What's New

Make your state parks adventures easier with a Golden Poppy Pass. Valid at all local state parks and beaches, this pass is available in the ParkStore Online.

SHOP

New bilingual interpretive panels have been installed at Seabright State Beach and the historic Castle Beach gate has been restored. Check them out next time you visit.

EXPLORE

Flash flooding at Wilder Ranch State Park damaged portions of the park’s historic dairy ranch. Your help is needed to support the short-term response and long-term recovery efforts.

DONATE

The Horse Camp at Rancho Del Oso Unit on the coast side of Big Basin is open for interim walk-in and bike-in, non-equestrian camping. Reservations required.

CAMP

Plan Your Visit

Our Mission, Our Passion

Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all!

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.

I want to help!

Get News and Stay Connected

#thatsmypark

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Apr 22

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Where's your favorite place to watch the sunset? ❤️☀️❤️ @santacruzstatebeaches #thatsmybeach #Thatsmypark #Sunset #Landscape #Beautiful #Photography #SantaCruz #Nature

Where's your favorite place to watch the sunset? ❤️☀️❤️

@santacruzstatebeaches
#thatsmybeach #Thatsmypark #Sunset #Landscape #Beautiful #Photography #SantaCruz #Nature ...

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Apr 22

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Happy Earth Day! On April 22nd, we come together to celebrate our planet and reaffirm our commitment to its well-being. Today and every day, we encourage you to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re in your backyard, exploring a State Park, or simply pausing to appreciate the natural world around you. No matter how you celebrate today, every action you take to protect the Earth counts. Share your Earth Day plans below and inspire others to engage in a more sustainable future! 📍 Quiroste Tribal Land Image: Elephant seals lay on the beach at sunset. #AñoNuevoStatePark #NorthernElephantSeal #ElephantSeal #EarthDay #CaliforniaStateParks #CaliforniaWildlife #ThatsMyPark

Happy Earth Day!

On April 22nd, we come together to celebrate our planet and reaffirm our commitment to its well-being. Today and every day, we encourage you to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re in your backyard, exploring a State Park, or simply pausing to appreciate the natural world around you.

No matter how you celebrate today, every action you take to protect the Earth counts. Share your Earth Day plans below and inspire others to engage in a more sustainable future!

📍 Quiroste Tribal Land

Image: Elephant seals lay on the beach at sunset.

#AñoNuevoStatePark #NorthernElephantSeal #ElephantSeal #EarthDay #CaliforniaStateParks #CaliforniaWildlife #ThatsMyPark ...

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Apr 22

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Here’s your Monday Morning Otter Shot. Nestled in the Pickleweed for a nap in the sun. #seaottersofinstagram #seaotters #otters #marinemammals #babyanimals #wildlife_photography #wildlife #wildlifetour #wildlife_shots #wildlifephotographers #experienceoverthings #traveladventures #amazinganimals #NatGeo #sunsetmag #elkhornslough #sanjoselove #visitsanjose #mosslanding #montereycalifornia #californiawildlife #santacruznow #thatsmypark #santacruzcounty #montereybayaquarium #VisitCalifornia #santacruzlife #seemonterey #earthlovers #happyanimals

Here’s your Monday Morning Otter Shot. Nestled in the Pickleweed for a nap in the sun.
#seaottersofinstagram #seaotters #otters #marinemammals #babyanimals #wildlife_photography #wildlife #wildlifetour #wildlife_shots #wildlifephotographers #experienceoverthings #traveladventures #amazinganimals #NatGeo #sunsetmag #elkhornslough #sanjoselove #visitsanjose #mosslanding #montereycalifornia #californiawildlife #santacruznow #thatsmypark #santacruzcounty #montereybayaquarium #VisitCalifornia #santacruzlife #seemonterey #earthlovers #happyanimals ...

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Apr 21

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"What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?" – E.M. Forster @santacruzstatebeaches #Thatsmybeach #thatsmypark #Night #Moon #Nightscape #Beach #StateBeach #Quote #emforster

"What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?" – E.M. Forster

@santacruzstatebeaches
#Thatsmybeach #thatsmypark #Night #Moon #Nightscape #Beach #StateBeach #Quote #emforster ...

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Apr 21

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I see you, Mt Diablo #visitcalifornia #wildflowerseason #wildflowerchasing #flowerseason #floweraddict #wildflowers #discoverearth #beautifuldestinations #yourshotphotographer #sfbayarea #hikecalifornia #bayareatrails #naturephotography #landscapephotography #flowerscape #naturelover #californiaspring #californiapoppy #castateparks #findyourpark #thatsmypark #mtdiablo #superbloom

I see you, Mt Diablo

#visitcalifornia #wildflowerseason #wildflowerchasing #flowerseason #floweraddict #wildflowers #discoverearth #beautifuldestinations #yourshotphotographer #sfbayarea #hikecalifornia #bayareatrails #naturephotography #landscapephotography #flowerscape #naturelover #californiaspring #californiapoppy #castateparks #findyourpark #thatsmypark #mtdiablo #superbloom ...

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