California State Parks Near Santa Cruz

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.

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.

Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile-long stretch of sand, calm waters, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Its proximity to the harbor and local amenities makes it a favorite for families and beachgoers.

Wilder Ranch State Park features historic ranch buildings, dramatic ocean views, and extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Its coastal habitats and cultural history make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.