A POCKET GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA’S NINE NATIONAL PARKS

California has nine national parks—more than any other state in the U.S. Whether you're seeking towering trees, dramatic landscapes, serene wilderness, or coastal adventures, California's national parks have something for every nature enthusiast. Below is a mini travel guide outlining what to see and do, when to go, where to stay and how long it will take to get there. Happy exploring!

1. Yosemite National Park

Quite arguably the most famous (and popular) of California’s parks, Yosemite National Park is located in California’s stunning Sierra Nevadas and is renowned for its majestic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves. Key attractions include Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, all found within 1,200 miles of sprawling park land. Visitors enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the park's diverse ecosystems.

Best Time to Go: Spring, summer (weekdays) and fall

Best Places to Stay: Autocamp Yosemite; Firefall Ranch; The Ahwahnee

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 5.5 hours (300 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 4 hours (170 miles)

Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about a 2-hour drive from the park's south entrance.

Yosemite National Park

2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Main Attractions: These neighboring parks are home to some of the largest trees on earth, including the General Sherman Tree. Visitors can explore the Giant Forest, drive through Tunnel Log, and hike in the High Sierra trails. Kings Canyon also offers dramatic vistas and the scenic Kings River.

Best Time to Go: Spring, summer and fall

Best Places to Stay: The Darling Hotel, Airbnb vacation rentals

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 4.5 hours (230 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 4.5 hours (270 miles)

Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about a 1.5-hour drive to Sequoia National Park's entrance.

Sequoia National Forest

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Main Attractions: Known for its unique Joshua Trees and otherworldly rock formations, this Joshua Tree National Park offers excellent hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities in the desert. Key sites include Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View, which provides a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley.

Best Time to Go: Spring, fall and winter

Best Places to Stay: Autocamp Joshua Tree, Pioneertown Motel, Parker Palm Springs

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 2.5 hours (130 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 8.5 hours (500 miles)

Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about a 1-hour drive from the park's west entrance.

Joshua Tree National Park

4. Redwood National Park

Main Attractions: Home to the tallest trees on earth, the coastal redwoods, Redwood National Park offers awe-inspiring scenery and diverse wildlife. Highlights include the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Fern Canyon, and the scenic Coastal Drive. The park's rugged coastline and lush forests provide a tranquil escape.

Best Time to Go: Spring, summer and fall

Best Places to Stay: Small inns and Airbnb rentals

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 10 hours (670 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 6 hours (325 miles)

Nearest Airport: Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC), located in Crescent City, about a 45-minute drive from the park.

Redwood National Park

5. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Main Attractions: Lassen Volcanic National Park features a fascinating array of volcanic landscapes, including fumaroles, hot springs, and lava beds. Key sites are Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and the Devastated Area. The park's geothermal features and pristine alpine lakes are ideal for hiking and photography.

Best Time to Go: Summer(roads open around June 1) and early fall

Best Places to Stay: Small inns and Airbnb vacation rentals in nearby towns

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 9 hours (530 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 4.5 hours (240 miles)

Nearest Airport: Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), about a 1.5-hour drive from the park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

6. Pinnacles National Park

Main Attractions: Pinnacles National Park is known for its rugged rock formations, talus caves, and diverse wildlife, including the California condor. Popular activities include hiking the High Peaks Trail, exploring the Bear Gulch Cave, and rock climbing. The park's wildflower displays are particularly beautiful in summer.

Best Time to Go: Spring and fall

Best Place to Stay: Bar SZ Ranch

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 5 hours (270 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 2 hours (120 miles)

Nearest Airport: San Jose International Airport (SJC), about a 1.5-hour drive from the park.

Pinnacles National Park

7. Death Valley National Park

Main Attractions: Death Valley National Park is famous for its extreme heat and unique desert landscapes, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Key attractions include the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, and Dante's View. Despite its harsh environment, the park offers stunning vistas and opportunities for stargazing.

Best Time to Go: Spring and fall; winter is fine too but gets really cold at night

Best Places to Stay: Airbnb vacation rentals in Beatty, Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 4.5 hours (225 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 8 hours (450 miles)

Nearest Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, about a 2-hour drive from the park's Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Death Valley National Park

8. Channel Islands National Park

Main Attractions: Channel Islands National Park consists of five stunning islands offering pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and excellent opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Key sites include the sea caves on Santa Cruz Island, Anacapa Island's lighthouse, and the diverse marine life around the islands.

Best Time to Go: Summer (June-August)

Best Place to Stay: Ojai Valley Inn (Ojai), The Montecito Inn (Montecito), The Riviera Beach House (Santa Barbara)

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 1.5 hours (70 miles) to Ventura, where you can catch a ferry to the islands

• From San Francisco: Approximately 6 hours (350 miles) to Ventura

Nearest Airport: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), about a 1-hour drive to Ventura Harbor, the departure point for ferries to the islands.

Channel Islands National Park

9. Point Reyes National Seashore

Main Attractions: Point Reyes National Seashore offers rugged coastal beauty with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife. Popular activities include hiking to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, exploring the scenic Drakes Beach, and spotting tule elk at Tomales Point. The park also features numerous trails through coastal forests and grasslands.

Best Time to Go: Fall

Best Places to Stay: Olema House, Tomales Bay Resort

Distance from Major Cities:

• From Los Angeles: Approximately 7 hours (400 miles)

• From San Francisco: Approximately 1.5 hours (40 miles)

Nearest Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approx. 1.5-hour drive from the park.

Point Reyes National Seashore

These national parks each offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations during the summer months. Whether you're seeking towering trees, dramatic landscapes, serene wilderness, or coastal adventures, California's parks have something for every nature enthusiast.