I’ve lived in a lot of cities in California, together with Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco, and have been lucky sufficient to journey all around the state. From the ocean views and inexperienced, rolling hills of Large Sur to the arid, otherworldly terrain of Demise Valley Nationwide Park, I by no means ran out of locations that I needed to see and discover.
One of many coolest issues about California – a minimum of I believe so – is that there are such a lot of totally different ecosystems. California is residence to seashores and rugged shoreline, 14,000-foot peaks, sandy deserts, and dense forests (to not point out 9 Nationwide Parks). I might be having fun with an alpine lake within the morning and listening to the waves crash onshore within the afternoon. There aren’t many locations on the planet with that a lot variety relating to out of doors recreation.
However with a lot to supply, how do you select the place to go and what to see? On this submit, I share my favourite locations to go to in California for many who need to get outdoors and discover the Golden State. Want extra concepts? You may try all of my California journey blogs right here .
I’ve listed my finest locations to go to in California primarily based on area: North, Central, South, and Japanese Sierra This submit could comprise affiliate hyperlinks.
Northern California
Northern California is thought for its dramatic coastlines, Redwood forests, and geothermal exercise, and being so removed from main cities, it sees fewer guests than different elements of the state.
1. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is positioned on the northern California Coast lower than 2 hours from San Francisco . It’s top-of-the-line locations within the state to view coastal wildlife like elephant seals, tule elk, tons of hen species, and even whales. Peak gray whale season is January by means of April, and once I visited, I noticed a number of blows off-shore.
The landscapes at Level Reyes are simply as worthwhile. There are rugged cliffs, lengthy sandy seashores, rolling grasslands, and luxurious forests crisscrossed with mountain climbing trails. Lots of people don’t notice that California has such undeveloped locations like this!
Listed below are some enjoyable issues to do in Level Reyes:
Drive to the totally different overlooks to see the elephant seals (cease by the Guests Heart to see the place they at present are) Loosen up at Limantour Seaside the place the surf is calmer than different seashores in Level Reyes. You can even discover Limantour Break up which is a skinny strip of sand that runs between the estuary and Drake’s Bay. Cease by the historic Level Reyes Lighthouse Stroll down the quaint essential road of downtown Level Reyes and seize some lunch Backpack to Wildcat Campground, a hike-in campsite on a bluff subsequent to the seashore and a brief stroll from the well-known Alamere Falls. It’s a ~6 mile hike from the car parking zone, and superior reservations are required.
Van and automotive tenting close to Level Reyes is fairly restricted sadly, so that you in case you are hoping to camp together with your car, you need to have an thought beforehand of the place you intend to remain. We didn’t plan forward and had a troublesome time discovering wherever to park in a single day.
South Seaside Overlook at Level Reyes 2. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
A visit to California wouldn’t be full with out spending time among the many majestic Redwood bushes. There are a number of locations alongside the northern California coast the place you may view old-growth redwood forests, however my favourite is Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
The 31-mile drive alongside the Avenue of the Giants is spectacular and there are tons of quiet mountain climbing trails the place you may stand up shut to those giants. I additionally advocate packing a swimsuit and taking a drip within the brisk Eel River. If you wish to spend the evening, Humboldt has an amazing campground beneath the cover of the Redwoods (reservations extremely beneficial!).
Driving the Avenue of the Giants in my Sprinter Van
Need to see extra redwoods?
Humboldt Redwoods State Park isn’t the one place you may see the redwoods. Another locations price visiting are Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Elk Prairie, and Redwood Nationwide Park.
3. Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park
Wealthy in hydrothermal websites together with roaring fumaroles (steam and volcanic-gas vents), effervescent mud pots, boiling swimming pools, and steaming floor, you may stand up near volcanism in motion in Lassen Nationwide Park.
Two locations to not miss within the Park are Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works. When you’ve visited the hydrothermal websites, Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park can be residence to a lot of coldwater lakes for swimming or paddleboarding, many trails for day mountain climbing , and alternatives for backpacking.
For the very best view within the Park, you may hike to the highest of Lassen Peak. Sadly once I was in Lassen, a wildfire broke out and the sky was very smoky the day we deliberate to hike this path, so we skipped it. However it’s on my listing for subsequent time.
