While many people pack away their hiking boots once the rain and temperature drop, the winter season is actually one of the ”coolest” times to explore California’s diverse landscapes. From snow-dusted Sierra peaks to vibrant desert oases, the winter months offer a unique opportunity to see the Golden State’s stunning locations without the peak-season crowds.

Whether you’re looking for a snowy adventure or a warm coastal escape, California’s 280 state parks offer the ability to switch gears with one weekend spending time at a beach and the next walking among giant sequoias – we have something for everyone! As the state continues to celebrate its 175th anniversary, we came up with a guide of state parks to visit this winter.

Desert Escapes: Winter is the undisputed best season for California’s Deserts, where mild day time temperatures replace the blistering summer heart.

• Red Rock Canyon State Park (SP): Located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Range, this park boasts scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. Each tributary canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors. Historically, the area was once home to the Kawaiisu Indians, who left petroglyphs in the El Paso Mountains and other evidence of their inhabitation. The spectacular gash situated at the western edge of the El Paso Range was on the Native American trade route for thousands of years. The park now protects significant paleontology sites, the remains of 1890s-era mining operations, and has been the site for a number of movies. After wet winters, the park’s floral displays are stunning. The beauty of the desert, combined with the geologic features make this park a camper’s favorite destination. Wildlife you may encounter includes roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice and squirrels.

• Salton Sea State Recreation Area: Along the northeastern edge of the Salton Sea lies one of the world’s most important winter stops for birds traveling the Pacific Flyway. The state recreation area is a birdwatcher’s delight. Birds begin arriving by tens of thousands in October. By January the wings of more than 400 species of migrating birds form living clouds across crystal clear skies.

• Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness: Adjacent to and offering stunning views of the Coachella Valley, when visitors enter Mount San Jacinto SP, they come into the heart of the winter wilderness, high in the San Jacinto Mountains, part of the San Bernadino National Forest. This 14,000-acre park can be reached via Highway 243 from Idyllwild or by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Granite peaks, sub-alpine forests, and mountain meadows offer the best opportunity to enjoy a primitive hiking and camping high-country experience south of the Sierra Nevada. The San Jacinto peak—a giant, often snowcapped crag marked by great upthrusts of weathered granite—rises 10,834 feet above sea level. It is the highest peak in the San Jacinto Range and in the California State Parks System.

Coastal Wonders: California’s coastline comes alive during the winter with unique wildlife migrations, blue vistas and beach walks that can go on for days.

• Pismo State Beach: Located along the beautiful Central Coast with a pleasant year-round climate, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and exploring! Visitors enjoy many diverse outdoor activities including camping, surfing, swimming, fishing and bird watching. There are also walking trails along the coastal sand dune habitat and around the freshwater Oceano Lagoon. Be sure to stop by the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center to learn about our free educational programs and don’t miss the special opportunity to observe Western monarch butterflies in the Monarch Butterfly Grove (November-February).

• Crystal Cove SP: Spanning nearly 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and 3.5 miles of pristine coastline nestled between Laguna and Newport Beach, this park is a rare blend of coastal wilderness and open space in Southern California. The rolling canyons and coastal ridges create an ideal area for backcountry hiking, offering a deep network of trails, crisp air, and sweeping ocean views. The park houses a charming Historic District, where 36 restored 1930s and 1940s beach cottages preserve the character of early seaside living and historic Japanese American farming communities. The winter season also brings some of the year’s lowest tides known as King Tides, creating exceptional opportunities for tidepool exploration and close observation of vibrant marine life along the rocky shoreline. Together, the park’s size, location, and history create a landscape that feels both expansive, pristine, and deeply rooted in California’s history.

• Manchester SP: For those seeking a dramatic coastal experience, this park offers a striking reminder of California’s untamed shoreline. Along Mendocino County’s remote south coast, the park showcases the raw power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean in winter. Wide sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and sweeping coastal views make this park feel expansive and wild, particularly during winter swells when waves crash offshore and seabirds ride the winds above the surf. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the scenery from a safe distance, as winter conditions can be dynamic and unpredictable.

• Hearst San Simeon SP: Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, if you love scenic coastal bluffs with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky shore, this is a must-visit! Not only will you enjoy the beaches, but the park also offers camping, hiking trails, a protected cove with a pier, and elephant seal viewing areas at the Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery. Winter is one of the most exciting times to see northern elephant seals; battling bulls, protective mothers, and newborn pups all share the beach during the birthing and breeding season. The main viewing area, about five miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance on Highway 1, offers a large parking lot and boardwalk for an excellent view of these magnificent marine mammals. Volunteer docents are present daily to share the wonders of the elephant seal and their life cycle with curious visitors.

Alpine Adventures: For those who love a true winter wonderland, the Sierra Nevada state parks transform into a playground for snow lovers.

• Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP: On the western shore of Lake Tahoe on Highway 89 near the community of Tahoma, in the Sierra Nevada, this park served as the cross-country ski venue for the 1960 Winter Olympics and provides groomed cross-country ski trails for day use and is open sunrise to sunset with a $5 parking fee. Free guided snowshoe tours are conducted every Saturday as weather permits. Check the park’s website for an up-to-date schedule. Winter camping in the Sugar Pine Point Campground is open and on a first-come-first-serve basis, and vehicles must display a paid receipt (cash/credit card accepted) upon selection of the site. Be prepared for cold temperatures and changing weather. Campfires are allowed in designated campfire rings – firewood is available at local stores. Showers and dump stations close for the season., though restrooms and potable water are available.

