(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — While many people pack away their hiking boots once the rain and temperature drop, the winter season is actually one of the “coolest” times to explore California's diverse landscapes.
From snow-dusted Sierra peaks to vibrant desert oases, at California State Parks, the winter months offer a unique opportunity to see the Golden State’s stunning locations without the peak-season crowds.
Whether it’s a snowy adventure or a warm coastal escape, California’s 280 state parks offer the ability to switch gears with one weekend spending time at a beach and the next walking among giant sequoias – there’s something for everyone. As the state continues to celebrate its 175th anniversary, here’s a guide of state parks to visit this winter.
Top photos: Spectacular rock formation at Red Rock Canyon State Park (SP) and the pristine Pacific Ocean seen at Crystal Cove SP.
Bottom photos: enjoy a winter wonderland at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP and walk among the giants at Humboldt Redwoods SP.
Desert Escapes:
Winter is the undisputed best season for California’s deserts, where mild daytime temperatures replace the blistering summer heart.
Red Rock Canyon State Park (SP): Located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Range, this park boasts scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area: Along the northeastern edge of the Salton Sea lies one of the world’s most important winter stops for birds traveling the Pacific Flyway.
Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness: California’s highest state park in elevation! Adjacent to and offering stunning views of the Coachella Valley, when visitors enter Mount San Jacinto
SP, they come into the heart of the winter wilderness, high in the San Jacinto Mountains, part of the San Bernadino National Forest.
Coastal Wonders:
California’s coastline comes alive during the winter with unique wildlife migrations, blue vistas and beach walks that can go on for days.
Pismo State Beach: Located along the beautiful Central Coast with a pleasant year-round climate, visitors can enjoy diverse outdoor activities including camping, surfing, swimming, fishing and bird watching.
Crystal Cove SP: Spanning nearly 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and 3.5 miles of pristine coastline nestled between Laguna and Newport Beach, this park is a rare blend of coastal wilderness and open space in Southern California.
Hearst San Simeon SP: Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this is a must-visit for lovers of scenic coastal bluffs with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky shoreline.
Alpine Adventures:
For those seeking a true winter wonderland, the Sierra Nevada state parks transform into a playground for snow lovers.
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point SP: On the western shore of Lake Tahoe on Highway 89 near the community of Tahoma, this park served as the cross-country ski venue for the 1960 Winter Olympics and provides groomed cross-country ski trails for day use.
Plumas-Eureka State Park: Located in Plumas County, five miles west of Blairsden, the park is the winter home of the Plumas Ski Club’s historic longboard ski racing revival series, which takes place on the third Saturday of January, February, and March as weather permits.
Forest Resilience:
Winter rain brings a lush, deep green to the forests that you won’t see in the dry summer months.
Humboldt Redwoods SP: Voted the No. 1 state park in the United States for two years in a row (2024 and 2025) by the travel website Tripadvisor, Humboldt Redwoods spans 53,000 acres, an
area almost twice the size of San Francisco. About one third, or 17,000 acres, of the park is old-growth redwood forest—the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet.
Tomales Bay SP: Located along the shores of Tomales Bay, this park is a popular winter spot for picnicking, kayaking, hiking, and beach exploration. Hike up to the Jepson Memorial Grove to see
one of the finest remaining virgin groves of Bishop Pines in California.
Back to the Future:
The echoes of bygone eras resonate through the preserved buildings, inviting any history buff to walk back in time.
Shasta State Historic Park (SHP): Nestled along Highway 299 west of Redding, the historic park preserves the remnants of what was once the bustling “Queen City” of California’s northern gold
country.
La Purísima Mission SHP: Just north of Lompoc on California’s Central Coast, La Purísima Mission offers a vivid blend of history and outdoor adventure.
Off-Road Terrain:
Trade the pavement for the dirt, where every muddy splash and rocky climb is a high-octane badge of honor.
Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA): This 343-acre SVRA is popular with all-terrain vehicle riders and offers a variety of recreational challenges including winding trails through
creosote-studded sand dunes, large, fine sand dunes, and dry lake beds with hard-packed clay.
Prairie City SVRA: Located 20 miles east of downtown Sacramento, this SVRA offers off-highway vehicle enthusiasts a variety of interesting terrain and trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles,
and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Beginners to experts alike find a variety of terrain both challenging and enjoyable.
Read more about all recreational opportunities offered at these parks in our latest blog post.
Safety Tips
But before heading to your winter adventure, California State Parks wants to remind visitors of a few safety tips.
* Know Before You Go: Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find current park information. Make sure to check the weather!
* Plan and Prepare: Permits/reservations may be required for entry, camping, certain recreational activities, or transportation.
* Play It Safe: State parks are meant to be enjoyed in many ways, but to play it safe, err on the side of caution. Do not underestimate temperatures or hiking distances.
* Leave No Trace: Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or take plants.
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