If you want your next vacation to have a little bit of everything, including a lot of outdoor adventuring, California is your perfect destination. From arid deserts to towering Redwoods and everything in-between, California’s diverse landscape has something for everyone. And yes, that includes you.
If you’ve ever explored the Golden State, you probably know how difficult it is to narrow this list of best places down to just seven. But for the sake of brevity, and because we only have so many days in this life for exploration, here are the top 7 places in California for outdoor activities.
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1. Fern Canyon
If you want to visit the set of the Jurassic Park movies, you might think you’d have to fly to a faraway land. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Actually, some of the movie were filmed right here in Fern Canyon. When you catch a glimpse of the towering ferns growing on 50-foot high walls, it’ll all make sense. Fern Canyon is part of Redwood State Park, which is managed in cooperation with Redwood National Park.
2. Glacier Point
Watching the sunset at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park will soon become your favorite thing to do. Glacier Point sits above Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7,214 feet. And if you’re feeling adventurous, drive to Glacier Point and take any one of five moderates to strenuous day hikes from here. Just be sure to time it so you’re at Glacier Point when the sun sets.
3. Mount Whitney
You’ll find Mt. Whitney on the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest. It’s a notable hike because Mt. Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Climbers typically ascend on the east side of the Sierra and end their hike at Inyo National Forest.
4. Death Valley
You could easily spend a day or two exploring Death Valley National Park, but if you’re short on time, stick to the major Death Valley attractions. Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America at -282 feet below sea level, and its unique landscape may leave you feeling like you’ve entered another planet.
Devils Golf Course is a large area of rock salt that was eroded by wind and rain into a serrated landscape. Listen closely, and you can literally hear the salt crystals bursting as they expand and contract in the heat of the day. And you won’t want to miss Zabriskie Point, which is the most famous viewpoint in the park.
5. Channel Islands
The best way to see the Channel Islands is by kayak. While you’re there, you’ll feel like an early explorer as you hike and kayak around this system of islands. And when you get tired of hiking, spend some time lounging on Scorpion Beach, which many believe is the best beach in all of California.
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park
With 30 volcanic domes of all types, Lassen Volcanic National Park is truly a sight to behold. Start by hiking around Manzanita Lake while taking in a view of the 10,457-foot Lassen Peak. If you have time, stop at Lassen’s most accessible hydrothermal area to catch a glimpse of rushing steam and volcanic gas vents. Then, explore Devil’s Kitchen for a view of mud pots, steaming streams and more volcanic gas vents.
7. Joshua Tree National Park
It’s probably easier to list the outdoor activities you can’t do at Joshua Tree National Park. There’s truly something for everyone at any activity level. Enjoy amazing Joshua Tree hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking, stargazing and wildflower viewing or bird watching at this world-famous national park.
Joshua Tree National Park is a protected area of southern California that’s known for its stark desert landscapes, twisted Joshua trees, and rugged rock formations. You’ll find this park between the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which provide two very distinct ecosystems that seem to collide at Joshua Tree National Park. One desert is arid and low while the other is high and vegetated, so you can expect views of varied desert landscapes here.
You may not be able to fit all these epic activities into one trip, but you can certainly try. A well-planned road trip is the best way to experience all the outdoor beauty and adventure these national and state parks have to offer. So, make sure you have a spacious car like a Buick SUV your favorite playlist, and hit the road for some serious outdoor adventure.