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 everywhere in the state. From the ocean views and inexperienced, rolling hills of Huge Sur to the arid, otherworldly terrain of Demise 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 believe so – is that there are such a lot of totally different ecosystems. California is house 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 this planet with that a lot variety in relation to outside 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 exterior and discover the Golden State. Want extra concepts? You’ll be able to take a look at all of my California journey blogs right here.
This submit could include 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 situated on the northern California Coast lower than 2 hours from San Francisco. It’s among the best locations within the state to view coastal wildlife like elephant seals, tule elk, tons of chicken species, and even whales. Peak gray whale season is January by 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 plush forests crisscrossed with mountaineering trails. Lots of people don’t notice that California has such undeveloped locations like this!
Listed here are some enjoyable issues to do in Level Reyes:
Van and automotive tenting close to Level Reyes is fairly restricted sadly, so that you if you’re hoping to camp along with your car, you need to have an concept beforehand of the place you intend to remain. We didn’t plan forward and had a tough 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 timber. 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 mountaineering trails the place you may rise 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 a fantastic campground below the cover of the Redwoods (reservations extremely really useful!).
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 rise 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 house to a lot of coldwater lakes for swimming or paddleboarding, many trails for day mountaineering, 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. Nevertheless it’s on my checklist for subsequent time.
You probably have additional time, we took a day journey to Burney Falls and located it to be effectively definitely worth the brief 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 some of the distinctive place to go to in California.
I extremely advocate testing the quite a few caves and lava tubes all through the park. These have been shaped hundreds of years in the past as lava flowed from Medication Lake Volcano and cooled all through the encompassing plains. Make sure that to put on a headlamp and closed-toe sneakers if you happen to plan to discover the tubes!
5. Mount Shasta & Lake Shasta
Mount Shasta is a year-round vacation spot for outside journey. In winter, the slopes of the stratovolcano supply snowboarding and in the summertime, there are countless alternatives for mountaineering and biking.
Whereas I haven’t executed 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 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 also be a fantastic place to hang around. They’ve some good campgrounds across the lake that you need to use as a base camp to discover the realm.
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Central California
Central California is known for its numerous marine life, lush coastal bluffs, cute coastal cities, and spectacular mountaineering trails.
6. Huge Sur
Your entire drive alongside the Pacific Shoreline on iconic Freeway 1 is unbelievable, however my favourite place to discover is Huge Sur. This stretch of highway options dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, tons of mountaineering trails, lovely seashores, and Redwood forests.
Listed here are just a few of my favourite locations in Huge Sur:
For extra concepts on the way to spend your time in Huge Sur, take a look at my Huge Sur Journey Information.
7. Yosemite Nationwide Park
In fact, you’d anticipate Yosemite Nationwide Park to be on the checklist of the very best locations to go to in California, particularly for outside 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 mountaineering. You could possibly simply spend two weeks right here and never see all of it.
Half Dome is essentially the most iconic path within the Park, however it now requires a allow. When you can’t get one, I counsel you hike to Clouds Relaxation as an alternative. 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 beloved 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 entire manner. There are waterfalls, swimming holes, and stress-free riverside tenting. It additionally requires a allow, which cuts down on the crowds.
For extra suggestions, take a look at my guides on the Greatest Hikes in Yosemite and Greatest 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 all the time 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’ll be able to see marine life up shut as you study in regards to the aquarium’s present work and packages.
There’s lots to do in Monterey exterior of the aquarium, too.
9. Pinnacles Nationwide Park
Pinnacles is likely 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 mountaineering, lovely views, a lot of tenting, and wildlife.
Pinnacles is likely one of the few locations in California the place you may see California condors within the wild. When you’re a climber, Pinnacles Nationwide Park can also be house to world-class climbing routes. There are boulders and rock faces unfold all through the park.
The very best time to go to is in Spring when it’s not too scorching and all the pieces 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 perhaps 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.
When you’re up for an enormous journey, I did a 6-day Mineral King Loop backpacking journey in Sequoia that was epic past proportions. Secluded lakes, large mountain vistas, and a lot solitude. I extremely advocate this path!
If backpacking isn’t your factor, there are some day hikes price doing. You’ll additionally need to cease on the Common Sherman Tree. This sequoia tree is the biggest tree on this planet by quantity and it’s fairly a formidable sight! It’s also possible to go to Redwood Canyon in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, which is house to the biggest 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. Demise Valley Nationwide Park
Demise Valley Nationwide Park is likely one of the most original and otherworldly locations I’ve ever visited. The panorama right here makes you are feeling such as you’ve someway 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 brief distance from the very best level within the decrease 48, Mt. Whitney. For a lot of the 12 months, Demise Valley seems to be a barren wasteland, however for just a few weeks within the spring, it involves life with a shocking 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 an excellent option to cap off the day.
