What Do You Want to Do?
Our diverse parks and beaches have something for everyone. Find your next adventure!
What's New
The Holiday Sale is coming! Get 20% off all items online Dec. 4 & 5; Members receive 30% off. Join today!
SUPPORT
View our first-ever public meeting, held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to hear about the operations of parks and beaches in the Santa Cruz District.
WATCH
Experience Big Basin one year after the fire through 3D Virtual Tours of the Entrance Road, Park Headquarters and more.
REIMAGINE
Big Basin Redwood Forest, California’s Oldest State Park is a new local history book that shares the epic saga of Big Basin.
LEARNPlan Your Visit
Our Mission, Our Passion
Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all!
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.
I want to help!Get News and Stay Connected
The first adult male elephant seal has arrived!!!
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Breeding season is underway at Año Nuevo State Park!
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#AnoNuevoStatePark #ElephantSeals #MaleElephantSeal #NorthernElephantSeals #BreedingSeason #ExploreMore #ThatsMyPark #CAStateParks
#DidYouKnow Congressmember Jimmy Panetta advocated for and co-authored the Butterfly Bill that was just passed? The Butterfly Bill focuses on providing urgent protections for Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach and elsewhere in California.
Read more about this legislation—Link in bio!
#thatsmypark #monarchbutterflies #naturalbridges #naturalbridgesstatebeach #lighthousefieldstatebeach #statebeach #butterfly #nature #habitat #butterflybill
"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment."
— Jane Austen
#thatsmypark #henrycowell #henrycowellredwoods #statepark #nature #outdoors
Learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities at our local state parks and beaches. Visit our volunteer page and see how you can get involved—Link in bio!
#thatsmypark #thatsmybeach #volunteer #stateparks #statebeaches #pigeonpoint #pigeonpointlighthouse
Here's your Monday Morning Otter Shot. Who's got an adorable little pup face?!
https://elkhornslough.com
#otter #otters #otterlove #marinemammals #wildlifephotography #wildlife #wildlifetour #wildlife_shots #naturevirals #NatGeo #nanapix #wildlifephotographer #seemonterey #experienceoverthings #coastalliving #traveladventures #VisitCalifornia #sustainabletourism #elkhornslough #elkhornsloughsafari #mosslanding #montereycalifornia #californiawildlife
#santacruznow #thatsmypark #santacruzcounty
A little three part panorama from New Brighton tonight. 🧡💙💛 Have you been to this beach? It’s just a hop down the coast from the capitolavillage and during super low tides, you can even walk from Capitola Beach to New Brighton! 🌊🐚
Photo 📷 | summerstar_
#visitsantacruz #capitola #santacruz #newbrighton #newbrightonstatebeach #thatsmypark #capitolalove #beach #sunset