RAY'S OUTDOOR LIVING FOR CAMPERS:
Ray gives you interesting places to visit, For those who love the RV camping life,
whether you are a weekend camper or fulltimer.
Southern California Beach Camping: San Elijo State Beach
San Diego, with its warm climate, gorgeous mountains and valleys, sparkling beaches, and attractions galore, beckons campers from near and far. Locals and travelers alike enjoy camping in the county’s mountains and beaches. However, only a handful of beaches in San Diego County allow overnight camping. One of the best beachfront campgrounds in the county is San Elijo State Beach where you’ll find both primitive and full hookup sites on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The campground at San Elijo State Beach is located in the community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a funky beach town known for its surfing culture and excellent restaurants. Nearby communities, such as Encinitas and Carlsbad to the north, offer interesting attractions such as the Self-Realization Fellowship Garden and Legoland. To the south, Del Mar, with its famous racetrack, and La Jolla entice those with more upscale tastes.
While campground is centrally located, why would you want to venture out? After all, the campground occupies a vast stretch of prime beachfront real estate. Camping at San Elijo isn’t so much about exploring San Diego, but rather about enjoying this fine beach. Bring your beach chairs, surf boards, boogie boards, pails and shovels, diving gear, and plenty of sunscreen.
Because the campground is located on a bluff, beach access requires descending one of several stairways. While the beach is open to the public, it is uncrowded because access is relatively difficult unless you are a camper.
The southernmost campsites are on more level ground with the bluff rising as you move north. If you don’t want to go up and down stairs to enjoy the beach, opt for one of the southern sites near Tower 16. Unfortunately, if you need full hookups, you’ll have to compromise because the few sites offering hookups are located on the bluff.
The campground is laid out in several rows, with the best campsites being those overlooking the beach. Inland sites are clustered under trees, with the easternmost sites being the least desirable thanks to their proximity to Highway 101 and the train tracks. RVs are welcome, though both campers and trailer lengths are limited to a maximum of 35 feet with some sites having smaller limits.
Restrooms with token-operated showers are conveniently located. Outdoor showers are also stationed at the top of each of the campground’s stairways – perfect for rinsing off the sand. One central RV dump station features two separate dumping areas.
Nearby dining ranges from casual to upscale. The campground store complex has a small snack shop that serves up Hawaiian shave ice. Try the Potato Shack in Encinitas for a hearty breakfast. Want a delicious Mexican? Head down the road about a half mile to Las Olas and order a plate of rolled tacos to go. In the mood for fresh seafood? The Chart House is a fine dining establishment located right on the beach about a half mile south of the campground.
Campsites at San Elijo State Beach put you steps away from a sandy beach know for its reef break. This campground is extremely popular and fills up months in advance. Make your reservations early.
SAN DIEGO:
Campland on the Bay:
Southern California Beach Camping: Campland on the Bay
Though technically not on the beach, San Diego’s Campland on the Bay, is one of San Diego’s few beachfront campgrounds. Located along the shoreline of Mission Bay, this campground offers something for everyone. Love sailing? Rent a sailboat at Campland’s marina. Love birdwatching? A nearby wildlife preservation delivers! Looking for a place to soak up the sun while the kids build sandcastles? Step outside your tent or motor home and enjoy beachfront camping on a private beach. Want an inexpensive home base while exploring San Diego’s tourist attractions?
Here it is – and Campland on the Bay is centrally located.
Campland on the Bay is a massive complex in the heart of Mission Bay Park. Among the many amenities are: a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant, market, laundry room, restrooms with showers, bike and watercraft rentals, marina, game room, and Wi-Fi. Campsites range from primitive tent sites to RV sites offering full hookups. For those who want the best-of-the-best, reserve a “Super Site.” These Super Sites overlook the bird sanctuary and feature private patios with lawn furniture, Jacuzzis, grills, and even a full sized washer and dryer.
While you’ll have plenty to do enjoying the amenities offered at this unique campground, Campland on the Bay hosts a variety of recreational activities such as: sand building contests, beach volleyball, arts and crafts, flag football, dart tournaments, scavenger hunts, movie nights, bingo games, and karaoke.
