20 Best State Parks Near San Francisco [+ Map & Complete List]

Are you looking for the best state parks near San Francisco?

Well, we have you covered with all the best options within driving distance of the city. 

Don’t worry, we spent the time visiting all of the best state parks in the Bay Area to ensure you don’t miss a single waterfall or viewpoint of the coast. 

Now get ready to pick the perfect California state parks from this list of majestic Redwood Forests, stunning beaches, and historical state parks near San Francisco.

20 State Parks Near San Francisco

We included 20 Bay Area state parks, which are close enough for a day trip, but could be strung together for an epic road trip. 

These parks are all close to San Francisco, and the farthest option is just over two hours away by car. 

This list is broken down into three sections starting with state parks with redwood forests, followed by the parks with beaches, and lastly, we included some unique options that are worth a visit.

We made sure to include the details that will help you plan your trip, from the drive time from San Francisco to the camping options in the best state parks in the Bay Area. 

Best State Parks near San Francisco – Redwoods 

In this section, we included the best options if you are hoping to explore the redwood state parks near San Francisco. 

We included the eight best destinations along the California coastline where these majestic giants grow.

A visit to one of these State Parks will allow you to take a hike or go camping and enjoy some time in a Coastal Redwood grove. 

1. Mount Tamalpais State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 14.3 miles, 30 minutes

Located north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a beloved escape away from the stresses of the city. 

This is one of our favorite destinations as we love traversing through the forested trails that make up this 6300-acre park.

One of the most iconic trails in this state park is the Steep Ravine Trail which makes its way down the mountain following a cascading stream through a densely forested ravine.

There are also over 750 plant and 150  bird species that you may encounter while trekking the 60 miles of trails in the park. 

You’ll also see breathtaking views from Mount Tamalpais’ upper mountain, including the Marin County hills, San Francisco Bay, and Mount Diablo. 

Make sure to arrive early, especially during weekends and holidays, as parking fills up quickly. 

If you are lucky enough to visit during the spring, you can enjoy the wildflowers while they are in their seasonal bloom.

⛺CAMPING AT MT. TAMALPAIS SP

• Pantoll Campground – 15 First-come, first-served sites, drinking water, flush toilets, no showers
• Bootjack Campground – 15 First-come, first-served sites, drinking water, flush toilets, no showers
• Steep Ravine Environmental Campground – 7 primitive sites, 9 rustic cabins with no running water but restrooms and water faucets are nearby. Reservations are required for both.
• Alice Eastwood Group Camp (Group) – 2 primitive sites, flush toilets, no hot water

2. Samuel P. Taylor State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 29.2 miles, 50 mins

Samuel P. Taylor State Park is located in the wooded countryside of West Marin County and has 2,882 acres ready to be explored. 

You can hike up the Cross Marin Trail, which follows the historic North Pacific Coast Railroad, or to the top of Barnabe Peak, one of the best viewpoints in Marin County. 

Besides the magnificent shaded groves of coastal redwoods, you’ll also find a variety of wildflowers blooming here, like the elk clover, in early summer. 

This state park also has a mild climate, but make sure to bring layers as the redwood forest has a cooler, damper climate.

This state park is close to Point Reyes National Seashore, so this is an excellent stopover for a day or enjoying nature. 

This place is very popular, so arrive as early as possible or carpool during the week to minimize wait times and snag a great parking space.

🌳If you’re looking for another redwood forest near San Francisco, you must check out the Muir Woods National Monument.

⛺CAMPING AT SAMUEL P. TAYLOR SP

• Creekside Loop Campground – 25 sites, food locker, BBQ, picnic table, coin showers, drinking water
• Orchard Hill Loop Campground – 34 sites, food locker, BBQ, picnic table, coin showers, drinking water
• Madrone Group Camp (Group) – 3 sites, 4 wood cabins with electricity, bunk beds with mattresses, electric heater
• Devil’s Gulch Group Camp (Group) – 2 tent-only reservable sites, coin showers, drinking water

3. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 68.7 miles, 1:20 hrs

If you’re visiting Napa Valley, make sure to drop by the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to enjoy the natural beauty that this state park offers. 

