Survey Reveals California's Top State Parks for 2025
California's state park system, the largest in the nation, includes 280 park units, hundreds of miles of coastline, nearly 15,000 campsites, and 5,200 miles of trails.
But which park is best for camping, or birdwatching, or maybe wildflowers?
The California State Parks Foundation's inaugural 'Best of California's State Parks' poll recently asked individuals to vote for their favorite parks across seven categories.
The
Best for Camping: Morro Bay
Morro Bay State Park along California's Central Coast is filled with recreation all around the lagoons and the 576-foot
According to the
The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History showcases Native American life, geology, and oceanography.
Best for Hiking: Mount Tamalpais
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Spread out across 6,300 acres, the park is home to about 750 plant species, such as redwoods and rare Calypso orchids, as well as 150 bird species, according to the Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association. Visitors can traverse 60 miles of trails connected to a 200-mile network.
The park also features a 3,750-seat stone Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, built in the 1930s.
Best California State Beach: Crystal Cove
Along Orange County's coastline is the breathtaking
Located between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park is nestled amid green shrubbery and trees. The park overall spans 2,791 acres, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The park features a 1,400-acre Marine Conservation Area with tidepools and marine life, home to 180 bird species and 26 reptile species.
Best for Birdwatching: Salton Sea
Along the northeastern shore of California's biggest inland lake, the Salton Sea's 14 miles of shoreline at 227 feet below sea level provide a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts, according to the
The
Salton Sea offers a range of activities, including birdwatching along the Pacific Flyway, hiking, kayaking, and fishing for tilapia.
Best Kid-Friendly Park: Natural Bridges
The 65-acre
The park features a Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve in a eucalyptus grove with 150,000 monarch butterflies from October to early February.
Visitors can view tidepools of sea stars, crabs, and anemones during low tides. Visitors might have the opportunity to see shorebirds, migrating whales, and seals at the park.
Best For Wildflowers: Anza-Borrego Desert
The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the bighorn sheep (borrego in Spanish) found in the area. The park offers 110 miles of hiking trails, vibrant spring wildflowers from February to April, and some in the summer, as well as historic sites such as the 1775 Anza expedition route.
Borrego Palm Canyon offers full hookups. Tamarisk Grove has nonpotable water and dispersed remote camping. Activities include stargazing, off-road vehicle routes, and wildlife viewing.
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USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel international
You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel international Show Caption Hide Caption Travel tips: What to do if you lose phone, passports These four travel tips will help in case you find yourself without a phone, ID, passport or credit card while traveling. Problem Solved Traveling internationally as a family is a true privilege, but not everyone can swing a journey abroad. Flights alone can put you well over budget, especially if you need to purchase multiple seats. Yet for parents who want to take their kids to a new, unfamiliar place without breaking the bank, there's still hope. Dotted around the country are unique U.S. family vacations that feel just like a visit to another country. Satisfy your craving for foreign landscapes and cultures with one of these seven spots for unique family vacations in the continental United States. (Note that most of these destinations also offer the chance to learn about the area's Native American history, which shouldn't be missed.) Why you can trust us: At FamilyVacationist, our picks are always based on our own real-world experiences, local knowledge and interviews, and in-depth analysis of travel trends. Read more about our travel recommendation methodology here. GO ABROAD: 7 kid-friendly European river cruises to consider in 2025 1. Chimayo, New Mexico Feels like: Mexico's Countryside The Sangre de Cristo Mountains hold many secrets, and one of them is the village of Chimayo. Only a roughly 30-minute drive from Santa Fe, Chimayo looks like something out of a vintage postcard from rural Mexico. Its pueblo-style architecture, weaving shops, and slower way of life make a visit here one of the most unique U.S. family vacations. Chimayo's close proximity to Santa Fe means you can easily spend a few nights in town or visit as a day trip from the city. Families can relish a handful of educational experiences that showcase the local history and culture at the Chimayo Museum, El Santuario de Chimayo church, and Rancho de Chimayo. There are also outdoor activities like the Santa Cruz