10 National Parks to Explore in California

Checkout places to visit in California

California

The most populous U.S. state and the third-largest by area.

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National Parks to Explore in California

Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park is a state park of California which are known for their pinniped rookeries. Located in San Mateo County. The reserve contains a diversity of plant communities, including old growth forest, freshwater marsh, red alder riparian forest and knobcone pine forest.

Butano State Park

This is a state park of California showcasing a secluded redwood-filled canyon. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites, and 18 walk-in campsites, restrooms and more. Guided nature walk and weekend campfire programs are offered during the summer.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a state park of California, preserving two groves of giant sequoia trees. It has been a major tourist attraction since 1852, when the existence of the trees was first widely reported, and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California.

Cholla Cactus Garden

An intense concentration of cholla cactus. The small hike is through level plains, a mile in total on a loop.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, the hottest and driest national park in the United States, located in Death Valley, largely in southwestern California, though a small portion extends into Nevada’s Bullfrog Hills. The park is home to many species of plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh desert environment including creosote bush, Joshua tree, bighorn sheep, coyote, and the endangered Death Valley pupfish, a survivor from much wetter times.

Indian Springs State Park

This state park is located near Jackson and Flovilla. The park is named for its several springs, which the Creek Indians used for centuries to heal the sick. The water from these springs is said to have a sulfur smell and taste. Indian Springs is thought to be the oldest state park in the nation . The park features a small museum that is open seasonally. Exhibits include the park's natural history, the resort era, activities of the CCC, and the history and culture of the Creek Indians.

J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a marine reserve in California on the Pacific Ocean. The reserve is a 32-acre holding which extends from Montara light station at the north to Pillar Point on the south. The reserve consists of a three-mile stretch of beach.

Mt San Jacinto State Park

Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails located within a 14,000-acre pristine wilderness. All trails are accessed by exiting the Mountain Station of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and descending a concrete pathway to Long Valley where you will find picnic tables, the ranger station, flush toilets, and several easy trails.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Largest urban national park in the United States and the world. It preserves one of the best examples of a Mediterranean climate ecosystem in the world. It also protects one of the highest densities of archaeological resources in any mountain range in the world.

Sierra National Forest

Sierra National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located on the western slope of central Sierra Nevada in Central California and bounded on the northwest by Yosemite National Park and the south by Kings Canyon National Park. The forest is known for its mountain scenery and beautiful lakes. Forest headquarters are located in Clovis, California. There are local ranger district offices in North Fork and Prather.

Map of National Parks to explore in California