In the Los Banos area, the community is fortunate enough to be surrounded by many state parks with trails to hike, lakes to sail, and fish to catch.

Just up 152, Los Banos residents have access to three state parks: Henry W. Coe State Park, Pacheco State Park, and the Upper Cotton Woodcreek area. In addition, turning onto 101, two more county parks: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, and Anderson Lake County Park are available to the public. Heading southbound, there are even more wildlife areas.

So what are some good places to visit nearby? The two of the closest parks to Los Banos are Pacheco State Park and Henry W. Coe State Park when traveling west. Even closer than Henry W. Coe and north bound on Mercy Springs lie the San Luis National Wildlife refuge and just above that the Great Valley Grasslands State Park.

But what is there to do in these parks? At all state parks, day trips allow one to hike the scenic trails, see the wild life, and get some fresh air. Pacheco State Park offers bird sightseeing, wild flowers, wildlife, and fishing. Henry Coe offers the same activities, however with more land as well as the addition to horseback riding trails.

If those options seem to dry, the San Luis Creek State park is open for boating, swimming, and enjoying the water. Beach lovers, not satisfied with the local San Luis Creek State Park may be more interested in further parks such as Point Lobos near Monterey. Here avid nature lovers can hike the trails, watch the ocean and sea life, and view historic displays about the past whaling and sailing.

Overall there are many great parks to visit all over California and nearby this summer. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and hat.