It's Super Bowl weekend. Are you just not that into football? Or would you like to get some exercise before you settle in for the big game? Either way, try out a state park this weekend! We've got five great ideas to get you started:
STARGAZE IN A PARK
Fri. 2/5, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – East of San Diego Join the Anza-Borrego Foundation on the roof deck of the visitor center to check out the night sky. Bring warm clothing, a chair or blanket to sit on, and binoculars if you have them. Photo by Thomas Haraikawa
SEE A WHALE
Sat. and Sun. 2/6 and 2/7, 11:00 a.m. MacKerricher State Park – North of Mendocino Meet at the visitor center to learn from docents about the annual gray whale migration, then walk along the Laguna Point boardwalk to look for whales. Binoculars provided. Wear layers! Leashed pets OK. Photo by Gary Philbin
COOK IN A STATE PARK
Sat. 2/6, 1:00 p.m. Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – Downtown Santa Cruz Explore different cooking styles of the people who lived and worked at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park for over 200 years, including hot rock cooking, tortilla frying on a Comal and baking in a Horno. Taste samples and make your own tortillas! Photo by Richard Zimmerman
VOLUNTEER, CAMP AND KAYAK
Sat. and Sun. 2/6 and 2/7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Salton Sea State Recreation Area – Southwest of Palm Desert Sign up for a two-day project to help with ramada construction and grounds cleanup, and camp at the park for free Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, free kayaking on Saturday afternoon! Potable water, restrooms and showers available; no electricity. Photo by Thomas Haraikawa
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Sat. and Sun. 2/6 and 2/7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Tour of Ranch House 1:00 p.m. Wilder Ranch State Park – West of Santa Cruz Visit a dairy ranch from the 1800s and learn about California’s ranching history! The one-hour tour includes early California ranching buildings and restored workshops run by water power, as well as volunteers in period clothing. Photo by Diane Main