LOVE, LISTS & STATE PARKS
Hazy day on the Lake, July 29th 2018.
A missed connection in 2012. A right swipe in 2018. Who would’ve thought the online dating platform, Bumble, would set us on a trail of hiking boots, park maps, and an unexpected love story.
We began dating almost immediately after reconnecting, and I quickly I learned Nelson had a very ambitious goal: to visit every single California State Park—yes, all 280 of them. As a fellow list-lover who gets a thrill from checking things off, I was instantly hooked. While most people dream of National Parks first—and don’t worry, we’ll get there—we decided to start closer to home, exploring the hidden gems scattered across the state we both called home.
California’s state parks are as varied and vibrant as the state itself—easy to reach, full of surprises, and perfect for a day, weekend or weeks long adventuring. But to really understand why these places feel so special, it helps to understand California’s story.
Long before California became the 31st state in 1850, this land was home to hundreds of Indigenous nations, each with their own languages, traditions, and deep relationships with the environment. California’s state parks aren’t just beautiful—they’re living stories. From misty redwoods to desert dunes, every trail and overlook holds a piece of the state’s complex past. European colonization in the 18th and 19th centuries brought profound change—displacement, violence, and the loss of Native lives and lands. Those histories still echo across the landscape today. But out of that history grew a powerful movement to protect what remained. As California modernized, people recognized the need to preserve its wild places, cultural sites, and natural beauty. The result is the state park system we know today—the largest in the nation—spanning 1.6 million acres, 340 miles of coastline, and more than 15,000 campsites. Every park tells a story: redwoods that predate empires, ghost towns frozen in Gold Rush time, beaches shaped by both nature and memory. Visiting them isn’t just about adventure—it’s a way to connect with the deeper story of California itself.
What I didn’t realize before meeting Nelson was that not all “state parks” are the same. and once you start digging in, you find this whole system of categories that makes exploring even more fun:
State Parks (SP) — the classics - with hiking, camping, history, and scenery.
State Recreation Areas (SRA) — perfect for boating, fishing, and lazy picnic days.
State Historic Parks (SHP) — where Gold Rush towns, adobe buildings, and old missions keep the past alive.
State Natural Reserves (SNR) — quiet, delicate places, where nature is left mostly untouched.
State Beaches (SB) and Seashores — sun, sand, and rugged coastline trails.
State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRA) — off-road playgrounds for people who like their adventure a little louder.
Marine Reserves and Conservation Areas — protecting the underwater worlds of kelp forests and tidepools.
Once I understood the differences, the whole system clicked. Suddenly, each park wasn’t just a place to check off—it was its own kind of experience. A historic park told a story. A natural reserve felt like a meditation. A beach invited you to slow down. It gave our adventures a new sense of purpose, like we weren’t just visiting places, but learning how each one fits into California’s bigger picture.
Our first state park together was Emerald Bay State Park, tucked along the shores, 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. It was just two months after we met—I was visiting family friends in Reno, and Nelson had a wedding in South Lake Tahoe. We decided to make it a shared road trip, complete with a spontaneous kayaking stop on the way home.
The plan that Sunday was simple: spend the day kayaking on that famously blue water. We arrived to find the parking lot completely packed (classic Tahoe), so we parked nearly a mile away and hauled Nelson’s two-person inflatable kayak down the hill—Type II fun at its finest: miserable in the moment, hilarious in hindsight.
Emerald Bay is breathtaking from every angle. While vehicles cannot drive down to the lake, there are plenty of scenic vistas and hiking trails that offer incredible views. One of the highlights is Vikingsholm, a historic mansion accessible via a steep two-mile out-and-back hike, which includes a 400-foot elevation climb on the return mile. Restrooms and a water fountain are available near the mansion during the summer months. Lower Eagle Falls is just a quarter mile behind the Visitor Center, making it an easy stop for a quick hike and some waterfall views.
A few tips for visiting from the California State Park website - hikers with medical conditions, recent surgeries, or mobility issues should approach the trails with caution, as there are no rides out. Visitors traveling from lower elevations should bring snacks and stay well hydrated, as higher elevation hiking can cause lightheadedness.
That summer, wildfires were burning across California, and a smoky haze settled over the lake. The normally crystal-clear views were soft and muted, the air heavy with that now-familiar scent of summer fire season. But paddling across that turquoise water, surrounded by mountains and smoke, something about it felt surreal. The world might have been hazy, but the feeling was clear, we were exactly where were was supposed to be. We spent hours gliding across the lake, stopping for snacks and sunscreen breaks, talking about everything and nothing. Even though our relationship was brand new, it felt like we’d known each other forever—easy, effortless, and full of laughter.
Emerald Bay was the perfect first state park for us—a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and a little bit of challenge, setting the tone for our California park adventures to come.
Over the next year, we kept exploring California State Parks across the Bay Area and Northern California. Our adventures took us from Big Sur—our very first camping trip—to Manresa State Beach, Twin Lakes, and Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, then north to Samuel P. Taylor in Marin County and Butano State Park in San Mateo County. Each park brought something new, from sandy shores to towering redwoods, and every trip left us more hooked on the adventure. Somewhere between the beach picnics and trail miles, being outdoors together started to feel like our rhythm—like California’s state parks were quietly cheering us on as we built a life filled with love, curiosity, and a whole lot of nature.
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Kayaking is one of our absolute all-time favorite activities, but like everything, is not without risk, so before you go, be sure you review/practice these basic kayaking safety reminders:
Always Wear a Life Jacket: Even if you’re a strong swimmer, a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) is essential.
Check Weather Conditions: Avoid kayaking in storms, high winds, or strong currents. Even light wind can make paddling difficult.
Tell Someone Your Plan: Let a friend or family member know your route, launch point, and expected return time.
Stay Hydrated & Pack Snacks: Bring water and light snacks, especially for longer trips.
Use Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and consider UV-protective clothing. Reapply as needed.
Dress Appropriately: Wear quick-drying clothes and layers. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and can chill you.
Know Your Limits: Don’t overestimate your paddling abilities; take breaks and rest when needed.
Bring Safety Gear: Include a whistle, a paddle float, a bilge pump, and a small dry bag for essentials.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch for other boats, obstacles, and changing water conditions.
Practice Re-Entry Skills: Especially for solo kayaking, know how to get back in if you capsize.
Keep Electronics Safe: Use waterproof cases or dry bags for phones, cameras, and other electronics.
Don’t Paddle Alone (if possible): There’s safety in numbers—paddling with a partner is always smarter.
Respect Wildlife and Nature: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing plants or habitats.
View from Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook, 1 mile above.
