California's State Parks system isn't just about visiting parks, beaches, mountains and deserts. That is the largest part of the attraction experience, but not all to it. You can also visit California State Parks with museums. These centers provide historical information, cultural info, government, and even the lives of rich & famous such as the Hearst Castle tours. Get out and see these fantastic state parks and you'll be amazed at a whole world contained within California's museums located at its state parks.

Pictured above is actually a photo from California's National Marine Sanctuary at Channel Islands, some 20 miles offshore of Ventura. It is not actually within the State Parks system, but is maintained by federal protection and operation.

Crystal Cove (State Park) Orange
Fort Ross (State Historic Park) Sonoma
Jug Handle (State Natural Reserve) Mendocino
Julia Pfeiffer Burns (State Park) Monterey
Lake Perris (State Recreation Area) Riverside
Leo Carrillo (State Park) Los Angeles
Leucadia (State Beach) San Diego
MacKerricher (State Park) Mendocino
Mendocino Headlands (State Park) Mendocino
Point Lobos (State Natural Reserve) Monterey
Point Lobos Ranch (Park Property) Monterey
Russian Gulch (State Park) Mendocino
Salt Point (State Park) Sonoma
Schooner Gulch (State Beach) Mendocino
Van Damme (State Park) Mendocino