Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement late Monday that parking lots are being closed at state parks in California to enforce social distancing has sparked some confusion.
Not all state parks are affected. In fact, only 36 of California’s 280 state parks will close parking lots. They are located in five of the state’s 58 counties. Although they are closed to vehicles, most remain open to people who walk in.
The other 244 state parks remain open for now, and their parking lots remain open, said Gloria Sandoval, spokeswoman for the California state parks department. That could change if there are too many large crowds.
“The list is dynamic and will be updated regularly,” she said.
“State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and social distancing at all state park units and if the safety measures implemented today are not sufficient to protect public health, additional measures may be taken to fully close parks including trails, bathrooms, and other amenities,” she added in an email.
The list of parks where parking lots were closed on Monday:
San Mateo County:
Año Nuevo SP
Bean Hollow SB
Burleigh Murray SP
Cowell Ranch
Gray Whale Cove SB
Half Moon Bay SB
Montara SB
Pescadero SB
Pigeon Point Light Station SHP
Pomponio SB
San Gregorio SB
Marin County:
Angel Island SP
China Camp SP
Marconi Conference Center SHP
Mount Tamalpais SP
Olompali SHP
Samuel P. Taylor SP
Tomales Bay SP
Sonoma County
Armstrong Redwoods SNR
Austin Creek SRA
Jack London SHP
Petaluma Adobe SHP
Sonoma Coast SP (and associated sub-units)
Sonoma State SHP
Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Trione-Annadel SP
Los Angeles County:
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Leo Carrillo State Park (SP)
Malibu Creek SP
Malibu Lagoon State Beach (SB)
Point Dume SB
Point Mugu SP
RH Meyer SB
Topanga SP
Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP)
San Diego County
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