Nearby attractions include SeaWorld and Mission Beach. In fact, you can enjoy SeaWorld’s nightly fireworks show right from your own campsite! Mission Beach is home to Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park featuring one of the last remaining wooden oceanfront roller coasters from the early 1900s. Don’t miss this gloriously restored roller coaster! While you’re enjoying Belmont Park’s amusements, be sure to stop by the WaveHouse with its simulated surfing waves and spectacular location.
San Diego’s Old Town, Presidio, and Mission San Diego are all nearby as are Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. After spending time exploring these nearby attractions, if you’re still hungering for more, head south to Coronado or north to La Jolla. However, with Mission Bay just steps away and dozens of amenities within the Campland on the Bay complex, you won’t be bored.
Rates vary depending on the season with winter rates being dramatically less than summer rates. The summer season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. During the summer, weekend stays require a two night minimum. San Diego’s climate is mild year-round, so if you want to save money, consider a spring or fall stay and enjoy the amenities at a fraction of the cost of a summer visit. Beachfront and bay view sites command a higher rate than those located further from shore.
Campland on the Bay is a unique campground with one of the best locations in San Diego County. Centrally located and packed with amenities, this campground fills up quickly. Reservations are highly recommended.
While you are visiting San Diego, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, might as well
venture downtown and see some of sights San Diego has to offer.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Pioneers
Reflect California’s Historic Diversity
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park [SAN DIEGO county; phone
(619) 220-5422] represents life in the Mexican and early American periods of
1821 to 1872.
The park, which includes original and reconstructed buildings,
shops, restaurants and interpretive features (including museums, exhibits and
interpretive programs), is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street in
San Diego.
California has always been – and continues to be – a diverse place. The
people who lived in this historic section of San Diego reflect the state’s diverse
history. These historic residents include Native Americans, Hispanic Americans,
African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders and people from all over the United
States – and all over the world. They made Old Town their home and contributed
to its fascinating mix of history and legend.
José María Echeandia was the only governor of California who
maintained his home in San Diego while in office. Pio Pico, the last Governor of
Mexican California, operated a store in Old Town. His mother and sister lived
nearby. Don Miguel de Pedrorena was a native of Spain and one of the
founders of new San Diego. His widow owned one of Old Town’s – and
California’s - first prefabricated homes. The building still exits in the park as the
San Diego Union Museum. The house was assembled from pre-cut lumber sent
to California by ship around Cape Horn.
Allen B. Light and his partner Richard Freeman, African Americans,
were proprietors of a combination dry goods store and saloon in Old Town San
Diego in the 1850s. Visitors can find his store site in the park’s reconstructed San
Diego House. Light, an otter-hunter, was known as “Black Steward,” legend has
it, because of an encounter with a grizzy bear. He had been appointed by the
Mexican government as an agent to prevent illegal otter hunting before he
become an entrepreneur. Richard Freeman served as the community’s sheriff at
one time.
William Heath Davis, whose grandmother was a Hawaiian princess, was
one of the founders of “New Town” San Diego in 1850. He believed that close
proximity to the waterfront would attract business. To that end, he purchased 160
acres of land and, with four partners, laid out the city and built a large wharf and
warehouse. An economic depression put an end to that early venture.
The William Heath Davis House is the oldest surviving structure in the downtown
area. It was one of the first houses built in the “New Town.” Davis wrote a book,
“Sixty Years in California,” which gives a unique look at early California and San
Diego.
Juana Machado de Alipás Wrightington, a Mestizo, known as “Mrs.
Wrightington,” was a well-known character in Old Town. A folk-healer and
surrogate mother to the less fortunate people in the area, she spoke Spanish,
English and the local Native American dialect, Kumeyaay.
She was well respected among Hispanic Californios, Native Americans, and European
immigrants who settled in San Diego in the 19th century. She was one of the few
residents who lived in San Diego under the rule of Spain, Mexico, and the United
States. At one time she created the “Machado Quilt,” which features a traditional
Hawaiian design and reflects the cultural exchange brought by the trading ships
to San Diego. Mrs. Wrightington and her children resided in the Casa de
Wrightington for more than forty years after her husband’s death in 1853.
