Learn about elephant seals at Hearst San Siemon State Park (SP), build sandcastles at Pismo State Beach or visitors can enjoy the geology of Montaña de Oro SP during California State Parks Week in the Central Coast. Photo from California State Parks.
SACRAMENTO— California State Parks and partners are celebrating the fifth annual California State Parks Week with special events at state parks throughout the Central Coast 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
CENTRAL COAST EVENTS:
Wednesday, June 10
Dive into the Fascinating World of the Northern Elephant Seal at Hearst San Simeon State Park (SP): From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., discover the fascinating life cycle, adaptations and natural history of the northern elephant seal with State Park docents and staff. Every day during California State Parks Week, join us for hands-on activities and materials that showcase elephant seals and other park wildlife. Check out a life-size elephant seal skull, shark jaws and other specimens. Visitors can also explore the rookery for a safe, up-close view of elephant seals during their annual molt. The rookery is open from dawn to dusk for viewing. Visitors can park at the main elephant seal viewing area parking lot along Highway 1. The large parking lot is about 5 miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance.
Thursday, June 11
Mosaic Marvels of Hearst Castle: Drop in from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center to explore the marvelous world of mosaics and create your own masterpiece. The public will be able to learn about the master artisans behind the stunning Roman Pool designed by Julia Morgan. Participants will dive into STEAM themes while crafting their own custom mosaic to contribute to a collective mosaic display at the visitor center. Participants will also receive a collectable trading card featuring various creatures immortalized in the tiles of the Roman Pool. Parking is available free of charge in front of the visitor center.
Guided Geology Walk at Montaña de Oro SP: Join State Park staff for a 1-mile walk on the Bluff Trail in Montaña de Oro SP at 10 a.m. Visitors can enjoy scenic ocean views while learning about local geology and discussing how community action can protect coastal communities from effects of sea level rise.
Friday, June 12
Hands on Science for Junior Rangers at Carpinteria State Beach (SB): Starting at 10 a.m., Junior Rangers ages 7-12 can discover how scientists test water quality. Measure dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature in Carpinteria Creek and learn how to monitor the health of our waterways using real tools used by water quality scientists. Participants will receive a newly designed Junior Ranger journal and a Junior Ranger award.
Saturday, June 13
Third Annual Sandcastle Competition at Pismo SB: Join this free family-fun activity to either build your own sandcastle or just watch all the creativity of the builders. All ages and skill levels are welcome with registration starting at 8 a.m. The Central Coast State Parks Association is also co-sponsoring the event.
Exploration Nature Hike at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park: Starting at 10 a.m., State Parks staff will take participants on an easy 2.5-mile hike along the Las Zanjas Trail. Visitors will follow along the historic aqueduct, through the back country to the pond and back to the Visitor Center. The hike is considered easy on a well-graded access trail with some gentle inclines. The hike is stroller-friendly, and well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.
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 Newsroom@parks.ca.gov.
To access hi-res images, please visit the California State Parks Week newsroom.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom or click here.
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 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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