California State Parks to Visit in the Spring

California is home to some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems to explore. With the arrival of spring, and the 2023 Super Bloom, due to the excessive rain over this winter, the state's parks come alive with vibrant wildflowers, making it the perfect time to plan a trip and witness the stunning natural beauty on display. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a birdwatcher, a kayaker, or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, California's state parks have something to offer everyone. 

Check out these Top 5 California State Parks

1. Henry W. Coe State Park

Boasting 250 miles of hiking and running trails and hidden swimming holes and proximity to everything Santa Cruz and the Bay Area have to offer makes this our top pick. It’s Northern California’s largest State park and it has wide sweeping vistas of beautiful California hillsides when the hills turn from gold to green wildflowers will begin to bloom and the wildflowers will be the main attraction. 

2. Clear Lake State Park

Another easy trip from the Bay Area will lead you to Clear Lake State Park. California State Parks has said that this park is the best in Spring time. Wildflowers and birds galore are a must-see. They also suggest taking a self-guided tour of the waterfowl along the accessible Kelsey Creek Trail. Make it an overnight adventure and plan a camping trip and see up close the fish that live in the lake. 

3. Kings Beach State Park

Grab a clear bottom kayak and peer down the crystal blue waters at Kings Beach. You may even be able to have a snow day with the amount of snow Tahoe received this past winter. Rumor has it that the ski mountains may be able to stay open until July. Wowzer. This only adds to the excitement of all that there is to do in Tahoe. Kings Beach is a must and if you are feeling extra brave and try para-sailing at North Tahoe Watersports. 

4. Indio Hills Palms Park

This is out the farthest suggestion from the Bay Area but one of our favorites. I am personally obsessed with Joshua Trees and look for them in Santa Cruz County where you will actually find some if you look closely. The unique pocket of lush palm forest that folds into the desert landscape is worth the trip. Just outside of Joshua Tree National Park (another must) is a canyon created by the San Andreas fault which collects enough water to allow the plants to thrive. It’s gorgeous and looks like a movie scene from Star Trek. Depending on who is reading this you may want to plan your trip to coincide with the music festival Coachella in April or you may avoid it altogether and of in May or to avoid the heat. 

5.  Henry Cowell State Park

Come check the old-growth redwood trees at Henry Cowell State Park located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These skyscraping redwoods were admired by explorer John C. Frémont, President Theodore Roosevelt, and inspired some of California’s earliest redwood preservation efforts. In addition to the Redwoods, there are beautiful hiking trails, swimming, and areas to picnic. Worth the drive!

Spring is a wonderful time to explore California's state parks and witness the beauty of wildflowers in bloom. Whether you choose to visit Henry W. Coe State Park for its sweeping vistas, Clear Lake State Park for its waterfowl and fish, Kings Beach State Park for its crystal blue waters, or Indio Hills Palms Park for its lush palm forest and unique canyon, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the natural wonders of California's state parks this spring.

Did we miss a favorite park of yours? Email us at [email protected] and let us know! And if you are looking to buy or sell in Santa Cruz or Santa Clara counties, reach out! We would love to help!