Jewish merchant Louis Rose was an enterprising businessman who once
served as postmaster of Old Town. He developed the townsite of Roseville. After
he came to San Diego from Texas, Rose became a member of the town’s first
grand jury and later became city trustee. He was also treasurer of the San Diego
& Gila Railroad. The Robinson-Rose building is reconstructed in the park.
For more information about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, call
the park at (619) 220-5422.
Camping in Crescent City, California
Where the redwoods meet the sea is how this region in the far northern part of California is described. Located in Del Norte County, Crescent City is only 20 miles from the Oregon border. The vacationer will be kept occupied by a variety of activities. They can stroll along the beach, hike or camp in the Redwood National State Park, fish or go boating in the Smith or Klamath Rivers, play golf, or photograph abundant wildlife.
Crescent City has two historic lighthouses: Battery Point or the Point St. George Lighthouse. Nearby, the Lake Earl Wildlife Refuge is a 5,000-acre coastal lagoon and for bird lovers the chance to see more than 250 bird species is a must see.
RV campers will be able to pick and choose an appropriate place to camp within the area. Prices are reasonable, and activities are abundant.
RV Parks:
Kamp Klamath RV Park
Reasonable RV rates – 2 people - $20 per night. Includes full hookups plus access to a log cabin convenience store with fishing tackle, and souvenirs. Access to fax/phone/Wifi and tourist information.
Kamp Klamath RV Park is located at:
1661 West Klamath Beach Road
P. O. Box 99
Klamath, California 95548
(707) 482-0227
Toll Free (866) KLAMATH
Klamath's Camper Corral
In the midst of the Redwood National Park and occupying 50 riverfront acres, this is the perfect vacation spot for many. Klamath’s Camper Corral is triple 10 rated by the Trailer Life Directory – the highest rating that can be given. These three categories are based on completeness of the RV facility, cleanliness of restrooms/showers, and visual appeal and environmental quality.
Full hook up is $32 per day or $192.00 per week; during peak season June 1 – October 15, the rate is $39.50 per day or $237.00 per week. This rate is for 2 people.
The amenities are numerous ranging from a heated swimming pool to a laundromat, bike rentals, family type recreational games, boat dock/kayak rentals and much more.
Klamath's Camper Corral is located at:
Hwy 101 at 169 Interchange
P.O. Box 729
Klamath, CA 95548
707-482-5741
Toll Free 800-701-7275
Mystic Forest RV Park
30 complete RV hookups are available year round in this natural environment RV park. Yet you will be able to get your cable TV! Groceries are on the premises as is a gift shop, laundry facilities, and showers. Located 14 miles south of Crescent City, it is near lots of fishing and hiking. There’s an 18-hole mini golf course.
Mystic Forest is located at:
15875 Highway 101
Klamath, CA 95548
707-482-4901
Village Camper Inn
RV spaces are offered for less than $30 per night. This family owned facility has laundry, cable TV, and free wifi in the community center. Location is 2 miles from the beach, redwood trees galore, hiking, fishing, and near the Smith and Klamath Rivers. Vacationers will find the Smith River National Recreation Area has clear water, kayaking, fishing, rafting, hiking, and swimming in the summer.
1543 Parkway Drive
Crescent City, California 95531
707-464-3544
Toll Free 800-470-3544
There are other RV parks including: Shoreline R.V. Campground, Hiouchi R.V. Resort, Sunset Harbor R.V. Park, and The Redwoods R.V. Resort.
Here are some attractions to visit while you are in the Crescent City area.
Redwood National Park:
Whether hiking, admiring redwood trees towering 30 stories high, this park attracts nature lovers and photographers. If you like to photograph the wilderness, animals to watch for are: elk, bald eagle, Northern spotted owl, black bear, bobcat, gray fox, Pacific tree frog and more.
Trees of Mystery:
Located just off Highway 101, this roadside attraction has numerous unique tree formations. There is also a 49-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Some of the trees along the path soar to heights of 300 feet and are hundreds of years old.
