Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities for Anywhere in California

Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities for Anywhere in California

The weather is getting warmer. The days are getting longer. Summer is almost here in California! 

With more than 280 state parks, finding a worthwhile adventure doesn’t have to mean spending multiple days on a camping trip or spending a ton of money on expensive equipment. There are plenty of places that can be simple day trips with the family – and there are many state parks that people don’t even know about!

As we begin to make our way back outside and into the parks, we want to share a few ideas for day trips to some of our favorite parks!

If you live in Northern California or the Bay area…

• Go for a paddle, swim or fishing day out at Humboldt Lagoons State Park in Trinidad! Rent a boat (or bring your own) to see wildlife like birds and whales, or to simply enjoy the scenery of the lagoons! Or join us on a virtual adventure of the park on August 5. 
• Candlestick Point State Recreation Area in San Francisco is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing and bird watching. As the first California State Park designed to bring the joys of nature to a more urban setting, it’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout Golden Gate Park in San Francisco at the de Young Museum of Art, Conservatory of Flowers, California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Botanical Garden or the Japanese Tea Garden.

If you live in Central California…

• One of California’s 45 greatest lakes, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area in Fresno offers a great place for fishing, boating and camping.
• Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden in Santa Barbara is home to an amazing garden (including a sensory garden!), gazebos, and a pond for visitors to enjoy a quiet place to spend time exploring.
• If you’re looking for a place rich with history, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Earlimart is the perfect place! We invite you to explore the history of Allensworth and the importance of the Black Town Movement, and to reflect on the contributions of Black history in California State Parks by watching our first ParkSpeak event of 2021.

If you live in Southern California…

• Spend time connecting with nature and wildlife at Rio de Los Angeles State Park in Los Angeles. Here, you can enjoy a perfect family outdoor day with a picnic or walk on the trail.
  
• Although this park is still partially open, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park ® in San Diego County is great for backpacking, camping or for a good picnic! If you’re trying to decide whether to stop by, check out our ParkSpeak event and virtual tour.
• For our biking aficionados: Chino Hills State Park in Chino Hills has a great biking trail – which can also be used for hiking, walking, and even horseback riding!

The biggest thing to remember? Adventuring doesn’t have to be extreme – an adventure is whatever feels adventurous to you. 

If you’re looking for additional day trips to explore this summer, check out more state and urban parks in California here. To find more fun park adventures like these, sign up for our newsletter below!