California has some of the most iconic landscapes in the world – rugged mountains, glowing deserts, and coastline that feels endless. And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to experience them. Within a few hours of Los Angeles, you can hike through red rock canyons, stand at the edge of the continent, or look up at granite cliffs that stretch into the clouds.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a road-tripper, or just someone who loves wide-open views, these California national parks and outdoor adventures are the perfect way to reconnect with nature – no matter the season.
If you’re looking for other destinations nearby LA, and not just National Parks, check out my Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles post for more ideas of where to explore.
Table of Contents
California National Parks at a Glance
| NATIONAL PARK | WHAT’S THE VIBE? | BEST TIME TO VISIT | LENGTH OF STAY | PERFECT FOR? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite | Towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and mountains | Spring – Fall | 3 – 4 days | Hikers, photographers, first-time visitors |
| Joshua Tree | Desert landscapes, starry skies, and a bohemian vibe | Fall – Spring | 2 – 3 days | Nature lovers, design stays, stargazing |
| Death Valley | Otherworldly desert terrain, salt flats, & sunsets | Winter -Spring | 2 – 3 days | Adventurers, photographers, road-trippers |
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon | Giant redwoods, waterfalls, and alpine trails | Summer – Fall | 2 – 3 days | Families, hikers, nature enthusiasts |
| Channel Islands | Remote islands, kayaking, and wildlife spotting | Summer -Fall | 1 – 2 days | Beach lovers, snorkelers, day-trippers |
| Pinnacles | Unique rock formations and quiet hiking trails | Spring – Fall | 1 – 2 days | Climbers, off-the-beaten-path explorers |
| Big Sur (Not a National Park, But a Must-See) | Dramatic coastline, redwoods, and scenic drives | Spring – Fall | 2 – 3 days | Road-trippers, photographers, coastal explorers |
Where Are The California National Parks?
California’s national parks stretch from the desert to the coast – each one showing off a completely different side of the state. Most are surprisingly easy to reach from Los Angeles or San Francisco, making them perfect for long weekends or short road trips.
Southern California National Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park: About 2 hours east of Los Angeles, where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet. It’s one of the easiest and most popular weekend escapes from LA.
- Death Valley National Park: Roughly 4 hours northeast of LA, near the Nevada border. The drive winds through desert landscapes and ends with some of the most surreal scenery in the state.
- Channel Islands National Park: Accessible only by boat from Ventura or Oxnard, about 1.5 hours northwest of LA. These remote islands are perfect for a unique day trip or overnight camping adventure.
Central California National Parks
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: About 4.5 hours north of LA (or 5 from San Francisco), tucked into the southern Sierra Nevada. Known for their giant redwoods, alpine meadows, and peaceful mountain trails.
- Pinnacles National Park: About 2.5 hours south of San Francisco or 4.5 hours north of LA, making it a great stop on a Highway 101 road trip.
- Big Sur: Stretching along Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur is about 5 hours north of Los Angeles or 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. It’s not technically a national park, but its state parks and coastal viewpoints make it one of California’s most scenic outdoor regions.
Northern California National Parks
- Yosemite National Park: Around 6 hours north of LA or 4 hours east of San Francisco. It’s the heart of the Sierra Nevada and one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S.
To get a better sense of where each park sits across the state, here’s a quick look at all of California’s national parks — from the deserts of the south to the redwoods up north.
Quick Deets: How to Plan Your Next California National Park Trip
- When To Go?
- Spring and fall are the best times to visit most California parks – mild weather, clear skies, and fewer crowds. Summer brings warm temperatures to Yosemite’s high country and coastal breezes in Big Sur, while winter is perfect for desert parks like Death Valley and Joshua Tree.
- Getting Around
- A car is essential – most parks are spread out, and the drives between them are part of the fun. California’s roads are easy to navigate, and every park offers incredible stops along the way for photos and short hikes.
- What to Pack?
- Layers are key. Desert nights can be chilly, and mountain mornings start cold even in summer. Bring sunscreen, a hat, reusable water bottle, and hiking shoes you don’t mind getting dusty.
- National Park Pass?
- If you plan to visit more than one park this year, grab an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass — it covers entrance fees for all U.S. parks for 12 months.
My Favorite California National Parks
California’s national parks are as diverse as the state itself – from the granite peaks of Yosemite to the wide-open desert of Death Valley and the otherworldly beauty of Joshua Tree. Each one offers its own unique experience, whether you’re looking to chase waterfalls, climb rock formations, or simply soak in the silence of nature.
These are a few of my personal favorites – parks that capture the very best of California’s outdoorsy side. They’re easy to reach for a weekend getaway, full of unforgettable views, and each one feels completely different from the next.
Yosemite National Park
Best For: Waterfalls, granite cliffs, and classic California mountain views
Few places capture California’s wild beauty like Yosemite National Park. With its towering granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and endless hiking trails, it’s one of those destinations that leaves you in awe at every turn. I’m always amazed at how grand this park feels – it’s the quintessential California National Park. It’s perfect for a long weekend filled with equal parts adventure and peaceful escape.
What to Do:
- Hike to Vernal Falls via the Mist Trail or climb to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome for an unforgettable sunset.
