10 Amazing State Parks Around San Francisco That Will Blow You Away

There is just so much beauty in and around the San Francisco Bay Area — Mother Nature has seriously spoiled us rotten on this side of the world. And while we have our fair share of nationally and internationally recognized landmarks right at our fingertips, some of the more modest state parks are serious gems in their own right. Here are 10 of the best state parks to visit around San Francisco.

1. If you’re looking for the best parks in California, Angel Island grants incredible and serene views of the city and the Bay.

2. Mount Tamalpais is for the hiker and scenery junkie in all of us. What you see here are springtime views of the green rolling hills.

3. Big Basin Redwoods, California's oldest state park, feels like a magical forest with its towering trees, colorful flora and fungi, and spectacular waterfalls. I

4. Castle Rock State Park is definitely one of the best parks in california. Siting up high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers spectacular sweeping views, forest fun, and a great place to rock climb.

5. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is an urban oasis fit with bike paths, picnic areas, and incredible views of the Bay from the southern edge of the city.

6. Mount Diablo offers excellent hiking trails and great views from the East Bay. Some people feel it is one of the best state parks in California.

7. Ano Nuevo State Park is the best place to spot the adorable northern elephant seals.

8. Portola Redwoods State Park is a quiet spot full of sky-touching trees, tucked away in the small town of La Honda. This beautiful gusher is called Tiptoe Waterfall.

9. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park was home to the Treasure Island author's honeymoon. While here, hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena for views of the Bay Area and maybe even the far-off Mt. Shasta.

10. Tomales Bay State Park gives you both forest and beach. After a day of hiking--one of the best things to do outside in California--and sunbathing, be sure to grab some oysters.

From mountains to redwoods to seals (!), this is one stellar list, am I right?! What other state parks around San Francisco should be included here? We want to know!