California State Parks Near Salinas

Discover 24 parks within driving distance of Salinas

Marina State Beach

Marina, California
13 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' is famous for its agricultural heritage and John Steinbeck history. Residents visit Marina State Beach for ocean recreation and a break from inland life."

Marina State Beach features expansive sandy dunes and panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas. The park is popular for hang gliding, kite flying, and beach walks.

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Salinas River State Beach

Moss Landing, California
18 miles away

"Salinas residents visit for a quick escape to the coast, enjoying fishing, birdwatching, and the peaceful beach environment."

Salinas River State Beach is renowned for its pristine dunes, diverse wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities. The park provides a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and beachgoers alike.

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Moss Landing State Beach

Moss Landing, California
19 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' offers agricultural attractions and museums. Residents and visitors enjoy quick access to the coast at Moss Landing State Beach."

Moss Landing State Beach features sandy dunes, excellent birdwatching, and access to the Elkhorn Slough. Visitors enjoy fishing, surfing, and scenic views along the Monterey Bay coastline.

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Carmel River State Beach

Carmel, California
20 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' is a vibrant agricultural hub. Residents often visit Carmel River State Beach for its scenic beauty and peaceful coastal environment."

Carmel River State Beach boasts a beautiful lagoon, sandy shores, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The park is ideal for kayaking, wildlife observation, and enjoying coastal views.

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Monterey State Beach

Monterey, California
20 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' offers agricultural heritage and museums. Residents often visit Monterey State Beach for a relaxing escape by the ocean."

Monterey State Beach features wide sandy beaches, gentle waves, and excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Its proximity to downtown Monterey and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail makes it a convenient destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Monterey State Historic Park

Monterey, California
20 miles away

"Salinas residents enjoy quick access to Monterey’s historic sites and coastal attractions, making it a popular day-trip destination for families and history enthusiasts."

Monterey State Historic Park features a unique collection of historic adobes, museums, and gardens in the heart of Monterey. The park offers guided tours, educational exhibits, and special events celebrating California’s heritage.

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Zmudowski State Beach

Moss Landing, California
21 miles away

"Salinas residents enjoy quick access to Zmudowski State Beach for fishing, birdwatching, and relaxing coastal escapes from city life."

Zmudowski State Beach features sandy dunes, rich wildlife habitats, and prime fishing spots. Its remote setting makes it ideal for nature lovers seeking a quiet coastal experience.

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San Juan Bautista State Historic Park

San Juan Bautista, California
21 miles away

"Salinas visitors appreciate the park’s historical exhibits and proximity, making it a popular destination for families and school groups."

San Juan Bautista SHP features restored adobe buildings, a historic plaza, and the renowned Mission San Juan Bautista. Visitors can explore museums, gardens, and period furnishings that bring California’s early history to life.

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Asilomar State Beach

Pacific Grove, California
23 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' is an agricultural hub. Residents visit Asilomar for a coastal escape and outdoor recreation."

Asilomar State Beach features a mile-long stretch of sandy beach and rocky coves along the Monterey Peninsula. Renowned for its natural beauty, it offers accessible walking paths, tide pools, and spectacular sunsets.

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
27 miles away

"Salinas is the agricultural hub of the region and the hometown of John Steinbeck. Residents visit Point Lobos for scenic escapes and outdoor recreation."

Point Lobos SNR offers dramatic ocean views, unique geological formations, and abundant wildlife. It's a premier destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Sunset State Beach

Watsonville, California
29 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' is a hub for agriculture and history. Residents visit Sunset State Beach for coastal recreation and relaxation."

Sunset State Beach offers expansive sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and coastal bluffs perfect for relaxation and recreation. The park is known for its family-friendly campsites and stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

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Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Property

Watsonville, California
29 miles away

"Salinas, known for its agricultural heritage, offers visitors a chance to connect with early California history at the Castro Adobe."

Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Property is a historic park featuring a beautifully restored 19th-century adobe home and interpretive displays. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about early California history, and enjoy guided tours.