• Plumas-Eureka State Park: Located in Plumas County five miles west of Blairsden, the park is the winter home of the Plumas Ski Club’s historic longboard ski racing revival series, which take place on the third Saturday of January, February and March as weather permits. The park also has 3.7-miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park is open for day use from sunrise to sunset.

Forrest Resilience: Winter rain brings a lush, deep green to the forests that you won’t see in the dry summer months.

• Humboldt Redwoods SP: Voted the No. 1 state park in the United States for two years in a row (2024 and 2025) by the travel website Tripadvisor, Humboldt Redwoods spans 53,000 acres—an area almost twice the size of San Francisco. About one third, or 17,000 acres, of the park is old-growth redwood forest—the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet. This park offers one of the best places to see redwoods by car in the entire North Coast region: the 32-mile-long Avenue of the Giants. Good stops along the way include Founder’s Grove, with its fallen 362-foot Dyerville Giant, and the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Hearthstone, designed by famed architect Julia Morgan.

• Tomales Bay SP: Located along the shores of Tomales Bay, this park is a popular winter spot for picnicking, kayaking, hiking and beach exploration. Hike up to the Jepson Memorial Grove to see one of the finest remaining virgin groves of Bishop Pines in California. While out on the trails, keep an eye out for wildlife and birds such as fox, rabbits, pelicans, heron, and the rare spotted owl. A glance down into the calm bay waters can reveal various fish, jellies, sharks, and rays patrolling the shoreline. The special location along the east side of the Point Reyes peninsula means that the park is protected from cold prevailing winds by the Inverness Ridge, making it an excellent spot to spend a winters day on the shore or out on the bay.

Back to the Future: The echoes of bygone eras resonate through the preserved buildings, inviting any history buff to walk back in time.

• Shasta State Historic Park (SHP): Nestled along Highway 299 west of Redding, the historic park preserves the remnants of what was once the bustling “Queen City” of California’s northern gold country. Visitors can explore the evocative brick ruins of a 19th-century mining town, step inside the restored courthouse museum, and view original artifacts that tell the story of California’s Gold Rush era. In winter, the crisp air and quiet surroundings make it an ideal time to wander the historic district, enjoy scenic views of the Sacramento River Valley, and experience the charm of a bygone era without summer crowds. Regardless of the season, Shasta is home of the only dedicated state park art gallery with The Williamson Lyncoya Smith Gallery featuring the highly regarded Boggs Collection of 100 years of art from 1850-1950.

• La Purísima Mission SHP: Just north of Lompoc on California’s Central Coast, La Purísima Mission offers a vivid blend of history and outdoor adventure. Set along El Camino Real amid rolling hills, grasslands and oak woodlands, the nearly 2,000-acre park is home to one of the state’s most fully restored Spanish missions. Founded in 1787 as La Misión de la Purísima Concepción and later relocated after an earthquake, the mission complex seen today was carefully reconstructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Adobe buildings, workshops, living quarters, and the church bring the Spanish and Mexican periods to life. Beyond the mission grounds, about 25 miles of trails invite visitors to explore the surrounding landscape on foot, with a leashed dog, or on horseback. Whether wandering through historic corridors or roaming the hills beyond, La Purísima Mission SHP offers a dynamic way to experience California’s cultural heritage and history in a tranquil natural setting.

Off-Road Terrain: Trade the pavement for the dirt, where every muddy splash and rocky climb is a high-octane badge of honor.

• Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA): This 343-acre SVRA is popular with all-terrain vehicle riders and offers a variety of recreational challenges including winding trails through creosote-studded sand dunes, large, fine sand dunes, and dry lake beds with hard packed clay. Facilities include shade ramadas with barbecue pits and picnic tables, and restrooms. The park is located three miles north of the Mexican border crossing at Highway 7 (Calexico/Mexicali) in Imperial County.

• Prairie City SVRA: The state vehicular recreation area, located 20 miles east of downtown Sacramento, was once the site of intensive gold dredging in the early 20th century. The area now offers off-highway vehicle enthusiasts a variety of interesting terrain and trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Beginners to experts alike find a variety of terrain both challenging and enjoyable.

Bonus Overlook:

• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook: Located adjacent to downtown Los Angeles, this overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Hike through restored native habitat, enjoy a state-of-the-art visitor center, and traverse the Culver City Stairs to this 500-foot peak that is now a symbol of community revitalization and hope. A fitness lover’s paradise!

Safety Tips

But before heading to your winter adventure, California State Parks wants to remind visitors of a few safety tips.

• Know Before You Go: Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find current park information. Make sure to check the weather!
• Plan and Prepare: Permits/reservations may be required such as for entry, camping, certain recreational activities, or transportation.
• Play It Safe: State parks are meant to be enjoyed in many ways, but to play it safe, err on the side of caution. Do not underestimate temperatures or hiking distances.
• Leave No Trace: Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or take plants.