Secret Getaways in California: Stunning State Parks You Should Visit
California isn’t just about crowded beaches and theme parks, it’s home to some of the most breathtaking state parks that most people have never heard of.
These hidden gems offer jaw-dropping landscapes, peaceful trails, and unforgettable adventures without the massive tourist crowds.
Whether you’re craving coastal cliffs, desert wonders, or towering redwoods, these secret getaways will blow your mind and give you stories worth sharing.
1. Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Accessible only by boat, this park feels like stepping into a secret world that time forgot. I once paddled here on a whim and couldn’t believe how quiet and magical it was—just me, the water, and ancient lava flows.
The park sprawls across volcanic landscapes with bubbling springs that create crystal-clear pools perfect for exploring. Wildlife roams freely here, from bald eagles soaring overhead to deer wandering the shoreline.
Access is only possible by launching from nearby boat ramps—there are no public roads into the park—so come prepared for a self-sufficient wilderness trip.
2. Montaña de Oro State Park
Named “Mountain of Gold” for its spring wildflower blooms, this coastal paradise delivers views that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a roller coaster. Rugged cliffs meet pounding waves in a display so dramatic it belongs on a movie screen.
Tide pools teem with colorful sea stars and anemones waiting to be discovered by curious explorers. Hiking trails wind through eucalyptus groves and along bluffs where you might spot whales breaching offshore.
While popular among locals, this park still offers quieter pockets compared to many other Central Coast destinations. Bring your camera because every turn reveals another postcard-worthy scene. This place proves that California’s best treasures aren’t always famous.
3. Salt Point State Park
Where else can you find rocks that look like Swiss cheese and underwater forests in the same place? Salt Point’s bizarre tafoni formations—honeycomb patterns carved by wind and salt—are seriously Instagram-worthy.
Divers flock here for the underwater reserve where kelp forests sway like dancing giants beneath the surface. Above water, trails meander through pygmy forests where full-grown trees stand only knee-high due to acidic soil.
I spent an entire afternoon just staring at tide pools here, mesmerized by the tiny worlds thriving in each rocky crevice. Nature’s weirdness never gets old.
4. Castle Crags State Park
Granite spires shoot skyward like nature’s own castle towers, creating a landscape straight out of a fantasy novel. These dramatic rock formations are roughly 170 million years old and rise prominently above the forested landscape.
Hiking here rewards you with panoramic views of Mount Shasta, one of California’s most majestic peaks. Trails such as the Castle Dome route offer steep climbs with well-known viewpoints.
Camping beneath these stone giants feels humbling and exhilarating at the same time. Pack your sense of adventure and maybe some snacks—you’ll want to linger here longer than planned.
5. Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Three pristine lagoons stretch along the coast like liquid mirrors reflecting endless sky and drifting clouds. Kayaking here feels like gliding through glass, with only the gentle splash of your paddle breaking the silence.
Bird watchers go bonkers for this place since migratory species stop here by the thousands during their journeys. Fishing enthusiasts cast lines hoping to snag trout or salmon in these nutrient-rich waters.
The lagoon system here is one of the largest in the United States, making it an important habitat for wildlife and a peaceful alternative to nearby redwood attractions. I remember watching the sunset paint everything gold and pink while seals popped their heads up curiously nearby. Sometimes the best adventures are the quietest ones.
6. Henry W. Coe State Park
As one of California’s largest state parks—and the largest in Northern California—Henry W. Coe remains blissfully unknown to most people, which means more wilderness for adventurous souls like us. Rolling hills covered in golden grasses stretch endlessly, dotted with ancient oaks that provide welcome shade.
Backpacking here tests your stamina with challenging terrain and minimal facilities—this isn’t Disneyland, folks. Wildlife sightings include wild pigs, bobcats, and eagles circling overhead searching for their next meal.
Spring transforms the landscape into a wildflower wonderland bursting with purple lupines and orange poppies. Pack plenty of water and prepare to earn your bragging rights.
7. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Standing among these ancient giants makes you feel smaller than an ant at a picnic, but in the best way possible. Some redwoods here have been growing since before Columbus sailed the ocean blue—talk about old-school cool!
The Smith River runs through the park, offering swimming holes so clear you can count pebbles on the bottom. Camping under a canopy of trees that touch the clouds creates memories that stick with you forever.
I hugged one tree and my arms didn’t even cover a quarter of its trunk. Humbling doesn’t begin to describe it.
8. Garrapata State Park
Tucked along Big Sur’s legendary coastline, this park delivers knockout ocean views without the Highway 1 traffic jams. Trails descend from highway level down to secluded beaches where sea otters float on their backs cracking open shellfish.
Spring brings wildflower explosions that carpet the hillsides in every color imaginable. Photographers camp out here during golden hour, hoping to capture that perfect California sunset shot.
Visitors should stay well back from the shoreline, as surf conditions here are notoriously dangerous and have caused multiple accidents in recent years. The steep trail back up will definitely remind you that gravity exists. But hey, those views earn every huffing, puffing moment climbing back to your car.
9. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California’s largest state park transforms into a floral wonderland during super blooms when desert wildflowers explode in ridiculous abundance. Timing it right means witnessing carpets of gold, purple, and pink stretching to the horizon, nature’s ultimate show-off moment.
Year-round, the park offers slot canyons, palm oases, and bighorn sheep sightings for patient observers. The park is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Desert camping lets you experience temperature swings from scorching days to surprisingly chilly nights. Pack layers and prepare for magic.