Besides the beautiful hiking trails along stands of coastal redwoods, there are plenty of fun activities that you can do here, like picnicking, camping, and swimming.

Take the Redwood Trail that snakes its way along Ritchey Creek, where you will be sheltered under the canopy of the giant trees.

You can also take the Ritchey Canyon Trail, which will lead you to the Traverso Homestead site, dating to the 1880s. 

For a relaxing day in the park, grab a table in the day-use area and use one of the grills to have a BBQ before going for a swim in the large pool.

For those traveling without camping gear, this is the only state park on this list with yurts and historic cabins, where you will only need to bring food. 

The best time to visit for the best weather is during spring and fall.

⛺CAMPING AT BOTHE-NAPA VALLEY STATE PARK

• Ritchey Creek Campground – 45 tent/RV family reservable sites, pay showers, food locker, fire ring, picnic table
• Cabin Colony – 5 reservable wood cabins, beds, electricity, gas heating, private bathroom, fridge, microwave, hot water, stove
• Valley Yurts – 10 reservable lockable yurts, food locker, fire pit, full shade, picnic table, restroom, pay showers
• Valley Group Camp (Group) – 1 reservable site, BBQ, fire ring, shared bathroom, campfire ring, food locker, pay showers

4. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 76.9 miles, 1:30 hrs

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve stands out among the options on this list because it gets fewer tourists than redwood groves closer to the city, like Muir Woods.

This means you can enjoy the tranquility of being surrounded by the forest without making your way through a crowd as you head down the trails.

This redwood state park near San Francisco is also home to a few famous Redwoods, including the 310-foot-tall Parson Jones Tree and the 1400-year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree.

You may get lucky and spot a wide range of native wildlife here, including banana slugs, myotis bats, black-tailed mule deer, spotted owls, and pileated woodpeckers.

Download offline maps beforehand, as there’s limited to no cell reception in this reserve, and bring layers as the park can be cold and foggy even during the summer. 

⛺CAMPING AT ARMSTRONG REDWOODS SNR (temporarily closed)

No camping is available in Armstrong Redwoods SNR, but you can camp at Austin Creek State Recreation Area, accessible through the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods. 

• Bullfrog Pond Campground – 16 reservable sites, 7 first-come, first-served campsites, picnic table, fire ring, two shared bathrooms with a flush toilet and sink, no shower, no group camping, no vehicles over 20 feet in length

5. Butano State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 51 miles, 1 hour

Butano State Park is located less than 60 miles from San Francisco and San Jose in a secluded, redwood-filled canyon off Highway 1.

During the summer, the park features guided nature walks and weekend campfire programs, and they even offer ranger-led backpacking trips. 

What’s unique about it is it has a trail camp with eight sites, which is perfect for those who enjoy backcountry hiking and camping.

This state park near San Francisco has a diverse range of wildlife, including woodpeckers, newts, banana slugs, and the endangered marbled murrelet bird that nests in the park. 

Springtime also brings beautiful wildflower blooms that can be enjoyed on the park’s 40 miles of hiking trails.

Butano State Park is only partially open due to extreme fire damage from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Check the latest reopening dates and details for the campgrounds and trails before traveling to the park.

⛺CAMPING AT BUTANO SP

• Ben Reis Campground – 39 reservable family sites, food lockers, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets 
• Butano Trail Camp – 8 reservable primitive hike-in sites, pit toilets, no drinking water

6. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 68 miles, 1:30 hrs

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California, and it currently has the largest continuous stand of ancient coastal redwoods south of San Francisco. 

It has many redwood trees as tall as the Statue of Liberty and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

This state park is home to diverse wildlife ranging from bobcats to dark-eyed juncos. 

Because of the CZU Lightning Complex that swept through 97% of the park’s property and destroyed historic structures, all campsites are still closed, and only select trails and areas are open. 

However, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is still worth the visit, and you can hike the Redwood Trail Loop and learn about the tree’s natural defenses that allowed them to survive the fire.

