California's Top National Parks

From surreal sandstone landscapes and rugged granite spires to unique, endangered species and some of the tallest, oldest trees on the planet, California's national parks showcase a diverse array of cherished natural wonders.

For many travelers, exploring these parks is a must-do, but planning the visit can be daunting. Figuring out how to escape the crowds that gather year-round to see these natural treasures can be challenging.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to California's premier national parks, arranged from south to north, featuring a local enthusiast's insights on the highlights not to miss in each location.

Joshua Tree National Park

Reactions to encountering a Joshua Tree for the first time can vary widely, from awe to amusement. Named by Mormon pioneers who likened the peculiar trees to Joshua raising his arms in prayer, these spiky-headed members of the agave family seem like they could have leaped from a Dr. Seuss story.

Equally surreal, the landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park boast intricate rock formations where massive boulders lie scattered like the abandoned toys of a colossal child.

Formed by the collision of tectonic plates and shaped by fierce desert winds and sudden floods, this 1,242-square-mile park rises from 900 to 5,500 feet in elevation.

As you drive along Park Boulevard, it’s impossible to overlook the throngs stopping to admire Skull Rock, Cap Rock, Arch Rock, and other iconic formations. However, venture deeper into the Wonderland of Rocks for a chance to enjoy equally fascinating geological wonders in solitude.

The drive to Keys View Overlook is long and winding, but the breathtaking views from the San Bernardino Mountains over the Coachella Valley make it worthwhile.

Situated at the crossroads of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, the park features a variety of unique ecosystems, clearly evident when you find yourself among the fan palm oases of Cottonwood Springs and the Oasis of Mara.

If you have just one day in the park, make it an extended adventure. Begin with the sunrise in the Cholla Cactus Garden and end with stargazing at the Sky's the Limit observatory near the Twentynine Palms entrance.

Accommodation options

Fans of Marriott Bonvoy will appreciate the Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree National Park. The convenient grab-and-go breakfast is perfect for those early sunrise photo sessions, and the pool provides refreshing relief after a hot hike. Rates start at $259 or 32,000 Bonvoy points.

The drive to the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Palm Springs may be longer, but you'll earn major family points when the kids catch sight of the Splashtopia water park on the property. Rates start at $478.

Channel Islands National Park

The five islands—Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa—that make up Channel Islands National Park are cut off from the Southern California mainland by a deep channel. Access is exclusively by boat from visitor centers in Ventura or Oxnard.

Transportation, offered by Island Packers, provides year-round access to Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands, with seasonal access to Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara available from March to November on a limited schedule. Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands can also be reached by plane.

Known as the 'Galapagos of North America' due to its remarkable variety of wildlife, the islands boast over 2,000 species of flora and fauna, with 145 unique to this location.

Hiking is the main attraction here, with popular trails leading to the Anacapa lighthouse, Scorpion Valley on Santa Cruz Island, and Lobo Canyon on Santa Rosa Island. Additionally, whale and dolphin watching is a key highlight of boat tours around the Channel Islands.

Accommodation options

There are no hotels available on the Channel Islands, only campgrounds, with the largest being Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island and Water Canyon Camp on Santa Rosa Island.

You'll drift off to the soothing sound of waves at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort, which welcomes both pets and families. It's linked by a promenade to Ventura Harbor Village, featuring various restaurants and shops. Room rates start at $191 or 21,000 points.

Death Valley National Park

Like a playground for adrenaline junkies, Death Valley National Park seems crafted to test every limit with its staggering variations in temperature, elevation, and landscape.

Recognized as the hottest and driest area in North America, Death Valley experiences summer temperatures soaring close to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It also holds the title for the lowest elevation in North America, sinking 282 feet below sea level in the salt-crusted expanse known as Badwater.

Many visitors speed through Death Valley, taking in the sights of the Amargosa Range from Zabriskie Point and being awed by the haunting beauty of the rock-laden Devil's Golf Course. However, to genuinely experience this surreal landscape, one must delve into its extremes.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring ample water. Take the opportunity to explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, gaze into the 600-foot-deep Ubehebe Crater, hike through the vibrant Mosaic Canyon, and drive up to Agueberry Point — at 6,000 feet, it offers breathtaking views of the valley below.

