These CA Places Were Named The Best In The State

SAN DIEGO, CA — Ten state parks were voted the best in California, according to poll results released this week by the California State Parks Foundation.

The poll highlighted California's best parks for birdwatching, camping, hiking, learning about history, picnicking, wildflowers, views, and dog- and kid-friendly adventures. The poll also revealed the best state beach.

"We launched the first-ever 'Best of California's State Parks' poll to honor and highlight the deep connection that people have to our parks," said Rachel Norton, executive director of California State Parks Foundation.

"These places represent the incredible diversity of experiences we can find in our state parks, from exploring the California coast to learning about our history," Norton said. "With summer approaching, we hope Californians will use the 'Best of California's State Parks' poll results to get inspired to get outdoors with family and friends."

The winners of the 2025 Best of California's State Parks poll include:

• Best California State Park for Camping: Morro Bay State Park in San Luis Obispo County
• Best California State Park for Hiking: Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County
• Best California State Park for Spectacular Views: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Monterey County
• Best California State Park for Birdwatching: Salton Sea State Recreation Area in Imperial and Riverside counties
• Best California State Park for Wildflowers: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside counties
• Best California State Park for Kid-Friendly Adventures: Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz County
• Best California State Park for Picnicking: Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego County
• Best California State Park for Learning About History: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park in Santa Cruz County
• Best California State Beach: Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County
• Best California State Park for Dog-Friendly Adventures: Sonoma Coast State Park in Sonoma County

The foundation invited members and supporters this spring to nominate and vote on their favorite parks across 10 categories. More than 1,300 people participated. Many of the survey participants also sent in photos and personal stories and memories about why the parks are special.

The California state park system includes 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings, and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites.

See the full list of winners and honorable mentions.