⛺CAMPING AT BIG BASIN REDWOODS SP (temporarily closed)

All campgrounds have food storage boxes, fire rings, flush toilets, water, and coin showers.

• Blooms Creek Campground – 53 sites
• Huckleberry Campground – 33 sites
• Sempervirens Campground – 31 sites
• Wastahi Walk-in Campground – 26 sites
• Sky Meadow Group Camps – 2 sites
• Sequoia Group Campground –  2 sites

7. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 72.4 miles, 1:15 hrs

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is known for its 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees that survived the unregulated redwood logging from the mid-1800s to the late 1960s. 

This state park near San Francisco inspired some of California’s earliest redwood preservation efforts and continues to be historically significant to the creation of the California State Park System. 

Besides the redwood grove, you’ll also find several swimming holes for a refreshing dip after exploring the trails and the historic train trestle bridge.

You might also spot some banana slugs, black-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, or steelhead trout as you walk along the park’s hiking trails.

If you have time to spare, hop on the Roaring Camp Railroad, a heritage railway with authentic 1880s steam locomotives next to the park.

⛺CAMPING AT HENRY COWELL REDWOODS SP

Campground Facilities: picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, flush toilets, shared bathroom, pay showers, no RV hookups

• Cowell Campground South – 51 sites
• Cowell Campground North – 62 sites 

8. Portola Redwoods State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 50 miles, 1:15 hrs

Portola Redwoods State Park is only one hour from the city, making it a perfect getaway for a day hike or for a day of exploring the park’s Redwood groves. 

We loved that this park is so easily accessible, but it remains a tranquil hidden gem even during the busy tourist season.

The park is home to a majestic redwood forest that shades this 2,800-acre park and its two creeks with multiple waterfalls. 

This state park is home to some of the region’s most remote and scenic redwoods. 

It is also a protected sanctuary for coho salmon, steelhead trout, and the marbled murrelet, which is an endangered species.

Portola Redwoods is at the top of our list of camping destinations near San Francisco, with 55 family sites with all the amenities needed, from flush toilets to coin-op showers.

If you want to try backcountry camping, there is also a trail camp with six primitive sites. 

LOCAL TIP: The park has no cell reception, and the roads leading up to it are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and bring Dramamine.

⛺CAMPING AT PORTOLA REDWOODS SP

Campground Facilities (except Slate Creek): BBQ, food lockers, hot water, coin showers, flush toilets, picnic tables

• Portola Campground – 53 sites 
• Redwoods Group Camping Area – 4 sites
• Family Walk-In – 4 sites
• Slate Creek Trail Camp – 6 primitive sites,  no water, no fire pits

California State Parks near San Francisco – Beaches

Now that we’ve covered the best redwood state parks in the Bay Area, it’s time to discover the best ones along the coast. 

All eight parks have direct beach access and will take less than three hours of driving time from SF. 

We’ve also included information on their campgrounds and facilities so that you can choose the best one for the trip that you are planning.

9. Tomales Bay State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 45.8 miles, 1:15 hrs

This Bay Area state park is a popular destination for its surf-free beaches, which offer a perfect place for families to bring their kids for a day of playing in the gentle water. 

Tomales Bay State Park features three distinct areas you can visit for a day trip, including Heart’s Desire Beach, Shell Beach, and Millerton Point, across the bay. 

Heart’s Desire Beach is the busiest and most popular spot, especially for families with kids who like to go for a swim and have a picnic.

If you like kayaking, this is a great spot to launch for a calm paddle in the Tomales Bay.

Don’t miss a visit to the Jepson Memorial Grove, which can be accessed via a one-mile-long trail, to see the finest remaining virgin stands of bishop pine. 

The Vista Point Group picnic area also has stunning bay views, making it a lovely picnic spot. 

⛺CAMPING AT TOMALES BAY SP

Overnight parking and camping are prohibited at Tomales Bay State Park, but you can head to the campsites at Olema Campground or Samuel P. Taylor State Park instead. 

