10 Best National Parks in California
Escape to California's Most Beautiful Natural Landscapes
The wild western state of California is a dream destination for adventurers and nature lovers. With rugged desert biomes, scraggly mountain peaks, serene ocean shores, and some of the most unforgettable forests in the world, there is not much you can’t do in California. It’s no surprise, then, that the Golden State is home to more national parks than any other state.
Within the boundaries of California’s best national parks – some household names, others hidden gems – you’ll find awe-inspiring campsites, memorable recreational activities, wondrous wildlife, and an urge to keep exploring. Which of California’s national parks should you visit?
1. Yosemite National Park
A gem in the Sierra Nevada mountains
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Yosemite National Park, California’s most visited national park, is lauded for its countless waterfall views. The best time to see the falls (like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Chilnualna Falls, to name a few) is in the spring when snow melt is high. By August many of the falls have dried out.
Perhaps you want to give the iconic 16-mile roundtrip Half Dome hike a go. You’ll want to do so in May through October when the park rangers put up cables for a portion of the climb. (Note: permits are required.) Beyond the seasonality of the waterfalls and Half Dome, the giant sequoias and wide-open meadows are a sight to behold in any season in Yosemite National Park.
Location: 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Phone: +1 209-372-0200
Yosemite National Park
2. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
See trees over 30 feet in diameter
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, prepare to be awed by the world’s largest trees. There is nothing like walking through a landscape lined with ancient giant sequoias, especially the Giant Forest where you can see the famous General Sherman tree. Grant Grove is another spot to see many mature sequoias and is popular with photographers.
Whether you’re hiking or looking for an accessible drive, there are plenty of viewpoints to stop at and admire the landscape. Moro Rock is one worth seeing. You can access the large granite dome via a long stone stairway or by shuttle from the Great Forest Museum. Atop Moro Rock, you can see above the forest canopy and glimpse the Great Western Divide.
Location: 83918 CA-180, Grant Grove Village, CA 93633, USA
Phone: +1 559-565-3341
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
3. Death Valley National Park
This national park spans California and Nevada
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Death Valley National Park reigns supreme on multiple levels as the hottest, driest, and lowest (below sea level) national park, as well as being the largest in California. At more than 5,000 square miles, there is plenty to explore. Since the park is so vast and the climate can be intense, driving is a great way to see Death Valley National Park, including the backcountry. The self-guided Star Wars driving tour is a must if you want to see some famous filming locations.
Spring wildflower super blooms are another big draw to the Death Valley basin – but the rain must fall at the right time for flowers to bloom, so be sure to check the park conditions before making the trip.
Location: Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328, USA
Phone: +1 760-786-3200
Death Valley National Park
4. Redwood National Park
Almost 200 miles of trails to explore
Good for: Photo, Adventure
If you drive north from San Francisco along the California coast, you’ll run into the beautifully verdant Redwood National Park. The famed redwood trees of the park’s namesake are among the tallest trees in the world. Hiking and camping amidst the trees are the most popular activities here.
Biking along the southern end of Redwood National Park is another great activity in this locale. As a cyclist, many of the paths will take you on old, rehabilitated logging roads. A small portion of the coastal bluff trail is also open to biking. And, if you take a break from all that exertion, you’ll be able to listen to the sea lions call from a distance.
Location: Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA 95554, USA
Phone: +1 707-946-2263
Redwood National Park
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Camp in the Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Good for: Photo, Adventure
You’ll gain a greater appreciation for desert landscapes when you visit Joshua Tree National Park. A combination of 2 deserts (the Mojave and Colorado), the 800,000 acres is home to a diverse range of plants and animals and is even within the Pacific flyway for migratory birds.
So, what to see at Joshua Tree National Park? You can snap a photo of the bizarre-looking branches of a Joshua tree or take a Desert Institute field course to learn how to capture the beauty of the desert landscape through the lens. Rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding are other popular activities you may enjoy. October through May, when temperatures aren’t scorching, are the best months to visit.
Location: 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA
Phone: +1 760-367-5500
Joshua Tree National Park
6. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Escape to this mild Mediterranean climate
Good for: History, Adventure
Did you know you could have a fabulous Malibu vacation filled with both luxury and adventure? Those 2 things are possible thanks to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area and its proximity to the famed beach city.
Within the recreational area are more than 500 miles of trails and access to the beach. You won’t want to miss an opportunity to visit Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, where Paramount Pictures has filmed projects since 1927. A place where nature and art meet, art exhibits and features are known to roll through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area as well.
Location: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
Phone: +1 805-370-2301
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Don’t miss Manzanita Lake at the center of the park
Good for: Adventure, Unusual
While the west coast of California tends to get the most attention, there is 1 gem you shouldn’t miss in the northeastern part of the state: Lassen Volcanic National Park. Shaped from volcanic activity, it is home to all 4 types of volcanoes. While inactive, the volcanic center still smolders, evidenced by steam vents and boiling springs. It’s worth taking the time to learn about the volcanic history of the park while you’re there.
Beyond the volcanic action, Lassen has everything else you’d expect from a national park: hiking trails, campgrounds, ranger-led programs and classes, and boating on the mountain lake. In the winter, snowshoeing is a popular activity to see the sights while the ground is covered in powder.
Location: 21820 Lassen Peak Hwy, Mineral, CA 96063, USA
Phone: +1 530-595-4480
Lassen Volcanic National Park
8. Channel Islands National Park
Picnic on Water Canyon Beach on Santa Rosa Island
Good for: Photo, Adventure
If you venture off the coast of Ventura, you’ll drift into the Channel Islands National Park. On any of these 5 islands (Santa Barbara, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa), you’ll feel as if you’re in another world entirely different from the mainland.
You can access the islands via a park concessionaire boat or private boat. Mainland visitor centers are located in Ventura and Santa Barbara. Santa Cruz Island is the most visited due to its frequent boat schedule, ample hiking trails, and well-maintained campgrounds. Another can’t-miss spot is Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island. From the picture-perfect overlook, you can see the other 4 islands in a near-perfect line.
Location: 1901 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Phone: +1 805-658-5730
Channel Islands National Park
9. Pinnacles National Park
Established as a national monument in 1908 and a national park in 2013
Good for: Adventure, Unusual
East of Monterey is an otherworldly land of volcanoes, caves, and rock spires – Pinnacles National Park. Exploring all of those features is a hiker’s paradise. However, you’ll find this park more enjoyable in fall and winter, as summer can bring extreme temperatures to the area.
If you happen to visit the park during the few weeks the talus caves are open (they’re often closed to safeguard the colony of protected bats), you won’t want to miss your chance to traverse them. Rock climbing and camping are also popular activities at Pinnacles National Park.
Location: 5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, USA
Phone: +1 831-389-4485
Pinnacles National Park
10. Point Reyes National Seashore
Go tidepooling at low tide
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Off of Drakes Bay, north of San Francisco, is the Point Reyes National Seashore, a haven for naturalists. In this protected area, there is an abundance of wildlife for you to see. From the Lighthouse overlook, for example, it’s not uncommon to spot migrating gray whales. Birdwatchers can find owls, osprey, cormorants, and green-backed heron. Be sure to check for seasonal closures of the beach and greater seashore, implemented to protect nesting birds and seal pups.
Hiking and horseback riding are popular ways to explore the 150 miles of trails within Point Reyes National Seashore. Another can’t-miss is a visit to Alamere Falls. The waterfall cascades over a 40-foot cliff onto Wildcat Beach and is a true sight to behold.
Location: 1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, USA
Phone: +1 415-464-5100
Point Reyes National Seashore
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