Summer in California is synonymous with salty breezes, sandy toes, and epic sunsets along the coast. Whether it’s pitching a tent by the ocean, hiking beneath redwoods, or simply soaking in the sun with friends, the state’s natural beauty offers endless ways to connect with the outdoors.
With 280 state park units, more than 340 miles of coastline, 15,000 campsites, and 5,200 miles of hiking trails, California State Parks make up the most expansive and diverse collection of public lands in the country.
To celebrate this incredible system, the California State Parks Foundation launched its first-ever Best of California’s State Parks poll, encouraging members and followers to nominate their favorite parks across a range of categories. From camping and hiking to birdwatching, picnicking, and family adventures, the Foundation received over 1,300 submissions, each one a testament to the deep love people have for these iconic places.
The big surprise? The beach is now officially considered the best in the state. Tucked along the Orange County coastline, Crystal Cove State Park has taken the top spot in this year’s poll. With its expansive sandy shores, vibrant tide pools, and a collection of restored 1920s beach cottages, this park offers a one-of-a-kind coastal escape that blends natural beauty with California history.
Crystal Cove State Park stretches across 3.2 miles of pristine shoreline and nearly 4,000 acres of coastal wilderness. It features wide sandy beaches, dramatic bluffs, and tide pools teeming with marine life. Inland, 18 miles of hiking trails wind through canyons and coastal scrub. The park also protects a 1,400-acre marine conservation area and a Historic District with restored 1920s beach cottages available for overnight stays.