A Local’s Guide to California National Parks and Monuments

Your inside guide to California’s national parks and unique monuments; what to see, when to go and how to plan.

California is one of those incredible states where nature seems to have thought of absolutely everything. Here, you can find landscapes so unique that you won’t see anything quite like them anywhere else in the world. No wonder California is home to nine national which is the most of any U.S. state!

From the rugged Pacific coastline, you can drive all the way to the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery transforms completely along the way. Between the two, you’ll pass through sandy deserts, volcanic terrain, towering redwoods, mountain peaks, Joshua trees, and even islands. There’s truly something for everyone here.

During our over ten years of living in California, we’ve had the chance to visit every one of the state’s national parks, many of them several times over. Each park has its own personality, and every visit brings new discoveries.

Many of the parks are so vast that you could easily spend several day exploring them without ever running out of things to see. We never seem to get tired of them, and there’s always another national park adventure waiting just around the corner.

California NAtional Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its rare and otherwordly Joshua trees, which grow only in the deserts of California and Nevada. The park is also home to stunning rock formations, desert flowers, cacti, and hardy shrubs that thrive under the desert sun.

Most visitors come here to hike, camp, or simply experience the desert’s quiet magic. Many choose to stay overnight, as Joshus Tree is known to be one of the best places in California to photograph the night sky; its stargazing is truly spectacular. The park is also a favorite among rock climbers from around the world.

Located in the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is about a three-hour drive inland from Los Angeles, near towns like Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Twentynine Palms. Just nearby, you’ll also find the Mojave National Preserve, another breathtaking destination managed by the National Park Service.

We’ve visited Joshua Tree several times, and every trip leaves us amazed. You can read more our adventures in Joshua Tree here.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is without a doubt California’s most famous national park, and for a good reason. It’s jaw-dropping granite cliff, towering waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and ancient giant sequoias make it one of the most breathtaking places in the U.S.

In recent years, Yosemite has become so popular that reservations are required during certain times of the year just to enter the park. Campsites and lodges inside the park fill up quickly, often a year in advantace, so it’s best to plan early. With so much to see, spending several days here is absolutely worth it.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is also a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. Its scenery, especially the waterfalls and granite peaks, reminds me a lot of Norway. We’ve visited both summer and winter, and each season offers something completely unique. In summer, you can even drive across the park via the stunning Tioga Pass.

You can read more about our Yosemite adventures here:

• Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park in California
• Easy hikes to Yosemite’s Waterfalls
• Hiking to the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite
• Yosemite National Park – Exploring Tioga Pass

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are without a doubt among my absolute favorites in California. Technically, they’re two separate parks, but since they sit right next to each other and share an entrance, they’re often spoken as one. With a single pass, you can explore both.

The main attraction here is, of course the majestic giant sequoia trees. Walking among these ancient giants is a humbling experience. Sequoia National Park is home to General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth, and standing at its base truly makes you feel tiny.

We’ve explored nearly all of California’s redwood and sequoia forests, and this one never fails to impress. Beyond the towering trees, the Sierra Nevada mountain scenery here is absolutely spectacular, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints that take your breath away.

Read more about these parks here:
The World’s Largest Tree – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is one of California’s most underrated gems, and probably one of the least visited. Simply because it’s not the easiest to reach. The only way to get the is by boat, and trips sometimes get canceled due to weather.

Only a few of the islands are open for visitors, as the park’s goal is to protect their fragile and unique ecosystems. They’re home to many endemic species and nesting seabirds, and on the boat ride over, you might even dolphins or whales!

There no services on the island, so you’ll need to pack your own food and water, and carry all your trash back with you. It’s a raw, untouched experience and one of the most memorable adventures you can have in California.

Boat trips to island depart from Ventura or Oxnard, just north of Los Angeles.

Read more about our day trip to Channel Islands National Park here:
A Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park with Kids

Redwood National & State Parks

Redwood National & State Parks are a breathtaking chain of protected forests along California’s northern coast, a place where time seems to stand still beneath the towering ancient redwoods. While the main draw is, of course, these magnificent giants, the parks also offer Pacific Ocean beaches, lagoons, streams, and countless hiking trails to explore.

You can admire the trees straight from your car along scenic drives, but to truly feel their magic, it’s worth stepping out for a walk among them. The quiet, almost mystical atmosphere of the redwood grove is something you can’t quite capture in photos.

Unlike many other national parks, entry here is free, as public roads run through the area, and you can still find moments of complete solitude on the trails. The parks sit in Northern California, right along the Oregon border.

Read more about our road trip from California to Oregon via Redwood National & State Parks.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park sits tucked away in Northern California, far from the crowds and big cities; making it one of the state’s most peaceful national parks.

The closest larger town is Redding, which is worth a short stop for the McConnell Arboretum or a day at Whiskey Town Lake, but the real gem on the drive is McArthur-Burney Falls. It’s an absolutely stunning waterfall that’s well worth a visit on your way.

