What Do You Want to Do?
Our diverse parks and beaches have something for everyone. Find your next adventure!
We are hiring!
Work in State Parks — flexible schedules, benefits available, starting pay as high as $20/hour!
Shop Wilder Ranch Merch
Support the flood recovery efforts at Wilder Ranch State Park when you shop online
Visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Many trails are open! Come enjoy Big Basin. Make a reservation to visit.
Castro Adobe Open House Tours
Visit Castro Adobe State Historic Park during a monthly open house event.
Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund
In the wake of devastating winter storms, make a donation to support long-term recovery efforts.
What's New
Make your state parks adventures easier with a Golden Poppy Pass. Valid at all local state parks and beaches, this pass is available in the ParkStore Online.
SHOP
New bilingual interpretive panels have been installed at Seabright State Beach and the historic Castle Beach gate has been restored. Check them out next time you visit.
EXPLORE
Flash flooding at Wilder Ranch State Park damaged portions of the park’s historic dairy ranch. Your help is needed to support the short-term response and long-term recovery efforts.
DONATE
The Horse Camp at Rancho Del Oso Unit on the coast side of Big Basin is open for interim walk-in and bike-in, non-equestrian camping. Reservations required.
CAMPPlan Your Visit
Our Mission, Our Passion
Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all!
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.
I want to help!Get News and Stay Connected
Everything is in bloom at Castro Adobe State Historic Park. 🌸 🌹 This hidden gem in rural Watsonville is open for monthly open house events. Hope to see you there soon!
#castroadobe #thatsmypark #springflowers #blooming #watsonville
Seacliff State Beach invites you to join our History Walk on Friday, May 3 at 11:00 am.
🖥️ Please register here:
https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/historywalk
Meet us on the deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center at 11:00 am. Rain Cancels this event.
We hope to see you there!
Image: An advertisement of the Seacliff History Walk featuring the S.S. Palo Alto and the storms of 2023.
📍Aptos Tribal Land
#Seacliff #AptosHistory #ThatsMyBeach #ThatsMyPark #ExploreSantaCruz #MontereyBay #FriendsofSantaCruzStateParks #FriendsofSCStateParks
Seacliff State Beach invites you to join our History Walk on Friday, May 3 at 11:00 am.
🖥️Please register here:
https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/historywalk
Meet us on the deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center at 11:00 am. Rain Cancels this event.
We hope to see you there!
Image: An advertisement of the Seacliff History Walk featuring the S.S. Palo Alto and the storms of 2023.
📍Aptos Tribal Land
#Seacliff #AptosHistory #ThatsMyBeach #ThatsMyPark #ExploreSantaCruz #MontereyBay FriendsofSantaCruzStateParks FriendsofSCStateParks
🙏Thanks to several concerned visitors at Seacliff State Beach this Brown Pelican was rescued Tuesday.
⛑️It was in obvious distress and unable to fly. After a call to the Santa Cruz Native Animal Rescue, one of their staff arrived and was able to contain and transport the bird to their rescue center on 17th Avenue. The staff member told of recently rescuing several other weak and emaciated pelicans.
The SPCA of Monterey County also reported rescuing nine in the past two days. They told of the birds coming in hypothermic, emaciated and in desperate need of care but did not say what might be causing the distress. The SPCA noted that similar rescues had occurred in May 2022.
📞Anyone who sees a pelican in need of rescue can call The Santa Cruz Native Animal Rescue at (831) 462-0726.
📷 Image Description: Brown Pelican standing behind a retaining fence.
📌 Aptos Tribe of the Ohlone people
#Seacliff #AptosHistory #ThatsMyBeach #ThatsMyPark #ExploreSantaCruz #MontereyBay #WinterStorm Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Thanks to several attentive visitors at Seacliff State Beach this Brown Pelican was rescued Tuesday.
It was in obvious distress and unable to fly. After a call to the Santa Cruz Native Animal Rescue, one of their staff arrived and was able to contain and transport the bird to their rescue center on 17th Avenue. The staff member told of recently rescuing several other weak and emaciated pelicans.
The SPCA of Monterey County also reported rescuing nine in the past two days. They told of the birds coming in hypothermic, emaciated and in desperate need of care but did not say what might be causing the distress. The SPCA noted that similar rescues had occurred in May 2022.
Anyone who sees a pelican in need of rescue can call The Santa Cruz Native Animal Rescue at (831) 462-0726.
📷 Image Description: Brown Pelican standing behind a retaining fence.
📌 Aptos Tribe of the Ohlone people
#Seacliff#AptosHistory#ThatsMyBeach#ThatsMyPark#ExploreSantaCruz#MontereyBay #WinterStorm FriendsSantaCruzStateParks
#REPOST @santacruzmountainsstateparks The Santa Cruz District is seeking a motivated Administrative Chief to join our management team. This position is a fast-paced, exciting opportunity to provide administrative support to help advance outdoor recreation.
This is a full-time, permanent position with benefits. This position offers a hybrid environment—office-centered and telework eligible—and works out of the Santa Cruz District Office in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
The deadline to apply is by close of business May 7, 2024. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/scdjobs
#NowHiring #LiveTheParksLife #SantaCruz #HenryCowell #HenryCowellRedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark