Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself.
On September 28, 1542, Juan Rodr*guez Cabrillo landed at San Diego Bay. This event marked the first time that a European expedition had set foot on what later became the west coast of the United States.
Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps at which Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II.
Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean, forming a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape.
Comprised of five in a chain of eight southern California islands near Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is home to a wide variety of nationally and internationally significant natural and cultural resources.
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the pristine mountain scenery.
Hottest, Driest, Lowest: Death Valley is a land of extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the Earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO VISIT THIS PARK (925) 838-0249. See Activities page.
Fort Point was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to prevent entrance of a hostile fleet into San Francisco Bay. The fort was designed to mount 126 massive cannon.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. The total park area is 75, 398 acres of land and water. Approximately 28 miles of coastline lie within its boundaries.
For a first-time visitor the desert may appear bleak and drab. Viewed from the road, the desert only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals.
The national trail commemorates the route followed by a Spanish commander, Juan Bautista de Anza, in 1775-76 when he led a contingent of 30 soldiers and their families to found a presidio and mission near the San Francisco Bay.
Volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created an incredibly rugged landscape punctuated by cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves and pit craters.
Beneath Lassen Volcanic's peaceful forests and gem-like lakes lies evidence of a turbulent and fiery past. 600, 000 years ago, the collision and warping of continental plates led to violent eruptions and the formation of lofty Mt.
Rose-colored sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and mile-high mountains are all part of the scene at Mojave National Preserve.
Point Reyes National Seashore contains unique elements of biological and historical interest in a spectacularly scenic panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, open grasslands, bushy hillsides and forested ridges.
The Presidio preserves an astonishingly complex cultural and natural heritage within its 1480 acres. For details, select the "In Depth" link to the right.
"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world, " declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods.
Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano.
Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the world's tallest trees: old-growth coast redwoods. They can live to be 2000 years old and grow to over 300 feet tall.
The World War II Home Front is a significant chapter in America?s history. Fully engaged in winning World War II, American women, minorities, and men worked toward a common goal in a manner that has been unequaled since.
Located at the west end of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, this park includes the fleet of national historic landmark vessels at Hyde Street Pier, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a maritime library.
LAND OF GIANTS These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. Thanks to their huge elevational range, 1, 500' to 14, 491', these parks protect stunningly diverse habitats.
Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit (authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October 21, 1972), is the only unit administered by the National Park Service.
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890.
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is the headquarters for the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex and is one of six refuges located in the Sacramento Valley of north-central California.
The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge lies along the north shore of San Pablo Bay in Sonoma, Solano, and Napa Counties in northern California. The refuge includes open bay/tidal marsh, mud flats, and seasonal and managed wetland habitats.
Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is located in southern coastal California and is 30 miles south of Los Angeles.
Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is an urban refuge located on San Diego Bay in southern California.
The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in south San Francisco Bay, California. One of the largest urban refuges in the United States, it is an island of wildlife habitat in a burgeoning metropolitan area of 7 million people.
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 250 species of birds and a variety of other wildlife.
Sonny Bono Salton Sea Refuge management programs maintain and improve habitat for wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Waterfowl programs are designed to limit waterfowl depredations to adjacent croplands.
Tijuana Slough Refuge is located in the most southwestern corner of the contiguous United States. It is one of southern California's largest remaining salt marshes without a road or railroad trestle running through it.
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located in the fertile and intensively farmed Tule Lake Basin of northeast California.
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Refuge is located along the central coast of California, in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
The Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Sacramento, California, lies within the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, the destination of thousands of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other water birds.
The Squaw Leap Area is located at the upper portion of Millerton Lake and is accessed through the town of Auberry, CA. The area is managed by BLM with trail heads for the San Joaquin trail.
Recreation at Lake Natoma is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The Lake was created by Nimbus Dam across the American River.
This is a popular area for camping, fishing, desert exploring and river running. The area also has a group camping area (50 person), a group boat-in area (50 person), and three individual boat-in camp areas.
Nimbus Dam, on the American River 7 miles below Folsom Dam formed Lake Natoma to reregulate the releases for power made through Folsom Powerplant.
Shasta Dam and reservoir are features of the Central Valley Project - Shasta/Trinity Divisions. Recreation at the reservoir is managed by the U.S. Forest Service under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office.
Operated by the California Department of Fish and Game, under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, Redding, California, the Trinity River Fish Hatchery is situated immediately below Lewiston Lake on the Trinity River.
