Survey Reveals California’s Top State Parks for 2025

California’s state park system, the largest in the nation, includes 280 park units, hundreds of miles of coastline, nearly 15,000 campsites, and 5,200 miles of trails.
But which park is best for camping, or birdwatching, or maybe wildflowers?
The California State Parks Foundation’s inaugural “Best of California’s State Parks” poll recently asked individuals to vote for their favorite parks across seven categories.
The survey, which involved more than 1,300 submissions, shines a spotlight on seven beloved parks that showcase the state’s natural landscapes and biodiversity.
Best for Camping: Morro Bay
Morro Bay State Park along California’s Central Coast is filled with recreation all around the lagoons and the 576-foot Morro Rock, formed 23 million years ago and known as “El Morro” by mariners. Activities include kayaking, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching, with more than 250 bird species at a saltwater marsh….