This Valentine’s Day, think outside the chocolate box … and surprise your loved one with a date in the great outdoors! Our state parks offer lots of opportunities to enjoy a special day outdoors with your sweetie. Our state parks provide countless opportunities to explore and learn more about plants, animals and nature. That's why we think that California’s state parks are Great Places to “Get Wild” with Your Valentine!

A romantic stroll along Huntington State Beach. Photo ©Paula Schultz -- paulasphotoart.smugmug.com

VALENTINE DATES IN STATE PARKS In addition to hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing and beach combing, there are several events taking place in state parks that might make a great date with your valentine this holiday weekend:

• Watch for bald eagles at the free Bald Eagle barge tours taking place at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. through March. Please note that reservations are required and these popular tours sell out fast!
• Head to Natural Bridges State Beach for the annual Beach Migration Festival -- a full-day celebration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel.
• Enjoy a special “Romance in the Redwoods” guided walk at Big Basin Redwoods State Park where you will learn about the courtship behaviors of banana slugs, redwood trees and other creatures found in the park.
• Join the Tijuana Estuary Nature Preserve’s bi-weekly bird walk and learn about some of the 370 species of birds that live or stop by this Reserve on their yearly migration.
• Watch for whales and other wildlife during Weekend Whale Talks at MacKerricher State Park.

Are you planning to enjoy the Valentine’s holiday in state parks? Join the conversation and share your Valentine’s Day ideas and state park photos on our Facebook page! For more events taking place this month in state parks, please visit the Department of Parks and Recreation’s event page.