California State Parks Near San Francisco

Angel Island State Park is the largest natural island in San Francisco Bay, renowned for its breathtaking vistas, historic immigration station, and network of hiking and biking trails. The park is accessible by ferry and is a favorite for day trips and overnight camping.

Candlestick Point SRA is a waterfront park in San Francisco featuring scenic bay vistas, fishing piers, picnic areas, and multi-use trails. It’s a popular destination for families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature within the city.

San Bruno Mountain State Park features over 2,400 acres of open space with hiking trails, picnic areas, and spectacular vistas of San Francisco and the Bay. The park is renowned for its unique plant communities and endangered butterflies.

Thornton State Beach offers visitors a serene coastal experience with sweeping ocean vistas, sandy shores, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is ideal for picnicking, beachcombing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the California coastline.

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park SS features over eight miles of shoreline, restored wetlands, and recreational paths for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. Its proximity to urban centers makes it a unique natural retreat.

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach features a 2.5-mile stretch of sandy shoreline, calm waters ideal for swimming, and abundant picnic spaces. Its visitor center provides educational exhibits about the bay’s ecology and history.

Albany SMR preserves vital tidal habitats along the East Bay shoreline. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, educational exhibits, and panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.

Mount Tamalpais State Park features breathtaking vistas, ancient redwoods, and over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and proximity to the Bay Area.

Pacifica State Beach features a crescent-shaped shoreline ideal for surfing, picnicking, and beachcombing. Its proximity to San Francisco makes it a convenient getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

China Camp State Park features a preserved Chinese-American fishing village, miles of multi-use trails, and beautiful bayfront landscapes. Visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and learning about the area's unique cultural history.

Montara State Beach offers a dramatic coastline with sandy shores and rocky bluffs, perfect for beach walks, surfing, and photography. Its close proximity to San Francisco makes it a popular day-trip destination.

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Property features a preserved 19th-century ranch, a rare English-style stone barn, and a scenic hiking trail along Mills Creek. The park offers a peaceful setting for wildlife viewing and exploring local history.

Olompali SHP offers a unique blend of Native American history, 19th-century ranching heritage, and natural beauty. The park features historic structures, interpretive exhibits, and peaceful hiking trails through oak woodlands.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park is renowned for its majestic redwoods, scenic trails, and family-friendly campgrounds. Its proximity to San Francisco makes it a favorite for day trips and weekend getaways.

Benicia SRA is known for its picturesque shoreline, tidal marshes, and multi-use trails perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Its easy access and tranquil setting make it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Benicia Capitol SHP highlights California’s only surviving pre-Sacramento capitol building. The park offers guided tours, exhibits, and gardens, providing insight into early state history.

San Gregorio State Beach offers visitors sweeping ocean views, sandy shores, and striking coastal bluffs. The park is ideal for picnics, beach walks, and observing local wildlife.

Mount Diablo State Park offers breathtaking vistas from its summit, extensive hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The park is renowned for its wildflower displays and geological significance.

Pomponio State Beach features expansive sandy shores, rugged coastal bluffs, and scenic picnic spots. It's ideal for relaxing, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Northern California coastline.

Tomales Bay State Park features sheltered beaches, forested trails, and rich wildlife habitats on the Point Reyes peninsula. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, picnicking, and exploring coastal ecosystems.

Petaluma Adobe SHP features California’s largest adobe building from the Mexican era, offering guided tours, exhibits, and living history programs. The park provides a unique glimpse into 19th-century rancho life.

Located in the heart of Sonoma, this park features several historic sites, including the last California mission and the Sonoma Barracks. It offers a unique glimpse into the region’s Mexican and early American periods.

Portola Redwoods State Park is known for its majestic redwoods, peaceful creeks, and miles of hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and exploring the lush forest landscape.

Bean Hollow State Beach offers dramatic ocean views, fascinating tide pools, and unique pebble beaches. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, fishing, and exploring the rugged California coastline.

Pescadero State Beach offers visitors dramatic coastal views, sandy beaches, and access to the rich habitats of Pescadero Marsh. It's a favorite spot for picnics, tide pooling, and observing local wildlife.

Lake Del Valle SRA boasts a large reservoir surrounded by rolling hills, providing opportunities for water recreation, hiking, and camping. Its proximity to the Bay Area makes it a convenient getaway for nature lovers.

Marconi Conference Center SHP offers a blend of history and natural beauty, with restored historic buildings, walking paths, and panoramic views of Tomales Bay. The park is ideal for conferences, retreats, and educational programs.

Pigeon Point Light Station SHP offers a historic lighthouse, scenic coastal vistas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is a popular destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park features miles of trails through majestic redwoods and shaded canyons. The park is ideal for hiking, camping, and escaping into nature.

Marsh Creek State Park features open grasslands, oak-studded hills, and the meandering Marsh Creek. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation in a tranquil natural setting.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a 4,020-acre park in Sonoma County, California, offering hiking, camping, and the Robert Ferguson Observatory. The park is renowned for its scenic vistas, seasonal waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Castle Rock State Park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone formations, dense forests, and extensive trail network. Visitors enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Año Nuevo State Park offers visitors the rare chance to observe elephant seals in their natural habitat along a rugged stretch of California’s coast. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and rich wildlife viewing opportunities.

Trione-Annadel State Park is renowned for its extensive trail network, spring wildflowers, and diverse habitats. The park provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing in Lake Ilsanjo.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park features majestic old-growth redwoods, cascading waterfalls, and over 80 miles of hiking trails. The park is a haven for nature lovers, offering camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in a serene forest setting.