List of parks with the following feature: Learn


Año Nuevo State Park

Hours:

Guided Elephant Seal Tours (December-March)

Elephant seal tours are happening! Space is limited to 15 people per tour. Make reservations through Reserve California to guarantee a spot. Cost is $10.99 ($7 tour fee plus a $3.99 reservation fee).

Walk-up spots may be available but are not guaranteed. Cost without a reservation is $7.

Parking is $10 and supports the park.

Open Walk season (April-November)
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Admittance to the reserve for your self-guided walk requires a free permit that can be obtained at the entrance station or the Marine Education Center. Call the park for more information.


For all tours, layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted inside the dune area. Pets and drones are not allowed in the park.



Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Hours:

Big Basin is open for limited day-use access from 8 a.m. to sunset. Reservations are encouraged. Check availability.

Rancho del Oso, the ocean side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, is partially reopened and offers walk-in and bike-in camping. Learn more and plan your visit.



Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



Castle Rock State Park

Hours:

Day-Use Area 6 a.m. to Sunset. Campers registered in backpack trail camps may remain in the park overnight.



Castro Adobe State Historic Park

Hours:

The Castro Adobe is open to the public only on Open House Days, school field trips, private tours and other special events. The phased opening of the park allows for occasional public access but the site remains an active construction zone.



The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Hours:

Day-Use Area Sunrise to Sunset



Half Moon Bay State Beach

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



Natural Bridges State Beach

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



New Brighton State Beach

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



Pescadero State Beach

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Hours:

Day-use Area: 8 a.m. to Sunset



Portola Redwoods State Park

Hours:

Day-Use Area 6 a.m. to Sunset



Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

Hours:

The park’s grounds are open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the museum offers self-guided tours.



Seacliff State Beach

Hours:

• May 1 to Oct. 31 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Nov. 1 to April 30 – 8 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset



Sunset State Beach

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset



Wilder Ranch State Park

Hours:

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset