East County's crown jewel of outdoor recreation is in the running for top honors statewide. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has been nominated in the California State Parks Foundation's second annual "Best of California's State Parks" poll, with voting open as of Wednesday.

The park — which spans parts of San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties — is on the ballot in three categories: best camping, best hiking, and best wildflowers. For many East County residents, the desert park is practically a backyard destination, just an hour's drive from Santee on Highway 78 through Julian.

Anza-Borrego earned multiple honors in last year's inaugural poll, being named the best park in the state for wildflower viewing. Each spring — when the desert receives adequate rainfall — the landscape transforms with desert lilies, dune primroses, and blooming ocotillo.

Also nominated from San Diego County is Carlsbad State Beach, recognized for best beach.

"The poll is a fun opportunity for Californians to share what they love about their state parks," said Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation. "There are so many different types of parks to explore in California."

The voting period runs through April 11. Residents can cast their votes at calparks.org/votebestof26.