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Seacliff State Beach

Aptos, California
31 miles away

"Salinas residents visit Seacliff State Beach for its recreational opportunities and beautiful ocean scenery, making it a favored destination for day trips."

Seacliff State Beach boasts a picturesque stretch of sand, the unique SS Palo Alto concrete ship, and excellent spots for picnicking and fishing. Its gentle surf and accessible facilities make it ideal for visitors of all ages.

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Manresa State Beach

Watsonville, California
32 miles away

"Salinas visitors appreciate the park’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a popular weekend destination."

Manresa State Beach features wide sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Its peaceful setting attracts visitors looking for a classic California beach experience.

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New Brighton State Beach

Capitola, California
37 miles away

"Salinas residents appreciate the park’s proximity for coastal recreation and scenic relaxation away from the inland heat."

New Brighton State Beach features a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline, blufftop campsites, and sweeping views of Monterey Bay. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse coastal activities.

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Natural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz, California
40 miles away

"Salinas, known for its agricultural industry and literary history, provides easy access to the coast for families and outdoor enthusiasts."

Natural Bridges State Beach features a striking natural rock arch, tide pools, and a seasonal monarch butterfly grove. It’s ideal for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

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Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

Santa Cruz, California
41 miles away

"Salinas residents enjoy the park’s rich history and its proximity to Santa Cruz’s popular attractions and beaches."

Santa Cruz Mission SHP features the last surviving building of the original Mission Santa Cruz, restored adobe rooms, and interpretive displays. The park provides insight into the region’s Spanish colonial past and Native Californian heritage.

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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Aptos, California
42 miles away

"Salinas visitors enjoy exploring the park’s natural beauty and learning about its logging history, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts."

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park features towering redwoods, scenic creeks, and miles of multi-use trails. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Point Sur State Historic Park

Big Sur, California
43 miles away

"As the largest city in Monterey County, Salinas offers visitors a gateway to the coast and Point Sur’s unique lighthouse experience."

Point Sur SHP features the iconic Point Sur Lighthouse perched atop a volcanic rock, offering guided tours and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The park highlights California’s maritime heritage and the rugged beauty of the Big Sur coastline.

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Andrew Molera State Park

By Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain

Andrew Molera State Park

Big Sur, California
45 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' is an agricultural hub with a vibrant arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts from Salinas enjoy the park’s trails and coastal scenery."

Andrew Molera State Park is a natural gem along the Big Sur coast, offering miles of hiking trails, beach access, and stunning ocean vistas. Its diverse landscapes provide opportunities for exploration and relaxation in a less-crowded setting.

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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Big Sur, California
45 miles away

"Salinas, the 'Salad Bowl of the World,' is known for its agricultural heritage and is a convenient stop for travelers heading to the Big Sur region."

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is renowned for its majestic redwoods, scenic river, and diverse wildlife. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of California’s iconic Big Sur region.

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Lighthouse Field State Beach

Santa Cruz, California
48 miles away

"Salinas, the heart of Steinbeck Country, provides a gateway for inland visitors to enjoy the coastal beauty and wildlife at Lighthouse Field SB."

Lighthouse Field State Beach features the historic Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, panoramic ocean views, and is a prime location for surfing and wildlife watching. Its open grassy fields and easy beach access make it ideal for picnics and relaxation.

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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Big Sur, California
55 miles away

"Salinas, the largest city in Monterey County, is known for its agricultural heritage and proximity to the scenic Big Sur coastline, making it a gateway for regional visitors."

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features dramatic ocean vistas, lush redwood forests, and the famous McWay Falls. Visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring one of California’s most picturesque coastal landscapes.

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John Little State Natural Reserve

Big Sur, California
56 miles away

"Salinas, the largest city in Monterey County, is an agricultural hub. Residents enjoy day trips to the coast, including the scenic landscapes of John Little SNR."

John Little SNR preserves a pristine stretch of Big Sur coastline with dramatic cliffs and rare plant communities. The reserve offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation, though public access is restricted.

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