Press Releases

Please link to calparks.org/bestof2026 in articles. San Francisco, CA — Today, California State Parks Foundation released the results of the second annual “ Best of California’s State Parks .” This poll highlights state parks beloved for hiking, camping, spectacular views, wildflowers, family-friendly adventures, and more. This year’s poll also features two new categories — “Best State Park for Water Activities” and “Best State Park for Hidden Gem Experiences.” This year, California State Parks Foundation invited its members, supporters, and the public to nominate and vote on their favorite100

Photos are available for use by media here . San Francisco, CA — California State Parks Foundation today celebrated the expansion of three existing state parks and the addition of three new state park properties. This is the biggest expansion of the California state park system in decades. “This is a historic moment of growth for California's beloved state park system,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “Expanding and adding park properties will make it easier for Californians to get outdoors, protect beloved places, and conserve important habitat.”100

What you need to know: Fifth annual celebration features 171 activities that highlight “This is Where You Live”, celebrating the people, places and programs that make California’s 280 state parks truly special. Registration for events is now open. SACRAMENTO — As California continues to celebrate 175 years of statehood, join California State Parks and partners in celebrating the unparalleled diversity and beauty of the nation’s largest state park system with more than 170 events during the fifth annual California State Parks Week , June 10-14. Hosted by California State Parks along with100

See Here for Media Resources San Francisco, CA — Today, California State Parks Foundation announced that voting is now open for the 2026 “ Best of California’s State Parks ” poll. Californians are invited to vote for their favorite state parks across 12 categories, including the best parks for camping, hiking, birdwatching, family-friendly adventures, and more. This year’s poll also features two new categories — “Best State Park for Water Activities” and “Best State Park for Hidden Gem Experiences.” “The ‘Best of California’s State Parks’ poll is a fun opportunity for Californians to share100

San Francisco, CA — California State Parks Foundation today invited members of the public to celebrate Earth Day by participating in climate action volunteer events throughout April. These volunteer workdays will focus on impactful climate-related projects like wildfire resilience efforts, native species planting, and invasive plant removal. This year, they will host a volunteer workday in California’s newest state park, Dos Rios, for the first time. “Working within your local community to create change has always been a core part of the environmental movement,” said Rachel Norton, Executive100

Resources for Media: Please see here for media background materials, photos and video. Sacramento, CA — Today, California State Parks Foundation applauded the introduction of new legislation that would help ensure the future of the incredibly popular California State Library Parks Pass. The California State Library Parks Pass gives library card holders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state parks. Since the start of the program, thousands of passes have been distributed to more than 1,100 public libraries throughout the state. Introduced by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D100

See Here for Media Resources (please note this includes images and b-roll of the winners of the 2025 “Best of California’s State Parks” poll) San Francisco, CA — Today, California State Parks Foundation announced it is accepting nominations for the 2026 “ Best of California’s State Parks ” poll. Californians are invited to share their favorite state parks across 12 categories, including the best parks for camping, hiking, birdwatching, family-friendly adventures, and more. This year’s poll also features two new categories — “Best State Park for Water Activities” and “Best State Park for Hidden100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sacramento, CA — In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California residents and visitors will receive free vehicle day-use entry to participating California state parks on Monday, January 19, with support from California State Parks Foundation. The free-admission day is made possible by California State Parks Foundation, a key proponent of the California State Library Parks Pass , which provides free vehicle access to more than 200 state parks for library cardholders across the state. The parks participating in the MLK Day free-entry100

Photo Contest Winning Images Available Here (Credit: See Image File Names) General Photos and B-Roll Available Here (Credit: California State Parks Foundation) San Francisco, CA — California State Parks Foundation today announced the winners of the organization’s photo contest. The California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest invited park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities, and unique landscapes of California’s state parks. Over 3,650 images were submitted to the contest. “We’re excited to share the100