What Do You Want to Do?
Our diverse parks and beaches have something for everyone. Find your next adventure!
Holiday Sale 2022
Online: Dec 2-4 In Person: Dec 9-11. Members get 30% off! Use Discount code: Holiday2022
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is open
Two years after the CZU Fire, the park is open for limited day-use access. Make a reservation now.
What's New
We are proud to announce the restoration of the Castro Adobe is complete! Friends has created a video celebrating the restoration process. Thank you!
WATCH
More parking added! Big Basin Redwoods State Park is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations are required. Visitors also can arrive by bike.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Shop State Parks! Visit the ParkStore at Natural Bridges, Wilder Ranch, Seacliff, Santa Cruz Mission, New Brighton or online for thoughtful gifts and souvenirs.
SHOP
Help tell the story of Castle Beach through the placement of beautiful and informative signs, as well as replacing the unique castle-shaped gate at the park’s entrance
DONATEPlan 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
Go on a photo scavenger hunt at @bigbasin_sp! Walk down through the Dool Trail to capture some amazing photos of:
🧡 Heart shaped redwood stump.
🌲 New growth from the recovering redwood forest.
⬆️ The tallest redwood tree you can find!
🏞️ Your favorite view.
Here's to an exciting outdoor adventure! 📸
Reservations guarantee entry! Reservation link in our bio.
#thatsmypark #trail #photography #hike #trees #forest #nature #statepark #photo #BackToBigBasin
📣🦋 🛍️ It's all here: Amazing Monarchs, Online Holiday Sale, Tribute Tables, King Tides, and Elephant Seal Tours! Read more in our latest newsletter — Link in bio!
#ThatsMyPark #monarchs #monarchbutterflies #newsletter #tributetables #castateparks #stateparks #statebeach #statebeaches #elephantseal #elephantsealtours #news #holidaysale
We are thrilled to report that Scrumptious will continue to serve at the Cement Ship into December! Starting today, we have added freshly brewed coffee to our offerings. Hidden Fortress is a local roaster that specializes in sustainably produced artisan coffee. We always have take-out and that may be a good option for you this weekend. Visit us at the Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach. We are open on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Enjoy our award-winning Fish and Chips and the beautiful ocean view.
farmfreshcoffee
#thatsmypark #concreteship #newbrighon #aptoslife #foodtruck #foodtrucklife #foodtrucks #riodelmarbeach #riodelmar #aptosia #visitsantacruz #santacruzankids #santacruzfood #santacruzfoodie #santacruzcounty #santacruzcalifornia #santacruznow #santacruzlife #britsinthebay #britishfood #britishstyle #foodtrucklifestyle #foodtrailers #foodtrucking #foodtrucker #foodtruckers #foodtruckfood #foodtrucklife #localsantacruz #foodtrucklovers #whatsopensantacruz
Nothing beats a morning stroll through the Redwood Loop after a rainy day.
You can be out there too!
Make sure you make a reservation within 24 hours before your arrival.
How to make a reservation?
🌲Go to our Linktree in our bio!
🔍Look for the reservation tab.
👍Fill out info and we’ll see you there!
Image 1: Sun shining through the redwood trees at redwood loop entrance.
Image 2: Sun shining through the redwood trees.
Image 3: Sun shining through the redwood trees.
#BigBasin #BigBasinRedwoodsStatePark #BackToBigBasin #ThatsMyPark #RedwoodsStatePark #CoastalRedwoods #SantaCruz #SantaCruzMountains #SantaCruzRedwoods #Redwoods #SequoiaSempervirens
The ParkStore Online Holiday Sale is happening now!
Get 20% off select iconic Michael Schwab park illustrations on apparel and more, plus jewelry made by local artists, maps, nature guides, local history books, educational toys and other gifts that represent the natural and cultural history of our parks.
Find the perfect holiday gift for your loved one during this seasons biggest sale!
Shop the sale - link in our bio.
*Fine art prints and State Parks passes are not included in the sale.
#thatsmypark #ThatsMyBeach #parkstore #trees #forest #nature #wildlife #Merch #Holiday #Sale #HolidaySale
What happens to the Monarch Butterflies in the rain? 🌧️🦋
Here you can see the Monarch clusters in the Foreground barely moving while the trees behind them blow dramatically in the wind. Protection from the wind is one of the most important characteristics of a Monarch overwintering site. Monarchs prefer sites where the wind speed remains below 5 mph.
If the rain and wind get bad enough the clusters may break up and the Monarchs will be less visible. Generally cold rainy windy days are not good for butterfly viewing, however the park is much less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Image Description: Monarch butterfly clusters in Eucalyptus sway gently in the wind while branches higher in the trees blow dramatically.
📍Uypi Land
#NaturalBridges #NaturalBridgesStateBeach #ThatsMyBeach #ThatsMyPark #CAStateParks #Fall #monarch #MonarchButterfly #SaveTheMonarchs #MonarchMigration #ButterfliesOfInstagram #SantaCruz #ThingsToDoWithKids #FunForKids #WesternMonarchCount #rainydays