I’ve lived in a variety 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 Huge Sur to the arid, otherworldly terrain of Dying Valley Nationwide Park, I by no means ran out of locations that I wished to see and discover.
One of many coolest issues about California – not less than I feel so – is that there are such a lot of completely different ecosystems. California is dwelling to seashores and rugged shoreline, 14,000-foot peaks, sandy deserts, and dense forests (to not point out 9 Nationwide Parks). I may very well 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 earth with that a lot range in relation 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 individuals who need to get exterior and discover the Golden State. Want extra concepts? You possibly can try all of my California journey blogs right here.
This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks.
Northern California
Northern California is understood for its dramatic coastlines, Redwood forests, and geothermal exercise, and being so removed from main cities, it sees fewer guests than different components of the state.
1. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is situated on the northern California Coast lower than 2 hours from San Francisco. It’s among the finest locations within the state to view coastal wildlife like elephant seals, tule elk, tons of chook species, and even whales. Peak gray whale season is January by means of April, and after 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 plush forests crisscrossed with mountaineering trails. Lots of people don’t understand that California has such undeveloped locations like this!
Listed below are some enjoyable issues to do in Level Reyes:
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 must have an concept beforehand of the place you propose to remain. We didn’t plan forward and had a troublesome time discovering wherever to park in a single day.
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’ll be able to 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 mountaineering trails the place you’ll be able to stand up shut to those giants. I additionally suggest packing a swimsuit and taking a drip within the brisk Eel River. If you wish to spend the evening, Humboldt has an incredible campground beneath the cover of the Redwoods (reservations extremely really helpful!).
Need to see extra redwoods?
Humboldt Redwoods State Park isn’t the one place you’ll be able to see the redwoods. Another locations value 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’ll be able to 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 also be dwelling to a variety of coldwater lakes for swimming or paddleboarding, many trails for day mountaineering, and alternatives for backpacking.
For the perfect view within the Park, you’ll be able to hike to the highest of Lassen Peak. Sadly after 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 checklist for subsequent time.
When you have further time, we took a day journey to Burney Falls and located it to be effectively definitely worth the quick drive.
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 suggest trying out the quite a few caves and lava tubes all through the park. These have been fashioned 1000’s of years in the past as lava flowed from Drugs Lake Volcano and cooled all through the encircling plains. Make certain to put on a headlamp and closed-toe footwear in the event you plan to discover the 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 supply snowboarding and in the summertime, there are limitless alternatives for mountaineering and biking.
Whereas I haven’t achieved it myself, mountaineering to the Mount Shasta Summit is a bucketlist expertise. There are a few non-technical, however very difficult routes to the summit or you’ll be able to rent an area information and deal with one of many mountaineering routes that cross Mount Shasta’s glaciers.
Close to the bottom of the Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta can also be an incredible 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 legendary for its numerous marine life, lush coastal bluffs, cute coastal cities, and spectacular mountaineering trails.
6. Huge Sur
Your complete drive alongside the Pacific Shoreline on iconic Freeway 1 is unimaginable, however my favourite place to discover is Huge Sur. This stretch of highway options dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, tons of mountaineering trails, stunning seashores, and Redwood forests.
Listed below are a couple of of my favourite locations in Huge Sur:
For extra concepts on the way to spend your time in Huge Sur, try my Huge Sur Journey Information.
7. Yosemite Nationwide Park
In fact, you’d anticipate Yosemite Nationwide Park to be on the checklist of the perfect locations to go to in California, particularly for out of doors fanatics! I’ve been fortunate to discover a lot of Yosemite on foot when mountaineering 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 mountain climbing. You possibly can simply spend two weeks right here and never see all of it.
Half Dome is essentially the most iconic path within the Park, nevertheless it now requires a allow. If you happen to can’t get one, I recommend you hike to Clouds Relaxation as a substitute. It affords 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 virtually the complete approach. There are waterfalls, swimming holes, and enjoyable riverside tenting. It additionally requires a allow, which cuts down on the crowds.
For extra suggestions, try my guides on the Finest Hikes in Yosemite and Finest Issues to do in Yosemite.
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 suggest spending a day there! You possibly can see marine life up shut as you study concerning the aquarium’s present work and applications.
