The results of the California State Parks Foundation’s Best of California State Parks Poll were released this week, and Northern California swept the competition.
In the second annual survey, more than 2,000 participants voted for their favorite open spaces, beaches, and historic sites, choosing those from Monterey County to Mono County as winners in 10 out of 12 categories. That’s pretty impressive, considering there are 280 state parks across California encompassing 40 miles of coastline; 970 miles of lakes and riverfronts, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings; and more than 11,000 archaeological sites.
From the best state parks for camping and hiking to the best for wildflowers and dogs, these spots earned top honors in 2026. For the full list, visit callparks.org/bestof26.
Best California State Park for Camping: Pfeiffer Big Sur Park(Andrew Sharp)
Best California State Park for Camping: Pfeiffer Big Sur Park
One of the jewels of Monterey County, Pfeiffer Big Sur Park is an enchanting mix of redwood forests, waterfalls, and ocean views—an excellent backdrop for an overnight stay. Campsites are spacious and have easy access to the park’s hiking trails. They also fill up fast, so secure your spot as early as possible; campsite registration opens at 8am, six months in advance. // Hwy 1 (Big Sur), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties
Best California State Park for Hiking: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin was hit hard by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020 but the park’s ancient redwood groves were fire-resilient enough to weather the wildfire storm. The still-recovering monumental trees add a powerful new dimension to the Santa Cruz Mountain park’s miles of diverse hiking trails. // 21600 Big Basin Way (Boulder Creek), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Jack London State Historic Park, Sonoma County
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County
Best California State Park for Wildflowers: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve(Jeff Sullivan)
Best California State Park for Wildflowers: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
The spring wildflowers in L.A. County’s Antelope Valley are so legendary, California State Parks put the most iconic species right in the park’s name. It doesn’t take a super bloom for the rolling hills to erupt in a mosaic of striking color, but if you happen to catch one, it’ll be unforgettable. // 15101 Lancaster Rd. (Lancaster), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego Counties
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Sonoma and Napa Counties
Best California State Park for Spectacular Views: Mount Tamalpais State Park
It’s no surprise that this park in Marin swept the views category. With varied terrain that shifts from redwood grove to grassy ridgeline to open meadow, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Mount Tam’s panoramic vistas from coast to bay and beyond are some of the best in the world. // 3801 Panoramic Hwy (Mill Valley), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monterey County
Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County
Best California State Park for Beaches: Half Moon Bay State Beach (Courtesy of @visithalfmoonbay)
Best California State Park for Beaches: Half Moon Bay State Beach
With its classic, sandy beach and miles of scenic coastline, Half Moon Bay State Beach is made for warm summer days. But even on moody, foggy ones, it’s a transportative escape that feels like a world away from the city’s bustle. Come for picnics, tidepools, and long walks; stay for the endless beauty of the Pacific. // 2 Venice Blvd. (Half Moon Bay), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Asilomar State Beach, Monterey County
Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County
Best California State Park for Family-Friendly Adventures: Angel Island State Park
According to voters, Bay Area residents don’t have to go far to find a park that will tickle the little ones as much as the adults. From the ferry ride across the water to hiking and biking trails, beaches, and historical sites, Angel Island is a full day of family-friendly adventure waiting to happen. // Angel Island (San Francisco), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Tuolumne County
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Amador County
Best California State Park for Learning About History: Bodie State Historic Park (Jeff Sullivan)
Best California State Park for Learning About History: Bodie State Historic Park
One of the best preserved Gold Rush ghost towns in the U.S., Bodie is an incredible window into a long-gone era. With dusty streets spanning multiple blocks lined by dozens of intact and partially-crumbling buildings, exploring here feels like stepping into a real-life Western. // Hwy 270 (Bridgeport), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Jack London State Historic Park, Sonoma County
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Amador County
Best California State Park for Dog-Friendly Adventures: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Whatever your pupper’s energy level and physical abilities, they’ll be thrilled with a visit to Folsom Lake. With miles of trails, open spaces for running, and easy access to the water for swimming, this spot is 100 percent doggy-approved. // 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd. (Folsom), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Leo Carillo State Park, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, San Francisco County
Best State Park Hidden Gem: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park(Courtesy of @sugarloafpark)
Best State Park Hidden Gem: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Tucked away off of Highway 12 in Sonoma County, most Wine Country visitors completely miss Sugarloaf Ridge—and that’s not a bad thing. The location helps to keep this scenic park with expansive ridgelines, waterfalls, and wildflowers under the radar, making it a serene spot for hiking any time of the year. // 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd. (Kenwood), parks.ca.gov
Honorable Mentions:
Bodie State Historic Park, Mono County
China Camp State Park, Marin County
