13 Stunning Coastal State Parks in California You Can’t Miss
When I saw waves crash against the cliffs at Point Lobos for the first time, I knew that there was something special about California’s state parks. Since then, I’ve spent many weekends exploring these dramatic landscapes and discovering spots that will rival any beach destination in the US.
Drawing from local recommendations, extensive research, and the California State Parks’ official guides, I’ve curated this list to highlight coastal parks that showcase the best of California.
These 13 parks promise something unique, from family-friendly beaches to hiking trails for all skill levels. I also included some less-crowded alternatives that display California’s diverse coastal ecosystem.
Año Nuevo State Park
Located in the serene San Mateo County, Año Nuevo State Park is known for its natural beauty and thriving elephant seal population. The pinniped rookeries have been a reserve since the mid-20th century after the overhunting of the elephant seals was outlawed. Visitors can see these creatures up close in their natural habitat.
If sea elephants are not your jam, you can also find sea birds, coastal plants, and other marine mammals in the park. The park's hiking trails offer the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it perfect for reflection and exploring.
Sonoma Coast State Park
A beautiful and picturesque park that extends along the California coastline, Sonoma Coast State Park offers stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs. Sonoma is known for its clean beaches and tidepools teeming with abundant marine flora and fauna.
You can also relax on the sandy shores sunbathing or fishing if that is more of your thing. Kayaking and surfing are popular activities visitors participate in due to the park’s abundant beaches.
Tomales Bay State Park
Tomales Bay State Park is California's best-kept secret. The park has four pristine and tranquil beaches — Indian Beach, Heart's Desire Beach, Pebble Beach, and Shell Beach.
Tomales State Park is the perfect location for a nice day out with family or friends or yourself alone. In addition to the beaches, there are lush forests, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is famous for its 80-foot waterfall, McWay Falls. The park is also home to 300-foot giant redwoods that are over 2,500 years old.
Its name came from a respected resident and rancher in the Big Sur region in the early 20th century.
Crystal Cove State Park
Established in 1979, Crystal Cove State Park is a stretch of coastal cliffs and a beachfront cove between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The park features tidepools, a 1,400-acre marine conservation area, an underwater park, and 2,400 acres of canyons.
There are also sightings of several species of birds, such as the Turkey vulture, Mourning dove, Ring-billed gull, Common raven, Greater roadrunner, Quail, and House sparrow.
Estero Bluffs State Park
The Estero Bluffs State Park features grassland-dominated marine terraces, intertidal areas, wetlands, low bluffs, and coastal terraces. An interesting feature of this park is the seaside cliffs formed by shifting tectonic plates.
It is also home to endangered species like the snowy plover. Gray whales are known to pass through the area from December through March.
Hearst San Simeon State Park
Hearst San Simeon State Park is home to the historic Hearst Castle, built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. The castle is a testament to the opulence and extravagance of the Gilded Age.
Aside from the castle, the park also hosts three preserves. The Santa Rosa Creek provides habitat for endangered tidewater goby. The San Simeon Natural Preserve is a wintering site for monarch butterfly populations, while the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve is an archaeological site dating to 5850 years before the present.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Fort Ord Dunes State Park has a unique coastal landscape, rolling dunes, wetlands, and diverse plant and animal life. The park's secluded location and natural beauty give visitors a calming retreat from all the noise and stress of their daily lives.
Visitors can bird watch, hike, bike, and explore the historic Ford Ord military base.
Garrapata State Park
The beaches of Garrapata State Park are known for nude recreation, but in addition, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and gray whales pass by during migration.
The park's coastal bluffs are covered with coyote bush, California coffeeberry, and sagebrush, making it the perfect sanctuary for animals and nature lovers alike.
Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is home to the historic 1860s Cooper Cabin, the oldest structure in Big Sur.
Visitors can also visit a museum that showcases Native American history, a year-round waterfall, and 20 miles of hiking trails. Nearby marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and ecosystems.
Gaviota State Park
Gaviota State Park is a coastal haven in California. It has Gaviota Wind Caves, perfect for adventure, and hot springs, which offer relaxation after an intense hike.
It also has rare natural wonders like diverse plant communities, including chaparral, oak woodlands, native prairie, and grasslands.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park is situated along Malibu's iconic coastline and was named after the actor/conservationist Leo Carrillo.
The park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, which is why it is a prime filming location. Celebrities like Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra have been featured in movies shot in this park. The park has also been showcased on TV shows like The Rockford Files and movies like Furious.
MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park is a beauty. Its diverse ecosystems include tide pools, dunes, headlands, coves, wetlands, forests, and a freshwater lake. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as harbor seals and migratory birds.
The Haul Road Trail is a trail in the park that offers spectacular coastal views of the jaw-dropping landscape.
