Our National Parks normally charges an entrance
fee. Please before you make the trip verify information, call
(559) 565-3730 for Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park or
(209) 372-0200 (press 3, then press 5) for Yosemite National
Park
Experience the beauty of
nature, sleep under the stars, see seal pups, shoot the curls,
reel in a winning catch, enjoy a picnic, learn something new, and
discover California’s state parks for yourself.
California’s Historic Sites Come visit California’s historic sites and learn
about our State’s rich cultural history! From
mansions, missions, and museums to parks, pioneers,
and plazas; California has it all!
Find Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces
Search It is important to enjoy the outdoors, regardless
of where you go. With our searchable map not
only can you look for a State Park, but easily search
for other park and open-space recreation
opportunities.
Camping Enjoy a camp fire in the wilderness, get cozy in a
Yurt on a mountain peak, sleep under the stars in the
desert, or enjoy picturesque coastal views from a
cottage on the beach.
State Parks Experience the excitement of a class 3 rapid, soar
over beautiful coastlands, reel in a record winning
catch, or just enjoy a picnic with the family.
State Beaches Soak up the sun on the sand watch the waves, ride
the infamous California surf, or satisfy your
curiosity by finding the many tidepools.
Historic Parks Witness legislation in action, learn about the
fasicnating history and culture of California, or see
the largest collection of antiques.
State Natural Reserves Watch the awe inspiring battles of male elephant
seals, photograph animals in unparalled beauty, or
give the next generation an appreciation for nature.
State Vehicular Recreation Cruise the beach in your 4x4, kick up sand or take
flight off some the best maintained jumps in the
state.
California Coastal Redwood
Parks Travel through the northern California coast and
experience the wonder of the ancient redwood forests.
Most people know that the National Park
Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural,
cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The
treasures in this system - the first of its kind in the world -
have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect,
and share, the legacies of this land.
People from all
around the world visit national parks to experience America's
story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places
like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are
popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser know
yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California,
Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in
Alabama.
The American system of national parks was the
first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for
other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected
areas. The park service actively consults with these
Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from
the experience of others.
Beyond national parks, the
National Park Service helps communities across America preserve
and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home
recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are
offered to register, record and save historic places; create
community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers
and streams and develop trails and greenways.
Some historic places are easy to find because they have
national park signs out front or brass plaques on the wall. Others
take a little digging – sometimes quite literally (like
archeological sites). These authentic places of history offer
opportunities to experience where real history really happened. To
trace the steps of a Civil War soldier on the battlefield at Gettysburg. To climb a 32-foot ladder to
Balcony House and watch the morning light
glide across this prehistoric cliff dwelling. To glimpse the
desolation faced by more than 10,000 Japanese Americans confined
at Manzanar during World War II.
