As the world starts to return to normalcy, many people want to explore new places. The COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult for people to travel and visit different places in the past few years. However, they can now visit some of the best national parks throughout the country.
California is known for its geographical diversity. From the wide coastal lines to amazing national parks and islands, it is a place that will make your stay worthwhile. You can take a ferry to Santa Cruz Island and explore the fantastic island to see the amazing things that it offers.
So, if you want to know more about the best national parks in California, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 national parks that are worth visiting in California. We’ll also tell about the things that make the California Channel Islands and other national parks special.
Best National Parks: Top 10 That You Can Find and Visit in California
National parks are beautiful landscapes that provide you with the opportunity to explore nature. Channel Island CA and other places are ideal for a picnic and other fun activities. Let’s go over the best national parks in the state of California that you can visit.
Sequoia National Park
You might want to do some neck stretches before visiting Sequoia National Park. The primary reason for that is this park is known for its oldest and tallest trees throughout the US. One of the biggest tourist attractions here is the General Sherman Tree.
This tree has a diameter of 36 feet and a height of 275 feet. It is just one of the largest trees that you’ll find in the Sequoia National Park. However, you have to drive at least four hours from Los Angeles or San Jose to get to this park. But it is worth the drive once you reach there and see the amazing scenery.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country that accomodates millions of visitors. It is located in Northern California. Half Dome and Vernal Fall are the two greatest landmarks you can find at this wonderful national park.
In addition to these landmarks, there are some exciting activities that you can try out. For example, the granite rock formation provides an excellent opportunity for hiking. Moreover, the camping grounds make it a perfect destination for people who want to go camping.
Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands in California are a beautiful place to visit. The island off the coast of California makes it an amazing tourist attraction. Its rich wildlife and variety of endemic plants make it a preferred choice for numerous tourists.
If you plan to visit the Channel Islands National Park, you might be wondering how to get there. There is nothing to worry about since you can easily find directions on how to go to this extraordinary national park. Also, the California Channel Islands map helps you explore the entire destination easily and thoroughly.
Death Valley National Park
The Death Valley National Park is a place that has the lowest elevations that you can find in the US. It is known for its weird moving rocks and sand dunes that can only be found there. Additionally, the weather at the Death Valley National Park can go as high as 120 °F.
Therefore, most people prefer visiting this national park during the spring season. The weather is pleasant during that time of the year. Tourists can set up tents at a camping site in Furnace Creek, which is inside the park. Moreover, the sand dunes at Mesquite Flats are also a major tourist attraction.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you want to have a quintessential desert experience in California, then there is no better place than visiting the Joshua Tree National Park. The rough terrain and the rugged rock formations make it an ideal place for your next hiking adventure.
Also, it is the best place if you want to see the Milky Way at night. The skies at night have little to no cloud covering them, allowing you to have a stellar stargazing experience.
Pinnacles National Park
Hundreds of centuries ago, there was a volcanic movement on the eastern side of California’s Salinas Valley. As a result, it caused the magma layers to merge and create a distinctive structure of rocks known as the “pinnacles.” Today, it has become a national park in California famous for birdwatching and hiking activities.
However, it only received the status of a national park in 2013. Therefore, not many people are aware of this tourist destination. This means that this place won’t be too crowded in case you include this in your vacation plan.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect place for you to get away from the hustling and bustling life of the city. This point covers around 80 miles of coastline and is just an hour away from the city of San Francisco.
You’ll find more than 1,500 species in this area. This national park is not only home to animals but is also a habitat for different types of plants. The soothing noise of the ocean at Wildcat Beach also gives you a relaxing feel.
Redwood National and State Parks
If you’re a fan of forests with large trees, you might want to head to the Redwood National and State Parks. Just like Sequoia, this national park is also home to some of the tallest trees in the world. For instance, the Hyperion is the tallest existing tree in the world with a height of 115.7 meters.
Giant redwoods used to spread throughout thousands of square miles of California’s coastal range. But today, nearly half of them are found in national and state parks. You’ll find hotels in Eureka or Crescent City in case you want to spent a few days there. There are some quaint lodgings in the area of Klamath and Orrick, as well.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
As the name suggests, the Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its extraordinary hydrothermal areas that are still active. Areas such as the Devil’s Kitchen and Bumpass Hell allow you to experience the geothermal features of this amazing destination.
In addition to the boardwalk trails, there are many different things to try out at the Lassen Volcanic National Park. For instance, you can go to Lassen Peak and go on a hike or go for a swim at Manzanita Lake. If you are planning to spend the night there, the Drakesbad Guest Ranch is a wonderful place to stay.
Devils Postpile National Monument
We conclude our list with the Devils Postpile National Monument, which is an exceptional park in California. It sits on the east side of Yosemite and has a unique view, making it a fine tourist attraction. The creation of the 18 meters columns at Postpile was due to the cooling of the basaltic lava.
The lava was split within the joints into columns after it started to cool and contract. As a result, it led to the creation of three, four, and seven-sided columns. The places, such as the Pacific Crest Trails and John Muir, are a spot for people to refuel before continuing their journey to Canada or Mexico.
Takeaway
Visiting the national parks mentioned in this article is a good idea if you want to unwind and take a break from work or spend quality time with your loved ones. We hope you now have a clear idea about the best national parks that you can visit in California. You can check out and consider visiting these destinations if you are in California.
