Whether you’re based in California or planning a road‑trip from out‑of‑state, these 15 state parks deliver memorable weekend escapes—each one with its own character, terrain, and reasons to visit now (2025). I’ve ranked them in a way that balances accessibility, uniqueness and a “weekend‑friendly” vibe (i.e., you can arrive Friday evening, explore Saturday/Sunday, and head home refreshed).
1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park — McWay Falls & Big Sur Coast
This park is iconic for McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto the Pacific shoreline. Beyond the waterfall, the park features coastal cliffs, lush forests, and trails offering panoramic ocean views. It’s named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a respected local homesteader.
Trails: The McWay Waterfall Overlook Trail is short and easy — perfect for families. For more adventure, the Ewoldsen Trail (about 4.5 miles loop) takes you through redwood groves, ridgelines, and sweeping ocean vistas.
Best time to visit: Spring to fall for clear skies and warm weather; winter brings dramatic waves but limited trail access.
Insider tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds at the waterfall overlook, especially on weekends. Sunset shots here are spectacular.
- Anchor: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park — official page
2. Crystal Cove State Park — Beaches, Tidepools & Historic Cottages
Crystal Cove offers a unique mix: beaches, tidepools, inland canyons, and a historic district of restored cottages. It’s a family-friendly park close to Orange County cities but still feels remote.
Hiking: 17 miles of trails connect the bluffs to inland canyons. Popular hikes include El Moro Canyon Trail and Moro Canyon Trail, ranging from 2–7 miles.
Beach & tidepools: Low tide exposes tidepools with starfish, sea urchins, and crabs.
Historic District: 46 vintage beach cottages available to rent; reservations are required.
Activities: Surfing, swimming, horseback riding, guided hikes, and photography.
Insider tip: Sunrise along the bluffs is less crowded and ideal for photos. Bring a tide chart for exploring tidepools.
- Crystal Cove State Park — official page
3. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve — San Diego’s Coastal Cliffs
This park preserves the nation’s rarest pine species and offers dramatic ocean bluffs with cliffside hiking trails. Located just north of San Diego, it’s perfect for a half-day adventure or sunset picnic.
Hiking trails:
Guy Fleming Trail – 0.7 miles, easy, ocean views.
Razor Point Trail – 1.3 miles, moderate, cliffs and ocean vistas.
Beach Trail – 1 mile, descent to a small sandy beach.
Visitor Center: Offers educational exhibits and guided nature walks.
Best time to visit: Year-round; mornings are cooler and quieter.
Insider tip: Parking fills quickly on weekends; consider public transit or carpooling. Avoid stepping off trails to protect fragile habitat.
- Anchor: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve — official page
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park — Bay Area Redwoods & Panoramic Views
Known as “Mount Tam,” this park offers sweeping vistas of the Bay Area, towering redwoods, and extensive trail networks. A local favorite for hiking, biking, and photography.
Hiking trails:
Dipsea Trail – 7 miles, challenging, coastal views.
Steep Ravine Trail – 5 miles, redwoods, waterfalls, and creek crossings.
East Peak – Easy drive/hike to panoramic Bay Area views.
Camping: Pantoll Campground offers tent and group camping; reservations required.
Activities: Mountain biking, birdwatching, guided walks, and photography.
Insider tip: Early morning fog makes photos magical, but wear layers; it can be chilly even in summer.
5. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — Desert Wildflowers & Stargazing
Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park, famous for spring wildflowers, desert canyons, and some of the darkest night skies in the state — making it a stargazer’s paradise.
Hiking & trails:
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail – 3 miles round-trip, moderate, leads to a palm oasis.
Hellhole Canyon Trail – 6 miles, strenuous, scenic desert vistas.
Activities: Jeep tours, wildlife spotting (bighorn sheep, roadrunners), and spring wildflower viewing.
Insider tip: Spring (March–April) is peak wildflower season. Summer is extremely hot — early morning hikes recommended.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — official page
6. Castle Crags State Park — Granite Spires & Alpine Lakes
Castle Crags features dramatic granite spires rising above the Sacramento River and lush alpine meadows. It’s a quieter alternative to Yosemite for hikers and climbers.