Lake and rafting in the nearby Rio Grande Gorge. Where to Stay: Find plenty of smaller, independently run inns and B&Bs in Chimayo, including Casa Escondida, which sits on six beautiful acres of mountain landscapes. Bonus points for the ultra-comfy beds and family-friendly rooms. SOUTH OF THE BORDER: The ultimate guide to family vacations in Mexico: Beaches, ruins, and unforgettable adventures 2. Solvang, California Feels like: Denmark Your kids will feel like they've stepped into a fairytale in this colorful European-style town tucked away in California's Central Coast. Since being founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang has preserved its authentic history, architecture and culture—all of which is palpable as families meander down its festive downtown. The Solvang Trolley is a great way to get the lay of the land upon arrival. Families also will love visiting the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, which offers scavenger hunts; as well as the Old Mission Santa Ines museum; Ostrich Land; Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch; and Nojoqui Falls Park. Don't forget to stop at the whimsical Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat. Where to Stay: Solvang has a real mix of accommodations, including the luxe dude ranch Alisal Ranch and downtown's hip and boutiquey The Winston. GO WEST: 7 affordable California vacation ideas for the whole family 3. Alys Beach, Florida Feels like: Santorini, Greece White stucco buildings overlooking shimmering waters conjure up scenes of Santorini, Greece – only at Alys Beach, the sand is powdery white. Nestled along Florida's pristine Panhandle, this family-friendly, planned community offers the aesthetic of Greece at a fraction of what you'd likely pay to haul the entire gang to the islands. Family amenities include a resort-style pool, private beach access, bike rentals with baby seat mounts available if needed, a nature preserve with a boardwalk and trails, an amphitheater that hosts occasional concerts and movie nights, splash pad-style fountains, and seasonal blueberry picking along Lake Marilyn. (Learn what makes the Panhandle one of the top unique Florida attractions for kids.) Where to Stay: There are no hotels in Alys Beach (for a traditional hotel stay, look to nearby Panama City Beach), but there are plenty of vacation rentals featuring great design and local vibes. ALL-IN-ONE VACATIONS: 7 best all-inclusive resorts in Florida for families 4. Holland, Michigan Feels like: The Netherlands Much like what you'd see in the Netherlands, fields across Holland, Michigan, dazzle with the colors of tulips in the spring. The annual Tulip Time Festival is one of the city's greatest attractions, but there are many more reasons why this little slice of Dutch paradise makes for one of the most unique U.S. family vacations. Nelis' Dutch Village offers a glimpse of what the Netherlands was like more than 100 years ago. Must-visit sites for families include the Windmill Island Gardens, Outdoor Discovery Center and the shallow-water Ottawa Beach, which has a playground, restrooms, and general store on site. Where to Stay: In addition to all the usual major hotel chains, you'll also find Teerman Lofts, a hotel that offers fully furnished luxury apartments instead of the usual hotel rooms. MIDWEST MAGIC: These 13 Midwest vacations are the perfect way to bring the whole family together 5. 1000 Islands, New York Feels like: Northwestern France (Cotes-d'Armor) The northwestern coast of France isn't on many families' radars. Its small archipelago of Ile-de-Brehat, however, is a hot spot for Europeans who are drawn to its dramatic landscape of tiny, lush islands surrounded by deep-blue water. The setting shares similarities with New York's 1000 Islands, particularly Alexandria Bay, whose Boldt Castle can make anyone feel like they've teleported to Europe. A quick, 30-minute drive from Alexandria Bay to the charming town of Cape Vincent will give you a closer look at the 1000 Islands' French history, which is celebrated every year at the French Festival. Other activities like hiking, go-kart rides, drive-in movie showings, boating, and water sports all cater to families with adventurous spirits. Where to Stay: Roadside motels, little inns, and family-run resorts rule when it comes to lodgings in Alexandria Bay. For castle views and a swimming pool, check out The Ledges Resort & Marina. BEYOND THE BIG APPLE: 13 best New York family vacations from the Adirondacks to the Erie Canal 6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Feels like: The English Countryside From 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' to the 'Harry Potter' series, family films have long fed the desire for many to visit England's countryside. For those not able or ready to fly across the pond, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a lovely and unique U.S. family vacation. Quintessential English cottages, tucked-away courtyards, and cobblestone streets look as if they've been plucked from a town like Rye or Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy a more British experience with an afternoon cuppa at the local