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Visiting parks in California is the best way to discover and appreciate its diverse environment. In addition, it is also home to some of North America’s best natural wonders. Think salt flats, towering redwood trees, sprawling deserts, and islands teeming with flora and fauna. The government protects these parks to preserve their historical, environmental, or scenic importance. Some also serve as a refuge for critically endangered or rare plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy different activities like hiking, biking, camping, going on a road trip, and more. With all that beauty and fun adventures, these parks are a gem and shouldn’t be missed when visiting the Golden State.
Best National Parks in California
(Take note that all entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice. Additionally, always check the official park website for any updates on entrance fees and park closures.)
1. Yosemite National Park
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Photo by Free-Photos on Pixabay[/caption]
When it comes to the best parks in America, Yosemite National Park needs no introduction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts postcard-worthy landscapes and breathtaking natural sites. The park is famous for its rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, its sequoia forests, enchanting lakes and waterfalls, and more.
A year-round destination, visitors can enjoy plenty of activities no matter the season. In spring, marvel at the lush greenery and take advantage of the weather for hiking. Summer is the most popular time to visit northern California parks like Yosemite but is also the most crowded so expect thick crowds on campsites and trails. Autumn is another great time to visit the park as summer crowds have gone and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like rock climbing, camping, hiking, and seeing sites like Yosemite Falls and the Half Dome. Winter is the slowest season in the park and most trails are closed, but you can still witness the Yosemite Firefall and enjoy ice skating at Yosemite Valley.
Entrance fees: 20 to 35 USD (depending on vehicle type)
2. Redwood National and State Parks
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Photo by back_road_ramblers on Pixabay[/caption]
Along with its beaches, redwood trees are one of California’s trademark natural sites. These redwoods are among the largest trees in the world, towering up to 350 feet tall. To see these forests, visit Redwood National Park and its state parks. They are arguably the best place to see the redwoods, offering trails for all difficulty levels, including a wheelchair-friendly trail. Visitors can also enjoy the trees via scenic driving routes. The park preserves threatened species like the northern spotted owl, Chinook salmon, and Steller's sea lion, and some Native American groups still live here. Because of its ecosystem and cultural significance, it is a World Heritage Site. For travelers considering other destinations, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help plan a trip. This park is also a highlight among the top 10 National and State parks to see.
Entrance fees: Free for Redwood National Park, while some state parks require a day-use entrance fee.
3. Death Valley National Park
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Photo by Free-Photos on Pixabay[/caption]
Death Valley National Park is one of the parks in California shared between two states. Located along the California-Nevada border, Death Valley is one of the parks near Las Vegas and makes up for an ideal road trip from the city. But don’t let its name intimidate you into visiting—it is actually one of the most fascinating places in the country! It features colorful hillsides, dunes, salt flats, and badlands that seem as if you’re on a different planet.
With over 3 million acres of land, there’s so much you can do at Death Valley National Park. Start at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to get a brief overview of the park and its history. From late February to mid-July, see the wildflowers in bloom along the road and areas with lower elevations. Visit Badwater Basin, a large salt flat, and Zabriskie Point, a unique landscape composed of sediments. On a cloudless night, be in awe of the dazzling night sky and get the chance to see the Milky Way Galaxy at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Don’t forget your binoculars, telescopes, and cameras to capture the unforgettable scenery!
Entrance fees: 15 to 30 USD (depending on vehicle type)
4. Joshua Tree National Park
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Photo by nightowl on Pixabay[/caption]
Aptly named after the trees scattered around its landscape, Joshua Tree National Park paints the perfect Californian desert scenery. It is a favorite among boulders and rock climbers due to the number of rock formations spread around its area. In addition, the Southern California park sits between two desert ecosystems, namely the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.
Like Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree is also one of the parks in California perfect for observing the night sky. In fact, it is a designated International Dark Sky Park due to the number of stars and other celestial bodies visible to the unaided human eye. But if stargazing isn’t your cup of tea, there are other activities to enjoy. Go camping, wildlife seeing, birdwatching, and spot different flora and fauna on a nature walk. As one of the best places for rock climbing in the U.S., challenge yourself and try this outdoor sport.
