California is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the United States. From towering redwoods to stark desert terrain and rugged coastlines, the best national parks in California offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a road tripper, avid hiker, casual camper or just looking for peaceful scenery and fresh air, you’ll find it in California.
With nine national parks, California is home to the most national parks of any U.S. state. If you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, don’t miss these five standout parks. Each one offers unique experiences that you and your family will treasure for many years. Start checking off your vacations from our national parks checklist today!
1. Sequoia National Park
- Best for: Seeing the world’s largest trees
- Close to: Fresno
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall
Located in the southern Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park is home to the iconic General Sherman Tree — one of the largest trees on Earth, with a circumference of almost 103 feet and a weight of 4.1 million pounds. Along with its giant sequoias, the park has sheer granite peaks, alpine meadows and deep canyons to marvel at.
Whether you’re hiking to Moro Rock (a moderately challenging trail) or taking a guided tour of Crystal Cave (tickets are only available online), there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature. The park is also great if you’re just passing through. Most areas of the park are accessible by car, so families can find plenty of short walks and scenic drives even if they only have a couple of hours in the area.
Sequoia is open year-round and if you want to get the full experience of the park, you’ll probably want to stay in the area for at least two days. The park has 14 campgrounds and there are also several lodges and hotels in the surrounding area.
2. Channel Islands National Park
- Best for: Kayaking, snorkeling and seeing unique wildlife
- Close to: Santa Barbara
- Best time to visit: Late summer through fall
Channel Islands National Park includes five remote islands off the Southern California coast that are accessible only by boat or small aircraft. The Island Packers Ferry operates in Oxnard and Ventura and can drop you off at the islands for camping, kayaking and hiking or you can take a sightseeing tour on the ferry. Several outfitters in the area offer charter flights.
Visitors come for the pristine beaches, sea caves and rich marine life, including seals, dolphins and whales. This lesser-known gem among the national parks in California is perfect for outdoor lovers looking to unplug and explore.
Accessibility is limited due to the rugged nature of the islands, meaning it is one of the least busy national parks in CA. Services are minimal and you’ll need to book a campground spot in Channel Islands six months in advance. Visitors should be comfortable navigating uneven terrain, which makes it a better fit for families with older kids.
3. Redwood National Park
- Best for: Walking among the tallest trees on Earth
- Close to: Eureka
- Best time to visit: Spring through fall
Redwood National and State Parks stretch along California’s northern coast, protecting almost half of the world’s old-growth redwoods. This area features some of the best parks in California for beautiful drives (the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a great drive with pull-offs for taking pictures and camping). There are also easy hikes, including the Simpson-Reed Trail, through forests with trees so large you have to see them to believe it.
Many campgrounds and visitor centers are wheelchair accessible and the park is family-friendly. Most ranger-led walks are on relatively easy trails, making them accessible for most people.
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Best for: Seeing hydrothermal features
- Close to: Sacramento
- Best time to visit: July through October (the park is open during the winter, but many roads are closed)
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the few places on Earth where you can find all four types of volcanoes in one area. With steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots and alpine lakes, it’s a geologic wonderland. Hike Bumpass Hell for an easy hike or take on the rocky, five-mile round trip to summit Lassen Peak for panoramic views of steep mountains and wildflower-filled meadows.
The park is moderately accessible, with wheelchair-friendly trails at the visitor center and several scenic overlooks. However, heavy snow can persist well into spring, meaning that some roads are closed until June.
5. Yosemite National Park
- Best for: Views of Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
- Close to: Fresno & Stockton
- Best time to visit: May or September
Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks in California and for good reason. Located in the Sierra Nevada, it features dramatic granite cliffs, giant sequoias and some of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Activities include hiking, rock climbing and photography. If you’re looking for great photos, check out Tunnel View, Valley View and Glacier Point.
Yosemite Valley offers accessible trails, including the Lower Yosemite Fall trail, shuttles and plenty of places to stay, making it one of the most visitor-friendly parks in the state. Its accessibility and fame make it extremely busy during the summer months. Visit in late spring or early fall for smaller crowds.
If you don’t mind the cold, Yosemite is a great destination for a winter trip, too. You can ski, snowboard or tube at Badger Pass Ski Area or explore the quiet, snowy park on foot or cross-country skis.
How Many National Parks Are in California?
While these five national parks in California are spectacular, the list of national parks in California includes four more parks to check out when you’re visiting the Golden State.
- Death Valley National Park: The hottest, driest and lowest national park in the U.S.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Known for its namesake trees and nearly surreal desert landscapes
- Kings Canyon National Park: Deep canyons and high peaks are just a stone’s throw from Sequoia National Park
- Pinnacles National Park: A favorite for rock climbing, hiking and spotting condors
California is also home to 280 state parks, the most in the nation. With so much to see and do, you could plan many years of vacations in California’s parks. Or, if you live in California and want to head out of state for a quick vacation, there are plenty of weekend getaways from California that you’re sure to love.
Journey To the Best California Parks with AAA
With nine breathtaking national parks to choose from, California offers outdoor experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re scaling cliffs in Yosemite or kayaking the Channel Islands, the best national parks in California invite you to explore nature’s best.
If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, AAA Travel can help. Our travel experts can offer curated vacation planning, expert travel guides and road trip inspiration to get you on your way. And if you’re a AAA Member, you can get exclusive discounts on airfare, lodging and much more.