There are nine beautiful national parks in California, more than any other U.S. state. I’m a local resident and nature fan of California who has visited every national park in this state. In this guide, I’ll summarize everything you need to know about the national parks of California so you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
California’s national park system showcases the finest natural surroundings and wildlife that the Golden State has to offer — ranging from the tallest trees on earth to the largest concentration of Joshua trees globally.
This article is for you whether you want to undertake the best California hikes or just catch some amazing views at some of the country’s most popular national parks.
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Table of Contents
9 Best National Parks in California
Redwood National Park
View the world`s tallest trees.
📍 Google Maps |🌳 Redwood National Park Website | Best Locations to Lodge Near Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park features magnificent redwood and sequoia trees. This park is located an hour and a half north of Humboldt in Northern California and has one of the most majestic forests in California.
An impressive variety of flora and fauna coexist alongside the towering redwoods. Possible sightings include black bears, banana slugs, ferns, and even gray whales off the coastline beaches of the park.
The most popular Redwood National Park activity is hiking. Other favored experiences include horseback riding in the backcountry wilderness, tenting amidst the forest giants, and bicycling on designated trails amongst the planet`s tallest trees.
There are public restrooms and picnic tables throughout the park to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Even though pets are permitted in the park, they are not allowed on any trails for their safety from bears and mountain lions.
Joshua Tree National Park
Experience rock climbing among the expansive collection of Joshua trees located in one area of the world.
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Joshua Tree National Park draws sightseers from across the United States. While rock scaling is generally the most engaged in experience in Joshua Tree, one needn`t be a dedicated rock climber to appreciate the park`s scenic desert landscape. Numerous Joshua Tree hiking paths are additionally accessible.
Looking for a short hike? Arch Rock Trail is only 1.4 miles roundtrip and leads to the renowned Arch Rock formation. The Panorama Loop Trail is a longer 6.6-mile hike in Joshua Tree National Park that provides spectacular views of the park.
There are plenty of accommodations in Joshua Tree, including 5 campgrounds in the national park that require a reservation ahead of time and cost between $20-25 a night. There are 3 first-come, first-serve campgrounds that are all $15 per night. These involve Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds.
👉 Pro Tip: If choosing to stay at a first-come, first-served campground, arrive at the park early to secure a spot before the sites fill up.
Yosemite National Park
Visit the premier attraction in California.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Yosemite National Park Website | Best Locations to Reside Near Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is perhaps among the most popular of the California national parks and is situated roughly 4.5 hours inland from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan are the main attractions. You may be fortunate enough to witness some professional California rock climbers scaling the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome, so keep an eye out.
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The Festival of San Gennaro is one of the oldest celebrations in the U.S., dating back to 1926. Today, the event lasts several days and honors the tradition of Italian immigrants who came to New York City from Naples.
You will want to explore attractions like the North Dome, Cloud’s Rest, and Nevada Falls on your first visit to the park, as there are dozens of other incredible Yosemite hikes to keep you coming back for more.
Death Valley National Park
Slide down sand dunes in one of the hottest deserts in the world.
📍 Map Location | 🌳 Park Website | Best Nearby Accommodations
Situations of the British embassies can be discovered here, and Canadians can discover their embassy here.
The main attractions in Death Valley National Park are the Badwater Basin Salt Flats, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and the Zabriskie Point View.
There are 12 campgrounds spread across the 5,200 square miles of the park. Most campgrounds have public toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits, although you likely won`t want to light a fire unless visiting during winter.
Death Valley National Park is only 2 hours from Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most visitors to the park make an extended trip to the mountain ranges as well. Death Valley is also an amazing day excursion from Las Vegas since it’s less than 3 hours away from the state of Nevada‘s largest city.
Sequoia National Park
Take photos next to the largest single-stem tree on Earth.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Sequoia National Park Website
Sequoia National Park is one of the most visited California national parks and it tied with Kings Canyon as the 4th best national park in the USA. It often gets confused with Kings Canyon National Park but they are actually two separate national parks.
Sequoia boasts deep ravines, tall mountains, rugged foothills, and the world’s largest trees. There are fun activities to do in any season in the park.
