

Point Lobos state park great video friend

[@spartacat300]

Castle Crags is my personal favorite I've been to

[@CUTravel1st]

Does anyone even know if Highway 1 south going to Limekiln is open?? And great job as always on this channel. Hope to see you on the trail some day

[@CBThis]

Thank you for not listing Plumas-Eureka SP....opps, did I say that out loud??? Great video as always!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Point lobos.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Great suggestion, that park is beautiful!

[@gigaprobe]

If I'm within 200 miles of Point Lobos, I visit. It truly is the greatest meeting of land and sea in a region filled with such spots. Andrew Molera SP probably has the best hiking loop in Big Sur ( www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/creamery-meadow-bluffs-panorama-and-ridge-trail-loop ). But Point Lobos has to be the jewel of the entire California State Park system. On a sunny day, it's paradise.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I've only been to one of them on your list that I know of. I may have visited others and didn't realize it. I guess I need to do a lot more traveling!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Have fun exploring them!

[@KurtElliott]

I've been on the island in Emerald Bay once.

[@twochickens3954]

Well, I’ve been to three of them so far. Not too bad for a Mass(achusetts)hole! 😂👍🚐🐓 Hi Pops! 😘

[@camf8372]

Sheesh lol. I've got competition. Living in Colorado Springs, missing home back in TEXAS (sort of), but California has all nature I love. Lakes, oceans, mountains, waterfalls, everything. Maybe I should move to Cali 🤔? But LA, SD, SF, Oakland, SWAGamento? No thanks. I'll live at the LTVA in Palm Springs for $180 for 7 months.

[@celinekor5589]

You're definitely missing Calaveras Big Trees State Park! 😁🌲 definitely a must see in CA!!

[@DOVASQENTERPRISE]

Hear me out, Henry Coe State Park

[@californiathroughmylens]

That's another pretty park for sure

[@andrelliev1268]

I agree! I've gone many times coz I am from Morgan Hill.

[@galinkabondar4535]

mount tamalpais is a very beautiful state park also

[@lisalovessoulsbeachcoach8029]

I love camping

[@mrkkitson]

Of Course Red Rock Canyon is a must see. Not huge, but beautiful! Not in the summer though....:)

[@1958zed]

Humboldt Redwoods and Prairie Creek/Fern Canyon are amazing. Thanks for showing me a few other options as well.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agree 100%. I am glad there were a few new options on there as well!

[@zarb88]

Disneyland Park is my favorite

[@constatinexipalaeologus507]

You should include on your next video Santa Clarita Woodland State Park in the Santa Susana Mountains by LA. Bee and Rice canyons with its stands of Big cone douglas fir and oak trees is beautiful in places. I hiked there before it was a state park, but I live in Arizona now.