Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed
Whale Watching! , State Beaches all along the California coast!
March 1, 2009 - March 31, 2009
Every year, an estimated 15-22,000 gray whales travel 12,000 miles roundtrip from the Bering Sea off Alaska to the warm waters off Mexico's Baja California Peninsula where they give birth. The journey takes a total of seven months between December and June, but between mid-December and mid-May viewing these creatures is made easy by visiting one of our California State Beaches. Traveling southward down the West Coast, gray whales stick close to the shore where they filter their food from the shallow ocean floor. Their proximity to land makes for easy observation. Contact your local state beach for the best viewing areas.
Take A Step Back In Time, Crystal Cove SP, off Hwy 1 between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach
March 1, 2009 - September 30, 2009
With a visit to the newly restored Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District! Whether in an Individual or Dorm-style Cottage, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages offer gorgeous ocean views, charming historic details, and a glimpse of a uniquely Southern Californian beach community from a bygone era. Visit www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org for cottage rentals and reservations!
California State Capitol Museum Tours, California State Capitol Museum, downtown Sacramento, N Street entrance.
March 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Tour this landmark in California history, home of the California Legislature since 1869. Guided tours are scheduled daily from 9am to 4pm. Tours are year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. (916) 324-0333.
Evening Tours, Hearst San Simeon SHM, Hwy 1 North of the town of San Simeon
March 1, 2009 - September 30, 2009
Visit www.hearstcastle.org to learn about a new season of evening tours into the enchanted world of William Randolph Hearst. High above the ocean at San Simeon visit the world-famous Hearst Castle. Visitors to the castle will be able to experience reflections from the 1930’s heyday era. For tour reservations call (800) 444-4445.
Centennial Festival of Whales, Doheny SB, Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission
March 7, 2009
Learn about some of the majestic creatures that grace the oceans of the world at these evening programs at the Campfire Center. Please dress for weather and rain cancels. 949-496-6172 March 7 and 14--6pm
“Frontier Army Days 1856”, Fort Tejon SHP, 37 miles South of Bakersfield on I-5
March 7, 2009 - December 5, 2009
Take a step back in time and experience the daily army life of the soldiers and civilians in early California. Visitors can witness life at this U.S. Army post of the Far West and see California as it was in 1856. Fort Tejon was a crossroads of California’s many cultures and diverse ideas of the 1850s. Visitors are invited to view the living history demonstrations of everyday life of the common soldier and civilian men, women and children at this mountain outpost. For more information call: (661) 248-7001 or (661) 248-6692. First Saturday of each month, year round.
Full Moon Snowshoe Tours, Sugar Pine Point SP, West shore of Lake Tahoe, ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89
March 7, 2009
Sugar Pine Point State Park and West Shore Sports welcome you to join us on our moonlight snowshoe tours! Park Rangers will lead adventures out into the moonlight around the Ehrman Mansion and along Lake Tahoe’s Magical West Shore. For those new to the sport of snowshoeing, there will be a beginner’s clinic at 6:30pm. All proceeds from these tours support the Sierra State Parks Foundation. Meet in the day use area parking lot. Wear winter boots and dress accordingly. Reservations required at 530-525-9920. Space is limited. Meet in the day use area parking lot. $12 per person. Kids under 12 FREE (includes snowshoe rentals) Tours begin at 7pm. Pre-event beginner’s clinic at 6:30pm
Bicycle Nature Rides, Lake Perris SRA, 11 miles south of Riverside via Highway 60 or I 215
March 8, 2009
Park Rangers will guide a 2 hour family friendly ride exploring the wonders and beauty of Lake Perris SRA. Meet at the marina to ride to the east end of the park. All ages welcome. You must have your own bike. Helmets are mandatory and water is recommended. Cost $ 8.00 Day Use fee per vehicle. Call 951-940-5647 or 951-940-5600 for more information. 9am
American Masterpieces: The Artistic Legacy of California Indian Basketry, California State Indian Museum, downtown area of Sacramento at 26th and K Streets
March 14, 2009 - December 31, 2009
This exhibit will open at The California Museum on March 14 and continue for approximately nine months. Featuring over 80 baskets from the California State Parks collection, museum goers will be provided a glimpse into the marvelous history and beauty of California Indian basketry—a tradition that is rooted in, and integral to, the Native way of life. For more information, visit www.californiamuseum.org
Bird Walk, California Citrus SHP, located in Riverside, 1 mile East of the 91 freeway
March 15, 2009
If you are bird enthusiast or even if your not, these walks will enlighten your senses to the sights and sounds of birds in the park. Meet at the Gazebo at 8 am. Visitor’s Center Museum. (951) 780-6222.
