National parks passes are available for $80, which allows entry to all national parks and recreation areas. It's well worth it if you live near a park, are planning to visit multiple parks on one trip, or spend a lot of time visiting parks over the course of a year.
Redwood: Terrific trees may be seen here. Lots of hiking, camping, and ocean-viewing opportunities. Possibly the best areas of the state for seeing Marbled Murrelet and Spotted Owl.
http://www.nps.gov/redw/Lava Beds: This park is near the epic birding hotspots of Siskiyou county. The park is generally not crowded. A spotting scope is helpful. Winters can be crushingly cold here.
http://www.nps.gov/labe/Whiskeytown: Good opportunities to view oak woodland and chaparral species, as well as occasional ducks, grebes, and loons. Camping available.
http://www.nps.gov/whis/Lassen Volcanic: This park is an excellent site to see many montane species. There are several campgrounds, and the park is generally not crowded. Access to the park is severely limited in the winter.
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/Point Reyes: Some of the best birding in California in any season. Many habitats, including oak woodlands, coniferous forests, dunes, marshes, pastures, and more. Hike-in campsites available. Major migrant traps. 490 species recorded!
http://www.nps.gov/pore/Muir Woods: Possibly the best place near the Bay Area for seeing giant redwood trees. This park can often be crowded, so birding opportunities may be limited.
http://www.nps.gov/muwo/Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Good area for seeing many coastal species. Hawk Hill is a good area to see migrating raptors during fall migration.
http://www.nps.gov/goga/Alcatraz: Alcatraz is infamous as a former federal prison. The ride out to the island offers a terrific view of the bay, as well as decent opportunities to see gulls, cormorants, and a few other bird species. Day trips only.
http://www.nps.gov/alca/Pinnacles: Oak-covered hillsides and dramatic rock formations. California Condors may occasionally be seen here.
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/Yosemite: Arguably the jewel of the national park system. Many rare species may be sought out here, including Great Grey Owl and Pine Grosbeak. The park may be very crowded during the summer, and campsites must be reserved in advance. If you're in the mood for a hike, the backcountry is virtually empty. Also, there are many less-crowded camping opportunities near all of the park exits.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Mountainous with less traffic than Yosemite. These parks are good areas for Sierra species. Abundant camping and hiking opportunities.
http://www.nps.gov/seki/Death Valley: A few developed areas are notoriously good spots for seeing eastern vagrants and western migrants during migration. Most of the park is a birdless wasteland. Camping can be limited, but there are hotels in the park.
http://www.nps.gov/deva/Joshua Tree: A bizarre and unique landscape with good opportunities to see several desert species. Oases can be very productive, especially during migration.
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/Mojave: This is a desert park. Migration is generally the best time to visit, and birding outside the oases is not likely to be very productive during most of the year.
http://www.nps.gov/moja/Channel Islands: A trip to the Channel Islands will give you a great opportunity to see nearshore pelagic species and the endemic Island Scrub Jay. Camping is allowed, but you have to bring your own food and water. Tell the boat captain that you're interested in seeing birds, and he'll help you out.
http://www.nps.gov/chis/
