Moon Best of California State Parks : Top 50 Parks in the Golden State

From rocky coastal coves and sandy beaches to verdant forests and quiet desert camps, experience the natural wonders of the Golden State with Moon Best of California State Parks! Inside you’ll find:

• Coverage of 50 California state parks and historic sites, organized by region
• Strategic lists and itineraries: Choose from lists of the best parks for hiking, wildlife, history, families, scenic drives, and more or make your way down the list of the top ten adventures throughout the state
• The best outdoor recreation and unique experiences: Wander among towering redwoods, relax on a sandy SoCal beach, or set up camp in the Mojave Desert. Paddleboard the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, immerse yourself in California’s past at a state historic park, or hike coastal bluffs with stunning views of the Pacific
• Regional state parks road trips that strategically combine nearby parks in Northern, Central, and Southern California
• Detailed hike descriptions marked with distance, duration, effort level, and trailheads
• Expert advice from California locals Jenna Blough and Kayla Anderson on when to go, where to stay, and how to avoid crowds
• Know before you go: Find essential background on climate, terrain, wildlife, history, and safety precautions, plus practical information on park fees, passes, and reservations
• Gorgeous, full-color photos and maps throughout.

Whether you’re trekking to striking vistas, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, or camping under the stars, find your park adventure with Moon Best of California State Parks.


About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.
 
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Jenna Blough grew up on the edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where she was allowed to run wild, instilling a love of the outdoors early on. After her parents dragged her and her sister on a cross-country road trip of epic proportions, she developed an equal appreciation for Wild West roadside attractions, historic sites, and wilderness.

Jenna eventually found the California desert to be her geographic soul mate. She is also the author of Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs and Moon Death Valley National Park.

Jenna received an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology, an MA in English literature, and an MFA in writing. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband Ryan Jones.

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer based in Northern California. She grew up in Redding, graduated with a degree in journalism from California State University-Chico, and now lives in North Lake Tahoe. For the last 20 years, she has been writing about people, places, and products all around The Golden State and beyond.

She regularly contributes to Enjoy Northern California Living magazine, Sierra Nevada Ally, Tahoe Quarterly, and Tahoe magazine; and is continually impressed by what she discovers in the places she loves. You can find her work at www.kaylaanderson.org.