Coming Soon: Celebrate California State Parks Week with Events in the Greater Los Angeles Area
Published:
June 4, 2026
LOS ANGELES — California State Parks and partners will be celebrating the fifth annual California State Parks Week with special events at state parks throughout the Greater Los Angeles area beginning Wednesday, June 10. Presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League, this exciting celebration will feature special programs and activities highlighting the incredible diversity of the nation’s largest state park system.
WHAT: Fifth Annual California State Parks Week
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 14
LOS ANGELES AREA EVENTS:
Wednesday, June 10
Family Art Day at Crystal Cove State Park: Hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy, this family-friendly art program invites participants to gather at the Education Commons for hands-on activities inspired by the Cove’s coastal landscapes, wildlife, and conservation stories. Using simple materials and a bit of creativity, families will create their own artwork while learning about the ecosystems that make Crystal Cove State Park so special.
Thursday, June 11
Family Plein Air Class at Crystal Cove State Park: Hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy, this family-friendly program invites participants to experience the tradition of plein air painting while surrounded by the park’s coastal landscapes and historic cottages. During this two-and-a-half-hour program, families with artists ages 8 and up will explore the basics of plein air painting before creating their own artwork inspired by the colors, textures, and scenery of Crystal Cove.
Bird and Beach Walk at Crystal Cove State Park: Meet at the Pelican Point Boardwalk and scan the blufftop looking for birds. We’ll stop at an ocean overlook to look for dolphins and other marine mammals as we learn about Crystal Cove’s Marine Protected Area. Finally, we’ll walk down a trail to the beach and look for whatever ocean treasures have washed ashore while also scanning the sea and sand for more birds. Binoculars are optional but highly recommended for better viewing.
Sunset Yoga at the Historic Cottage at San Clemente State Beach: As the sun sets over the park, participants are invited to unwind with a gentle, all-levels yoga session in a beautiful historic setting. This relaxing program offers a chance to connect with nature, slow down, and enjoy the calming atmosphere of the park. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced yogi, this session provides an opportunity to stretch, breathe, and recharge outdoors.
Friday, June 12
Citizen Science Water Quality Testing at Bolsa Chica State Beach: Join State Parks volunteers as they take and test water samples from Bolsa Chica State Beach and send the results to the California Department of Public Health. Participants will be shown how to become citizen scientists and learn what’s in their local water. The program is held at the Visitor Center/Lifeguard Headquarters.
Beach Cleanup at Leo Carrillo State Park: Join us at Leo Carrillo State Park to support climate resilience by helping keep our coastline clean. Cleanup materials will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring a reusable bucket for collecting trash to help reduce plastic waste. Your efforts make a direct impact on our coastal waters and habitats!
Campfire By the Coast at Doheny State Beach: As the sun sets and the fire begins to glow, gather with park naturalists and a guest speaker to explore fascinating stories about the ocean and wildlife that call it home. This family-friendly evening program is a great way to learn more about our coastal environment while enjoying the classic state park campfire experience. After the program, visitors are welcome to stay and roast marshmallows over the fire.
Saturday, June 13
Nature Meditation Walk at Crystal Cove State Park: Join a Crystal Cove State Park volunteer on a short, guided meditation walk to experience the outdoors in a new and meaningful way. We will stroll on flat terrain along the coastal bluff taking stops to engage in mindfulness exercises to deepen our connection with the natural environment. Our walk will end with a tea ceremony focused on reciprocity.
Celebrate Indigenous Culture at Lake Perris State Recreation Area: Head to Lake Perris SRA to learn about and celebrate local Indigenous cultures at this free event! Held at the Lakeside Pavilion in Parking Lot 9, you can meet representatives of local Tribal communities, learn about their cultures, and participate in activities for families. In addition, the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum will be open for the day.
Celebrating Japanese Culture at Crystal Cove State Park: Enjoy a day of Japanese cultural activities including music, dance, crafts, and demonstrations. All ages are welcome.
Plover Dad Day at Huntington State Beach: Join State Parks environmental scientists to learn more about snowy plovers and other birds that call Huntington State Beach home. Stop by any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the canopy near the Least Tern preserve and Tower 2.
Schools of Resilience at Los Angeles State Historic Park: Organized by the 2026 LASHP Community Engagement Fellowship Cohort, this daylong festival will bring together a series of programs, skills-based workshops, and community-led activities centered around self-sufficiency and community care.
Ancestral Citrus: A People’s Journey at California Citrus State Historic Park Museum: Explore the citrus museum through a self-guided scavenger hunt through time. Gather information and collect stamps as you learn about the history of citrus at designated stations. This event is great for all ages, and all supplies will be provided to participants.
Mindfulness Hike at Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park: This guided mindfulness hike is an opportunity to decompress and reconnect with the outdoors. As we trek through the park’s historical landscape, we will take time to connect with nature and enjoy the local flora and fauna this area has to offer. Whether you are looking to clear your mind or simply enjoy the scenery, come explore the unique spirit of the Santa Susana mountains with us.
Explore The Night: Family Game Night at San Clemente State Beach: Play interactive games and enjoy coastal activities after dark in a fun, family-friendly setting. Bring a flashlight and warm layers.
Sunday, June 14
Humans and Habitats: Guided Habitat Hike at Chino Hills State Park: Connect with the land and learn how humans work together to create a legacy of preservation for Chino Hills State Park. This event will include a 1-mile, moderate, guided hike through chaparral and riparian habitat, and a stop for bird watching at our favorite shady nook. We’ll provide binoculars to borrow, while supplies last.
Trestles Volunteer Day at San Onofre State Beach: Care for our shared lands at Upper Trestles Beach within San Onofre State Beach. Volunteers are invited to help protect this beautiful coastal habitat by participating in a community beach cleanup and stewardship day. Together we will remove marine debris and any non-native plants, helping keep the shoreline healthy for wildlife, visitors and future generations. This event is a great opportunity to give back to your parks, learn about coastal ecosystems and connect with others who care about protecting California’s natural spaces.
Grunion Run at Crystal Cove State Park: Experience one of Southern California’s most fascinating natural phenomena during this special evening program hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy. Join Conservancy staff for a guided exploration of the mysterious grunion run, when these small silver fish come ashore under the cover of night to spawn on sandy beaches.
Visit castateparksweek.org for a full list of the more than 170 events happening throughout the week.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, contact [email protected].
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change, we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on :
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Parks California, created by the State of California to expand the reach and impact of its parks system, strengthens our public lands and inspires all people to experience these extraordinary places. As a public-private partner, we work alongside California State Parks, public lands agencies, tribal, community and nonprofit organizations to design solutions that make these spaces more inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable. Together, we’re advancing a new partnership model that supports healthy communities and ecosystems to meet the needs of a changing California. Learn more: www.ParksCalifornia.org
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Save the Redwoods League revitalizes coast redwood and giant sequoia forests across California’s redwood range. In partnership with state and federal agencies, Tribes, and communities, we have conserved more than 220,000 acres in 76 parks and preserves and restored 37,000 acres. Our work bolsters carbon storage, strengthens wildfire resilience, benefits local economies, and safeguards iconic landscapes enjoyed by millions. For more information, visit SaveTheRedwoods.org