By Kayla Anderson

By Moon Travel Guides

On Sale: Mar 24, 2026
Page Count: 576 pages
Publisher: Moon Travel
ISBN-13: 9798886471656

$24.99

$32.99 CAD

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Format:

Trade Paperback $24.99 $32.99 CAD
ebook $13.99 $17.99 CAD

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From rocky coastal coves and sandy beaches to verdant forests and quiet desert camps, experience the natural wonders of the Golden State with Moon Best of California State Parks! Inside you’ll find:

Coverage of 50 California state parks and historic sites, organized by region
Strategic lists and itineraries: Choose from lists of the best parks for hiking, wildlife, history, families, scenic drives, and more or make your way down the list of the top ten adventures throughout the state
The best outdoor recreation and unique experiences: Wander among towering redwoods, relax on a sandy SoCal beach, or set up camp in the Mojave Desert. Paddleboard the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, immerse yourself in California’s past at a state historic park, or hike coastal bluffs with stunning views of the Pacific
Regional state parks road trips that strategically combine nearby parks in Northern, Central, and Southern California
Detailed hike descriptions marked with distance, duration, effort level, and trailheads
Expert advice from California locals Jenna Blough and Kayla Anderson on when to go, where to stay, and how to avoid crowds
Know before you go: Find essential background on climate, terrain, wildlife, history, and safety precautions, plus practical information on park fees, passes, and reservations
Gorgeous, full-color photos and maps throughout, plus a detachable fold-out poster map

Whether you’re trekking to striking vistas, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, or camping under the stars, find your park adventure with Moon Best of California State Parks.

About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

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Moon U.S. Travel Guide

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Jenna Blough

About the Author

Jenna Blough grew up on the edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where she was allowed to run wild, instilling a love of the outdoors early on. After her parents dragged her and her sister on a cross-country road trip of epic proportions, she developed an equal appreciation for Wild West roadside attractions, historic sites, and wilderness.

Jenna eventually found the California desert to be her geographic soul mate. She is also the author of Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs and Moon Death Valley National Park.

Jenna received an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology, an MA in English literature, and an MFA in writing. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband Ryan Jones. Visit her blog at whentheroadends.com.

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer based in Northern California. She grew up in Redding, received a journalism degree from California State University-Chico, and now lives in North Lake Tahoe. For the last 10 years, she has been writing press kits for ski resorts and golf courses as well as articles about businesses, people, and places in Lake Tahoe and Northern California.

Currently, she contributes to Enjoy Northern California Living magazine, Tahoe Weekly, the Sparks Tribune, and the Nevada Travel Network. She continues to be impressed by what she discovers in Redding, Humboldt County, Yosemite, Sacramento, and the lesser-known places like Weaverville and Mono Lake. You can find her work at kaylaanderson.org/writing.

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Kayla Anderson

About the Author

Stuart Thornton fell in love with California while working the Big Sur Ranger Station after college. At work, he provided visitors with all sorts of information about the region, from the best places to camp to the best meal in the area. On his days off, he took his own advice and regularly sought out the top spots for hiking, backpacking, surfing, and snorkeling along that striking coastal region.

Stuart later moved to nearby Monterey to become a staff writer for the Monterey County Weekly, where he is still a contributor. He is the proud author of Moon Coastal California, Moon Santa Barbara & the Central Coast, and Moon California Road Trip. In addition, Stuart has contributed to National Geographic Education, and Relix Magazine.

Stuart spends his time off searching for the next secluded beach, uncrowded wave, or mountaintop vista. Learn more about his adventures and projects by visiting stuartthornton.com.

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer based in Northern California. She grew up in Redding, received a journalism degree from California State University-Chico, and now lives in North Lake Tahoe. For the last 10 years, she has been writing press kits for ski resorts and golf courses as well as articles about businesses, people, and places in Lake Tahoe and Northern California.

Currently, she contributes to Enjoy Northern California Living magazine, Tahoe Weekly, the Sparks Tribune, and the Nevada Travel Network. She continues to be impressed by what she discovers in Redding, Humboldt County, Yosemite, Sacramento, and the lesser-known places like Weaverville and Mono Lake. You can find her work at http://www.kaylaanderson.org/writing.

Learn more about this author