There’s quite a bit to do in Monterey exterior of the aquarium, too.
9. Pinnacles Nationwide Park
Pinnacles is among the latest and smallest Nationwide Parks. I haven’t had an opportunity to go to right here but, however the phrase from the Bearfoot Principle workforce is that it has nice mountaineering, stunning views, numerous tenting, and wildlife.
Pinnacles is among the few locations in California the place you’ll be able to see California condors within the wild. If you happen to’re a climber, Pinnacles Nationwide Park can also be dwelling to world-class climbing routes. There are boulders and rock faces unfold all through the park.
The perfect time to go to is in Spring when it’s not too sizzling and every little thing is inexperienced.
10. Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks
Situated within the southern Jap Sierra Nevada mountain vary, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks are two separate parks, however they’re situated proper subsequent to one another, so most individuals go to them in a single journey.
These Parks supply my favourite mountaineering 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 motive, these Parks are greatest explored on a multi-day backpacking journey.
If you happen to’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 suggest this path!
If backpacking isn’t your factor, there are some day hikes value doing. You’ll additionally need to cease on the Basic Sherman Tree. This sequoia tree is the most important tree on the earth by quantity and it’s fairly a powerful sight! You may also go to Redwood Canyon in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, which is dwelling to the most important remaining grove of Redwoods on the planet.
Southern California
Southern California has among the greatest seashores within the nation, together with desert landscapes and spring blooms.
11. Dying Valley Nationwide Park
Dying Valley Nationwide Park is among the most unusual and otherworldly locations I’ve ever visited. The panorama right here makes you are feeling such as you’ve in some way landed on Mars.
It’s a land of contrasts: you’ll be able to go to the bottom level in North America, Badwater Basin whereas being only a quick distance from the very best level within the decrease 48, Mt. Whitney. For many of the 12 months, Dying Valley seems to be a barren wasteland, however for a couple of 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 approach to cap off the day.
You’ll need to spend not less than a day or two in Dying Valley, so make sure to observe our 3-Day Dying Valley Nationwide Park Itinerary to hit all the perfect spots!
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 lots to see and do.
Joshua Tree can get busy, although, so make sure to ebook your campsite forward of time.
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 completely different islands, every with its personal distinctive geography and landscapes. Every island can also be a haven for chook and marine life, a few of that are endemic, that means they’re discovered nowhere else on the planet.
To your first go to, I recommend 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 seaside.
The snorkeling proper off the seaside is unbelievable. I noticed a number of sea lions and a harbor seal swimming within the kelp beds final time I used to be there. Whilst you’re on the market, you can too take a guided kayaking tour of the shoreline and sea caves.
Study extra about the way to plan your go to in my Channel Islands information.
14. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is off the coast of Lengthy Seaside, California and affords a really completely different expertise than Channel Islands Nationwide Park. Not like the Nationwide Park that’s uninhabited with no companies, folks stay on Catalina Island the place you’ll discover eating places, motels, and loads of issues to do.
Considered one of my all-time favourite backpacking journeys is the Trans-Catalina Path which traverses the complete island. This 3-4 day journey affords completely beautiful beachfront tenting and superior views the complete approach. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, you can too bike virtually the complete size of the island.
In fact, the true draw of Catalina for a lot of guests is the ocean. You possibly can SCUBA dive or snorkel by means of a few of California’s most stunning kelp forests encountering the brilliant orange garibaldi, California’s state fish. There’s additionally boat-in tenting, crusing excursions, and kayaking excursions.
15. Ojai
Whereas I want to get out in nature for hikes and bike rides after 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 outlets 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 best way to Ventura (30 miles roundtrip), however you’ll be able to take it so far as you need earlier than turning round. There are additionally tons of nice mountaineering trails in Valley View Protect just some miles exterior 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.
California’s Jap Sierra
House to the decrease 48’s tallest peaks, Lake Tahoe, sizzling springs, and 4,000 12 months outdated bushes, California’s Jap Sierra is a hiker’s paradise.
16. Lake Tahoe
I’ve been to Lake Tahoe a variety of instances and it’s simply as picturesque as it’s in photographs. It’s additionally a year-round vacation spot with nice snowboarding within the winter and mountaineering, biking, and watersports in the summertime.