New Melones Dam and Reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - New Melones Unit operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Located 60 miles upstream on the Stanislaus River from the confluence of the San Joaquin River.
The Salton Sea is the largest inland surface water body in California, and is a very productive sport fishery. The sea is also a major stop on the Pacific Flyway and supports one of the most diverse bird populations in the United States.
Recreation area lakes include O'Neill Forebay, San Luis Reservoir, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir.
Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office. The reservoir was created by Folsom Dam across the American River.
The Los Banos Dam and Reservoir are on Los Banos Creek above the San Luis Canal, near Los Banos, California. The dam and reservoir are features on the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit.
Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River, forms Millerton Lake. The dam and lake are features of the Central Valley Project - Friant Division.
The Caliente Range forms the western border of the Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Caliente Mountain is the highest point in San Luis Obispo County.
The BLM, Bishop Field Office manages the Bishop Resource Areacomprising approximately 750, 000 acres of Public Lands in Inyo andMono counties, ranging from desert to mountains.
The Preserve is home to California's largest remaining valley oak riparian forest, and is one of the few protected wetland habitat areas in the state. The Cosumnes River is the only free-flowing river left in California's Central Valley.
Following the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville to Mason Station. For the first dozen miles, the trail follows the Susan River.
The 36, 000-acre Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is a place where geographic isolation, geology, climate, and hydrology have created a rare and irreplaceable ecosystem.
The preserve is an oasis and transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. For centuries it was used by nomadic Indians, who found water and game plentiful here.
The Barstow field region provides for a wide variety of recreational activities.
Once in Madera County, the visitor has a choice of two trails to travel.
This 7, 200-acre portion of the former Army base at Fort Ord is now public land managed by BLM. The elaborate system of trails left behind by the military is well-suited to hiking, biking and equestrian use.
The 50, 000-acre Cache Creek management area is cooperatively managed by BLM and the California Department of Fish and Game to enhance wildlife habitat, protect cultural resources, and provide primitive recreational opportunities.
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool. It is located in a highly developed industrial, agricultural, and residential area of Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley.
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
Englebright Lake is nestled in the steep Yuba River canyon, of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Less than one hour west of Reno near world-famous Lake Tahoe, Martis Creek Lake features catch-and-release trout fishing and a scenic campground with hiking and biking opportunities..
About an hour east of Manteca, in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities.
Pine Flat Lake is located in the oak-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, approximately 35 miles east of Fresno, California. The construction of the 429 foot tall Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River was completed in 1954.
One hour SE of Fresno in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada. High mountains provide an exciting background for fishing and boating at this popular park, located on the main southern route into Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
Just one hour north of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Rolling oak-covered hills provide a scenic and restful setting for fishing, boating, and hiking.
At the southern end of the Central Valley, this scenic setting with the Sierra Nevada in the background provides great fishing and boating pleasure for the visitor.
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks. The site has no permanent pool, but the sports facilities, including golf and tennis, draw many to this urban project in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
Situated at the northern end of the Central Valley, 1 1/2 hours north of Sacramento via Interstate 5. This quiet park, surrounded by beautiful, dark volcanic buttes, is well known for outstanding fishing and sailing.
Hensley Lake is located along one of the access routes to Yosemite National Park. Hensley Lake was created by Hidden Dam along the Fresno River and was opened to the public in 1978.
The Bay Model Visitor Center is three-dimensional hydraulic model of San Francisco Bay and Delta that was once used for research by simulating tides, currents and river inflows. The Model is over 1.
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a lush feeding ground for many marine mammals and seabirds. Algae and invertebrates proliferate.
Elkhorn Slough is one of the relatively few undisturbed coastal wetlands remaining in California. The main channel of the slough, which winds inland nearly seven miles, is flanked by a broad salt marsh second in size only to San Francisco Bay.
The waters that swirl around the five islands within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary combine warm and cool currents to create an exceptional breeding ground for many species of plants and animals.
The Tijuana River Reserve, located in the County of San Diego is adjacent to the U.S. - Mexico border in a highly urbanized environment.
Just north and west of San Francisco Bay a large expanse of Pacific Ocean along with nearshore tidal flats, rocky intertidal areas, wetlands, subtidal reefs, and coastal beaches were designated in 1981 as Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
The waters of Monterey Bay and the adjacent Pacific Ocean off the central California coast were designated and protected in 1992 as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.