When you’ve got additional time, we took a day journey to Burney Falls and located it to be nicely well worth the quick drive.
See geothermal swimming pools and volcanism in motion at Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park
4. Lava Beds Nationwide Monument
Situated in northern California close to the Oregon state line, Lava Beds Nationwide Monument has greater than 800 caves, a number of Native American rock artwork depictions, historic battlefields, and volcanic landscapes. It’s one of the vital distinctive place to go to in California.
I extremely advocate testing the quite a few caves and lava tubes all through the park. These had been shaped 1000’s of years in the past as lava flowed from Drugs Lake Volcano and cooled all through the encircling plains. Be sure that to put on a headlamp and closed-toe footwear when you plan to discover the tubes!
Go to Lava Beds Nationwide Monument and discover dozens of caves and lava tubes
5. Mount Shasta & Lake Shasta
Mount Shasta is a year-round vacation spot for out of doors journey. In winter, the slopes of the stratovolcano provide snowboarding and in the summertime, there are countless alternatives for mountain climbing and biking.
Whereas I haven’t completed it myself, mountain climbing to the Mount Shasta Summit is a bucketlist expertise. There are a few non-technical, however very difficult routes to the summit or you may rent a neighborhood information and sort out one of many mountaineering routes that cross Mount Shasta’s glaciers.
Close to the bottom of the Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta can be an amazing place to hang around. They’ve some good campgrounds across the lake that you should utilize as a base camp to discover the world.
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Central California
Central California is known for its numerous marine life, lush coastal bluffs, cute coastal cities, and spectacular mountain climbing trails.
6. Large Sur
The whole drive alongside the Pacific Shoreline on iconic Freeway 1 is unbelievable, however my favourite place to discover is Large Sur. This stretch of street options dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, tons of mountain climbing trails, stunning seashores, and Redwood forests.
Listed below are just a few of my favourite locations in Large Sur:
The Village Large Sur for scrumptious plant-forward meals Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Don’t miss the point of view of McWay Falls to see it drop into the ocean! Andrew Molera State Park – This park has a few of my favourite mountain climbing trails within the space. Pack a picnic and head out on an 8-mile loop that connects the Ridge and Bluff Trails for solitude and nice views. Garrapata State Park additionally has good mountain climbing trails and alternatives to see wildlife. Sand Greenback Seaside is ideal for an extended seashore stroll.
For extra concepts on the right way to spend your time in Large Sur, try my Large Sur Journey Information .
Be sure you cease at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls spout into the ocean
7. Yosemite Nationwide Park
In fact, you’d anticipate Yosemite Nationwide Park to be on the listing of the very best locations to go to in California, particularly for out of doors lovers! I’ve been fortunate to discover a lot of Yosemite on foot when mountain climbing the John Muir Path , in addition to on many day hikes within the Park.
Yosemite has soooo many trails, alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and world-class mountaineering. You may simply spend two weeks right here and never see all of it.
Half Dome is essentially the most iconic path within the Park, but it surely now requires a allow. For those who can’t get one, I counsel you hike to Clouds Relaxation as an alternative. It presents the identical sweeping views of Yosemite, and it’s not fairly as busy in my expertise.
For a multi-day backpacking journey, I cherished the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne . It’s a point-to-point path that takes 3-4 days and hugs the Tuolumne River nearly your complete method. There are waterfalls, swimming holes, and stress-free riverside tenting. It additionally requires a allow, which cuts down on the crowds.
For extra suggestions, try my guides on the Greatest Hikes in Yosemite and Greatest Issues to do in Yosemite .
On the high of Clouds Relaxation 8. Monterey
Monterey is a small seaside city on Freeway 1 on the central coast of California. My first time visiting Monterey was again in 2002 whereas taking a SCUBA diving course, and I additionally visited its world-famous aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
I’m at all times a bit cautious of visiting aquariums (and zoos), however the Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned for its work on marine analysis, sustainability, and conservation efforts. I extremely advocate spending a day there! You may see marine life up shut as you be taught in regards to the aquarium’s present work and packages.