• Olema Campground – 187 campsites, tables, BBQ, bathrooms, hot showers, free WiFi, playground, volleyball, shuffleboard, club room, kitchen, dump station, honey wagon, propane, laundromat, ATM

10. Half Moon Bay State Beach

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 27.3 miles, 35 minutes

Get ready to relax, sunbathe, or have a beachside picnic on Half Moon Bay State Beach, a four-mile-long state park that comprises four beaches with a campground and picnic areas.

This state park features some of the best beaches on Half Moon Bay and is also a great stop along Highway 1.

Francis Beach is the busiest out of the four beaches, where you’ll also find a campground and visitor center.

Before relaxing on the beach, we love to go for a casual hike along The Coastal Trail, which traverses along the bluffs overlooking the crashing waves. 

Head to the point at the bay’s north end to check out the legendary Mavericks surf break to watch some big-wave surfers.

LOCAL TIP: If you want to escape the crowds, visit Venice Beach instead and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Please note that this is not a dog-friendly beach.

⛺CAMPING AT HALF MOON BAY STATE BEACH

• Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground – 50 sites, dump station, no hookups, coin hot showers, WiFi

11. Pescadero State Beach

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 43.8 miles, 52 mins

Located just 17 miles south of Half Moon Bay, the Pescadero State Beach has two miles of beach, rock cliffs, and sandy coves to explore. 

The blufftop parking lot offers dazzling views, and there are some good tidepools to look for sea anemones and crabs clinging onto the rocks. 

If you decide to take a dip here, keep in mind that the ocean water is cold year-round, and currents can be very strong.

For a chance to go on an easy hike to check out some protected seabirds, Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is right across Highway 1.

This reserve protects a crucial stopping point for migratory species along the Pacific Flyway, which makes it a famous spot for bird watchers.

Local Tip: If you’re visiting in the early summer, make sure to stop by Coastways Ranch for some fresh U-Pick strawberries.

⛺CAMPING AT PESCADERO STATE BEACH

Camping is unavailable at this park. You can head to the campsites located in Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park instead.

12. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 119 miles, 2 hrs

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is just seven miles south of Monterey and is one of the top stops to make on any trip to the Central Coast. 

We would argue that this is one of the most beautiful places along Highway 1 and one of the best state parks in the Bay area.

Some areas of the park are covered with beautiful wind-blown cypress trees, and its coves are home to turquoise water and kelp forests.

This is a great place to do some wildlife watching as you can see sea lions and migrating grey whales moving along the coast in the distance from points in the park. 

This natural reserve is also perfect for sightseeing, picnicking, and photography, and the offshore area is popular with divers worldwide because of its rich underwater habitats. 

This place is extraordinary because it is home to rare plant communities, unique geological formations, and remarkable flora and fauna.

This is one of the best things to do if you’re visiting the Monterey or Carmel area, and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco.

⛺CAMPING AT POINT LOBOS SNR

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has no campgrounds, but you can find campgrounds nearby at Saddle Mountain Ranch, Carmel By the Park River RV Park, and Monterey’s Veterans Memorial Park.

13. Año Nuevo State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 56.5 miles, 1:06 hrs

Año Nuevo State Park offers a chance to enjoy a beautiful stretch of the coastline and is a top destination for wildlife watching

This state park is best known for the 10,000 elephant seals that return here every year to breed and birth pups. 

While they may look adorable from afar, elephant seals are deadly wild animals, so make sure never to get within 25 feet of these majestic mammals.

Besides the elephant seals, you can also visit the Marine Education Center, where you can learn about all the animals that call the park home.

If you’re interested in birdwatching, you can take a scenic hike to Año Nuevo Point, which is a major bird migratory route. 

This is also a great place to spot otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions resting on the shore and frolicking in the water.

⛺CAMPING AT ANO NUEVO STATE PARK

There are no campsites inside Ano Nuevo State Park. Instead, you can head to the nearby campgrounds at Butano State Park, Half Moon Bay State Beach, San Mateo County Parks, and Coastanoa Lodge and Camping.

14. Natural Bridges State Beach

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 75.2 miles, 1:20 hrs

Natural Bridges State Beach is the perfect sanctuary away from the busy Santa Cruz and Capitola beaches. 