Consider spending the night, or at least staying until after dark, to witness the Milky Way illuminate one of North America's darkest skies. For an added adventure, join a jeep tour through Titus Canyon, where the nearly vertical limestone cliffs seem poised to envelop you.

Accommodation options

There’s no better spot to immerse yourself in the park than The Oasis at Death Valley. Situated near the visitor center, it is nestled within a lush grove of date palms nourished by natural springs.

Established in 1927, this historic property has undergone renovations exceeding $250 million. It now offers diverse lodging options, including the romantic The Inn at Death Valley, the laid-back Ranch at Death Valley, casitas, cabins, and even a campground. Room rates start at $289, with campsites available from $29.

Pinnacles National Park

Designated as California's newest national park, Pinnacles National Park was elevated from a national monument status in 2013. Its name comes from a stunning formation of rock towers, buttresses, and spires that resemble a majestic castle rising from the rolling hills and valleys of the coastal range.

Over 30 miles of hiking trails wind through fields of wildflowers alongside Chalone Creek, ascend the heights via the High Peaks Trail, and explore the river caves of Balconies and Bear Gulch.

Adorned in shades of red, ochre, and salmon reminiscent of the hoodoos found in Bryce Canyon National Park, Pinnacles also shares a vital connection with Utah's red rock canyons: it is home to the endangered California Condor, with 86 of these magnificent birds now residing in the park.

Accommodation Options

There are no hotels located within or just outside the park; however, the historic and exceptionally comfortable Inn at the Pinnacles is the nearest choice, but its rooms are highly sought after. Rates begin at $365.

Soledad has a few budget-friendly alternatives, including a Motel 6 and a Motel 8. However, for a truly relaxing getaway, consider Carmel Valley Ranch, part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection. Your stay may include activities like horse interaction, yoga on the hills, a round of golf, or exploring the 500-acre property. Room rates start at $895 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

When you look at a map, it's obvious that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are distinct areas. However, this distinction blurs when you visit, as the parks are managed together, feature many overlapping attractions, and are connected by the Generals Highway.

True to expectations, Sequoia is home to the legendary tall trees, including the colossal General Sherman Tree — the largest living organism on Earth, boasting an estimated volume of over 50,000 cubic feet.

The nearby Giant Forest is filled with even more of these majestic giants; you can explore them along the Congress Trail and learn more at the Giant Forest Museum.

To fully appreciate the splendor of King's Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America, make your way to Panoramic Point and hike to the overlook, where you can peer into the canyon's depths.

King's Canyon also boasts its own notable tree, the General Grant Tree, situated within the Grant Grove. Be sure to visit the pine-lined Hume Lake along the General's Highway in the national forest, where you'll find sandy beaches for swimming and options for boat and kayak rentals.

Accommodation Options

Madera, located between Yosemite's south entrance and Sequoia and Kings Canyon, serves as an ideal base for visiting all three parks with minimal travel and maximum adventure. At the Hampton Inn & Suites Madera, room rates start at $124 or 30,000 points, which includes a complimentary hot breakfast.

Yosemite National Park

With its rugged granite peaks, roaring waterfalls, and lush meadows, Yosemite National Park is a cornerstone of the national park system and adds to its legendary allure.

Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking view from Tunnel View, where the valley is framed by the towering silhouettes of El Capitan and Half Dome. Another stunning perspective of Half Dome can be seen reflected in the tranquil waters of Mirror Lake. Many adventurers also take on the challenge of the 17-mile trek to the summit, supported by cables installed each year from May to October. (Permits are required and are distributed through a lottery system.)

Yosemite's waterfalls are arguably the park's most cherished highlights. Bridalveil Falls captivates visitors with its shimmering mist, while the majestic Yosemite Falls, the tallest in North America, consists of the Upper, Lower, and Middle falls, cascading a total of 2,425 feet.

Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 magnificent redwoods, some of which are more than 2,000 years old, faced near destruction by fire in 2015. Now safeguarded by elevated boardwalks, the grove reopened in 2018 after an extensive three-year restoration project costing $40 million.

Accommodation Options

Located just half a mile from Yosemite's west entrance, Rush Creek Resort embodies rustic elegance, featuring a Scandinavian-style lodge and villas spread across 20 acres of wooded hillside. The resort offers a restaurant, tavern, general store, saltwater pool, hot tubs, a nature-themed spa, and a network of hiking trails, plus outdoor activities like a zip line and giant slide. Rates begin at $297 per night.

