Where Land Meets Sea: Celebrate World Ocean Week in California’s Interconnected State Parks and Marine Protected Areas
World Ocean Week (June 1-8, 2025) is a time to celebrate, explore, and protect our blue planet—and there’s no better place to do that than along California’s coast. Many of our coastal state parks are gateways to marine protected areas (MPAs), which safeguard some of the most diverse and vibrant ocean ecosystems in the state. When you visit these coastal parks, you’re not just enjoying scenic trails or sandy beaches—you’re stepping into one of California’s most powerful tools for ocean protection.
Did you know that most MPAs in California begin at the mean high tide line? This means their protections start where the land meets the ocean and extend offshore, covering not just deep waters, but also tidepools, kelp forests, and sandy beach ecosystems. By exploring these areas, visitors can deepen their connection to the coast and ocean through activities like kayaking in estuaries, tidepooling along rocky shores, snorkeling or diving in kelp forests, or enjoying sustainable fishing opportunities.
Ready to Dive In? Explore These State Parks and Their Neighboring MPAs!
Discover the perfect places to explore California’s coast! Below, you’ll find State Parks that sit right next to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—along with direct links to both and exciting activities you can enjoy in these incredible protected spaces.
Know Before You Go!
Different types of MPAs have different rules about activities that are allowed.
Northern California
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Kayaking, crabbing, birdwatching, and fishing for permitted species. The park’s estuarine lagoons provide a unique transition between marine and freshwater habitats, making it an excellent spot for paddlers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Fishing for designated species, tidepooling, scuba diving, and hiking along the rugged Sonoma coast. The rocky intertidal zone is a prime spot for observing marine life, and the waters just offshore are popular among divers.
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Tidepooling, wildlife viewing, and coastal hiking. This MPA protects one of the most accessible tidepool areas in California, offering visitors a chance to observe sea stars, anemones, and crabs up close.
%20(2).jpg)
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Hiking, guided elephant seal tours, and coastal exploration. While fishing is prohibited, the reserve plays a crucial role in protecting marine mammals and nearshore ecosystems.
Central California
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Shore fishing for designated species, hiking, and kayaking along the coastline. The MPA protects important nearshore rocky reef habitats, making it an excellent area for exploring coastal ecology.
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing for permitted species. The calm estuary is ideal for paddlers, while the MPA supports critical nursery habitat for fish and marine invertebrates.
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Often called the “crown jewel of California’s state parks,” this reserve features kelp forests, sea otters, and stunning rocky shorelines.
Southern California
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Snorkeling, tidepooling, scuba diving, and fishing for certain species. The park’s underwater habitats and offshore kelp forests provide one of the most accessible locations for marine exploration in Southern California.
Explore the MPA from the State Park: Kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and tidepooling. The La Jolla Underwater Park is one of California’s best snorkeling and diving locations, with an abundance of marine life in the protected waters.
Explore More
Celebrate World Ocean Week with OPC & California State Parks
For World Ocean Week, OPC is excited to partner with California State Parks to highlight state park locations and help visitors engage with MPAs in fun and responsible ways. Many state parks will be hosting their own World Ocean Week activities, including guided tidepool walks, coastal hikes, and educational talks. Visit the California State Parks website to find a park and the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Program, partially funded by OPC, for online Ocean Week content!