Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
@thatsmypark.bsky.social
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is a vital partner with California State Parks. Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all. #thatsmypark
https://linktr.ee/thatsmypark
https://linktr.ee/thatsmypark
Bring a warm drink on your next morning walk along the beach to beat the morning chills. 😌♨️
No thermos? No problem! Grab one from a ParkStore today (or order one from the ParkStore Online)!
No thermos? No problem! Grab one from a ParkStore today (or order one from the ParkStore Online)!
December 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Bring a warm drink on your next morning walk along the beach to beat the morning chills. 😌♨️
No thermos? No problem! Grab one from a ParkStore today (or order one from the ParkStore Online)!
No thermos? No problem! Grab one from a ParkStore today (or order one from the ParkStore Online)!
New to the ParkStores this season is a 1,000-piece puzzle of Natural Bridges! 🧩Pick one up at the Natural Bridges ParkStore or Online:
friends-of-santa-cruz-state-parks-online-parkstore.myshopify.com/products/nat...
📆 Place online orders by Dec. 15 to get them in time for the holidays!
friends-of-santa-cruz-state-parks-online-parkstore.myshopify.com/products/nat...
📆 Place online orders by Dec. 15 to get them in time for the holidays!
Natural Bridges 1000 Piece Puzzle
This beautiful puzzle celebrates the beauty of Natural Bridges State Beach. Perfect for cozy family fun!
friends-of-santa-cruz-state-parks-online-parkstore.myshopify.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New to the ParkStores this season is a 1,000-piece puzzle of Natural Bridges! 🧩Pick one up at the Natural Bridges ParkStore or Online:
friends-of-santa-cruz-state-parks-online-parkstore.myshopify.com/products/nat...
📆 Place online orders by Dec. 15 to get them in time for the holidays!
friends-of-santa-cruz-state-parks-online-parkstore.myshopify.com/products/nat...
📆 Place online orders by Dec. 15 to get them in time for the holidays!
Nature is essential for all of us to find peace & a sense of well-being😌. It's been a banner year for our local state parks, but they still need your support heading into the new year.
Help support state parks & beaches by donating & becoming a Friend! thatsmypark.app.neoncrm.com/forms/become...
Help support state parks & beaches by donating & becoming a Friend! thatsmypark.app.neoncrm.com/forms/become...
December 5, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Nature is essential for all of us to find peace & a sense of well-being😌. It's been a banner year for our local state parks, but they still need your support heading into the new year.
Help support state parks & beaches by donating & becoming a Friend! thatsmypark.app.neoncrm.com/forms/become...
Help support state parks & beaches by donating & becoming a Friend! thatsmypark.app.neoncrm.com/forms/become...
Shop the ParkStore this weekend for the annual Holiday Sale! Find thoughtful gifts, accessories for your next trip to a state park, fun toys for the kids and amazing clothes to show your love of nature.
December 4, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Shop the ParkStore this weekend for the annual Holiday Sale! Find thoughtful gifts, accessories for your next trip to a state park, fun toys for the kids and amazing clothes to show your love of nature.
King Tides are back! Experience this natural phenomenon at state beaches from Thursday to Saturday (Dec. 4-6). These extreme tides occur as a full or new moon is closest to the Earth in its elliptical orbit. Here's a list of places to explore:
December 3, 2025 at 5:53 PM
King Tides are back! Experience this natural phenomenon at state beaches from Thursday to Saturday (Dec. 4-6). These extreme tides occur as a full or new moon is closest to the Earth in its elliptical orbit. Here's a list of places to explore:
🌲Trail Restoration Update: Big Basin Redwoods State Park!🌲
Good news, hikers! 2.95 mi of the Hollow Tree Trail are now open, reconnecting Skyline to the Sea Trail, Middle Ridge Fire Road, & China Grade Road. That means more opportunities for loop hikes & exploring the recovering forest.
Good news, hikers! 2.95 mi of the Hollow Tree Trail are now open, reconnecting Skyline to the Sea Trail, Middle Ridge Fire Road, & China Grade Road. That means more opportunities for loop hikes & exploring the recovering forest.
December 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
🌲Trail Restoration Update: Big Basin Redwoods State Park!🌲
Good news, hikers! 2.95 mi of the Hollow Tree Trail are now open, reconnecting Skyline to the Sea Trail, Middle Ridge Fire Road, & China Grade Road. That means more opportunities for loop hikes & exploring the recovering forest.