It gets its name from the giant rock formation out in the water with a large hole in the rock hollowed out by the waves, which makes it look like a bridge.

This state beach is one of the best places to watch shorebirds, migrating whales, seals, and otters playing near the shore. 

There are also excellent tide pools filled with sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and more. 

A unique aspect of this state beach is it has freshwater wetlands from Moore Creek, which flows through the park.

Make sure to check out the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve before leaving the beach.

⛺CAMPING AT NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH

There are no campsites inside Natural Bridges State Beach. You can head to the nearby campgrounds at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, Santa Vida RV Park, New Brighton State Park, and Seacliff State Beach instead.

15. Sonoma Coast State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 68.3 miles, 1:20 hrs

Sonoma Coast State Park stretches over 17 miles of the coast from Bodega Point to Vista Point to the north and is one of the most scenic state parks in California. 

This state park comprises several beaches easily accessed from Highway 1 by sunbathers, beachcombers, fishermen, and picnickers. 

While it has long sandy beaches and secluded coves, the beaches here are not suitable or safe for swimming as there can be very strong currents, rip tides, and large waves. 

The good news is that there are many other things to do, from kayaking in the Russian River Estuary to some great surfing breaks.

We love all the hiking options in the state park, but the Kortum Trail is our personal favorite which offers gorgeous views of the beach from the top of the bluffs. 

Because of this state park’s many beaches, you will have no trouble finding a quiet stretch of sand to relax and enjoy the crashing waves. 

Visitors could easily spend several days here and not see all the trails, viewpoints, and beaches this park has to offer.

⛺CAMPING AT SONOMA COAST STATE PARK

• Wright’s Beach – 27 reservable campsites, food lockers, shared bathroom, fire ring, grills, picnic tables, token showers, sink
• Bodega Dunes – 99 reservable campsites, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire pit, token showers, shared bathroom

16. Salt Point State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 94.7 miles, 2:15 hrs

Salt Point State Park offers a nice mix of protected marine conservation areas with a forested area that provides shelter from the coastal breezes.  

This state park is best known for Gerstle Cove, which can be best enjoyed by kayaking in the coves or diving in the chilly water.

Another way to enjoy the water without getting wet is to hike the Salt Point Trail, which is fairly flat out and back with a stop in the middle at Stump Beach.

Along the way, you can check out the sandstone rock formations that look like natural works of art. 

The state park has two main campgrounds, one in the forested area that is more spaced out and another closer to the ocean but less private.

⛺CAMPING AT SALT POINT STATE PARK

• Gerstle Cove Campground – 30 reservable campsites, fire rings, picnic tables, food lockers, drinking water, restrooms, no showers
• Woodside Upper and Lower Loop Campgrounds – 79 reservable campsites, fire rings, picnic tables, food lockers, drinking water, restrooms, no showers
• Warren Group Camp Area – 1 reservable campsite,  fire rings, picnic tables, food lockers, drinking water, restrooms, no showers

Other State Parks around San Francisco

Besides the Redwood and beach state parks, there are other California state parks near San Francisco that are worth the trip. 

These parks have amazing features like historical sites and unique landmarks, making them a must-visit. 

All four of these state parks offer an opportunity to either get in touch with nature or explore California’s natural and cultural history. 

17. Mount Diablo State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 40.6 miles, 1:11 hrs
• Park Features: Hiking and biking trails, historic sites, camping sites, picnic areas, natural rock formations, and observation deck

Known for the incredible views from the summit, Mount Diablo State Park is a popular spot surrounded by picturesque views of the entire Bay Area. 

For the best views from the top of this 3,849-foot-tall mountain, plan on visiting anytime except the summer, as fog can greatly obstruct the view. 

Spring is a great time to see the park as the wildflowers will be in bloom, and the park’s waterfalls will be flowing.

If you are up for a tough but rewarding hike, take the Mount Diablo Grand Loop Trail, which starts and finishes at the Juniper Campground. 

When you arrive at the top, you can also take the Mary Bowerman Trail that circles the summit offering stunning views along the way.

Depending on how clear the skies are, you can even see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Farallon Islands from the summit. 

