{"id":381169,"date":"2026-06-30T20:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/381169\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T20:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:58:09","slug":"tips-to-safely-celebrate-americas-250th-anniversary-in-californias-state-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/381169\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips to safely celebrate America\u2019s 250th Anniversary in California\u2019s State Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Photo collage: CA State Parks<\/p>\n

By CA State Parks<\/p>\n

SACRAMENTO \u2014\u00a0Celebrating America\u2019s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to have fun in the sun at one of California\u2019s 280 (and growing<\/a>) state parks. Whether you\u2019re interested in swimming, hiking, boating, recreating in an off-highway vehicle, or\u00a0watching fireworks over San Francisco Bay<\/a>, the nation\u2019s largest and most diverse state park system has something for everyone. Following simple safety precautions, such as wearing a properly-fitted life jacket in the water, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding alcohol, can help you and your party have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend outdoors.<\/p>\n

Here are some helpful tips to have a safe visit to California\u2019s state parks during the holiday weekend:<\/p>\n

Plan ahead and pack appropriately<\/p>\n

Schedule activities based on temperatures throughout the day.
\nDress in appropriate clothing for your planned activities.
\nShield yourself from the sun by bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
\nBring plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating beverages such as alcohol and caffeine.<\/p>\n

Water safety<\/p>\n

Wear a properly-fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved\u00a0life jacket<\/a>\u00a0around the water. Water-related incidents can happen suddenly, and wearing a life jacket is the best way to increase chances of survival.\u00a0View locations<\/a>\u00a0where public agencies and private organizations loan life jackets to the public.
\nIf you encounter an ocean rip current, stay calm and do not fight it. Swim or float parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the shore.
\nSeek help from a lifeguard or call 911 during emergencies.
\nNever dive headfirst into the water or use rope swings.<\/p>\n

Avoid alcohol and drugs<\/p>\n

Operating any vehicle, including a boat or an off-highway vehicle, while impaired is against the law. Impaired drivers and boaters can be arrested and their car or boat can be towed.
\nSome parks have alcohol bans. Check each\u00a0specific park website<\/a>\u00a0to determine if there are local ordinances concerning alcohol.<\/p>\n

Practice fire safety<\/p>\n

Fireworks are prohibited in California\u2019s state parks.
\nNever leave campfires unattended. Fully extinguish fires before leaving and keep water and a shovel nearby.
\nDo not build fires larger than necessary.<\/p>\n

Leave no trace<\/p>\n

Leave the park better than you found it by packing out all trash and putting food waste, napkins, single-use food wrappers, and other waste in trash bags until it can be properly disposed of. For human waste, the use of waste alleviation gel bags or other portable toilet options is recommended.
\nLeaving items on a beach or park, even if they are \u201cnear\u201d a trash can, may be considered illegal dumping.
\nDo not disturb wildlife or plants.<\/p>\n

You can find additional safety tips and information on backpacking, biking, camping, horseback trails and laws at\u00a0https:\/\/www.parks.ca.gov\/SafetyTips<\/a>. To find a state park near you, visit\u00a0parks.ca.gov\/Find-a-Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reminder \u2013 Free Historian Passport:\u00a0California\u2019s state parks offer a variety of experiences, including\u00a0more than 30 state historic parks<\/a>\u00a0that immerse visitors in California\u2019s complex history. In honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the special edition of State Parks\u2019 Historian Passport is free to download through the Fourth of July weekend. Learn how you can download the pass for free\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can ensure you have an enjoyable Fourth of July Weekend in State Parks by following a handful of basic safety tips. Photos from California State Parks.<\/p>\n

The California Department of Parks and Recreation,\u00a0popularly known as State Parks,\u00a0and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state\u2019s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at\u00a0parks.ca.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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