5. Sequoia National Park
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Photo by lehrerhec on Pixabay[/caption]
Giant sequoia trees are the crowning glory of Sequoia National Park, one of the most popular parks in central California. At the park, find massive groves of sequoia trees scattered around its trails. These sequoia trees can also reach up to 279 feet and being under the trees is a humbling experience. Like most California national parks, Sequoia National Park was established to preserve its environment from human intervention.
There are plenty of things to do and ways to appreciate the giant sequoia trees. Familiarize yourself with the park’s history at the Giant Forest Museum before heading to Giant Forest where you can find some of the largest trees in the world. Follow the trail that leads to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world with a height of 275 feet and a diameter of 36 feet. Drive through the Tunnel Log, join guided hikes, and get a chance to see the marble cavern of Crystal Cave.
Entrance fees: 20 to 35 USD (depending on vehicle type)
6. Kings Canyon National Park
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Photo by Joe Wilson on Pixabay[/caption]
Kings Canyon National Park runs along the Sierra Nevada Mountains with Sequoia National Park. Its glacial valleys and granite walls make it a smaller version of Yosemite National Park. It shares admission with Sequoia National Park, so you can visit two parks for one fee.
After seeing the massive sequoia trees at Sequoia, head to Kings Canyon for outdoor activities. Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and marvel at the peaks. In winter, go cross-country skiing at General Grant Grove, which houses the world’s third-largest tree, the General Grant. Reservation is needed for camping and lodging for overnight stays. For those looking for a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy, this park’s high season differs dramatically.
7. Pinnacles National Park
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Photo by Stanislav Sedov on Flickr[/caption]
Pinnacles National Park is one of the newer national parks in California, established in 2013. It features rock formations formed from the erosion of an extinct volcano and cliffs. The park is divided into the East and West Divisions. The East Division has plenty of water and shade, while the West Division has most of the park’s high walls and rock formations. Originally a national monument, it was established as a national park for its diverse wildlife and environment.
Though lesser-known, this park suits those who prefer off-the-beaten-path hiking trails. Get an up-close look at the rock formations and go rock climbing. Wildlife enthusiasts can see soaring falcons, eagles, owls, and the critically endangered California condor. For park views without strenuous hikes, head to the Peaks View lookout and marvel at the mountain views.
8. Lassen Volcanic National Park
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Photo by Quentin Burgess on Unsplash[/caption]
Lassen Volcanic National Park may be one of the least-visited California parks, but it offers a dynamic environment filled with mud springs, geysers, and hydrothermal features like those in Yellowstone. It was established as a national park to preserve the land devastated by the eruption of Lassen Peak for research. Today, hardened lava, lava beds, and hydrothermal areas are scattered around the park, yet it teems with abundant flora and fauna. Activities include admiring wildflowers dotting the meadows, seeing Bumpass Hell’s large hydrothermal area, and the sulfur works. For the best views, head to Lake Helen. For travelers planning a trip, consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with timing, though Lassen’s own seasonal conditions vary widely.
Entrance fees: 10 to 30 USD (depending on vehicle type and season)
9. Channel Islands National Park
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Photo by Priya Karkare on Unsplash[/caption]
Take a break from the desert-like landscapes of some parks in California and head to the seaside cliffs of Channel Islands National Park. It is made up of five islands (Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara) scattered along the Santa Barbara Coast. Home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species, locals often call the park the “Galapagos of America”. It is a secluded park, perfect for travelers who want to get away from crowded hiking trails and campsites.
Despite its location, Channel Islands National Park has plenty of activities. Discover its rich marine life on a snorkeling or diving trip and enjoy the coastal breeze while kayaking. On land, hike along the cliffside, spot wildlife, or camp under the stars. The park has no equipment rentals or stores, so plan everything before visiting. For context, this park is one of the official nine national parks in California, unlike other units on broader lists such as the "top 10 National and State parks to see."
Entrance fees: There are no entrance fees required to enter Channel Islands National Park.