Avenue of the Giants:
South of Crescent City by about 118 miles is a highly scenic 32-mile drive along old Highway 101. Driving along this route you will see miles and miles of ancient redwood forest from your vehicle. If you choose to stop along the way, you will find several accessible campgrounds. The route starts in Pepperwood in the north and winds its way to Phillipsville in the south.
Like many California cities, Crescent City was founded because of prospectors seeking gold. It is an area filled with an abundance of outdoor recreational activities and the lucky vacationer can choose between ocean, forest, and river – or all of them!
Crescent City
Del Norte County
Chamber Of Commerce
1001 Front Street,
Crescent City, CA 95531
800-343-8300
SIGHT-SEEING ON THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA:
LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHT STATIONS IN CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
Along California shorelines, lighthouses have historically provided guiding lights for
navigators coming in by sea. These towers shined their beacons along the state’s coast and
lakeshores to mark hazardous waterways and provide safe entries to harbors. Because of
modern navigational aids, the number of operational lighthouses has declined. Fortunately, a number of state parks are home to these historic light houses that played such an important part in California history.
The lighthouses are the towers containing the lantern room with the lens. The light
station is the property containing the outbuildings of the station, as well as the lighthouse.
There are several lighthouses and light stations in California that welcome visitors with
tours and stories of their past. Some are still in operation.
PIGEON POINT LIGHT STATION STATE HISTORIC PARK
(SAN MATEO COUNTY), 50 miles
south of San Francisco, is in an area originally known as Punta de las Balenas (Whale Point) after the annual migration of gray whales offshore. The site’s name was changed in memory of the clipper ship Carrier Pigeon, which shipwrecked off the coast in 1853. Other shipwrecks took place and it was determined that a lighthouse was badly needed. In 1872 a 115-foot lightstation was established, which remains one of the tallest lightstations in America. The lighthouse is still an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. The lighthouse is currently closed to the public, but guided history walks around the lighthouse are available Fridays through Sundays. For more information, call (650) 879-2120 Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
POINT SUR LIGHT STATION
in Point Sur State Historic Park (MONTEREY COUNTY) is 19
miles south of Monterey off Highway 1. The station’s first light became operational in 1889
using a Fresnel lens. It is the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The unique stone light house still guides ships with its light, though now it is completely automated. In the winter and early spring, visitors can see whales offshore on their migration route. Volunteers lead three-hour walking tours year-round on a first come, first served basis. There are also moonlight tours when visitors can hear about the “ghosts” of light house keepers past. For more information, call the park (831) 625-4419.
D.L. BLISS STATE PARK
(EL DORADO COUNTY), 17 miles south of Tahoe City on
Highway 89, is the site of a former light house on Rubicon Point. Built in 1919 at a cost of $900, its flashing 70 candle-power acetylene light was visible for seven miles. The lighthouse is a small arts and crafts style wooden structure at an elevation 200 feet above the surface of Lake Tahoe. The light was moved to nearby Sugar Pine Point in 1921. The original structure has been renovated and can be seen in the park today via Lighthouse Trail. There are no tours of the structure, but visitors can see it from the trail. For more information, contact the park at
(530) 525-9529.
ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK
(MARIN and SAN FRANCISCO COUNTIES), in San Francisco
Bay, was home to a fog bell station – and later a light station - at Point Knox on the west side of the island in the 1880s. As the story goes, the Point Knox lighthouse keeper, Juliette Nichols had to ring the bell for nearly 20 hours when the mechanism broke down during a heavy fog in the months after the '06 earthquake when many ships were entering the bay bringing supplies for repairs. She rang the bell with a hammer, at the appropriate interval, until the fog lifted. The mechanism was repaired - and broke down again several days later. Ms. Nichols had another episode of double digit hours ringing the bell by hand.
In 1915 a second light was added at Point Stuart and in 1960 a third signal was added at
Point Blunt. The Point Knox site no longer exists. Today, Point Blunt is an unmanned Coast
Guard station and a green light still shines from the watch building. There is a smaller light at Point Stuart as well. Both sites are maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
There are no tours, as the historic stations are for the most part foundation only and in
inaccessible locations. The park visitor center has a Fresnel lens on display with photos of the Point Know Light Station. Visitor center hours vary, but typically open from the first boat of the day (10 a.m.) until the last boat (usually 3 p.m.) To learn more, contact the park at (415) 435-1915.