Hiking trails:
Castle Dome Trail – 4 miles, strenuous, leads to panoramic views of the spires.
Crags Trail – 2 miles, moderate, follows a creek with wildflowers.
Camping: Multiple campgrounds; backpacking campsites available.
Activities: Rock climbing, birdwatching, photography.
Insider tip: Sunrise hikes show the spires glowing in golden light; bring water and sturdy boots for rocky terrain.
7. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park — Vineyards & Sonoma Wine Country Views
Located in Sonoma County, Sugarloaf Ridge combines hiking trails, a seasonal waterfall, and access to stunning views of vineyards. It’s perfect for a wine country weekend getaway with nature.
Hiking trails:
Sugarloaf Ridge Trail – 4 miles, moderate, leads to Bald Mountain lookout.
Spring Trail – easy, passes seasonal waterfalls in early spring.
Activities: Birdwatching, picnicking, nature programs.
Camping: Tent camping and group sites available; reservations recommended.
Insider tip: Combine a morning hike with an afternoon visit to nearby wineries for a full weekend experience.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park — official page
8. Mount Diablo State Park — Bay Area Panoramas & Sunrise Hikes
Mount Diablo is a classic Bay Area escape. From the summit, you can see the Sierra Nevada on a clear day — making it perfect for photography, sunrise hikes, and short weekend trips.
Hiking trails:
Summit Trail – 6 miles, strenuous, panoramic views from the top.
Mitchell Canyon Trail – moderate, loops through oak and chaparral habitats.
Activities: Mountain biking, wildlife viewing, guided programs at the visitor center.
Camping: Family and group campgrounds available.
Insider tip: For sunrise, drive up to the summit parking lot to catch the golden Bay Area panorama.
- Mount Diablo State Park — official page
9. Hearst San Simeon State Park — Beaches & Coastal Wildlife
This coastal park near San Simeon offers easy access to beaches, tidepools, and opportunities to spot elephant seals. The nearby Hearst Castle adds a cultural dimension to your nature getaway.
Hiking trails:
Coastal Trail – moderate, 3–5 miles, ocean views and bluffside paths.
San Simeon Creek Trail – easier, along the creek to a quiet beach.
Activities: Beachcombing, photography, wildlife viewing, picnic areas.
Camping: San Simeon Creek Campground offers tent camping with scenic coastal views.
Insider tip: Visit in winter to see elephant seals close up. Early morning light is perfect for photography along the bluff trails.
10. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve — Monterey Coast & Wildlife
Often called “the crown jewel of the California coast,” Point Lobos is famous for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and abundant wildlife including sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales.
Hiking trails:
Cypress Grove Trail – 0.8 miles, easy, passes iconic cypress trees and cliff views.
Bird Island Trail – 0.5 miles, easy, ideal for spotting seabirds and seals.
Activities: Photography, snorkeling at Whaler’s Cove, tidepooling.
Camping: No camping inside the reserve; nearby lodging in Carmel or Big Sur.
Insider tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. High tide can make some trails more dramatic for photography.
11. Lassen Volcanic National Park — Volcanic Landscapes & Alpine Lakes
Technically a national park, but part of California’s protected lands network, Lassen offers hydrothermal features, volcanoes, and pristine alpine lakes — perfect for adventurous weekend hikes.
Hiking trails:
Bumpass Hell Trail – 3 miles, moderate, passes boiling springs and fumaroles.
Lassen Peak Trail – 5 miles, strenuous, summit views of the surrounding volcanic terrain.
Activities: Boating, photography, winter snowshoeing.
Camping: Multiple campgrounds; reservations recommended in summer.
Insider tip: Summer is the best time for accessible trails and wildflowers. Check trail conditions at the official park website.
12. Mount Shasta Wilderness — Alpine Trails & Mountain Views
This park offers a majestic alpine experience with Mount Shasta towering above forests, lakes, and meadows. It’s ideal for hiking, climbing, and quiet reflection in nature.
Hiking trails:
McCloud River Trail – moderate, 3 miles, passes waterfalls and scenic river views.
