California's Most Underrated State Parks Offer Hot Springs, Alpine Vistas, And More

From ancient redwood groves to alpine meadows and rugged cliffs pounded by waves, California's immense natural beauty is awe-inspiring and readily accessible for those with an adventurous spirit. Whether you're seeking peaceful trails into the wilderness, family-friendly campgrounds, or a chance to stargaze without light pollution, California's robust state park system makes nature available to everyone. While Sonoma Coast State Park and Mendocino Headlands State Park are at the top of many visitors' bucket lists, others remain undiscovered or uncrowded. Collectively, the parks receive around 70 million annual visitors but remain well-preserved, clean, and cherished by local and international visitors. 

For a unique experience, get off the beaten path and spend the day or camp at one of California's underrated state parks to see elephant seals in the wild, bathe in mineral pools, explore expansive wildflower fields, and more. These stunning yet lesser-visited California state parks will leave you wondering why you didn't plan your adventure sooner. 

Tucked away in an alpine valley south of Lake Tahoe, Grover Hot Springs State Park dazzles visitors with wildflower meadows, waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs, non-hook-up camping, and inviting mineral pools. The hot spring complex boasts a warm pool with temperatures between 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a cool pool, and changing rooms. For approximately $10, visitors can book a time slot to visit the pools via Reserve California between two and 30 days before arriving. However, slots fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.

During the spring, the meadows come alive with a tapestry of vibrant wildflowers, including lupine, evening primrose, and Indian blanket. Conveniently located by the hot spring complex, one of the best places to see wildflowers is Grover Meadow. A wooden boardwalk crosses the grassy area, allowing visitors to get up close without damaging the flowers.

Make the most of your trip and take the short 2.25-mile trail to Hot Springs Creek Waterfall where you can cool off in an alpine pool before making your descent. Another popular hike is the Burnside Lake Trail, which crosses the entire Hot Springs Valley and offers incredible alpine vistas and a few creek crossings. Keep in mind that the elevation gain on this 5.5-mile trail is no joke — pack lots of water and high calorie snacks. 

For the chance to see one of nature's most bizarre marine mammals up close (but not too close), head to Año Nuevo State Park. Situated on a dramatic stretch of coast between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, Año Nuevo is home to elephant seals year-round. These massive creatures can weigh up to 2.5 tons and grow to 16 feet long. 

The best time to visit Año Nuevo State Park is at the end of December when the males fight for dominance, while the females form mating "harems" on the beach. To witness the elephant seals, take a ranger-guided hike to a designated viewing area that's about 3 or 4 miles away. Tickets for the public walks usually go on sale in mid-October for dates from late December to mid-March. We recommend booking when ticket sales first open because visiting Año Nuevo State Park is a popular activity for local school children and slots fill up quickly. Between April and November, you can hike without a guide, but there aren't as many seals. 

This section of "The Slow Coast" is notoriously foggy even during the summer months. Pack a warm jacket and a windbreaker to keep out the chill as well as a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. After your visit, stop at this California beach destination with welcoming small town vibes and dig into generous portions of homestyle Americana fare at Whale City Bakery. 

You'd be forgiven for thinking you're at the Grand Canyon when you see the red rock ridges and dramatic sand arroyos at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Located about an hour and a half from San Diego, on over 600,000 acres of land, Anza-Borrego is the largest state park in California. While many people come to the visitors center or explore the short trails, there's so much more to do. Here you can discover a palm oasis in the desert, spot Peninsular bighorn sheep, and gaze at a night sky completely devoid of light pollution. 

Although there are eight primitive campgrounds, five campgrounds with facilities, and free backcountry camping, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is the most accessible and the best choice for families. Choose from 120 sites (including full hook-up and group sites) with campfire rings, water, and hot showers. During your stay, hike the 3-mile Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail loop to the palm oasis or take a quick trip to the visitor's center. 

Over 340 species of wildflowers and blooming cacti light up the desert landscape in March and April. Hike the 1-mile Cactus Loop Trail to see beavertail cacti with vivid purple flowers or simply choose a hike and admire the colors from the path. However, it's nearly impossible to predict when the flowers will bloom and for how long, so we recommend calling the park's Wildflower Hotline (760-767-4684) or using the interactive flower map on your phone.

Not to be confused with neighboring Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is often overlooked in favor of Big Sur parks with large campgrounds and lots of facilities. However, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to a Big Sur icon: McWay Falls. This 80-foot waterfall pours over the granite cliffs and straight into the ocean or across the white sand beach, depending on the tide. Jagged rocks form a cove with clear, aquamarine waters – you might spot a sea otter wrapped in kelp if you're lucky.

Although the waterfall is the park's most famous feature, the inland hikes can't be missed. Often considered the best trail in Big Sur by locals, the five-mile Ewoldsen Trail offers panoramic views of the ocean, shady redwood groves, and crisp mountain streams. Although the climb is steep, the coastal views from the ridge are worth the trek.

The park has two hike-in campsites perched on the cliffs with incredible ocean views. Each site comes with a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a food storage unit. Due to their location and scarcity, these sites are incredibly popular with Bay Area locals and usually fill up six months in advance. Alternatively, you can look for site availabilities on Reserve California at nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or discover insider tips for how to go glamping in Big Sur.

While Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are famous for towering coastal redwoods, Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is a lesser-known option with spectacular scenery. Complete with family-friendly, riverside campsites, old-growth redwood groves, and 5 miles of trails, this tiny state park covers less than 1 square mile. Situated about 45 minutes south of Eureka, Grizzly Creek is also home to a grove featured in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."

Choose from one of 26 shady campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, bear-safe storage, and flat spaces to pitch a tent. For direct river access, choose sites 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 14, or 16 — but note they book up quickly. Although campervans and RVs are permitted, the campground doesn't offer electrical hook-ups. 

Spend an afternoon floating on an inner-tube in the serene Van Duzen River or simply pull out your camping chair and throw a line in the water. Steelhead and salmon make their way upstream during the fall and early winter months, but the water can be rough this time of year. If you're traveling with children, don't forget to join the guided walks and campfire programs offered by the visitor center during the summer.