POINT MONTARA LIGHT STATION
(SAN MATEO COUNTY), 25 miles south of San Francisco
on Highway 1, was the site of a fog signal station that was established in 1875 because of
heavy fog in the area. A Victorian home was also built for the keeper. The first light at the station was added in 1900. In 1929, the 30-foot cast iron tower that now stands was built. During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard managed the station as a lookout. Today, an offshore signal has replaced the fog signal and a modern optic device has replaced the Fresnel lens. The buildings have been preserved and restored by Hostelling International, American Youth Hostels and California State Parks in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is not open to the public and there are no tours. For more information, call (650) 7287177.
ANO NUEVO ISLAND
(SAN MATEO COUNTY), a part of Año Nuevo State Reserve, 27 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1, was the site of a fog signal built in 1872 because several ships were lost at sea nearby. The story goes that when the new fog signal first went off cows from a nearby ranch stampeded the beach. In 1890 a light station was constructed with a lens lantern put on top of a water tank. Later a tower with a Fresnel lens was built. The lens was
destroyed by an earthquake in 1926 and a new one was installed soon after. The light station was abandoned in 1948. Today, the ruins are part of the reserve and the island is an important seabird colony and rookery for elephant seals and sea lions. The old Victorian light keeper’s residence still stands, inhabited by sea lions, sea birds and elephant seals. For more information dial (650) 879-2025.
LIGHTHOUSE FIELD STATE BEACH
(SANTA CRUZ COUNTY), on West Cliff Drive in
downtown Santa Cruz, is home to the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse which overlooks the
internationally renowned surfing spot Steamer Lane. The lighthouse contains the Santa Cruz
Surfing Museum with photographs, surfboards, and artifacts tracing over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz. The museum is open Thursday through Friday from Noon to 4 p.m. More more information, call (831) 420-6289.
The park area is also known as Point Santa Cruz and forms the northern boundary of
Monterey Bay - one of the last open headlands in any California urban area. The beach is
popular for tourists, surfers, birds and wintering Monarch butterflies. Sea lions can be seen on the offshore rocks.
Point Reyes National Seashore's
Lighthouse Visitor Center
The Lighthouse Visitor Center is open:
Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Lighthouse stairs, the exhibits in the lower Lighthouse chamber, and the Equipment Building are open (weather permitting):
Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Lens Room is open (as weather & staffing permit):
Thursday through Monday, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All Lighthouse facilities are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ENTRANCE FEES
No Entrance Fee is Charged at Point Reyes
ACTIVITY FEES
CAMPING FEES
$15/night/site for 1 to 6 people
Eco-tourism in the Golden State:
Tons of Blubber, Critters and Crawlers, Natural Wonders,
World’s Tallest Trees, Tule Elk, Fun Trails and more.
Find it all in California State Parks
We’ve got Buffleheads, tule elk and Ringnecks. Go a little farther and we can show you
the best views of the Los Angeles area or gray foxes and opossums. At another location, we’ve
got elephant seals that grow to 5,000 pounds and you will need to respect their space or find
out how fast tons of blubber can move. We’ve got trees taller than large skyscrapers and still
here and doing well after a thousand years and more. We’ve got really fast moving water and
huge waterfalls and granite ledges that also demand respect. And how about the 100,000
butterflies found in another of our State parks?
If anything on this laundry list of critters, crawlers, flyers, plants and places sounds like a good adventure, then we have a destination that will widen the eyes of your family and create the memories of a remarkable adventure into the outback of California.
You can call it eco-tourism, if you want. We have just been calling it fun for the last
hundred years or so.
California State Parks are home to the best of the state’s natural wonders. For ecotourists,
there’s no better way to discover the wildlife, trees, flowers, waterfalls, caverns -and
more – that make the golden state a top destination.