There’s lots to do in Monterey outdoors of the aquarium, too.
Monterey is a superb place to e book a whale-watching tour – you would possibly see one breach in entrance of you!
9. Pinnacles Nationwide Park
Pinnacles is without doubt one of the latest and smallest Nationwide Parks. I haven’t had an opportunity to go to right here but, however the phrase from the Bearfoot Concept workforce is that it has nice mountain climbing, stunning views, a number of tenting, and wildlife.
Pinnacles is without doubt one of the few locations in California the place you may see California condors within the wild. For those who’re a climber, Pinnacles Nationwide Park can be residence to world-class climbing routes. There are boulders and rock faces unfold all through the park.
One of the best time to go to is in Spring when it’s not too sizzling and every part is inexperienced.
Pinnacles Nationwide Park in spring 10. Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks
Situated within the southern Japanese Sierra Nevada mountain vary, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks are two separate parks, however they’re positioned proper subsequent to one another, so most individuals go to them in a single journey.
These Parks provide my favourite mountain climbing in all of California and possibly the nation! Whereas each parks collectively make up a whopping 865,964 acres, over 90% of that land is designated wilderness with no roads or car entry. For that cause, these Parks are finest explored on a multi-day backpacking journey.
For those who’re up for a giant journey, I did a 6-day Mineral King Loop backpacking journey in Sequoia that was epic past proportions. Secluded lakes, enormous mountain vistas, and a lot solitude. I extremely advocate this path!
The Mineral King Loop in Sequoia Nationwide Park If backpacking isn’t your factor, there are some day hikes price doing. You’ll additionally need to cease on the Basic Sherman Tree. This sequoia tree is the most important tree on the planet by quantity and it’s fairly a powerful sight! You can even go to Redwood Canyon in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, which is residence to the most important remaining grove of Redwoods on the planet.
Southern California
Southern California has a few of the finest seashores within the nation, together with desert landscapes and spring blooms.
11. Demise Valley Nationwide Park
Demise Valley Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most unusual and otherworldly locations I’ve ever visited. The panorama right here makes you’re feeling such as you’ve one way or the other landed on Mars.
It’s a land of contrasts: you may go to the bottom level in North America, Badwater Basin whereas being only a quick distance from the best level within the decrease 48, Mt. Whitney. For a lot of the yr, Demise Valley seems to be a barren wasteland, however for just a few weeks within the spring, it involves life with a surprising array of wildflowers.
The hidden oasis – Darwin Falls – is tucked amongst sand dunes and badlands, and is a should! Then sundown at Artists Palette is a superb solution to cap off the day.
You’ll need to spend a minimum of a day or two in Demise Valley, so make sure you comply with our 3-Day Demise Valley Nationwide Park Itinerary to hit all the very best spots!
Demise Valley is a land of contrasts – it’s one of the vital distinctive locations I’ve ever visited! 12. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Well-known for its distinctive desert panorama strewn with enormous boulders and Dr. Suess-like Joshua Timber, this place is a should for anybody visiting southern California.
Despite the fact that Joshua Tree it’s a comparatively small Nationwide Park, there may be nonetheless a lot to see and do.
Take a look at Joshua Tree’s finest hikes Plan an in a single day backpacking journey on the California Mountain climbing and Driving Path Observe your bouldering expertise (Joshua Tree is without doubt one of the finest locations within the world for bouldering) Plan your journey within the spring when you may see the panorama explode with colourful wildflowers.
Joshua Tree can get busy, although, so make sure you e book your campsite forward of time.
Cruising the dust roads in Joshua Tree 13. Channel Islands Nationwide Park
I went to grad college in Santa Barbara with the Channel Islands proper offshore. I’ve camped, hiked, kayaked, and SCUBA dove there, and it’s one of the vital distinctive locations within the US.
Channel Islands Nationwide Park consists of 5 totally different islands, every with its personal distinctive geography and landscapes. Every island can be a haven for hen and marine life, a few of that are endemic, which means they’re discovered nowhere else on the planet.