You’ll need to spend not less than a day or two in Demise Valley, so remember to comply with our 3-Day Demise Valley Nationwide Park Itinerary to hit all the very best spots!
12. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Well-known for its distinctive desert panorama strewn with large 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’s nonetheless loads to see and do.
Joshua Tree can get busy, although, so remember to e book 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 some of the 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 also be a haven for chicken and marine life, a few of that are endemic, that 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 an enormous campground only a brief stroll from the seaside.
The snorkeling proper off the seaside is incredible. 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 may as well take a guided kayaking tour of the shoreline and sea caves.
Be taught 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 totally different expertise than Channel Islands Nationwide Park. In contrast to the Nationwide Park that’s uninhabited with no companies, folks reside on Catalina Island the place you’ll discover eating places, accommodations, and loads of issues to do.
Considered one of my all-time favourite backpacking journeys is the Trans-Catalina Path which traverses your entire island. This 3-4 day journey affords completely beautiful beachfront tenting and superior views your entire manner. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, you may as well bike nearly your entire size of the island.
In fact, the actual draw of Catalina for a lot of guests is the ocean. You’ll be able to SCUBA dive or snorkel by a few of California’s most lovely kelp forests encountering the brilliant orange garibaldi, California’s state fish. There may be additionally boat-in tenting, crusing excursions, and kayaking excursions.
15. Ojai
Whereas I favor to get out in nature for hikes and bike rides once I journey, I do like to go to cute cities, too. Ojai is one among 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 primary avenue 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 mountaineering trails in Valley View Protect just some miles exterior of city or hike one among my favorites, Gridley Path.
For extra issues to do and see in Ojai, take a look at 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
Dwelling to the decrease 48’s tallest peaks, Lake Tahoe, scorching springs, and 4,000 12 months outdated timber, California’s Jap 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 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 throughout the hotter months, it’s nonetheless price testing with a lot 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 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 charge 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 likely one of the most lovely locations in California! Suppose tall, jagged mountains, alpine lakes, wonderful mountaineering, scorching 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’ll be able to take the scenic gondola to benefit from the unbelievable views out over the Minarets and the bottom of Yosemite Valley.
On the east aspect of Freeway 395 only a brief drive from city, you’ll additionally discover a lot of simply accessible scorching 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 may be a lot of 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 historic saline lake that was shaped hundreds of years in the past. It has no outlet, so the one manner water escapes is thru evaporation, which has led to excessive concentrations of salts and minerals. Because of this, 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 Middle with nice views over the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s also possible to stroll all the way down to the lake shore to see the tufas up shut and look ahead to birdlife.
Observe: There are only a few facilities and lodging round Mono Lake, so do your analysis and plan forward earlier than setting out.
19. Historic Bristlecone Forest
The Historic Bristlecone Forest is house to among the oldest timber on this planet. This particular place is situated within the White Mountains above Bishop, California, and may solely be accessed (simply) in the summertime.
A few of the Bristlecones listed below 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 may study extra about these wonderful timber. Then, hike one (or each) of the loops to see the Bristlecones up shut. You’ll be mountaineering above 10,000 ft, although, so remember to deliver solar safety and many water and tempo your self. When you’ve by no means been that top, learn my tips about avoiding altitude illness.
It’s also possible to go to Patriarch Grove, which is 13 miles north of Schulman Grove through a tough dust highway. It’s price visiting when you have the proper car to see the Patriarch Tree, the biggest bristlecone on this planet!
Tip: Be sure you have quantity of fuel 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 house to among the most original and delightful landscapes in California (in my view).
The world is characterised by large boulder fields with 14,000-foot peaks because the backdrop. It’s an incredible place for tenting, bouldering, and pictures. There are just a few mountaineering trails, however the Alabama Hills are largely 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 Jap Sierra. I camped right here earlier than mountaineering to Dusy Basin and had a stunning evening below 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 ft. You’ll be able to drive up Whitney Portal Highway to the trailhead at 8,360 ft, however if you wish to hike it, you’ll want a mountaineering 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.
Incessantly Requested Questions
California is a year-round vacation spot and any outside 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.
You probably have 2+ weeks, you may cowl lots 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.
Sadly, sure. Wildfires have change into more and more prevalent in California throughout the summer time months. Whereas imminent hazard from wildfires is uncommon, your journey (and well being) may 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.
Extra California Adventures
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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 checklist? Let me know within the feedback beneath!