Here’s just a sample of what you can find in California State Parks:
Bird Watching at Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach (SANTA CRUZ COUNTY), 16 miles south of Santa Cruz on
Highway 1 via San Andreas Road, is a great place for bird watching, including the California
Thrasher and Snowy Plover. Lawrence’s Goldfinch is often seen in the campground and House
Wrens are in the park in late fall and winter. Along the coast in summer and fall you can see
groups of Bottlenose Dolphins from the shore. The park phone number is (831) 763-7062.
Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve
Año Nuevo State Reserve (SAN MATEO COUNTY), 55 miles south of San Francisco
and the Golden Gate, is home to elephant seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals that
come ashore to rest, mate, and give birth in the sand dunes or on the beaches and offshore
islands. The park is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern
elephant seal. The males battle for mates on the beaches and the females give birth to their
pups on the dunes. During the breeding season, December 15 through March 31, daily access
to the Reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for
walks. For reservations call (800) 444-7275.
A reclaimed natural oasis in the city at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (LOS ANGELES COUNTY), just eight miles from Los
Angeles International Airport in Culver City and close to Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles,
is a soon-to-be-open 50-acre park where visitors can experience 360 degree views of the entire
L.A. basin and the Pacific Ocean. A state of the art visitor center sits perched upon a 500-foot
hill with exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. Winding trails give nature lovers
a chance to explore a rehabilitated coastal sage scrub plant community and see wildlife such as
birds, gray foxes, opossums, skunks and other small mammals. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
is adjacent to Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, with a total of 387 acres of parkland to
enjoy. The park phone number is (310) 558-4566. The webpage is currently under
construction. The park is scheduled to open in late April 2009.
Bird Watching at Los Encinos State Historic Park
Los Encinos State Historic Park (LOS ANGELES COUNTY), less than a mile from the
101 Ventura Freeway and surrounded by the city, is a natural spring-filled pond which,
especially in the winter, attracts several types of ducks including Buffleheads, Mallards,
Woodducks, Ringnecks, and Hooded Mergansers. In this quiet, historic park, birders and
photographers have unusually close access to their subjects. Visitors are encouraged to bring
along a picnic, tour the park's historic structures, and enjoy the beauty and peace in the midst
of the city. The park phone number is (818) 784-4849.
Tule Elk at Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
Tule Elk State Natural Reserve (KERN COUNTY), north of Gorman, south of
Buttonwillow, west of I-5 via the Stockdale Highway, protects a herd of tule elk, once in danger
of extinction. In the 1880s, vast herds of tule elk were greatly reduced by hunting and loss of
habitat. The elk are most active from late summer through early autumn. Visitors are
encouraged to bring binoculars for better viewing. The park has picnic areas and interpretive
exhibits. The park phone number is (661) 942-0662.
Redwoods at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park (CALAVERAS COUNTY), four miles northeast of
Arnold on Highway 4, features two giant groves of some of the oldest living redwood trees in
California. The trees can reach a height of 325 feet and a diameter of 33 feet. They are a
surviving species from a time when dinosaurs roamed, and birds, mammals and flowering
plants began to appear. Some of these trees are thought to be as much as 2,000 years old. The
park phone number is (209) 795-2334.
River walk at South Yuba River State Park
River walk at South Yuba River State Park (NEVADA COUNTY), eight miles north
west of Nevada City on Highway 49, features many scenic vistas, including fast-moving water
pouring over massive granite ledges in the spring and warm slow moving emerald swimming
holes during the late summer. Hikers have a choice of easy trails (Independence Trail) to more
strenuous ones throughout the park. The park phone number is (530) 432-2546.
Whale Watching at MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park (MENDOCINO COUNTY) features whale watching at Laguna
Point on the Mendocino Coast, three miles north of Fort Bragg. For more information, call:
(707) 964-9112 or (707) 937-5804.
Tidepooling at Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park (ORANGE COUNTY), off Highway 1 between Corona del Mar
and Laguna Beach, is a great place for visitors to explore tidepools. The park has 3.5 miles of
beach and undeveloped woodland, which is popular for hiking and horseback riding. The
offshore waters are designated as an underwater park. Crystal Cove is used by mountain bikers
inland and scuba and skin divers underwater. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers.
