Northern California State Parks Dominated the 2026 Best of California Poll
The results of the 2026 Best of California’s State Parks poll are in, and Northern California parks ran away with it.
Thousands of voters across 12 categories picked their favorites among the state’s 280-plus parks, and NorCal destinations won or earned honorable mentions in nearly every single one. Here are the winners:
- Best Spectacular Views: Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Best Hiking: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Best for Learning About History: Bodie State Historic Park
- Best Water Activities: Emerald Bay State Park
- Best Hidden Gem: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
- Best Dog-Friendly Adventures: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Best Family-Friendly Experiences: Angel Island State Park
- Best State Beach: Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Best Camping: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Best Day Trip: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Best Wildflowers: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Best Birdwatching: Morro Bay State Park
NorCal parks also showed up strong in the honorable mentions. Prairie Creek Redwoods placed for hiking. Folsom Lake and Clear Lake both earned nods for water activities. Calaveras Big Trees was recognized for camping. Jack London State Historic Park appeared in three different categories. Indian Grinding Rock in Amador County picked up two mentions, and Humboldt Lagoons placed for birdwatching.
The poll is run by the California State Parks Foundation and is now in its second year. Results are based entirely on public nominations and voting.
For the full results, visit calparks.org/bestof26.