tea house and imported British treats at the candy store. And don't forget to make time to check out Carmel Beach; Point Lobos State Natural Reserve; the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum; the Forest Theater; and the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium. Where to Stay: Family-friendly lodging options in Carmel (which includes Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands) include Quail Lodge Golf & Club, which has big rooms and suites plus a year-round heated outdoor pool. PACK YOUR FLIP-FLOPS: 8 best hotels on the beach in California 7. Helen, Georgia Feels like: Bavaria, Germany German traditions like Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets have become pretty ubiquitous, but few places close to home can transport you to Deutschland like Helen, Georgia. What makes this one of the top underrated U.S. cities for a pseudo-international getaway is not only its Bavarian look and feel, but also its sheer variety of activities that both parents and kids will love. A candy factory, a handmade wooden toy store, a recreational center with Alpine-style miniature golf, and the award-winning Cabbage Patch Kids toy store will make little ones' dreams come true. Throw in authentic restaurants serving up everything from schnitzel to spaetzle, an Alpine mountain coaster and scenic nature hikes, and everyone will be a happy camper. (See why Helen is also one of the best skip-gen destinations that guarantee fun for both grandparents and grandkids.) Where to Stay: When it comes to places to stay in Helen, you can choose from its blend of chain hotels and independent motels and inns. For everything you need with kids, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen is a good bet. You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel just like an international vacation originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘We are not a theme park': Overtourism protestors plan huge Mallorca demonstration
A Spanish campaign group leading a movement against overtourism in Mallorca has announced a large-scale protest in June that will see 60 organisations stand in solidarity. Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), an organisation which has led mass protests against the increasing number of tourists jetting off to the island each summer, has revealed it will yet again take to the streets on June 15 to demonstrate. Mallorca, along with other Spanish destinations, is a popular summer hotspot for tourists seeking hot temperatures, sandy beach resorts and villages tucked away at the foothills of limestone mountains. The group was behind a large anti-tourist protest that filled the streets of Palma de Mallorca last summer, demonstrating against skyrocketing housing prices in the wake of a tourist boom on the popular holiday island. Around 10,000 protesters showed up to take part on 21 July 2024, with people walking carrying models of planes, cruise ships and posters reading 'no to mass tourism' and 'stop private jets'. This year, Menys Turisme Més Vida said it will be holding another protest on 15 June, with 60 other anti-tourism groups, trade unions and environmental organisations taking part. The group is calling on Mallorcan residents to join them on the streets at 6pm in Plaça Espanya on the day of the demonstration. Speaking of the successful turnout of last year's mass protest, it said that it will again be protesting to make it 'clear that our territories are not for sale'. The group has called for limits to be put on tourism and the need for a strategy that will not exploit 'the territory, its resources and the marginalisation of residents and their vital needs for the benefit of tourist capital'. In a statement, the campaigners claimed that the tourist industry impoverishes people, makes it hard to access housing and diverts focus from the public sector. The organisation also draws attention to the environmental impact of overtourism, including pollution and carbon emissions. It called out the tourism sector for describing businesses as sustainable, stating that this is a 'manipulation' of language and a denial of the issues. Areas such as Sóller, Artà and Palma are already being affected by tourists, the campaign group said, saying daily life has become 'unbearable'. 'Entire roads and paths cut off by tourist-sports events, record numbers of cruise passengers, streets, squares and markets saturated with tourists, occupied and commercialised, and the situation of the housing problem increasingly bloody and without solutions,' it said. Menys Turisme Més Vida followed up with a statement on its social media that said while 'Mallorca is not against tourism', it cannot be a 'theme park open 24 hours a day'. 'Of course we want you to come. To get lost in the narrow streets of the old town, to sit by the sea in winter, to taste a freshly made ensaimada or listen to Mallorcan in a market. We want to share all that. But without meaning that we stop being who we are,' it said. The group said it will be standing in solidarity with hospitality workers in negotiations for better working environments during the high season, as there is usually an 'exploitation' of the working class during this period. 'We are taking to the streets again to say 'enough', and we will do it as many times as necessary,' it concluded.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
