Recreation & Safety
Visiting a State Park is an opportunity to experience our natural beauty, learn about history, and also spend time with our families and friends enjoying a variety of fun recreational activities. Let’s protect our Parks by recreating safely and responsibly.
Water Recreation
Enjoy our amazing waterways by keeping boating safe, clean, and fun!
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Jump in and join us for a world of adventure that lies just off the road!
All Activities
Explore all the different ways you can enjoy California State Parks!
Explore Recreation & Safety Resources
“Eureka Experience” at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Learn about interpretive programs offered at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
“Path of the Padres” Hike at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
California State Parks staff at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area lead the popular “Path of the Padres” hikes for the public on Saturdays...
360° Virtual Tour of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Explore a 360 degree virtual tour of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Activities For Kids – Monterey State Historic Park
At home learning experiences for kids (Covid)
Adult Group Tours at The California State Railroad Museum
Information for scheduling a group tour at the CA State Railroad Museum
AquaSMART Activity Booklet
The AquaSmart Activity Lessons for Water and Boating Safety resource contains a variety of activities that teach children important lessons about water and boating.
Aquatic Centers Offering On-the-Water Courses
Aquatic Centers operated by universities, colleges, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations, provide classroom and on-the-water boating safety education in kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, powerboating,...
Aquatic Safety in California State Parks
Learn about aquatic safety at California State Parks
ATV Safety Training at State Vehicular Recreation Areas
Learn about ATV safety training offered at several SVRAs
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook In-Person Field Trip
Students will explore Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook from 420 feet above sea level, experiencing breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline, surrounding mountains, and the...
Become and Environmental Educator and Partner Dockwalker
In 1999, Save Our Shores (SOS) started the Dockwalker program to provide one-on-one outreach in local harbors to help boaters appropriately discard of used oil,...
Beyond the Blacktop Podcast
Join the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of California State Parks as we discuss all things OHV in California.
Boating and Safety Outreach
Vital information for all boaters.
Boating Clean and Green
As a boater, you love being out on the water and have a stake in clean, healthy waterways. In order to ensure that your experience...
Boating Safety & General Information for Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Learn about boating safety at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Boating Safety and Education for All
Welcome to the California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) safety and education page! DBW relies on partnerships with many organizations (educational institutions, aquatic centers,...
Boating Safety Classes and Courses
Learn about boater safety
Boating Safety Information- Rules and Regulations
Learn boating safety – rules and regulations while visiting Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Bodie Foundation Public and Private Tours
Free history talks, stamp mill tours, or private tours by the Bodie Foundation.
Bolsa Chica State Beach – Beach Clean Up
Learn how to get involved in beach cleanups
Book Virtual Field Trips for Seacliff State Beach
Book an appointment at Seacliff State Beach
Bring Your Class to a Park
With 280 State Parks across California, state parks offer a diverse array of in-person field trip opportunities for your students
California Boater Card
Apply for a California boater card
California Fishing Line Recycling Program
Fishing line that is improperly disposed of, broken, or abandoned in the environment can entangle and kill wildlife and cause boat damage. Since the line...
California History and Nature on the Homestead
A small park that memorializes important California figure William Brown Ide and his contribution to the state’s history!
California State Capitol Junior Ranger Programs
Have fun exploring Capitol Park this summer and earn a Junior Ranger Badge! Children ages 7-12 years will enjoy hands-on activities while they learn about...
California State Parks – Agents of Discovery
View Agents of Discovery AR experiences at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
California State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program
The Purpose of the State Park Junior Lifeguard Program is accomplished by activities such as instruction and practice in open water swimming, paddle-boarding, body surfing,...
California State Parks Safety Tips
Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a new one, we look forward to seeing you in California’s state park trails, beaches, lakes, mountains...
California State Parks Volunteer Portal
Our 280 State Parks are divided into 21 districts. With hundreds of opportunities statewide, we hope you find an opportunity that will be a good...
California State Railroad Museum – Digital Exhibits
Whether you are down the street or on the other side of the world, explore the stories of the railroad with California State Railroad Museum’s...
California State Railroad Museum – Excursion Trian Rides
Join us on a 45 minute, 6 mile round trip from Old Sacramento Waterfront along the Sacramento River in our fleet of historic railroad cars.
California Stow It, Don’t Throw It
People of all ages, whether they fish or not, can do something to help prevent fishing line from entering the environment. Constructing and distributing simple,...
Capital District School and Group Tour Reservations
Learn about and make a reservation for a school or group tour at the Sate Capitol
Careers and Internships with Interpretation and Education
As a member of the Interpreter Team at State Parks, you will have the opportunity to create meaningful connections between visitors and our amazing state...
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Events
Learn about events at the Carnegie SVRA
Carpinteria State Beach In-Person School Programs
Carpinteria State Beach in-person field trips and classroom programs are offered from September to May for grades K – 5. We offer programs on Mondays,...
Castro Adobe Open House
Schedule an appointment at Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Pk Prop
Central Coast State Parks Association – School Groups
School programs and tours are offered free of charge and are led by our highly trained, knowledgeable, and fun State Park Interpreters and volunteers.
Chino Hills State Park – Activities for Kids
View activities for kids at Chino Hills State Park!
Clean and Safe Boating Practices for Boaters and Anglers
Ahoy! There are many actions boaters and anglers can take to ensure that safe and clean boating is part of their experience enjoying California waterways....
Columbia State Historic Park – YouTube Channel
View YouTube videos about Columbia State Historic Park
Consejos de Seguridad en las Dunas
La seguridad de todos los visitantes es muy importante para el Área Vehicular Recreativa Estatal de Oceano Dunes (SVRA, por sus siglas en inglés) mientras...
Current Events at Huntington State Beach
View a list of current events at Huntington State Beach
Day Trips for Schools at Mendocino Woodlands State Park
Discover the wild lands and rivers of the North Coast. Our naturalist/guides will help you custom build a trip, perfect for your group or organization.
Dirt Bike Safety Training at State Vehicular Recreation Areas
Learn about dirt bike safety training offered at several SVRAs
Docent-Led School Programs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The maximum allowable group size will be 70 students. We will also require that teachers recruit and authorize enough chaperones to allow for a docent-to-student...
Dockside Podcast
Dockside is the podcast that helps you save and enjoy the waters you love by sharing clean and safe boating practices. This podcast is brought...
Education & Tour Information for Bolsa Chica State Beach
Learn about educational opportunities and tours at Bolsa Chica SB