- Visit Glacier Point for panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
- Take the scenic drive through Tunnel View, one of the park’s most famous viewpoints.
- Sign up for a permit to hike Half Dome, if you’re looking for a challenge.
- Stroll through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for a dose of perspective.
- Stay inside the park if you can – it makes early mornings and sunset hikes so much easier.
When to Go:
Spring through early fall is the most ideal — waterfalls are strongest in late spring, and the summer months bring long hiking days and warm nights. Fall offers crisp air and fewer crowds, while winter transforms Yosemite into a snow-dusted wonderland, though it can be difficult to drive with snow blanketing the area.
Read More: How to Spend 3 Days in Yosemite National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Best For: Desert hikes, starry skies, and design-forward stays
Only two hours from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is one of the easiest (and dreamiest) weekend getaways. With its striking rock formations, wide-open skies, and creative energy, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and explore. It’s one of my favorite quick weekend trips when I need some time to relax and spend the night staring at the stars.
What to Do:
- Hike Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, or Ryan Mountain for sweeping desert views.
- Watch the sunset at Keys View – you’ll see all the way across the Coachella Valley.
- Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise for golden light and photo magic.
- Catch some live music in Pioneertown at Pappy & Harriets.
- Go stargazing – the night skies here are some of the clearest in California.
- Stay in a design-forward Airbnb or retro desert inn near Joshua Tree or Pioneertown.
When to Go:
October through April is the best time to visit – the days are warm, nights are cool, and the desert blooms with color in spring. Try to avoid coming in the summer months if possible – the temps are way too high, and you’ll find it hard to be outside to enjoy the hikes and views.
Read More: Weekend In Joshua Tree – The Best Desert Retreat
Death Valley National Park
Best For: Surreal desert views, epic road trips, and jaw-dropping sunsets
It might sound intimidating, but Death Valley is one of California’s most breathtaking parks – a vast, otherworldly landscape filled with rainbow-colored hills, glowing dunes, and salt flats that stretch for miles. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
What to Do:
- Watch sunrise at Zabriskie Point and sunset at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
- Walk across Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
- Drive through Artist’s Palette, where the hills look painted in pink, green, and gold.
- Stop at Dante’s View for sweeping valley vistas.
When to Go:
November through March are the best time to visit with comfortable daytime temps and clear skies. In spring, you can find wildflowers carpeting the valley floor. Summer months often exceed 110°F, so you should avoid at all costs.
Read More: 2-Days in Death Valley: The Ultimate Desert Escape
Big Sur (Not Technically a National Park)
Best For: Coastal drives, redwoods, and ocean-view hikes
Stretching along Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur is one of California’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline – and while it’s not an official national park, it definitely feels like one. Think rugged cliffs, misty mornings, and miles of untouched wilderness that blur the line between land and sea.
What to Do:
- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach.
- Hike the trails in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Andrew Molera State Park for ocean and redwood views.
- Grab coffee and pastries from The Village, or watch the sunset with a drink at Nepenthe.
- Spend the night in a cliffside cabin, a forest glamping site, or treat yourself to Ventana Big Sur for the full luxury experience.
When to Go:
Spring and fall are perfect for clear skies and lighter crowds. The Summer tends to hold foggy weather in the morning, but will typically clear up around afternoon. Winter can be beautiful (and dramatic) but prone to road closures after heavy rain – always check Highway 1 conditions before your trip.
Read More: How to Spend 48 Hours in Big Sur (Coming from LA) or my 2025 Update: How To Navigate Big Sur with the Highway 1 Closure.
Pair These California NAtional Parks: Road Trip & Long Weekend Combos
One of the best things about California National Parks is how close they are to each other – you can mix deserts, coasts, and mountains in a single trip. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, these park pairings make for the perfect adventure.
| TRIP COMBO | ROUTE OVERVIEW | IDEAL LENGTH | PERFECT FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree + Death Valley (Desert Loop) | Drive east from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree, then continue the 3.5 hrs north to Death Valley. | 3 – 4 nights | Epic desert views, stargazing, and solitude |
| Big Sur + Yosemite (Coast to Mountains) | Start in Big Sur for coastal views, then head inland through Monterey and up to Yosemite. | 4 – 5 nights | Classic California landscapes – ocean cliffs to granite peaks |
| Yosemite + Sequoia & Kings Canyon (Sierra Loop) | Connect Yosemite’s waterfalls with Sequoia’s giant redwoods via scenic Highway 41. | 4 – 6 nights | Forest hikes, alpine lakes, and national park icons |
Travel Tips for California National Parks
- Book lodging and park passes early – especially for Yosemite.
- Start hikes early in the day for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
- Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.
- Download offline maps before entering the parks (service is limited in most).
- Practice Leave No Trace – pack it in, pack it out.
Why You’ll Love The California National Parks
No other state packs this much natural beauty into a single drive. You can watch the sunrise over desert dunes, hike beneath towering redwoods, and chase waterfalls in granite valleys — all within a few weekends. California’s national parks aren’t just beautiful; they each have their own magic that makes you want to keep exploring.
Leave a Reply