United States

5 amazing state parks in California you need to visit

At times, it seems like the whole of the Golden State of the US is one big park. These are the places where you can look at tide pools, walk along the coast, and get up close and personal with redwoods

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A majestic view of a park
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California's state parks are great places to learn about the state's history and see its beautiful scenery. If you're planning to visit a state park in California, you should definitely try to fit a few of the best state parks into your schedule.
Here are 5 amazing state parks in California you need to visit:
1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, one of California's most well-known state parks, is home to the breathtaking McWay Falls. The 80-foot waterfall cascades from the cliffs down to the beach below.
2. Mcarthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Burney Falls, at 129 feet, is one of California's most magnificent waterfalls. The fan-shaped waterfall is pretty full all year and flows into a lovely plunge pool. The park, located in the Cascade Mountains in northeastern California, features woodland and streams, as well as a number of nature paths and walks.
3. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, located in Southern California's Colorado Desert, is one of the top day trips from Palm Springs for nature lovers.
It's also one of the quickest weekend getaways from San Diego, being only around 2 hours away by car! The park has beautiful palm oases, a number of chilly slot canyons, paved and dirt roads, as well as a network of trails that crisscross it.
4. Point Lobos Natural Reserve
The incredibly picturesque Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, located just a few miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, has been dubbed the "crown jewel" of the California State Parks system.
Point Lobos State Park is a popular site for both locals and visitors, with a fascinating history of whaling and abalone harvesting and the essence of California's coastal beauty contained in a few square miles.
5. State Park At Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay State Park is located on the gorgeous west shore of Lake Tahoe, one of California's most beautiful lakes. Emerald Bay is on the California side of Lake Tahoe, which spans the California-Nevada border. The park is a few minutes' drive from South Lake Tahoe and is accessible by Highway 89, the road that circles the lake.
State parks in California are widely dispersed throughout the state, ranging from coasts and forests to lakes, deserts, and mountains, and are easily accessible when seeking an escape into nature. California state parks are excellent pit stops on road trips across the state. They are also ideal for day outings, weekend vacations, and longer journeys.