On your first go to, I counsel taking the boat out and spending a day or two on Santa Cruz Island . It’s the largest of the 5, has essentially the most frequent ferries, and a giant campground only a quick stroll from the seashore.
The snorkeling proper off the seashore is improbable. I noticed a number of sea lions and a harbor seal swimming within the kelp beds final time I used to be there. When you’re on the market, you can too take a guided kayaking tour of the shoreline and sea caves.
Be taught extra about the right way to plan your go to in my Channel Islands information .
On a kayak tour off of Santa Cruz Island 14. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is off the coast of Lengthy Seaside, California and presents a really totally different expertise than Channel Islands Nationwide Park. In contrast to the Nationwide Park that’s uninhabited with no companies, folks stay on Catalina Island the place you’ll discover eating places, lodges, and loads of issues to do.
Certainly one of my all-time favourite backpacking journeys is the Trans-Catalina Path which traverses your complete island. This 3-4 day journey presents completely gorgeous beachfront tenting and superior views your complete method. If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, you can too bike nearly your complete size of the island.
In fact, the true draw of Catalina for a lot of guests is the ocean. You may SCUBA dive or snorkel by means of a few of California’s most stunning kelp forests encountering the intense orange garibaldi, California’s state fish. There’s additionally boat-in tenting, crusing excursions, and kayaking excursions.
Our campsite at Parson’s Touchdown on the Trans-Catalina Path 15. Ojai
Whereas I want to get out in nature for hikes and bike rides once I journey, I do like to go to cute cities, too. Ojai is considered one of my favourite little cities in California. Situated within the lush hills above Ventura, it’s barely touristy, however the boutiques, eating places, and retailers that line the principle road are enjoyable to go to and discover.
I like to recommend bringing your bike (or renting one) and pedaling the Ojai Valley Path. I’ve ridden all of it the way in which to Ventura (30 miles roundtrip), however you may take it so far as you need earlier than turning round. There are additionally tons of nice mountain climbing trails in Valley View Protect only a few miles outdoors of city or hike considered one of my favorites, Gridley Path.
For extra issues to do and see in Ojai, try day 3 of my Central California Coast Highway Journey Itinerary that additionally takes you to Ventura, Santa Barbara and as much as Morro Bay.
Driving the Ojai Valley Path
California’s Japanese Sierra
Residence to the decrease 48’s tallest peaks, Lake Tahoe, sizzling springs, and 4,000 yr previous bushes, California’s Japanese Sierra is a hiker’s paradise.
16. Lake Tahoe
I’ve been to Lake Tahoe a lot of occasions and it’s simply as picturesque as it’s in pictures. It’s additionally a year-round vacation spot with nice snowboarding within the winter and mountain climbing, biking, and watersports in the summertime.
Whereas the shores of Lake Tahoe do get busy throughout the hotter months, it’s nonetheless price testing with a number of enjoyable issues to do across the Lake . I like to recommend visiting in early June or September to keep away from peak summer time crowds.
For mountain climbing, I particularly love mountain climbing to the highest of Mount Tallac, and the attractive Lake Aloha Path is simply up the street too. Or for a chill day on the water, there are tons of seashores throughout the Lake. Simply be ready to pay an entry price for a lot of the seashores as they’re managed by California State Parks.
BFT Contributor Becky Timbers who’s an avid mountain biker says you may’t miss the epic 24-mile Tahoe Rim & Flume Path .
17. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in California! Suppose tall, jagged mountains, alpine lakes, superb mountain climbing , sizzling springs, and a cool ski city with good eating places.
BFT Contributor Becky lived in Mammoth for a few years and completely loves the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park . You may take the scenic gondola to benefit from the unbelievable views out over the Minarets and the bottom of Yosemite Valley.
On the east facet of Freeway 395 only a quick drive from city, you’ll additionally discover a lot of simply accessible sizzling springs. Wild Willy’s and Hilltop Sizzling Springs (each on Google maps) are nice locations to soak your muscle groups after a day of journey. There’s a number of dispersed tenting not removed from the springs too!
