SLO County park named best for birdwatching in 2026. Here’s which one
A state park in San Luis Obispo County has the best birdwatching in California, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
The nonprofit organization recently named the winners of the 2026 Best of California’s State Parks poll.
The California State Parks Foundation is “dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all,” the foundation said in a news release.
The California State Parks system has 280 park sites with 15,000 campsites and 5,200 miles of trails, according to the Reserve California website.
Find out which SLO County state park is best for birders:
What is the best state park for birdwatching in California?
The California State Parks Foundation named Morro Bay State Park the best park for birdwatching in 2026.
Known for its “rich history and diverse natural resources,” the park features a campground and trails with “panoramic views” of the Morro Bay area, Monterey pine trees and volcanic peaks including the iconic Morro Rock.
Activities include fishing, hiking and kayaking.
Saltwater and brackish marshes in the park “support thriving bird populations,” California State Parks said.
“Morro Bay State Park is a standout destination for birdwatching, where a rich estuary ecosystem attracts an incredible diversity of shorebirds, seabirds and migratory species year-round,” the California State Parks Foundation said.
“With its mix of wetlands, coastline and iconic views, it offers an unmatched, accessible experience for birders of all levels,” the foundation added.
Because the state park is a “sheltered environment, there’s a whole lagoon area for birds,” Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, told the Tribune in an interview.
“It’s a great nesting place for them, and a stopover as they migrate,” Norton added. ““That’s why I think people love to bird watch there.”
DeDe L. was among the voters who participated in the California State Parks Foundation poll.
“You have the sea, you have the forest, you have the wetlands,” the poll participant said. “You are blessed with an abundance of birds of many kinds and lots of wonderful spots to watch them.”
In 2025, the California State Parks Foundation recognized Morro Bay State Park as California’s best state park for camping.
What are other top spots for birders in California?
Humboldt Lagoons State Park and Año Nuevo State Park received honorable mentions as top destinations for birdwatching, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
Part of the largest lagoon system in the United States, Humboldt Lagoons State Park is on the “sandy, windswept edge of ocean and forest” in Humboldt County, California State Parks said.
Miles of beaches offer plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
In San Mateo County, Año Nuevo State Park has a “high diversity of plants and animals,” California State Parks said.
The park’s biggest attraction is watching elephant seals on its dunes and beaches, the state agency said. Up to 10,000 seals call the state park home during the breeding and birthing season.
How did California State Parks Foundation determine ranking?
The California State Parks Foundation has honored the top state parks for two years in a row.
In 2026, the foundation recognized state parks in 24 counties across the Golden State, encompassing urban, desert, coastal, woodland and historical parks.
To determine the honorees, the California State Parks Foundation surveyed more than 2,000 members, supporters and the public, and asked them to vote for their favorite parks for 12 categories.
Voters picked the best state parks for camping, hiking, day trips and dog-friendly adventures, among other categories.
“Many of the survey participants also sent in photos and shared their personal stories and memories about why these parks are special,” the foundation said in its release.
