These Bay Area spots are in the running for ‘Best of California’s State Parks’

OAKLAND, Calif. - Several Bay Area state parks have been recognized as top spots for activities such as camping, hiking and birdwatching, and Californians have a little under two weeks to vote for their favorites of the bunch.

The best of:

The California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) second annual "Best of California's State Parks" poll is open through April 11, and will allow visitors to distinguish standouts from the more than 280 state parks that dot California.

"The ‘Best of California’s State Parks’ poll is a fun opportunity for Californians to share what they love about their state parks," said Rachel Norton, executive director of CSPF. "There are so many different types of parks to explore in California, whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a hike among the redwoods, or a chance to learn about history. We encourage you to vote and tell us about your favorite state park."

Dig deeper:

The poll includes 12 categories, and the narrow field of options in each category were nominated by Californians earlier in the year.

The park receiving the most votes in each category will be named winner, while the next two highest vote-getters will receive honorable mentions.

The categories and Bay Area nominees in each are:

Best State Park for Camping

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (Monterey County)
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma and Napa Counties)

Best State Park for Hiking

• Big Basin Redwoods State Park (San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties)
• Jack London State Historic Park (Sonoma County)

Best State Park for Spectacular Views

• Mount Tamalpais State Park (Marin County)
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Monterey County)

Best State Park for Birdwatching

• Año Nuevo State Park (San Mateo County)

Best State Park for Wildflowers

• Mount Diablo State Park (Contra Costa County)
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma and Napa Counties)

Best State Park for Family-Friendly Experiences

• Angel Island State Park (Marin and San Francisco Counties)

Best State Park for Day Trips 

• Angel Island State Park (Marin and San Francisco Counties)
• Jack London State Historic Park (Sonoma County)
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Monterey County)

Best State Park for Beaches

• Asilomar State Beach (Monterey County)
• Half Moon Bay State Beach (San Mateo County)

Best State Park for Learning About History

• Angel Island State Park (Marin and San Francisco Counties)
• Jack London State Historic Park (Sonoma County)

Best State Park for Dog-Friendly Adventures

• Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (San Francisco County)

Best State Park for Water Activities

• Asilomar State Beach (Monterey County)

Best State Park Hidden Gem

• China Camp State Park (Marin County)
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma and Napa Counties)

What's next:

Anyone interested in casting a vote can do so here.

Winners and honorable mentions will be announced on May 5.

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