The General Sherman Tree, located within the park’s boundaries, is the tallest in the world. Plan your visit outside of winter to photograph this national landmark, as many of the park’s roads are closed during that season.
Hiking, backpacking, camping, and watching the wildlife are among the most popular activities for visitors to do in Sequoia National Park. Be sure to also check out the visitor center where you can get your questions about sequoia trees answered by local rangers.
🌳 Local Trivia: Sequoia National Park was the first park made solely for the purpose of safeguarding a living organism (the sequoia trees).
Channel Islands National Park
Escape from busy urban life to the relaxing Channel Islands.
📍 Google Maps application | 🌳 Website for Channel Islands National Park
Appreciate the ocean? Then you must visit the five channel islands at Channel Islands National Park in central California. Channel Islands National Park is a West Coast gem with rich indigenous history, picturesque lighthouses, and distinctive island wildlife.
Leave from the harbor in Ventura or Santa Barbara and escape the clutter of metropolitan life with a boat voyage lasting 3-3.5 hours to the islands in Channel Islands National Park. Because the boat trip is so lengthy, most visitors camp overnight to make the most out of their excursion to Channel Islands National Park.
There are no food services or lodging on the islands and all visitors must bring their own tents, provisions, and water if they wish to camp at the island’s primitive campsites. Channel Islands National Park offers a remote yet beautiful national park experience.
Visitors take pleasure in snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching, sketching, or simply relaxing on the Channel Islands` beaches. More experienced outdoor enthusiasts can also surf, scuba dive, or hike among the island`s many trails.
Kings Canyon National Park
Take a scenic drive through redwood trees, waterfalls, and spectacular viewpoints.
📍 Google Maps | 🌳 Kings Canyon National Park Website
Kings Canyon National Park is sited adjacent to Sequoia National Park and houses the largest remaining grove of sequoias in the world, Redwood Canyon.
Many visitors love to embark on a scenic drive throughout the park down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. The sights of rushing rivers, tall peaks, and deep canyons make the park route worthwhile.
Spending time in the open air, people can discover the park`s natural delights in various seasons. Over 800 miles of trails invite hikers to experience the landscape by foot. Horseback riding and cave exploring present additional options for outdoor activities when weather permits.
Pack snowshoes if you schedule your California visit during winter park closures when walking surfaces lie beneath deep layers of snow.
Most campgrounds have showers, laundry services, markets, and restaurants just a short drive away. Most are also available on a first-come, first-serve basis and include a picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage, and a grill.
👉 Pro Tip: There is no cellular service throughout the park but select visitor centers have wifi.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Explore volcanoes formed by shields, layers, cinder cones, and plug domes.
📍 The location of Lassen Volcanic National Park can be viewed on Google Maps and additional details about the park can be found on its official website.
Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park to see beautiful wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and four types of volcanoes. The park is busiest in summer when all roads and activities are accessible.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the most overlooked national parks in California. Because it receives fewer visitors, there are smaller crowds than in other popular national parks.
Popular activities include hiking, boating and rafting on alpine lakes, fishing, and camping under the stars. In winter, snowshoeing and sledding are favourite visitor pursuits.
Nourishment accessible available at the recreation territory is constrained along these lines you will need to bring your whole dining fare for notwithstanding however long you intend to remain at the recreation territory. There is one habitation in the recreation territory, Drakesbad Guest Ranch, and seven campgrounds that require a booking ahead of time.
🚗 Need a vehicle rental? Lassen National Park is a 3.5-hour drive from Sacramento and you will need to rent a car to tour the park. I recommend booking a car with Discover Cars to compare rates and get the best deals.
Pinnacles National Park
View condors and explore underground spaces in one of California`s newer national parks.
Ticket Icon Admission: $32-43 Adults, $22-28 Children (rates vary; confirm daily pricing here)
Temperature Icon Temp: 90 °F
Calendar Icon Season: year-round
Hot Tub Icon Features: multiple pools, waterslides, and children play areas, spa services, cabana rentals, lodging
Pinnacles is one of the least crowded of California’s national parks. Many years ago, volcano eruptions gradually formed its rare landscape over 23 million years. Today, the region consists of chaparral, oak woodlands, and hilly terrain.