Make sure to stop at the visitor center to learn about the cultural and natural history of the park, with impressive exhibits, instructional videos, and dioramas. 

⛺CAMPING MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK 

• Live Oak Campground – 22 reservable sites, BBQ, fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets
• Juniper Campground – 32 reservable sites, picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, 
• Group Campsites – 4 reservable primitive sites, pit toilets, running water, picnic tables, food lockers, BBQ

18. Angel Island State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 2.2 miles + ferry ride, 1:05 hrs
• Park Features: Boating, campsites, biking and hiking trails, historic sites, picnic areas, guided tours, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking

Angel Island State Park is only accessible by a private boat or by taking the Ferry from Tiburon or the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. 

This hidden gem offers impressive views of the Bay Area from its many scenic hiking trails, including the North Ridge and Summit Trails.

Every time we visit, we rent bikes for a leisurely ride, allowing us to see more of the state park without rushing. 

We make sure to stop at the old military emplacement at Battery Ledyard to have a picnic with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The island is home to several campsites ranging from hike-in dry campsites to sites accessible by kayak. 

For amazing views of the bay, make sure to explore Quarry Point and Ayala Cove. 

⛺CAMPING AT ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK

• East Bay Campground – 3 reservable hike-in sites, BBQ, food locker, pit toilets, picnic tables
• Ridge Campground – 3 reservable hike-in sites, BBQ, food locker, pit toilets, picnic tables
• Sunrise Campground – 3 reservable hike-in sites, BBQ, food locker, pit toilets, picnic tables
• West Garrison Campground (Group) – 1 reservable site, BBQ, picnic tables, pit toilets, direct beach access

19. Sonoma State Historic Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 44.7 miles, 59 minutes
• Park Features: Historical sites, picnic areas, exhibits and programs, guided tours, museums, and family programs

Sonoma State Historic Park is truly unlike any other on this list as this is a historic park and not a destination for embracing nature. 

This state park comprises six historical sites spread throughout the city, with one located right in the Sonoma Plaza. 

These six sites are the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Blue Wing Inn, Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, the Servants Quarters, and the General Vallejo’s Home.

Each of these historical sites has its unique charm and features, which include historical exhibits, art exhibitions, a museum chapel, and a courtyard. 

Several tours, hikes, and programs are available here to help you learn more about this area’s rich history.

⛺CAMPING AT SONOMA STATE HISTORIC PARK

There are no campsites inside Sonoma State Historic Park. Instead, you can head to the nearby campgrounds at San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA, Spring Lake Regional Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, and Skyline Wilderness Park.

20. Castle Rock State Park

• Distance and Drive Time from San Francisco: 56.4 miles, 1:05 hrs
• Park Features: Hiking trails, beaches, historic sites, picnic areas, trail camps, geocaching, rock climbing

Castle Rock State Park is another scenic park with dense woodlands and sweeping panoramic views.

The park has one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, so the views here are breathtaking. 

This place is filled with unusual rock formations, drawing in rock climbers to take on the many challenging routes. 

This is also a great place to go hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding along the park’s 34 miles of trails. 

The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail connects Castle Rock and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks, while the 5.6-mile Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail Loop lead to Goat Rock, Castle Rock Falls, Russell Point Overlook, and the Castle Rock Trail Camp.

⛺CAMPING AT CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK

• Castle Rock Trail Camp – 20 primitive sites, drinking water, pit toilets, inclement-weather shelter
• Waterman Gap Trail Camp – 6 primitive sites, drinking water, pit toilets

State Parks near San Francisco Map

State Parks near San Francisco by County – Complete List

Alameda County

• Albany State Marine Reserve 
• Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area
• Carnegie SVRA
• Emeryville Crescent State Marine Reserve
• Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area
• McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore
• Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach

Contra Costa County

• Franks Tract State Recreation Area
• Marsh Creek State Historic Park
• Mount Diablo State Park

Marin County

• Angel Island State Park
• China Camp State Park
• Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park
• Mount Tamalpais State Park
• Olompali State Historic Park
• Samuel P. Taylor State Park
• Tomales Bay State Park