10. Mojave National Preserve
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Photo by Ian M Jones on Unsplash[/caption]
Covering more than 1.5 million acres of land, Mojave National Preserve is comparable in size to some national parks in California. Located in Southern California, it is often overlooked by tourists who opt for Joshua Tree National Park instead. The preserve offers volcanic formations, dunes, limestone caves, and Joshua trees. It also contains culturally and historically important features. Start at the visitor’s center for an overview, then explore the “singing” dunes at Kelso Dunes, the volcanic formations at Hole-in-the-Wall, and the largest Joshua tree forest in the world.
Entrance fees: There are no entrance fees required to enter Mojave National Preserve.
11. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
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Photo by Dawn Endico on Flickr[/caption]
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area combines man-made and natural landmarks around the San Francisco Bay Area. Unlike most California national parks, this recreation area is a collection of different locales, with diverse environments from towering redwoods to white-sand beaches.
If you’re in the Bay Area, there are many things to do here. Visit Muir Woods National Monument to see Coast Redwood, Coast Douglas-fir, and Tanbark Oak. Explore the lighthouse, citadel, and historical sites at Alcatraz Island. Pet owners can bring dogs to Muir Beach, Rodeo Beach, and Crissy Field.
Entrance fees: Free for holders of the U.S. National Park Pass and National Parks Senior Pass. Note that reservations are needed for Alcatraz Island, and Muir Woods National Monument charges a $15 entrance fee for adults.
12. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
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Photo by Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area on Flickr[/caption]
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area showcases some of the best Mediterranean ecosystems in the world. It includes several state parks and beaches like El Pescador State Beach and El Matador State Beach, two of the most popular beaches in Malibu. The recreation area is an hour from Los Angeles, making it a perfect day trip for those escaping the city’s busy streets.
From hiking, biking, camping, and swimming, enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities here. Go on a scenic hike overlooking the beach at Point Mugu State Park or Topanga State Park for more challenging trails. Paddle across the blue waters of Leo Carrillo State Park or ride the waves at Malibu Surfrider Beach.
Entrance fees: There are no entrance fees required to enter Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. However, camping requires a charge.
13. Point Reyes National Seashore
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Point Reyes National Seashore is a perfect seaside destination for a break from California’s lively boardwalks. This protected area features vast grasslands, seaside bluffs, and gorgeous beaches, among the cleanest in the state. The flora and fauna are remarkable, home to tule elk, raptors, shorebirds, and elephant seals.
Take a day trip from San Francisco to soak up the seaside views. Join ranger-led programs to learn about the area’s history and significance. Spot wildlife at viewing areas, go on scenic drives along the coast, and take leisurely hikes. Swimming is dangerous on most beaches due to rip currents and undertow. For the best views, head to Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock.
Entrance fees: No entrance fees are required. Camping in the park requires a charge.
14. John Muir National Historic Site
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Photo by Ken Lund on Flickr[/caption]
John Muir was a Scottish-American environmentalist and writer who advocated for the preservation of wilderness sites in the country. Without him, parks in California like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and others wouldn’t have existed. Because of his influence in establishing the National Park Service, his mansion became a national historic site in 1964.
Learn about John Muir’s life as you explore the 14-room Italianate-Victorian mansion. Watch the biographical film for an overview of his contributions to wilderness conservation. Outside, explore Mount Wanda, named after his daughter, and walk the nature trails. At the mountain summit, enjoy a relaxing picnic overlooking forests and meadows. For travelers planning a trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy is unrelated, but this site offers a quiet alternative to crowded parks.
Entrance fees: There are no entrance fees required to enter John Muir National Historic Site.
15. Devils Postpile National Monument
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Photo by Silver Tusk on Flickr[/caption]
Devils Postpile National Monument is a smaller California monument, but worth visiting for its unique basalt rock formation, similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. These formations originated from a volcanic eruption, with lava streaming down the slope.
Explore the monument via surrounding hiking trails. The park is open from mid-June to mid-October due to heavy winter snowfall.
Entrance fees: 15 USD for adults, 7 USD for children 3 to 15 years old, free for children 2 years old and under
Discover the Most Beautiful National Parks in California
They also give you a glimpse into its history and highlight its best natural features. Find various historical and natural sites and get a chance to see some rare and endangered animals on your way. Best of all, some national monuments and parks in California offer free entrance for holders of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
On your next visit to California, visit one of the parks listed above and have an unforgettable adventure!
