MONTEREY special events at state parks throughout the Central Coast region beginning Wednesday, June 11. 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 diversity of the nation’s largest state park system.   

WHAT: Fourth Annual California State Parks Week  

WHEN: Wednesday, June 11 to Sunday, June 15  

WHERE:
Examples of upcoming events in the Central Coast region include the following. For a full list of local and statewide events and participation details, visit www.castateparks.org. 
 

Monterey County: 

• Native Plant Patrol Volunteer Day at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve  
  June 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM 
  Help remove invasive grasses and learn about restoration at Carmelo Meadow with a short hike to the project site in Point Lobos.
• Mindful Moments: Carmel River State Beach Coastal Walk  
  June 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM 
  Take a peaceful, guided coastal walk to practice mindfulness, reduce stress, and connect deeply with nature’s beauty.
• Historic Adobe Gardens of Monterey State Historic Park  
  June 11 and June 13, 2025, at 12:30 PM  
  Explore five historic urban gardens in downtown Monterey on a guided walk, learning their natural, cultural history, and environmental benefits. 
  Please note: this event is offered on multiple days throughout the week.
• Big Sur River Gorge and Swimming Hole Exploration  
  June 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM 
  Get ready to hike through water and rocks on a river exploration to Big Sur Gorge’s swimming hole—wear water-ready gear.
• Natural Resources Volunteer Friday at Asilomar State Beach  
  June 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM 
  Help protect native dunes by planting, removing invasives, and fencing endangered plants to preserve coastal habitat and beauty.
• Celebrate Indigenous Communities at Andrew Molera State Park  
  June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM 
  Hear Indigenous stories and celebrate native cultures through presentations and hands-on activities in Andrew Molera State Park. 
   

San Benito County 

• Meaningful Connections to Land at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (Morning Stroll) 
  June 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM  
  Learn how public lands help you enjoy, protect, and connect with nature and culture through inclusive outdoor recreation. 
   

San Luis Obispo County: 

• 2nd Annual Sandcastle Competition at Pismo State Beach  
  June 14, 2025, at 8:00 AM 
  Build sandcastles with friends and family in a fun competition on the beach, with free parking and prizes awarded.
• Woven Wonders at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument  
  June 11  &  June 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM   
  Get a behind-the-scenes look at Hearst Castle textile conservation with lab tours, tapestry talks, and weaving demonstrations. 
  Please note: this event is offered on multiple days throughout the week. 
• Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal with Hearst San Simeon State Park 
  June 11,  12, 13, 14, & 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM  
  Discover elephant seals’ life cycle and adaptations with hands-on exhibits and a safe, close-up look during molting season. 
  Please note: this event is offered on multiple days throughout the week. 
   

Santa Barbara County: 

• Chumash Culture Hike at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park  
  June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM  
  Take a gentle 2.5-mile hike with a Chumash culture expert, learning about history while enjoying an easy, family-friendly trail.
• Wild World of Carpinteria State Beach  
  June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM 
  Explore local wildlife through fun hands-on activities and crafts, earn Jr. Ranger awards, and get a new Jr. Ranger journal. 
   

For a full list of events statewide and participation details, visit CAStateParksWeek.org.  
 

Whether you are exploring new outdoor activities, learning ways to protect the environment or connecting with your community, California State Parks Week offers something for everyone — all at no additional cost. It’s an opportunity to take direct climate action, enjoy the beauty of your parks and be part of a movement to preserve them for future generations. The festivities take added significance this year as California celebrates its 175th year of statehood.   

“We’re proud to provide essential funding for over 30 events during California State Parks Week this year. Equitable access and meaningful park experiences are central to our mission, and we’re excited to help introduce new visitors to parks across the state through these free events.” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director at California State Parks Foundation. “This is especially true along California’s Central Coast, where we have some of the most astonishingly beautiful beaches in the world.” 

Launched in 2022, California State Parks Week advances the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative. The initiative expands outdoor access to all Californians through focused investments in open space infrastructure, outdoor programming and improvements to permit applications, with a priority to support underserved communities.  
 

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Newsroom@parks.ca.gov.  
To access hi-res images and b-roll video, please visit the California State Parks Week newsroom.  
 

California State Parks Week Presenting Partners