Monterey Country

• Andrew Molera State Park
• Asilomar State Beach
• Carmel River State Beach
• Fort Ord Dunes State Park
• Fremont Peak State Park (also partly in San Benito County)
• Garrapata State Park
• Hatton Canyon Park Property
• John Little State Natural Reserve
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• Limekiln State Park
• Marina State Beach
• Monterey State Historic Park
• Monterey State Beach
• Moss Landing State Beach
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Point Lobos Ranch Park Property
• Point Sur State Historic Park
• Salinas River State Beach
• Sunset State Beach

Napa County

• Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
• Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (also partly in Sonoma County)
• Robert Louis Stevenson State Park 

San Francisco County

• Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

San Joaquin County

• Caswell Memorial State Park

San Mateo County

• Año Nuevo State Park
• Bean Hollow State Beach
• Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property
• Butano State Park
• Gray Whale Cove State Beach
• Half Moon Bay State Beach
• Montara State Beach
• Pacifica State Beach
• Pescadero State Beach
• Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
• Pomponio State Beach
• Portola Redwoods State Park
• San Bruno Mountain State Park
• San Gregorio State Beach
• Thornton State Beach

Santa Cruz County

• Big Basin Redwoods State Park
• The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
• Lighthouse Field State Beach
• Manresa State Beach
• Natural Bridges State Beach
• New Brighton State Beach
• Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Park Property
• Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
• Seacliff State Beach
• Twin Lakes State Beach
• Wilder Ranch State Park
• Zmudowski State Beach

Solano County

• Benicia State Recreation Area
• Benicia Capitol State Historic Park

Sonoma County

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
• Austin Creek State Recreation Area
• Fort Ross State Historic Park
• Jack London State Historic Park
• Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
• Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
• Salt Point State Park
• Sonoma State Historic Park
• Sonoma Coast State Park
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
• Trione-Annadel State Park

FAQs

What state park near San Francisco has redwoods?

There are several State Parks near San Francisco with Redwoods, but Mount Tamalpais State Park is the closest at 15 miles from the city.

Other state parks with redwoods near San Francisco include Samuel P. Taylor, Bothe-Napa Valley, Armstrong Redwoods, Butano, Big Basin, Henry Cowell, and Portola Redwoods.

The closest National Monument or park near San Francisco with Redwoods is Muir Woods National Monument, which has some of California’s most impressive Coastal Redwood groves.

How far are giant redwoods from San Francisco?

The closest Giant Redwood grove from San Francisco is nine miles north of the city across the Golden Gate Bridge at Muir Woods National Monument.

For the second closest option, Mount Tamalpais State Park is only 15 miles from San Francisco and features 60 miles of trails for exploring the giant trees.

There are also some small redwoods in little groves inside Golden Gate Park that are easily accessible.

Are there any sequoia trees near San Francisco?

No, there are only giant Coastal Redwoods near San Francisco, as Sequoia Trees live inland in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 

The closest giant Sequoia Trees to San Francisco can be found in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, 154 miles from the city.

Other places to see the Sequoia Trees near San Francisco include Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park. 

Is the General Sherman Tree near San Francisco?

No, the General Sherman Tree is located 265 miles from San Francisco in Sequoia National Park.

The drive to the General Sherman Tree, the largest in the world, will take approximately five hours in clear road conditions.

For a closer option to San Francisco, visit the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which is only 154 miles from the city.

What is the difference between Muir Woods and redwood forest?

There is no difference, as Muir Woods is an old-growth coastal redwood forest. 

Redwood National and State Parks, which is located 300 miles to the north of Muir Woods, also is home to these giant coastal Redwoods.

Muir Woods National Monument and Redwoods National and State Parks are great destinations to experience one of California’s redwood forests.

Wrap-Up: State Parks near San Francisco 

Now that you have picked out the perfect state parks near San Francisco, all you have to do is book your trip to the “city by the bay.” 

Now pack your bags and get ready to explore these majestic redwood state parks, scenic state beaches, or historical state parks. 

Each has its unique charm and is well worth the visit. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn the trip you’ve been dreaming of into reality.