Whereas the shores of Lake Tahoe do get busy through the hotter months, it’s nonetheless value trying out with numerous enjoyable issues to do across the Lake. I like to recommend visiting in early June or September to keep away from peak summer season crowds.
For mountaineering, I particularly love mountaineering to the highest of Mount Tallac, and the beautiful Lake Aloha Path is simply up the highway too. Or for a chill day on the water, there are tons of seashores throughout the Lake. Simply be ready to pay an entry payment for many of the seashores as they’re managed by California State Parks.
BFT Contributor Becky Timbers who’s an avid mountain biker says you’ll be able to’t miss the epic 24-mile Tahoe Rim & Flume Path.
17. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth is among the most stunning locations in California! Suppose tall, jagged mountains, alpine lakes, wonderful mountaineering, 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 possibly can take the scenic gondola to benefit from the unimaginable views out over the Minarets and the bottom of Yosemite Valley.
On the east aspect of Freeway 395 only a quick drive from city, you’ll additionally discover a variety of simply accessible sizzling springs. Wild Willy’s and Hilltop Scorching Springs (each on Google maps) are nice locations to soak your muscular tissues after a day of journey. There’s numerous dispersed tenting not removed from the springs too!
18. Mono Lake
Mono Lake is situated on a distant stretch of Route 395 between Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. It’s an historical saline lake that was fashioned 1000’s of years in the past. It has no outlet, so the one approach water escapes is thru evaporation, which has led to excessive concentrations of salts and minerals. In consequence, Mono Lake is very 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 Middle with nice views over the lake and surrounding mountains. You may also stroll all the way 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.
19. Historical Bristlecone Forest
The Historical Bristlecone Forest is dwelling to among the oldest bushes on the earth. This particular place is situated within the White Mountains above Bishop, California, and may solely be accessed (simply) in the summertime.
A number of the Bristlecones listed here are 4000+ years outdated they usually 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 Middle the place you’ll be able to study extra about these wonderful bushes. Then, hike one (or each) of the loops to see the Bristlecones up shut. You’ll be mountaineering above 10,000 toes, although, so make sure to convey solar safety and plenty of water and tempo your self. If you happen to’ve by no means been that top, learn my tips about avoiding altitude illness.
You may also go to Patriarch Grove, which is 13 miles north of Schulman Grove through a tough grime highway. It’s value visiting if in case you have the proper car to see the Patriarch Tree, the most important bristlecone on the earth!
Tip: Be sure you have a superb quantity of gasoline in your tank earlier than heading as much as the Bristlecones. The highway is steep, winding, and lengthy and there are not any companies up there.
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 dwelling to among 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 an incredible place for tenting, bouldering, and images. There are a couple of mountaineering trails, however the Alabama Hills are largely only a place to loosen up and benefit from the magnificence.
It’s additionally a handy place to base your self earlier than or after a backpacking journey within the Jap Sierra. I camped right here earlier than mountaineering to Dusy Basin and had a beautiful evening beneath the celebrities.
Situated simply exterior of Lone Pine on Freeway 395, Alambama Hills additionally places you in shut proximity to Mt. Whitney, the very best peak within the decrease 48 states at 14,505 toes. You possibly can drive up Whitney Portal Highway to the trailhead at 8,360 toes, however if you wish to hike it, you’ll want a mountaineering allow.
Enjoyable reality: 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.
Continuously Requested Questions
California is a year-round vacation spot and any out of doors lover can discover journey it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to. It actually depends upon the place you need to go and what you need to see and do.
Personally, I 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.
When you have 2+ weeks, you’ll be able to cowl a variety of floor in California. However if in case you have lower than that, I like to recommend sticking to only one or two areas of the state so you’ll be able to actually maximize your time at every vacation spot.
Sadly, sure. Wildfires have turn into more and more prevalent in California through the summer season months. Whereas imminent hazard from wildfires is uncommon, your journey (and well being) may be impacted by smoke and air high quality. Examine the CalFire web site earlier than your journey to see if and the place wildfires are burning.
Extra California Adventures
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What are the perfect locations to go to in California in your opinion? Which of them are in your bucket checklist? Let me know within the feedback beneath!
