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Henry W. Coe State Park is primarily a wilderness park. Spring is the most popular time of year to visit with fabulous displays of wildflowers. Camping is permitted all year. There are numerous creeks and ponds, ranging from 2 to 22 miles from the Coe Ranch Entrance. Fishing is allowed in the park; Fish and Game regulations are enforced. Be prepared to hike or bike on dirt roads and trails. Vehicle access is restricted beyond park entrances.

On a clear day, from the summit of Mount Diablo State Park visitors can see 35 of California's 58 counties. It is said that the view is surpassed only by that of 19,000-foot Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. With binoculars, Yosemite's Half Dome is even visible from Mt. Diablo. The park features exce hiking and rock climbing opportunities. The mountain was formed when a mass of underlying rock was gradually forced up through the earth's surface so, unlike other mountains, older and older rocks are encountered as you climb the mountain. The mountain was regarded as sacred to Native Americans.

In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.