Visitors should also consider exploring nearby Crater Lake National Park in Oregon side, and Lava Beds National Monument. All three parks are close to each other, and combination tickets are available for them.

Often called “Little Yellowstone”, Lassen offers a similar geothermal experience as Yellowstone National Park but on a smaller scale. It’s most famous trail, Bumpass Hell, takes visitores past bubbling mud pots and steaming pools. The trail runs along safe boardwalks, and you’ll definitely want to stay on them, as the thin ground can give way unexpectedly!

Lassen’s geothermal wonders are the highlight, but there’s plenty more to explore, for example Lake Manzanar’s peaceful trails and scenic volcanic vistas. The park closes in winter due to heavy snowfall but is a summer favorite among campers and hikers.

You can easily see the park’s main sights in a day or two, but the quiet beauty and surreal landscapes will with you much longer.

Read more about our visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park here.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect destination for anyone vacationing near San Francisco. As the name suggests, it’s right on the coast and the views are absolutely breathtaking!

Point Reyes is a beloved spot among locals, with trails for every level of adventurer. After exploring, you can unwind on one of the park’s pristine beaches, some of the cleanest in all of California.

The park is also home to incredible range of wildlife, from sea lions to tule elk. Its most famous landmarks include the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, one of the most iconic of California’s 40 lighthouses, and the stunning Alamere Falls, a rare waterfall that flows directly onto the beach.

Read more about Point Reyes here:
Beautiful Point Reyes in California

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is the newest of California’s national parks, officially designated in 2013 by President Barack Obama.

Since then, its visitor numbers have steadily grown, and it’s best to arrive early in the day if you want to secure a parking spot.

The name “Pinnacles” refers to the park’s dramatic volcanic spires which are the remnants of an ancients volcano. While it may not have the sweeping grandeur of Yosemite or Sequoia, it plays a vital role in conservation, serving as a protected habitat for the endangered California condor.

Many of the park’s most popular trails lead through fascinating cave formation and up rocky ridges that are perfect for birdwatching. Some of the caves can be challenging to navigate, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting with children. Pinnacles is also a favorite among rock climbers.

Read more about our visit to Pinnacles National Park here.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is one of the most famous deserts in the world and for good reason. It’s among the hottest places on Earth, a vast desert lying between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Nevada border.

In 1913, Death Valley recorded the planet’s highest temperature ever, a scorching 134F (56,7C). Even its typical summer days hover close to 120F (50C), so timing your visit crucial. Spring is often the best season to explore, when desert wildflowers occasionally blanket the barren landscape.

Though harsh, Death Valley’s scenery is striking; from sweeping sand dunes to rugged cliffs. The park’s lowers point, Badwater Basin, sits 282 feet below sea level.

A visit to Death Valley pairs perfectly with a Las Vegas getaway, as the two are just a few hours apart. Near the park’s western entrance, you can also stop at Manzanar, a former World War II internment camp that’s well worth a visit.

Read more about our Death Valley adventure here.

National Monuments and other Units

Under the umbrella of national parks, the U.S. also has a whole collection of smaller sites: national monuments, historic areas, preserves, and recreation areas. We’ve visited every one of them here in California, though I haven’t written full posts about each. Some are the kind of places you pop into briefly rather than dive deep.

For anyone visiting California, I’d especially recommend Muir Woods National Monument, a magical redwood forest, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Most people visit the latter without even realizing it; simply by driving across the Golden Gate Bridge or taking the ferry to Alcatraz. And right beneath the bridge sits Fort Point, an unusual (and free!) historic fort worth a stop.

If you’re exploring the Los Angeles area and love to hike, you’ll want to check out Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. And for those headed to San Diego, don’t miss Cabrillo National Monument, with it’s stunning coastal views and history.

Here’s the full list of sites:

Cabrillo National Monument
Castle Mountain National Monument
César Chávez National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
Fort Point National Historic Site
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
John Muir National Historic Area
Manzanar National Historic Area
Mojave National Preserve
Muir Woods National Monument
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Tule Lake National Monument
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

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Visiting national parks in California is definitely something you’ll want to plan ahead, as several park now require advance reservations. Lodging, especially inside the parks, also sells out quickly – sometimes months in advance.

Whenever we head to a park, we always stop first at the Visitor Center. You’ll get last-minute tips straight from the rangers, plus the entry fee includes a park brochure, usually with a solid map. Kids can often pick up Junior Ranger activity booklets if you ark at the desk.

Before you go, it’s a good idea to check the weather -and these days, the wildfire situation as well. The National Park Service pages has some information, but California’s statewide fire map is also incredibly useful.

Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and many roads are closed part of the year. Wildfire smoke can drift surprisingly far too, so even if the park itself isn’t burning, air quality might still be poor.

Don’t forget that many parks have no services at all. Fill up your gas tank before you go and pack whatever food you’ll need for the day.

For hiking, bring proper shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water. In the mountains, layers are your best friend. Our family’s tips for hiking with kids can be found here.

And then, just enjoy the nature and everything these parks to offer!

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