Top 10 State Parks in California

As a coastal state, California truly has no shortage of beautiful scenery with more than 279 state parks, 420 public beaches, and almost 300 sunny days. Here, we help you narrow down the top 10 state parks as reviewed by Googlers and let you in on a bit of each park’s unique features that have visitors raving. 

Here are the top 10 state parks in California.

Montaña de Oro State Park

Google Rating: 4.9

Montaña de Oro State Park is a highly rated stunning state park that offers no shortage of fantastic views. Millions of years of volcanic activity, shifting tectonic plates, and erosion have shaped this unique landscape. The state park is just a two-hour drive up the coast from the upscale city of Santa Barbara. The violent and property crime rates are well below the U.S. average, making Santa Barbara a relatively safe city to live in. 

Once you arrive at Montaña de Oro, you can start at either end of the Bluff Trail (both sides have parking lots). The trail measures around three miles roundtrip and goes all along the coastal cliffs. You can spot whales, sea lions, otters, and more in the ocean while walking along the path overlooking the Pacific. There are also spur trails that take you right up to the edge of the cliffs. Don’t miss the beautiful sunsets! 

There’s so much to see and do: hike, bike, climb, explore, or just breathe in the crisp ocean air. Note that the restrooms are limited and are port-a-potty-style, so be prepared.

Sonoma Coast State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

“Picture-perfect” is what some would call Sonoma Coast State Park. This is a beautiful, easy hike suitable for the whole family from kids to grandparents. The park is around an hour and a half drive from Oakland, a bustling city with a lower cost of living than others in the area. The park spans 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail which is located approximately four miles north of Jenner. Relax, decompress, and explore all the beaches in between, as you’ll discover some of the most beautiful spots to take pictures. Pack lunch and enjoy a refreshing dip afterward. 

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Love bouldering? Mount San Jacinto State Park is a perfect spot for pebble wrestling in the summer. The park is just around an hour and fifteen-minute drive east of Riverside. Take the tram up to almost 9,000 feet and enjoy the contrast in weather and scenery, from the desert floor to the pines. The weather is much cooler at the top, with almost a 40-degree difference! Make a day trip by arriving early, as camping by the boulders is prohibited. Facilities are clean, and trails are well maintained and not crowded once you enter the wilderness area. This park is absolutely stunning and a refreshing respite from city life.

Crystal Cove State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

The California coast has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but somehow, Crystal Cove still sets itself apart from the rest. With crystal clear water, lively tidepools, and breathtaking scenery, this park is a must-visit when in Irvine. Crystal Cove is only about a 20-minute drive from the master-planned city that has also been touted as one of America’s safest cities. The park has moist and foggy summer mornings, warm sunny days, and cool evenings. It’s best to carry a backpack or beach tote and avoid anything with wheels when climbing down from the parking lot due to the steep hill. There is a small, communal vibe and lots of space to hang out and enjoy the scenery. The water here is crystal clear, and you get a splendid ocean view. There are, however, lots of rocks when you start venturing out into the ocean, so be careful of that. Depending on the season, Crystal Cove is a quiet sanctuary or bustling beach getaway. 

Asilomar State Beach

Google Rating: 4.8

An hour and a half drive from San Jose is Asilomar State Beach, which has gorgeous, smooth white sand speckled with shells and kelp. San Jose is Silicon Valley’s largest city and was ranked the fourth happiest city in the U.S. with a relatively low crime rate. 

Asilomar State Beach features incredible tidepools to explore but make sure not to turn your back towards the ocean as the shoreline is prone to rip currents. Asilomar is a stunning place to watch the sunset and there are also plenty of parking spaces along the road. If you plan to spend a full day, bring sensible shoes and several layers of clothes. 

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Mendocino Headlands State Park is an awesome place for a hike, bike, or picnic. Remember to bring layers of clothing as it can get quite windy and wet. The park surrounds the small, quaint town of Mendocino and is about a three-hour drive north of San Francisco. This is one of the few beaches on the Mendocino coast where you can step right out of the car and be greeted by the water. It’s the perfect beach spot to take older relatives and children since there isn’t much of a walk. Note: There is no drone flying at this state park, and leashed pups are allowed. There’s also plenty of free roadside parking available, but as with all these beautiful spots, arriving early is recommended. 

Cardiff State Beach

Google Rating: 4.7

Cardiff State Beach is a clean, family-friendly beach located 23 miles from San Diego. At Cardiff, you’ll find people beach combing, surfing, and swimming — it’s the gold standard of what Southern California beaches should be. Experience breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline and make sure to stick around for sunset. Pay parking is in effect, and the park does get crowded on the weekends (especially in the summer). The best place to park is on the free side-street parking along Highway 101 next to the beach. 

Morro Bay State Park

Google Rating: 4.7

Located 103 miles from Bakersfield is Morro Bay State Park, a great campground that is also within walking distance to an estuary and right next door to an 18-hole golf course. Those coming from downtown Morro Bay in the summer can hop on a shuttle bus to the campsite on the weekends which only costs a few dollars. This state park offers a bit of everything: camping and RV sites, hiking trails, access to bird sanctuaries, kayak and standup paddle board rentals, a marina café, and, of course, an incredible view. 

The campground is clean, the campsites are not too close, and it’s very serene after hours. Restroom facilities are also fairly clean, and tokens are used for showers. Despite the season, be sure to take some warm clothes and sweatshirts with you. Temperatures can dip to the low 50s — even in the summer. 

Torrey Pines State Beach

Google Rating: 4.7

If you live in San Diego or you’re just visiting the area, be sure to make time to stop by Torrey Pines State Beach. It is only an approximate 25-minute drive north of San Diego, the city with near-perfect weather year-round and a laid-back lifestyle. 

Plan to arrive early to scope out free street parking or pay up to $25 to park at one of the two parking lots. The beach stretches on for miles and offers a peaceful walk with beautiful pebbles and stones. As you get closer to the nature preserve, there are beautiful cliffs with varying colors. Grab a chair on your way and stay for the sunset, as it’s highly recommended. 

Topanga State Park

Google Rating: 4.7

Topanga State Park is the perfect escape from the bustling center of Los Angeles, which is just about an hour away. Here, you can find stunning views of the city and ocean once you reach the peak. This is the perfect place to hike, bike, picnic, and explore. Depending on the day and time, parking will cost up to $15. On your day out, you may be even lucky enough to see some wild deer grazing or rattlesnakes slithering on the paths. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. 

Thinking of moving to California? Check out our article on the Best Places to Live in California, and when you’re ready to find your new home, head to NewHomeSource.com for new listings every day.

* All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, Google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.