Rush Creek's sister property, Evergreen Lodge (starting at $155 per night), will soon be complemented by Firefall Ranch, set to open in May. The one- and two-bedroom cottages, along with three-bedroom villas, are thoughtfully positioned across the expansive 300-acre estate.

You might also consider making the charming wild west town of Mariposa your home base. Here, you can explore a variety of new restaurants, cafes, and brewpubs — such as The 1850 and The Alley — that have emerged in recent years.

The Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel in Mariposa offers a complimentary hot breakfast and welcomes pets up to 80 pounds, exceeding the weight limit of most accommodations. Room rates begin at $100 per night.

While visiting, be sure to stop by the Yosemite Climbing Museum and Gallery, where photos and artifacts will deepen your appreciation for the daring achievements of climbers.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Similar to its larger counterpart Yellowstone, Lassen Volcanic National Park serves as a striking reminder of the Earth's dynamic forces. Here, flattened mountain peaks tell tales of volcanic eruptions, steam escapes from underground vents, and pools of mineral-rich mud bubble and churn.

The park's most captivating sites are located along the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, which traces a semicircular path around the towering 10,457-foot Lassen Peak.

Be sure to witness all of the park's geological marvels, including the enormous black lava boulders of the aptly named Chaos Jumbles, the sulfur- and silica-laden mud pots at Sulphur Works, and the stunning sapphire-blue Lake Helen reflecting Lassen Peak's grandeur.

Other notable attractions include Hat Creek, Little Hot Springs Creek, and Diamond Peak. Hiking is essential to access Lassen's most famous wonders, such as the 30-foot Kings Creek Falls and Bumpass Hell — the park's largest and most active geothermal site, known for its steam-spewing fumaroles and eerie mud pots.

Lassen features two visitor centers: the Kohm Yah-mah-ee Visitor Center located at the southern end of the park and the Loomis Museum Visitor Center at the northern end.

You will still encounter significant signs of the devastating Dixie Fire, which scorched 963,309 acres — equivalent to 1,505 square miles — in the fall of 2021. However, the park's recovery has been remarkable, with areas of charred trees now surrounded by vibrant waist-high wildflowers.

Lassen's night skies are renowned for their darkness, attributed to the crisp mountain air and minimal light pollution; be sure to check the schedule for ranger-led stargazing events during the summer.

Where to stay

Experience the same clear night air and star-studded skies at Highlands Ranch Resort, nestled in its own alpine valley called Child's Meadow, with only woods and wildlife surrounding it. Choose from the 19-room lodge, the Village at Highland Ranch, or one of the spacious cottages, each featuring a fireplace and private patio. Rates start at $100 per night.

Just an hour away in Redding, you'll discover several hotel options that offer points, with the Sheraton Sundial Redding standing out as a preferred selection. Rates begin at $242 or 35,000 Bonvoy points.

Redwood National and State Parks

The expansive Redwood National and State Parks comprises Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods state parks. This network of parks protects some of the largest remaining ancient redwood forests along California's northern coastline.

A great starting point for your visit is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which runs parallel to Highway 101 and offers an excellent overview of the park's key attractions.

The visitor center at Prairie Creek Redwoods provides maps to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove and the Big Tree Loop, which features the Cathedral Trees Trail. If you're eager to witness the ancient, moss-covered forests that stood in for Endor in "Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi" and "The Lost World: Jurassic Park," be sure to consult the rangers for directions. The short hike up Fern Creek will lead you close to these sights.

Additional attractions include swimming (or perhaps just wading, based on your tolerance for chilly water) in the Smith River at Jedediah Smith State Park, or visiting Elk Prairie in Prairie Creek Redwoods. Here, you can observe Roosevelt elk, once on the brink of extinction but now thriving in their safeguarded meadows.

Where to stay

In Crescent City, the closest town to the parks, the Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn offers a points-friendly option with clean rooms and complimentary breakfast. Rates start at $111 or just 5,000 Best Western rewards points.

For a more unique experience, consider staying 15 miles south of the park at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in the vibrant Arcata. Here, you can explore the eclectic cafes, shops, and galleries around the historic plaza and visit the Saturday morning farmers market. Rooms start at $137 or 28,000 IHG rewards points.