San Diego Parks Compete for Statewide Recognition in “Best of California’s State Parks” Poll
Voting Closes April 11 – Public Encouraged to Cast Their Votes
SAN DIEGO (April 2, 2026) — Two parks from San Diego County are competing for prestigious statewide honors in the annual “Best of California’s State Parks” poll, a popular event where Californians can express their preferences for the parks that resonate most closely with them. The voting will be open until April 11, and this year, the California State Parks Foundation is inviting the public to join in the fun by voting for their favorites across a dozen different categories.
Celebrating California’s Natural Wonders
Rachel Norton, the executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, expressed the spirit of the initiative. “The ‘Best of California’s State Parks’ poll is a fun opportunity for Californians to share what they love about their state parks,” she stated. “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.”
The antipodal characteristics of California’s state parks are reflected in the twelve categories, which range from best for birdwatching and day trips to hidden gems and family-friendly experiences. These nominees were carefully selected following public input earlier this year.
Local Nominees Stand Out
Among the nominees representing San Diego County, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has been nominated in three categories:
- Best State Park for Camping
- Best State Park for Hiking
- Best State Park for Wildflowers
The second San Diego contender, Carlsbad State Beach, has been nominated for:
- Best State Park for Beaches
Category Breakdown
Here’s an overview of other nominations for various categories in the poll:
-
Best State Park for Camping
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties)
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park (Calaveras and Tuolumne counties)
- Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park (Amador County)
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (Monterey County)
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma and Napa counties)
-
Best State Park for Hiking
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties)
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park (San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties)
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park (Calaveras and Tuolumne counties)
- Jack London State Historic Park (Sonoma County)
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Humboldt and Del Norte counties)
-
Best State Park for Beaches
- Asilomar State Beach (Monterey County)
- Carlsbad State Beach (San Diego County)
- Crystal Cove State Park (Orange County)
- Half Moon Bay State Beach (San Mateo County)
- Leo Carrillo State Park (Los Angeles and Ventura counties)
Why Vote?
Participating in this poll allows residents and visitors to celebrate California's expansive park system, which includes 280 different park units, over 340 miles of coastline, numerous historical sites, and thousands of miles of trails. By voting, participants contribute to recognizing and promoting their favorite outdoor spaces, encouraging exploration and appreciation of California's natural beauty.
Voting for the "Best of California’s State Parks" can be done online through the California State Parks Foundation’s official website. Interested voters can cast their ballots here.
Conclusion
The diverse offerings at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Carlsbad State Beach represent just a fraction of what California’s state parks have to offer. With a deadline approaching on April 11, Californians are encouraged to vote and showcase their favorite outdoor destinations that contribute to the rich environmental tapestry of the Golden State. As Norton aptly put it, each park reflects a part of what makes California a unique and enduring state of natural beauty.