Bring binoculars as wildlife such as bald eagles, falcons, and California condors have been spotted in the park.
This national park offers a wide range of hiking routes from brief family-friendly paths to more strenuous options. Popular trails comprise the 0.9-mile Prewett Point Trail and 4.3-mile Juniper Canyon Loop Trail.
Pinnacles National Park does not have any hotels or lodges available, but visitors can rent a canvas tent cabin for rustic lodging. Campers can pitch a tent or park an RV at Pinnacles Campground if choosing to camp. It is important to note that the park is only accessible from the east as there are no road connections between the two entrances.
🌲 Want More Parks? Read my list of the best state parks in California next!
Tips for Visiting National Parks in California
Stay Far From California’s Wildlife
Wildlife in all California national parks are, actually, wild. Never get close to an animal to take a photo, as it may result in serious injuries.
It is best to seek the most recent safety advice from park authorities regarding wildlife interactions and distances. Never provide sustenance to wild animals under any conditions.
Adhere to the Fire Safety Rules
Wildfires are a big problem in California’s national parks. Some campfires are allowed in designated areas but check with park rangers first. Different national parks have different fire safety regulations.
Be sure to always pack out cigarette butts and ensure any campfire is fully extinguished prior to departing from it. The National Park Service also encourages reporting all wildfires and smoke to them straightaway.
Prepare Adequately Before You Go on a Hike
The summer months in Southern California national parks can be difficult. Always carry necessary hiking gear in your backpack before hiking, and bring adequate water. A Grayl water purification container is great for safe water on the go.
A prudent policy is to overpack extra provisions and protective clothing layers not thought to be necessary, just in case. Always bring rain gear since California sees frequent summer storms. Check out our national park packing checklist for more crucial items to incorporate in your baggage.
Store Food in Bear Boxes
Black bears are plentiful in California. While grizzlies no longer reside in the state, one still needs to be cautious around wild black bears.
Black bears are found abundantly in California’s national parks and they are not hesitant to approach people if they detect food. Never leave food unattended at campsites and always store your leftovers in provided bear boxes to keep the bears wild.
Get to the Parks Early to Avoid Crowds
National parks drawing thousands of visitors daily on summer weekends have become increasingly congested lately that the park service has initiated restrictions on vehicular access.
Try arriving at the national park early in the morning, preferably on a weekday if wanting to avoid crowds. If you don’t reach the park before 8 am, parking may be difficult to find, and first-come, first-serve campsites could already be full.
👉 Read Next: Differences Between Joshua Tree and Death Valley (Pros & Cons)
Yosemite Entrance Ticket
Yosemite National Park recently implemented a ticket system for entry. Because this is the most visited park in California, it receives millions of guests annually.
You will need to secure a specific entry pass from Recreation.gov before your visit, even if you only plan to drive through the park during busy periods.
Concerned about the reservation system? Check Abigail`s argument for why additional national parks should require a reservation.
Four-Legged Friends
While canines are allowed in most parks, some parks have pet restrictions. For example, Joshua Tree allows dogs in campsites but forbids them on any trails.
Plan ahead of time with your pet to ensure they are allowed everywhere in the park. Bringing an unauthorized pet into bear territory can endanger both you and your pet so plan wisely.
🚙 Traveling in an RV? See our list of the best RV parks in California.
FAQs About California National Parks
How many national parks are in California?
There are nine national parks located in California. No other U.S. state has more national parks than California.
What is the major national park in California?
The major national park in California is Yosemite National Park. Yosemite welcomes millions of visitors each year.
What is the best national park to visit in California?
The Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park are considered the top national parks to explore in California.
What is the most beautiful park in California?
Yosemite National Park is the most beautiful park in California. Redwood National Park follows closely behind.
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Now that you have gathered all the necessary information about California’s national parks, you are ready to begin organizing your next trip!
Visiting the national parks is one of the best activities to engage in California, so you’ll have a great time no matter which parks you choose. Have fun exploring!