Shop Tours of Locomotive Restoration, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
March 18, 2009
Special, behind-the-scenes viewing opportunities for visitors to see the restoration progress of Sierra No. 3, known as the “Movie Star” steam locomotive for its many appearances in motion pictures and television shows. As part of the special viewings, Railtown staff will present a 90-minute program which will also include a shop tour for visitors. The popular Sierra No. 3 locomotive is expected to return to operation at Railtown1897 SHP in 2010. Cost for the tours is $5, and reservations may be made by calling 209-984-3953.
Fort Bragg Centennial Whale Festival, Point Cabrillo Light Station SHP, Mendocino
March 21, 2009 - March 22, 2009
Festivities will include whale watching from the Lighthouse bluffs, children’s activities such as puzzles, face painting, art and games. Bird watching at 9am with the Mendocino Audubon Society. Exhibits and demonstrations by the US Coast Guard and Auxiliary, Mendocino Audubon, and Marine Mammal Rescue representatives. Donations for parking would be welcome. 10am to 4pm
Whale Festival, MacKerricher SP, 3 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1
March 21, 2009 - March 22, 2009
Festival activities will include whale watching, guided whale talks, children activities and stories of whale encounters. Whale talks begin at 11 a.m. on each day. Children activities will happen on March 21, 12 Noon to 3 p.m. Stories of whale encounters will be at 3:30 p.m. on March 21. For more information call (707) 937-5804.
“Avast Ye Swabs: Captain Sutter’s Connection to the Sea”, Sutter’s Fort, 2701 L Street, Sacramento
March 21, 2009
Relive the daily activities of early emigrants and pioneers in the 1840s when agriculture and frontier lifestyles defined what is today California. At Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park experience the lives of these hearty and adventurous people as docents demonstrate crafts and activities of the past. Visitors may experience militia drill, smell food cooking in the historic kitchen and bakery, see the blacksmith at his anvil, and the carpenter in his shop. This frontier outpost was the center of life in the Sacramento Valley before the Gold Rush. (916) 445-4422 10am- 5pm
100 Years of Pío Pico Celebration, Pío Pico SHP, 6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier
March 21, 2009
On March 19, 1909 approximately one thousand people gathered for the first public opening of the home of Governor Pio de Jesus Pico. They came to celebrate and preserve this important man’s life, and to aid in the fundraising for an early restoration. Thanks to Harriet Russell Strong and caring members of the community, the valuable heritage of
this park was preserved for us and future generations. Please join us for a very special Living History Day!
Costumed docents, Horno demonstration, Adobe brick making, Children’s Activities and Crafts. The Friends of Pio Pico will be accepting donations and memberships which support interpretive programs and events. 11am-3pm For more information call (562) 695-1217 x 102. P
Snowshoe Hike!, Donner Memorial SP, 100 miles East of Sacramento, just West of downtown Truckee
March 21, 2009
Experience the winter wilderness through the eyes of the Donner Party who were stranded here in the winter of 1846-47. Visit the sites where they camped then snowshoe through the woods to the shore of Donner Lake for a glimpse of the barrier of Donner Pass. Approx. 2 hours, 1 ½ mile. Meeting place: the flagpole in front of the museum. Leader: Veneta Stewart. All programs are free; there is a $7.00 per vehicle parking fee which also includes museum entrance. Participants in outdoor activities must bring their own equipment (snowshoes or cross country skis). Be sure to dress for winter conditions and carry water. For more information call 530-582-7892 from 9am to 4pm daily. 10:30am
7TH ANNUAL PARK ADVOCACY DAY, Sacramento
March 23, 2009
Each year, over 100 state park supporters travel to the State Capitol to advocate for the protection and support of California's 279 state parks. Participants meet with policymakers to discuss the important issues facing state parks throughout California. These meetings make a great impact in legislators' support for key park policies and issues. Visit our website at www.calparks.org to register and more information. Because of the budget cuts and possible state park closures, your support is vital! PLEASE JOIN US! To learn more go to www.calparks.org and click on the Park Advocacy Day icon. For more information call Linsey at (916) 442-2119 or email her at linsey@calparks.org. 8:30am-5pm
Columbia’s Gold Rush and 159th Birthday Celebration, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
March 27, 2009
A Birthday Celebration of the day Johnny Walker of the famed Hildreth Party discovered gold
& brought life to the area, which started the town of Columbia! For more information visit www.columbizgazette.com or call 209-588-9128. 10am – 4pm
“Vallecito Days”, Anza-Borrego Desert SP, east of San Diego via Hwys 78 & 79
March 27, 2009 - March 29, 2009
This three-day annual event is held in conjunction with San Diego County Parks and Ramona Trails Association. It includes Overland Mail reenactment, ride as a loop out from the County Park stage station and back. The ranch house will be decorated in period artifacts. There will also be living history events. 760-767-5311
