Coming Soon: Celebrate California State Parks Week with Events Throughout San Diego Region
Cardiff Reef sitting along the intertidal zone which makes the tidepools – and surf – possible at Cardiff State Beach in San Diego County. Photo from California State Parks.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and partners will be celebrating the fifth annual California State Parks Week with special events at state parks throughout the San Diego region 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
SPOTLIGHT EVENT IN SAN DIEGO: The fifth annual celebration includes five spotlight events over five days that highlight the unmatched diversity of California’s state parks. In San Diego County, the spotlight event will be Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cardiff State Beach to explore the shore with hands-on activities to learn about our coastline. Whether you’re interested in plants, animals, water or rocks, there’s something for everyone from self-guided exploration to participating in expert-led demonstrations. The event will include a live virtual session with VANNIE, State Parks Video Access and Immersive Experiences mobile vehicle, capable of bringing state parks into California classrooms. Media should RSVP to Newsroom@parks.ca.gov.
OTHER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 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. Conservancy staff will lead a series of drop-in, nature-inspired art activities designed for all ages, using simple materials and a bit of creativity to help families create artwork while learning about the park’s ecosystems.
Thursday, June 11
Sunset Yoga at San Clemente State Beach: Enjoy peaceful, all-level sunset yoga at the Historic Cottage to unwind, slow down and connect with nature while you stretch, breathe and recharge outdoors. Rain will cancel.
Family Plein Air Class at Crystal Cove State Beach: 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.
Bird and Beach Walk at Crystal Cove State Beach: Meet at the Pelican Point Boardwalk (lot #2) and scan the blufftop looking for birds including Northern Harriers, threatened California Gnatcatchers, Roadrunners, California Thrashers and more.
Friday, June 12
Hooked on Shorefishing at South Carlsbad State Beach: Join California State Parks and San Diego Fly Fishers to learn all you need to start sustainably fishing along the coast of Carlsbad. Learn from experts, practice your skills, create traditional Gyotaku (fish printing) art, and more at this event. All supplies will be provided, just pack your own sun protection.
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 program is a great way to learn more about our coastal environment while enjoying the classic state park campfire experience – complete with an opportunity to roast marshmallows over the fire.
Water and Watersheds at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area: Meet at Silverwood Lake Campfire Center for a fun Junior Ranger program to explore how water and watersheds in the San Bernardino Mountains support climate resilience in the Inland Empire mountain ranges.
Nature Journaling at Palomar Mountain State Park: This is the perfect opportunity to take up your favorite artistic tool, be it a pencil, a paintbrush, or perhaps even prose or poetry for a day of guided nature journaling at Doane Pond.
Saturday, June 13
Explore Accessible Trails at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: Start your Saturday off with an ADA-friendly walk and talk. State Parks staff will lead participants from Stonewall Mine parking area to a birding bench. Please bring water, hiking sticks if you use them and sunscreen. Don’t forget to wear sensible shoes. This hike is part of the Accessible Hiking Challenge.
Pastimes at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Come play outside with free 19th century games in Plaza de Armas throughout the day. Challenge family and friends of all ages to wheelbarrow races, tug of war, sack races and other competitive lawn games for the chance to earn a first place or participation ribbon. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy a collaborative game of graces or try your hand at old fashioned hoop and stick. No reservations required.
Family Game Night at San Clemente State Beach: Come out for interactive games, coastal themed activities that encourage learning, teamwork and exploration after dark. The program provides a safe, welcoming environment for families to try new activities, connect with one another and build positive memories in the park.
Nature Meditation Walk at Crystal Cove State Beach: Stroll on flat terrain along the coastal bluff taking stops to engage in mindfulness exercises to deepen our connection with the natural environment. The walk ends with a tea ceremony focused on reciprocity.
Celebrate Accessibility at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve: Join us for a free, all-ages event launching a new self-guided Navilens tour for blind and low-vision visitors. Enjoy wheelchair-accessible trails. ASL interpreters, sensory kits and a restorative space will be provided.
Celebrate Japanese Culture at Crystal Cove State Park: Bring the family for an inspiring day filled with fun and learning as we celebrate the Japanese American history with traditional Japanese artistry and performances while honoring the community that thrived on the land before World War II.
Sunday, June 14
Stories Beneath the Pines at Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve: Bring your littlest nature enthusiasts to Read with a Ranger during story time with crafting under the pines.
Trestles Volunteer Day at San Onofre State Beach: Volunteers are invited to help protect Upper Trestles Beach as part of Care for our Shared Lands Day 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.
Grunion Run at Crystal Cove State Park: Come out 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 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 Facebook I LinkedIn I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Threads |