The risk of death is greater than safari goers would like to believe
There's a mistaken assumption that heavy rains halt play for most wildlife. But one thing I've learnt from my 50-plus safaris is that animals – particularly predators – are reliably unpredictable. My most recent uncomfortably close encounter occurred earlier this year during the height of Kenya's rainy season. Thick grey clouds had gathered over the luxury lodge where I was staying on the edge of the Maasai Mara, accelerating the onset of dusk. During daylight hours, it's generally considered safe to walk freely between rooms – even in unfenced areas – so with the sun still hovering above the horizon, I assumed a short dash to the communal dining area would be fine. As I left my fancy villa, furiously scrolling through emails on my phone, I heard a growl far louder than peals of thunder tearing across the plains. Looking up, I saw the back end of a lioness prowling through the undergrowth and I did exactly what I've always been told not to do – I turned around and ran. In reality, she was probably more terrified of the giant two-legged creature encroaching on her territory – but bumping into a big cat in Africa doesn't always end so well. On May 30, businessman Bernd Kebbel was mauled to death by a lioness as he stepped out of his tent to use the toilet. He was camping in Namibia's Hoanib Valley, a remote area where desert-adapted lions roam along seasonal riverbeds. I'd visited the region only two weeks previously and had been thrilled to spot a lion in a region historically ravaged by drought. According to a survey carried out by Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) in 2022/2023, there are less than 100 desert-adapted lions in the country, with numbers fluctuating due to human/wildlife conflict. That population declined further when Charlie, the lioness responsible for the attack, was shot dead by authorities. What happened to Mr Kebbel was tragic, but it's not the first time that foreigners have had fatal run-ins with animals. Last year, an American tourist was killed when an elephant charged their vehicle in Zambia's Kafue National Park. A month earlier, a Spanish traveller was trampled to death by a breeding herd when he stepped out of his car to take a photograph in a South African game reserve. As the safari industry continues to thrive and our appetite for wild encounters grows, our guards have dropped faster than the fences which once enclosed many camps. I've always been an advocate for opening up corridors, allowing elephant herds to follow traditional migratory routes and predator-prey dynamics to naturally evolve. But living alongside wildlife requires careful and cautious planning and as human populations continue to grow, that relationship hangs in a delicate balance. The real problem is not 'them' but 'us' and the safari industry is partly to blame. Cultivated by marketers eager to sell holidays, the romantic, Disneyfied notion of an idyllic wilderness is misguided. On countless game drives, I've watched vehicles edge uncomfortably close to potentially dangerous animals in the hope of getting a better iPhone photograph. There's also an assumption that booking a room in a five-star lodge gives us carte blanche to wander around freely as we would at home. Despite repeated warnings from staff, it's all too easy to switch off our senses – ironically detaching ourselves from an environment where we're encouraged to feel immersed. To their credit, many camps – like Angama Amboseli in Kenya and Dukes in Botswana – are attempting to educate travellers about the true struggles of human and wildlife co-existence. But due to a combination of complacency and over-confidence, too many have lost a healthy, respectful fear for the wild. Of course, not every creature in Africa's forests, plains and oceans is actively set on killing humans. Far from it. Most would prefer to be left to continue their lives undisturbed. But blurring the invisible boundaries which should exist between humans and wild animals can lead to fatal accidents. Every time I look into a lion's eyes, I shudder. Hearing their guttural roars outside my tent still sends me into shivers. That tingling fear is humbling – a reminder of the awesome wonders existing within our natural world. Several years ago, I joined a mobile safari through northern Namibia with the late conservationist Garth Owen Smith. One night, we camped on a dry riverbed, close to the Hoanib Valley. As we fell asleep, listening to lions roar, I asked Owen Smith why nobody had thought to pack a rifle for protection. 'Because we might be tempted to use it,' he replied matter-of-factly. Years later, his response makes total sense. Far more effective than bullets, fear, respect and caution are the greatest weapons we have to protect ourselves in a world which should always be alluringly but dangerously wild. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