The park phone number is (949) 494-3539.
Wild flowers at Los Angeles State Historic Park
Los Angeles State Historic Park (Los Angeles County), located next the intersection of
the 110 and 5 freeways just north of the 101 freeway, is the front porch of downtown Los
Angeles, offers a variety of California’s native flora. Just east of Chinatown, visitors will find 32
acres of open space, dotted with Bush Sunflowers, Tidy Tips and the state flower -the
California Poppy. Following springs showers, Arroyo Lupine, White Yarrow, Red Buds and Blue
Dicks begin to blossom. The park phone number is (323) 441-8819, email at
tcarroll@parks.ca.gov.
Mitchell Caverns at Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY), 40
miles west of Needles off I-40 on Essex Road, includes Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve. El
Pakiva and Tecopa Caverns are filled with intricate limestone formations and can be visited by
taking cavern tours, which are offered daily year-round. The park has dramatic views of the
surrounding Mojave Desert. The park phone number is (760) 928-2586.
Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges State Park
Natural Bridges State Park (SANTA CRUZ COUNTY), on West Cliff Drive in Santa
Cruz, is temporary home for over 100,000 Monarch butterflies each winter. From mid-October
through the end of February, the Monarchs form a "city in the trees." The areas mild ocean air
and eucalyptus grove provide a safe roost until spring. The park phone number is (831) 423-4609.
Waterfall at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (SHASTA COUNTY), 11 miles northeast
of Burney on Highway 89, has the beautiful 129-foot Burney Falls. Burney Creek originates
from the park's underground springs and flows to Lake Britton, getting larger along the way to
the majestic falls. The park phone number is (530) 335-2777.
Azalea State Nature Reserve
(HUMBOLDT COUNTY), five miles north of Arcata, is a
reserve for western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale). Each spring, the pink and white azalea
blossoms scent the air. Visitors should plan to visit in April and May when azaleas are in bloom.
There is a picnic area available. The park phone number is (707) 677-3132.
Poppies in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
(LOS ANGELES COUNTY), 20 miles east of Lancaster, features California’s official flower – the California
Poppy. Each spring, the reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert
Grassland habitat. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year,
depending on winter rain. The park phone number is (661) 724-1180.
Rare Pine Trees at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
(SAN DIEGO COUNTY), one mile south of Del
Mar, is the home of the nation's rarest pine tree -Pinus torreyana. Once the trees covered a
large area. Now they only grow in the reserve and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near
Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also the last salt marshes and
waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The park phone number is (858) 755-2063.
The view at Mount Diablo State Park
Mount Diablo State Park
(CONTRA COSTA COUNTY), five miles east of I-60 in
Danville on Diablo Road is known for its spectacular view. On a clear day 35 of California’s 58
counties can be seen. Visitors with binoculars can see Half Dome in Yosemite. Other sites from
the summit include the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Farallon Islands. The park phone number
is (925) 837-2525.
Hiking and Botany Exploration at Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park
Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park
(LOS ANGELES COUNTY), just south of the
118 Ronald Reagan Freeway and west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, has rugged mountains
with great hiking trails surrounded by city life. With moderate inclines, these sometimes rocky
and uneven trails allow visitors to take in great views of the San Fernando Valley. During the
spring, visitors can observe beautiful wildflowers including fields of mustard, unusual red sticky
monkey flowers, Santa Susana tarweed, California poppies, and the rare chocolate lily. Many
visitors enjoy horseback riding and mountain biking on the trails, where allowed. Trail access is
located at the 10200 block of Larwin Avenue south of Devonshire Street. City street parking
only at this time. The park phone number is (818) 784-4849.
COMMENT SECTION:
We were on our way to San Diego and decided to stop at Yermo, CA at the KOA
there. We read your article on Calico and decided to visit.
The KOA even has a shuttle to take us there. We really enjoyed the place.
We would have never paid any attention to Calico if it had not been for your article.
-Anna W.-
Very interesting subjects, and we really like this website, Thanks.
-Carl in Oceanside-
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