Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park is one of California’s most valuable preserved areas as the park is designed to protect the raw coastline and a variety of plant and animal life. Located south of San Francisco in San Mateo County, Año Nuevo State Park offers a variety of attractions and activities for all people. Año Nuevo State Park offers fishing, hiking and nature trails for the experienced outdoorsman (outdoorswoman), in addition to educational opportunities, exhibits, and guided tours for all ages; an opportunity to learn about the unique habitats that are being preserved in this part of California. Año Nuevo offers a state of the art visitor center, available for any questions related to the parks activities and reservations for any of the structured or guided experiences.
The primary attraction at Año Nuevo State Park is the protective habitat for the various see animals, including the elephant seal. Año Nuevo is the largest mainland preserve for elephant seal breading. Park hours and activities vary based on the time of year and location in the breeding / mating cycle.

Viewing Dates and Times
8 a.m. to Sunset

Review of Angel Island State Park

San Francisco Bay’s largest island is the home of Angel Island State Park and is entered by visitors via Ayala Cove who are transported there by ferries from San Francisco, Tiburon and Oakland or their own boats. After arriving they will find the main entrance to the park where the Visitor’s Center, the rangers’ cabin with maps and park information, a gift shop, and café and oyster bar are located in the cove on the north side of the Island. The maps of the island include bicycle and hiking trails and the location of all the other sites on the island.

On Angel Island there are numerous scenic and historic sites for visitors to enjoy including The Quarantine Station in Ayala Cove, Mt. Livermore Trails, Camp Reynolds, Fort McDowell and many gorgeous beaches. Many couples use the charming wedding chapel located at Fort McDowell or numerous outdoor locations on Angel Island which provide settings that are unique and romantic to exchange their marriage vows. The outdoor locations can accommodate from 35 to 1000 people for any type of event. Also provided by the Angel Island Tram Tours and Catered Events are exquisite catered food for the wedding receptions and other celebrations. The Tram Tours provide several extensive tours of the historic buildings spread out around the island and they also schedule the nature walks. These attractions must be reserved ahead of time by calling (415) 897-0715 or at Ayala Cove.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

California has a wide array and diversity of state parks peppered up and down the state. One of the most unique state parks in this network is Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. The primary reason that this park is so different is that you cannot drive to it or reach it by any roads. The only way to travel there is by boat. Boats that are going to this park usually leave from the Rat Farm, which is a public launch dock for boats. There are also no motor vehicles allowed in the park even if you could ship one over there. Walking is the primary mode of transportation within the confines of this state park (unless of course you are canoeing or kayaking within the many waterways).

It is considered one of the most unknown and remote parks in the California system because it is so difficult to reach. However, if you do get there you will be rewarded with some of the most unique landscape you can wish for such as breathtaking views of Mt Shasta, and Mt. Lassen in the distance. The park is so quiet and secluded that it is very likely that you won’t walk into other hikers on the many hikes you can take while you are at the park. Less than 3000 people visit there a year.

Andrew Molera State Park

Along the coast of California there is a place like no other. Big Sur is home to an expansive and beautiful environment with breathtaking coastlines and redwood trees towering overhead. The Andrew Molera State Park is the largest state park on the Big Sur coast, offering a variety of attractions from horseback riding and hiking to fishing and camping. With some of the best panoramic views in Big Sur, the view itself will make the trip to Andrew Molera State Park a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Open just before sunset, the Andrew Molera State Park is the perfect place to unwind for a few hours or spend the entire day exploring all of the natural beauty it has to offer. Admission to the park for the day is offered at a small price or you can walk in for free. The park closes shortly after sunset, allowing you to take in the breathtaking view as the sun disappears under the coastline. With all of the space to explore and so much to do, you may be interested in camping overnight and really experience how peaceful this coastal state park is. Camping is $10 a night and offers amenities such as restroom and shower facilities. With the beach only a short walk away, the Andrew Molera State Park offers one of the best campgrounds in Big Sur. All campsites are first-come, first-serve so be sure to get there early to reserve your spot. Staying overnight at this beautiful park allows you to really get in touch with nature. You are likely to see everything from owls to deer’s while staying at the campgrounds.

Southern California Beach Camping: Doheny Beach

Want to get away from it all while enjoying one of the all-time classic surfing beaches? Doheny State Beach is a beautiful campground located on the shores of one of Southern California’s most beloved beaches in the Orange County community of Dana Point. Unlike many of the beach campgrounds to in neighboring San Diego County, campsites here are not located on a bluff. About 30 campsites are literally on the beach!

Like most campgrounds, Doheny’s campsites are laid out in loops. The best sites are those fronting the beach. Large grassy areas make inland sites enjoyable as well. In fact, some campers prefer the inland sites because the grassy areas give them room to spread out while still being only steps away from the Pacific Ocean.