Good news, hikers! 2.95 mi of the Hollow Tree Trail are now open, reconnecting Skyline to the Sea Trail, Middle Ridge Fire Road, & China Grade Road. That means more opportunities for loop hikes & exploring the recovering forest.
Enjoy the warmth of the holiday season 🎁 ✨at the Castro Adobe SHP! This month's Open House festivities are set to run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sun, Dec 7. The event includes tree ornament decoration🎄, leather bookmark making 📖, live music throughout the day 🎵 & more!
December 2, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Enjoy the warmth of the holiday season 🎁 ✨at the Castro Adobe SHP! This month's Open House festivities are set to run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sun, Dec 7. The event includes tree ornament decoration🎄, leather bookmark making 📖, live music throughout the day 🎵 & more!
Start Dec off right with a hike through an iconic state park. Here's a list of our favorite state parks with trails for all skill levels:
🥾 Año Nuevo SP
🥾 Wilder Ranch SP
🥾 The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Learn more: thatsmypark.org/parks-and-be...
Parking fees help Friends support parks.
🥾 Año Nuevo SP
🥾 Wilder Ranch SP
🥾 The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Learn more: thatsmypark.org/parks-and-be...
Parking fees help Friends support parks.
December 1, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Start Dec off right with a hike through an iconic state park. Here's a list of our favorite state parks with trails for all skill levels:
🥾 Año Nuevo SP
🥾 Wilder Ranch SP
🥾 The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Learn more: thatsmypark.org/parks-and-be...
Parking fees help Friends support parks.
🥾 Año Nuevo SP
🥾 Wilder Ranch SP
🥾 The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Learn more: thatsmypark.org/parks-and-be...
Parking fees help Friends support parks.
Head over to Castle Rock State Park to explore more than 35 miles of trails and snap iconic photos of trees and mountains.
November 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Head over to Castle Rock State Park to explore more than 35 miles of trails and snap iconic photos of trees and mountains.
Stop by a ParkStore this weekend for #SmallBusinessSaturday to discover park-inspired gifts. Here's a list of the nearest ParkStores that are open this weekend.
🎁 Natural Bridges
🎁 Seacliff
🎁 Wilder Ranch
Stop by this weekend to explore a state park & shop for a holiday gift.
🎁 Natural Bridges
🎁 Seacliff
🎁 Wilder Ranch
Stop by this weekend to explore a state park & shop for a holiday gift.
November 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Stop by a ParkStore this weekend for #SmallBusinessSaturday to discover park-inspired gifts. Here's a list of the nearest ParkStores that are open this weekend.
🎁 Natural Bridges
🎁 Seacliff
🎁 Wilder Ranch
Stop by this weekend to explore a state park & shop for a holiday gift.
🎁 Natural Bridges
🎁 Seacliff
🎁 Wilder Ranch
Stop by this weekend to explore a state park & shop for a holiday gift.
Take a break after Thanksgiving to burn off calories and enjoy the scenery. Stroll down the stairs at Seacliff State Beach to hear waves crashing, enjoy the smell of salty sea air and more.
Parking is $10 and supports the park!
Parking is $10 and supports the park!
November 28, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Take a break after Thanksgiving to burn off calories and enjoy the scenery. Stroll down the stairs at Seacliff State Beach to hear waves crashing, enjoy the smell of salty sea air and more.
Parking is $10 and supports the park!
Parking is $10 and supports the park!
Happy Thanksgiving! Friends is thankful to everyone for their generosity throughout the year. Your engagement, effort & donations helped Friends support state parks & beaches programs, field trips, events & so much more!
Read the Friends Annual Report here: buff.ly/h4vAKyS
Read the Friends Annual Report here: buff.ly/h4vAKyS
November 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! Friends is thankful to everyone for their generosity throughout the year. Your engagement, effort & donations helped Friends support state parks & beaches programs, field trips, events & so much more!
Read the Friends Annual Report here: buff.ly/h4vAKyS
Read the Friends Annual Report here: buff.ly/h4vAKyS
Make plans to stretch your legs & learn something new. Join a tree identification event from 3-4:30 pm on Sat, Nov 29, at Henry Cowell Redwoods. The program is free & meets in front of the Visitor Center, taking visitors through the River Trail & Redwood Grove.
