Pacifica State Beach
Credit: Google Maps
July 1, 2015 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Yesterday California State Parks and Google Maps unveiled panoramic street view imagery collected by Trekker cameras of 90 additional state parks and beaches. This partnership with Google allows people from all over the world to experience California’s state parks and beaches in the comfort of their own home.
“This partnership with Google continues to provide California State Parks with an innovative way to add value to state parks by putting visitors in the middle of destinations to experience them, gain an appreciation of the diversity and beauty of state parks, and help them in planning their trips to view these treasures in person,” said California State Parks Director Lisa Mangat.
The project is part of a partnership between State Parks and Google, which was signed last year with the intent of showcasing state parks virtually and connecting to a 21st century audience.
“Whether you’re a kid learning about the world beyond your neighborhood or a tourist looking for a place to take your next trip, California has everything you need to explore the natural world,” stated Street View Program Manager Deanna Yick. “We hope this imagery inspires people to visit these amazing places in person.”
The Trekker is Google Maps’ newest camera platform in the Street View fleet that takes the street view camera system and fits it all into a wearable backpack to take still photos as the operator walks. The images collected allow viewers to virtually travel along parks, trails, and pedestrian routes via their computers or mobile devices in 360-degree views. Google Trekker operators have been visiting state parks carrying the Trekker device to take hundreds of pictures. Some of the newest images are from parks such as:
- Bluffs Trail, Andrew Molera State Park
- Bolsa Chica State Beach
- Corona Del Mar State Beach
- Gray Whale Cove State Beach
- Guy Fleming Trail, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Pacifica State Beach
- Portola Redwoods State Park
- Razor Point Trail, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Sunset State Beach
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Wilder Ranch State Park
Responsible for almost one-third of California's scenic coastline, the California State Park system includes 279 parks, beaches, trails, wildlife areas, open spaces, off-highway vehicle areas and historic sites. It consists of approximately 1.59 million acres, including over 339 miles of coastline, 974 miles of lake, reservoir and river frontage, approximately 15,000 campsites and alternative camping facilities, and 4,456 miles of non-motorized trails.
Source: California State Parks