Panther Meadows Trail – 4 miles, easy-moderate, high-alpine meadow views.
Activities: Climbing, fishing, birdwatching, and wildflower photography.
Camping: Several campgrounds with tent sites; backpacking options available.
Insider tip: Early summer is peak wildflower season; fall offers dramatic colors and fewer crowds.
13. Emerald Bay State Park — Lake Tahoe & Scenic Overlooks
Located on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, Emerald Bay is famous for its turquoise waters, panoramic lake views, and Fannette Island. It’s perfect for both relaxing and active weekend trips.
Hiking trails:
Eagle Falls Trail – 2 miles, moderate, leads to Emerald Bay viewpoints.
Rubicon Trail – 7 miles, moderate, loops along the lake shore.
Activities: Kayaking, swimming, photography, and picnic areas.
Camping: Eagle Point Campground nearby; reservations recommended.
Insider tip: Sunrise and sunset provide the best photography opportunities with calm lake reflections.
14. Henry W. Coe State Park — Hiking & Remote Wilderness
This is the largest state park in northern California, offering remote wilderness experiences with rugged hills, oak woodlands, and wildflowers. Perfect for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude.
Hiking trails:
Willow Ridge Trail – 6 miles, moderate, rolling hills and oak forests.
Pacheco Peak Trail – strenuous, summit views of the Diablo Range.
Camping: Several backcountry campgrounds; backpacking permits required.
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, photography, and wildlife spotting.
Insider tip: Bring plenty of water; summer can be hot and dry. Fall offers cooler temps and colorful foliage.
15. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park — Redwoods & River Gorge
This park is a redwood paradise tucked into the Big Sur coast. Towering trees, the winding Big Sur River, and fern-filled canyons make it feel magical. Trails range from easy strolls to moderate hikes with scenic payoffs.
Hiking trails:
Pfeiffer Falls Trail – 2 miles round trip, easy hike to a small waterfall.
Valley View Trail – 2 miles, moderate, with views over the Big Sur River and canyon.
Steep Ravine Trail – 4.5 miles, moderate to strenuous, passes a waterfall and redwoods.
Camping: The park’s campground has over 100 sites; reservations are required and book up months in advance.
Activities: Birdwatching, photography, and short nature programs. Kayaking is available on parts of the Big Sur River.
Insider tip: After rainfall, check for trail closures due to landslides or flooding. The redwoods are especially photogenic in misty mornings.
- Anchor: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park — official page
Final Thoughts
California’s state parks are a treasure trove for weekend adventurers. From the towering redwoods of Redwood National Park to the dramatic coastal cliffs of Big Sur, and the serene alpine lakes of Mount Shasta and Emerald Bay, there’s truly something for everyone.
When planning your weekend getaway:
Prioritize parks that match your interests — beaches, mountains, redwoods, or deserts.
Book campgrounds and special access early, especially for summer weekends.
Respect park rules and wildlife, as these natural spaces are protected for generations to come.
Layer your clothing and plan for variable weather — from foggy coastlines to hot deserts and cool mountain summits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which California state park is best for a quick weekend getaway?
For a short, scenic escape, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (San Diego) or Crystal Cove State Park (Orange County) are ideal — they’re close to cities, have short trails, and offer beautiful coastal views.
2. When is the best time to visit California state parks?
Spring and fall are generally ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Summer is perfect for coastal and high-elevation parks but expect more visitors.
Winter offers solitude at some inland parks but can bring snow or limited trail access in mountains.
3. Do I need reservations for camping in California state parks?
Yes, most popular campgrounds require reservations through ReserveCalifornia — especially Pfeiffer Big Sur, Mount Tamalpais, Crystal Cove, and Anza-Borrego.
4. Are California state parks family-friendly?
Absolutely! Parks like Crystal Cove, Folsom Lake, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns offer easy trails, beaches, and educational programs suitable for all ages.
5. Can I bring my dog to California state parks?
Most parks have restrictions. Dogs are typically allowed in parking areas, picnic areas, and some campgrounds but must be on a leash. Dogs are usually not allowed on trails or in natural reserves to protect wildlife. Always check the park’s official website before visiting.