Sure, that is California! Bike, hike, or take the gondola to the summit of Mammoth Mountain for these unbelievable views 18. Mono Lake
Mono Lake is positioned on a distant stretch of Route 395 between Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. It’s an historical saline lake that was shaped 1000’s of years in the past. It has no outlet, so the one method water escapes is thru evaporation, which has led to excessive concentrations of salts and minerals. In consequence, Mono Lake is extremely alkaline, which has led to the formation of ‘tufa towers’ – limestone formations that stand up out of the water.
There’s a very nice Vistors Heart with nice views over the lake and surrounding mountains. You can even stroll right down to the lake shore to see the tufas up shut and look ahead to birdlife.
Notice: There are only a few facilities and lodging round Mono Lake, so do your analysis and plan forward earlier than setting out.
Lovely views at Mono Lake 19. Historical Bristlecone Forest
The Historical Bristlecone Forest is residence to a few of the oldest bushes on the planet. This particular place is positioned within the White Mountains above Bishop, California, and may solely be accessed (simply) in the summertime.
A few of the Bristlecones listed here are 4000+ years previous and so they look it – their twisted and gnarled trunks and limbs have been formed by years of harsh wind, rain, and snow.
I like to recommend beginning your go to on the Schulman Grove Customer Heart the place you may be taught extra about these superb bushes. Then, hike one (or each) of the loops to see the Bristlecones up shut. You’ll be mountain climbing above 10,000 ft, although, so make sure you carry solar safety and many water and tempo your self. For those who’ve by no means been that top, learn my recommendations on avoiding altitude illness .
You can even go to Patriarch Grove, which is 13 miles north of Schulman Grove through a tough dust street. It’s price visiting when you have the appropriate car to see the Patriarch Tree, the most important bristlecone on the planet!
Tip: Be sure to have quantity of fuel in your tank earlier than heading as much as the Bristlecones. The street is steep, winding, and lengthy and there are not any companies up there.
Bristlecone bushes might be over 4,000 years previous – their twisted trunks and limbs have been formed by 1000’s of years of harsh local weather
20. Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills is a well-liked place to go to in California amongst van lifers, automotive campers, and rock climbers. This hidden gem is located on the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain vary and is residence to a few of the most unusual and delightful landscapes in California (in my view).
The realm is characterised by enormous boulder fields with 14,000-foot peaks because the backdrop. It’s a tremendous place for tenting, bouldering, and pictures. There are just a few mountain climbing trails, however the Alabama Hills are principally only a place to calm down and benefit from the magnificence.
It’s additionally a handy place to base your self earlier than or after a backpacking journey within the Japanese Sierra. I camped right here earlier than mountain climbing to Dusy Basin and had a stunning evening beneath the celebrities.
Situated simply outdoors of Lone Pine on Freeway 395, Alambama Hills additionally places you in shut proximity to Mt. Whitney, the best peak within the decrease 48 states at 14,505 ft. You may drive up Whitney Portal Highway to the trailhead at 8,360 ft, however if you wish to hike it, you’ll want a mountain climbing allow .
Enjoyable truth: I summited Mt. Whitney on the final day of my John Muir Path thru-hike and now have a tattoo of Mt. Whitney on my arm.
The Alamaba Hills are considered one of my favourite locations in California
Often Requested Questions
When is the very best time to go to California?
California is a year-round vacation spot and any out of doors lover can discover journey it doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to. It actually depends upon the place you need to go and what you need to see and do.
Personally, I really like spring and fall in California as a result of the temperatures are cooler and the paths are sometimes lined with spring wildflowers or altering fall foliage.
What number of days do I want for a street journey in California?
When you’ve got 2+ weeks, you may cowl a number of floor in California. However when you have lower than that, I like to recommend sticking to only one or two areas of the state so you may actually maximize your time at every vacation spot.
Do I want to fret about hearth season when visiting California?
Sadly, sure. Wildfires have turn out to be more and more prevalent in California throughout the summer time months. Whereas imminent hazard from wildfires is uncommon, your journey (and well being) might be impacted by smoke and air high quality. Test the CalFire web site earlier than your journey to see if and the place wildfires are burning.
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What are the very best locations to go to in California in your opinion? Which of them are in your bucket listing? Let me know within the feedback under!