RSVP: bit.ly/3L63RvE
Parking is $10
RSVP: bit.ly/3L63RvE
Parking is $10
November 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Make plans to stretch your legs & learn something new. Join a tree identification event from 3-4:30 pm on Sat, Nov 29, at Henry Cowell Redwoods. The program is free & meets in front of the Visitor Center, taking visitors through the River Trail & Redwood Grove.
RSVP: bit.ly/3L63RvE
Parking is $10
RSVP: bit.ly/3L63RvE
Parking is $10
Mark your calendar for the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks annual ParkStore Holiday Sale. This in-person event will be the first weekend of December and proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
November 25, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Mark your calendar for the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks annual ParkStore Holiday Sale. This in-person event will be the first weekend of December and proceeds benefit local state parks and beaches.
Make your reservation for a guided tour to see elephant seals in their natural habitat at Año Nuevo State Park. 🦭 Tours start Dec. 15 and visitors can expect a 2-3 hour adventure with 3 miles of moderate hiking.
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Make your reservation for a guided tour to see elephant seals in their natural habitat at Año Nuevo State Park. 🦭 Tours start Dec. 15 and visitors can expect a 2-3 hour adventure with 3 miles of moderate hiking.
Discover the compelling story of Martina Castro in “The Tragedy of Martina Castro." Martina was one of the largest rancho owners in Santa Cruz County, whose ranchos included the areas now known as Soquel, Capitola & part of The Forest of Nisene Marks: buff.ly/w1J6QZr
November 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Discover the compelling story of Martina Castro in “The Tragedy of Martina Castro." Martina was one of the largest rancho owners in Santa Cruz County, whose ranchos included the areas now known as Soquel, Capitola & part of The Forest of Nisene Marks: buff.ly/w1J6QZr
Commemorate a major life 🌟 milestone for the state park lover in your life with a Tribute Table. This custom-engraved, redwood table can be placed in a state park of your choice.
Use it to celebrate relationships, friendships, family moments & more! Learn more: thatsmypark.org/tribute-tabl...
Use it to celebrate relationships, friendships, family moments & more! Learn more: thatsmypark.org/tribute-tabl...
November 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Commemorate a major life 🌟 milestone for the state park lover in your life with a Tribute Table. This custom-engraved, redwood table can be placed in a state park of your choice.
Use it to celebrate relationships, friendships, family moments & more! Learn more: thatsmypark.org/tribute-tabl...
Use it to celebrate relationships, friendships, family moments & more! Learn more: thatsmypark.org/tribute-tabl...
Crisp fall 🍂 weather means cooler days camping. Make a reservation at the Rancho del Oso campground on the coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods to soak in the season from the comfort of your tent. ⛺ Enjoy a cool day by the nearby Waddell beach.
👉 Learn more and make your reservation: bit.ly/3EJhDOf
👉 Learn more and make your reservation: bit.ly/3EJhDOf
November 21, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Crisp fall 🍂 weather means cooler days camping. Make a reservation at the Rancho del Oso campground on the coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods to soak in the season from the comfort of your tent. ⛺ Enjoy a cool day by the nearby Waddell beach.
👉 Learn more and make your reservation: bit.ly/3EJhDOf
👉 Learn more and make your reservation: bit.ly/3EJhDOf
Join a guided, 2.5-mi hike at Burleigh Murray Ranch starting at 10am this Sun, Nov 23. The hike is 2.5 mi round trip. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers & farming families.
The hike is free to join! Register: bit.ly/3WyhjLn
The hike is free to join! Register: bit.ly/3WyhjLn
November 20, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Join a guided, 2.5-mi hike at Burleigh Murray Ranch starting at 10am this Sun, Nov 23. The hike is 2.5 mi round trip. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers & farming families.
The hike is free to join! Register: bit.ly/3WyhjLn
The hike is free to join! Register: bit.ly/3WyhjLn
Grab a camp chair, a pair of binoculars, a hat and head down to the beach to look for whales migrating offshore.
Rio del Mar State Beach in Aptos is a good spot to watch for whales 🐳 👀. Parking at "Platforms" is $10 and helps Friends support the park.
Rio del Mar State Beach in Aptos is a good spot to watch for whales 🐳 👀. Parking at "Platforms" is $10 and helps Friends support the park.
