What Do You Want to Do?
Our diverse parks and beaches have something for everyone. Find your next adventure!
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
More parking added! Big Basin Redwoods State Park is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations are required. Visitors also can arrive by bus or 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
Welcome Back Monarchs returns! Join us for a family-friendly celebration of our favorite butterfly at Natural Bridges State Beach.
LEARN MORE
Registration for State Parks field trips is now open! Both in-person and virtual options are available at 11 local state parks and beaches
REGISTERPlan 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.
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Pause at New Brighton State Beach during your commute home to enjoy the last light of the day as you walk the beach with a friend. 🧑🤝🧑🏖️
Parking is $10 and supports the park.
#ThatsMyBeach #ThatsMyPark #Beach #Friend #Surf #Sand #Ocean #Sunset
#TrailTuesday Looking for a new hike? Go on a pleasant walk through the graceful forest of @portolaredwoods_sp's Sequoia Nature Trail.
📍 La Honda, CA
🥾 1.6 miles
⏰ 45 minutes
🌲 The trail follows Pescadero Creek and is under the shade of redwood trees. From the rear of the Visitor Center and Park Office, take the Sequoia Nature Trail.
Don't forget to bring water and snacks!💧
Remember, this park is currently only open for day use. Parking is $10 and supports the park.
#ThatsMyPark #Redwoods #forest #Hike #Trees #StatePark #Walk
This view @bigbasin_sp is tree-mendous! 👀🌲
⚠️ Reservations are required to park at Big Basin! Visitors without a reservation to park their vehicle will be turned away. ⚠️
#BackToBigBasin #ThatsMyPark #Trees #BigBasin #Forest #Hike #StatePark #Nature
Here’s your Monday Morning Otter Shot. Mom and pup snoozing peacefully.
https://www.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
Update: The road work on the entrance road into @nisenemarks.sp has been postponed until October 3-5.
The road is open today ☺️!
Thank you for your patience while State Parks improves the road.
#ThatsMyPark #NiseneMarksStatePark #NiseneMarks #castateparks #statepark #outdoors #roadclosure #repavingroad
We bet you can walk the walk, but can you chalk the chalk? 🧗
Go on a bouldering or rock climbing adventure at Castle Rock State Park. Great views and lots of places to climb — it's going to Castle Rock your world! 🌟
New to climbing? Classes are available through REI - link in bio!
Parking is $10 and supports the park.
📸 | @glabaria
#ThatsMyPark #RockClimbing #Rocks #Nature #Climbing #Classes