Today we include California into our A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight. For those of you not familiar with our 50 week series, Blogging Babies and the Bayou will take readers into a new state every week and feature local State Parks. My mission is to open the eyes of many readers and give a small glimpse of what your own state may offer. Having lived in California for 12 years of my life, as a child I visited several State Parks through the Girl Scout Program. Enjoy our Walk in the Park.

Sunny California conjures to mind glamorous movie stars, shopping, and flashy lights for many people, but this state is also known for wonderful natural sights and great camping. It’s a well-kept secret- until now! If you are near California and looking for an adventurous outdoor vacation that can offer you different sights, sounds, thrills, and even climates all in one state, check out these California State Parks to book a trip today. All photographs belong to http://www.parks.ca.gov/. You can visit their website for more information on planning your visit to a California State Park.

California State Parks: Crystal Cove State Park #BayouTravel
Photo Credit: http://www.parks.ca.gov

California State Parks
Crystal Cove State Park


Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California has something spectacular waiting for you- natural seashore that offers a rolling surf, tide pools, sandy beaches, wooded canyons, and gently sloping hills. It is a sight to see and one of Orange County’s largest examples of natural seashore with 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of wilderness. It’s a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts and can offer you an array of options in which to fill your day. Go scuba diving, surfing, hiking, biking, and swimming all in one fun-packed day.

While you’re out enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer, you can remember that Crystal Cove is near one of the heaviest populated areas in the country. The Crystal Cove Historic District gives you more than 12 acres of historic land to explore. On this, 46 cottages that were built in the 1930s and ’40s era are still standing. These are available for visitor services, educational programs, and some are available for renting for overnight use. For more information on the cottages, visit http://www.reserveamerica.com. For more information on the park, amenities, and the surrounding area of Orange County, go to http://www.parks.ca.gov/.

Will Rogers State Historic Park
Photo Credit: http://www.parks.ca.gov

Will Rogers State Park
Will Rogers wasn’t just a movie star, but a man that loved nature, as well. He was well-known for his films, but also well-known for his love of all things outdoors. At the Will Rogers State Park in the Pacific Palisades is made from the 186 acre ranch he owned with his wife, Betty. The 31-room ranch house, stables, corrals, riding ring, roping arena, polo field, golf course, and hiking trails leave a lot to the people that visit and offer a full array of things to do and see. Here, fans and horse enthusiasts can take guided horseback tours, walking tours, and hike the grounds for some peace and quiet. Learn about Will Rogers, his wife, and their quiet life together out of the spotlight when you visit this fantastic state par in Los Angeles. Go online to http://www.parks.ca.gov/ to book a tour or for more tour information.

Placerita Canyon State Park
Photo Credit: http://www.parks.ca.gov

Placerita Canyon State Park
Dedicated to discovering the site of the first gold found in California, Placerita Canyon State Park is a State Historic Landmark in Los Angeles, California. Gold was found there in 1842, and while that treasure may be long gone, the treasure of the park lies in where it is located. Situated between the transition zone between the Mojave desert and the San Gabriel Mountains, visitors will learn not only about how gold was found here (causing the subsequent gold rush), but can also see sandstone formations, streams, native trees, and more. Enjoy hiking, camping, and picnic areas as well as tours of an old ranch house. For information on the park, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/.

Grizzly Creek Redwoods
Photo Credit: http://www.parks.ca.gov

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park


California may not be known for bears, but it is known for the Redwood Forest. At Grizzly Creek State Park, visitors can see both. This 400 acre park was almost closed by the state, but restorations and the state kept it open because of its unique scenery. Campgrounds, swimming, biking, and hiking are available and the weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities all year long. Fishing here is great for salmon, which is a favorite of grizzly bears- often seen at the creek catching fish for dinner. Reservations are available May through September and can be made by calling (707) 777-3683. For more information on this wonderful park in the wilderness, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/

Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
Photo Credit: http://www.parks.ca.gov/

Tomo-Kahni Historic State Park


Tomo-Kahni Historic State Park celebrates the heritage of the Kawaiisu people, who migrated from the Great Basin to settle in the Tehachapi valley. Moderate temperatures and resources are the reasons given for the native peoples choosing this area- and those things have not changed over the years. In 1933 the park was added to the state park registry. This park is only open to the public via tours because of the sensitive materials contained here.

The state wishes to preserve the site for the culture of the Kawaiisu people while still allowing others to experience it. The tours are walking tours and take roughly three hours to complete, but during the tour participants will be able to see the culture of the Kawaiisu people as it was when they inhabited the space, as well as beautiful natural scenery. The Kawaiisu people were taught to respect the land, one another, and all the plants and animals in the area, so the tours aim to keep that respect alive. To schedule a tour, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/ or call (661) 946-6092 for more information.

Have you visited California recently? Would your family enjoy visiting local State Parks?

Additional Walk in the Park State by State Spotlight
Alabama State Parks
Alaska State Parks
Arizona State Parks
Arkansas State Parks
California State Parks
Connecticut State Parks
Colorado State Parks
Delaware State Parks
Florida State Parks
Georgia State Parks
Hawaiian State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Illinois State Parks
Indiana State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Kansas State Parks
Kentucky State Parks
Louisiana State Parks

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