November 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Grab a camp chair, a pair of binoculars, a hat and head down to the beach to look for whales migrating offshore.
Rio del Mar State Beach in Aptos is a good spot to watch for whales 🐳 👀. Parking at "Platforms" is $10 and helps Friends support the park.
Rio del Mar State Beach in Aptos is a good spot to watch for whales 🐳 👀. Parking at "Platforms" is $10 and helps Friends support the park.
After the rains begin to fall, the forest floor blooms with mushrooms & fungi. On your next hike through the forest, remember to keep your eyes open. Check out these Chicken of the Woods mushrooms spotted by our staff at Castle Rock.🍄👀
Remember mushroom foraging is prohibited in state parks.
Remember mushroom foraging is prohibited in state parks.
November 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
After the rains begin to fall, the forest floor blooms with mushrooms & fungi. On your next hike through the forest, remember to keep your eyes open. Check out these Chicken of the Woods mushrooms spotted by our staff at Castle Rock.🍄👀
Remember mushroom foraging is prohibited in state parks.
Remember mushroom foraging is prohibited in state parks.
Grab a mountain bike 🚵 🚵🏾 and ride Aptos Creek Road in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos! The state park is great for beginners looking for an out-and-back route as well as seasoned mountain bikers looking to ride for miles.
Parking is $8 and helps Friends support the park.
Parking is $8 and helps Friends support the park.
November 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Grab a mountain bike 🚵 🚵🏾 and ride Aptos Creek Road in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos! The state park is great for beginners looking for an out-and-back route as well as seasoned mountain bikers looking to ride for miles.
Parking is $8 and helps Friends support the park.
Parking is $8 and helps Friends support the park.
Show your love ❤️ for Wilder Ranch State Park with these stickers that incorporate the original cattle brand 🐄 used at Wilder Ranch during the dairy farming days!
Perfect for sharing on your water bottle, laptop or notebook! Available at the mini Wilder Ranch ParkStore & Online:
Perfect for sharing on your water bottle, laptop or notebook! Available at the mini Wilder Ranch ParkStore & Online:
Wilder Ranch Brand Sticker
This locally-printed sticker incorporates the original Wilder Ranch cattle brand, which was used in the Victorian-era dairy farming days! Looks great on a laptop, water bottle, sketchbook, or…
friends-of-santa-cruz-state-parks-online-parkstore.myshopify.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Show your love ❤️ for Wilder Ranch State Park with these stickers that incorporate the original cattle brand 🐄 used at Wilder Ranch during the dairy farming days!
Perfect for sharing on your water bottle, laptop or notebook! Available at the mini Wilder Ranch ParkStore & Online:
Perfect for sharing on your water bottle, laptop or notebook! Available at the mini Wilder Ranch ParkStore & Online:
Henry Cowell Redwoods is a place for everyone to explore. Visitors can stroll the Redwood Loop for a short walk, learn about park history at the Nature Center, or challenge themselves with a hike in the sandhills!
🤔 Plan your trip: bit.ly/4nj5sLS
Parking is $10 & helps support the park.
🤔 Plan your trip: bit.ly/4nj5sLS
Parking is $10 & helps support the park.
November 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Henry Cowell Redwoods is a place for everyone to explore. Visitors can stroll the Redwood Loop for a short walk, learn about park history at the Nature Center, or challenge themselves with a hike in the sandhills!
🤔 Plan your trip: bit.ly/4nj5sLS
Parking is $10 & helps support the park.
🤔 Plan your trip: bit.ly/4nj5sLS
Parking is $10 & helps support the park.
The dog days are never over. 🐕 Bring your four-legged friend on your next trip to a state beach for everything from an easy stroll along the sands to running for miles.
✨ Find out what state parks and beaches allow dogs and what the rules are by visiting: thatsmypark.org/visit/dogs/
✨ Find out what state parks and beaches allow dogs and what the rules are by visiting: thatsmypark.org/visit/dogs/
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The dog days are never over. 🐕 Bring your four-legged friend on your next trip to a state beach for everything from an easy stroll along the sands to running for miles.
✨ Find out what state parks and beaches allow dogs and what the rules are by visiting: thatsmypark.org/visit/dogs/
✨ Find out what state parks and beaches allow dogs and what the rules are by visiting: thatsmypark.org/visit/dogs/