Kids are out of faculty, the climate is balmy in a lot of the state and the times are lengthy — it’s time for summer time journey.

Today, I’ve a new round of recommendations for one of the best state parks to go to this summer time, whether or not you’re planning a day journey, a weekend getaway or one thing longer. California’s state park system contains 280 parks: If the choices really feel overwhelming, it’s in the easiest way. These 5 parks specifically delight at each flip.

And bear in mind: The subsequent few weeks in California are prone to be unusually sizzling. So ensure to examine the climate forecast earlier than you head out, carry loads of water and keep protected.

Enjoy.

Cool down alongside the Sonoma Coast

About two and a half hours north of San Francisco, Salt Point State Park can supply a foggy reprieve when California’s inland areas are baking. Visitors can discover miles of mountain climbing trails by means of grasslands and redwood forests, in addition to alongside the rugged shoreline, the place there’s virtually at all times a cool ocean breeze.

Dive into gold rush historical past

The largest surviving crystalline gold nugget from California’s gold rush, as soon as a marvel on show on the 1878 Paris Exposition, weighs a whopping 13.8 kilos. You can see it on the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa, about 70 miles east of Modesto. There, you’ll see not solely the Fricot Nugget, as the large specimen is named, but additionally mining artifacts and uncommon gems and minerals from throughout the state, together with an instance of benitoite, an especially uncommon gemstone found in San Benito County. (Benitoite is the official gemstone of California and seems to glow at nighttime.)

Camp excessive above San Diego

Home to the second highest level in San Diego County, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park affords expansive views of the area’s various terrain, together with deserts, mountains and the Pacific shoreline. The park’s forests and meadows, that are reduce by streams that produce cascades and shallow swimming pools, present blissful respite from the everyday dry Southern California panorama.

Unwind in Napa Valley

Going wine-tasting? Consider swinging by Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, the place you may unwind amongst coastal redwoods just some miles from downtown Calistoga. You can escape the Napa Valley summer time warmth by swimming within the park’s out of doors pool; carry your individual wine and cheese and picnic below towering timber; and even camp for a couple of days, utilizing the park as a house base in your adventures.

Explore dunes in Monterey Bay

A brief drive from Monterey, Fort Ord Dunes State Park affords a serene spot to jog, bike, hike or stroll alongside the seaside. A cellphone tour teaches guests in regards to the historical past of Fort Ord, a former U.S. Army put up that was set aside as a nature reserve to guard the endangered Smith’s blue butterfly.

Where we’re touring

Today’s tip comes from Marty McVeigh, who lives in Brentwood. Marty recommends the East Brother Light Station, in San Francisco Bay:

“I have a new favorite place to visit. This past weekend my wife and I stayed at the East Brother Light Station, a small island in the northern San Francisco Bay. Since the late 1800s, it’s been the site of a lighthouse, and became a B&B in 1980. The place has history and nature in every corner and view. There were eight visitors, including the two of us, and everyone was of an adventurous spirit, making for engaging conversation during our meals. The innkeepers, Dre and Charity Elmore, provided excellent cuisine and proved to be wonderful hosts. This was our first visit, but it’s now a favorite and we’ll be back!”

Tell us about your favourite locations to go to in California. Email your strategies to CAtoday@nytimes.com. We’ll be sharing extra in upcoming editions of the publication.

Tell us

What are one of the best books about California or the a part of the state the place you reside? What fiction or nonfiction would you placed on a Golden State studying checklist, and why?

Email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com together with your strategies. Please embody your title and town the place you reside.

And earlier than you go, some good news

When The New York Times lately revealed a photograph essay celebrating public libraries, the reader responses poured in.

For so many individuals, libraries supply solace, neighborhood, discovery and pleasure. Here’s a few of what California readers shared:

“I serve on the library board for my city, and find that our library staff understands the community more deeply than any policymakers. No one recognized we have a burgeoning community of Ethiopian immigrants until one of our library branches started stocking books in Amharic!” — Abby Arnold, Santa Monica

“When I was 9 or 10, I was playing down at the creek (small-town upbringing in the 1950s) and I found what was to me a huge turtle. I took the poor thing and ran all the way to the library and asked the librarian for a book about turtles. Did she tell me to get that disgusting creature out of the library? No, she did not. She found me a book about turtles, and I went home very happy and excited about my new pet. I’m pretty sure my mother made me put him back in the creek. My first library research experience!” — Patrice Marcks, Riverside