California National Parks Road Trip

With nine national parks, California provides the ideal getaway for those looking for a road trip filled with scenic views and natural wonders. Here's our guide to visiting the best California national parks on a road trip. 

Channel Islands National Park

Just off the coast of Southern California sits the five islands of Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa Island is the perfect place for short hikes and bird watchers. Santa Cruz Island caters to outdoor enthusiasts who want thrilling adventures—try sea cave kayaking, long hikes, or snorkeling. If you’re looking to relax and sunbathe on stunning white-sand beaches, venture to Santa Rosa Island. Scuba diving will take you to kelp forests as majestic as cathedrals, World War II shipwrecks, underwater arches, and various sea creatures. If you visit in certain seasons, you might even spot migrating gray whales and nesting seabirds. 

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America, and a must-see destination among California national parks. Road trip here from any of the state's major cities for an awe-inspiring experience. If you’re wondering what there is to do and see in country as desolate as Death Valley, you will be pleasantly surprised. Places like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes with mountains rising on the horizon provide the perfect subject for photographers. Drive to Artist's Palette to witness the world in stunning colors (with orange, pink, green, and turquoise rocks). Take leisurely walks or visit the ghost town of Rhyolite, an abandoned mining town with a unique art installation. When you feel more adventurous, take the more challenging hiking trails that lead you through surreal landscapes, including Zabriskie Point.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the national parks near Los Angeles. It has many popular activities, including hiking, walking, and horseback riding. See bizarre rock formations as you make your way around Skull Rock, Barker Dam, and Hidden Valley. Adrenaline junkies can try scaling the towering rocks including the hilariously named Great Burrito. Check out Cholla Cactus Garden and the Cottonwood Spring Oasis, a permanent spring where you might see some concrete ruins and equipment used by gold miners. Joshua Tree National Park also provides opportunities for birdwatching as many birds migrate there in the winter. 

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park is one for the books with its towering trees, deep canyons, and majestic mountains. Drive through Tunnel Log or see the General Sherman Tree, the biggest tree on the planet. Walk through Crescent Meadow and see the Giant Forest, Sierra pine woodlands, and feathery ferns. Climbers will love scaling Moro Rock or Mount Whitney to see the spectacular views. Venture downward to check out the chambers and formations in Crystal Cave.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park isn’t as visited as the other national parks in California, but there is still much to see in this park filled with rugged landscapes and volcanic areas. Walk the Bumpass Hell Trail to see the striking views and hydrothermal activity of Brokeoff Volcano or Mount Tehama. You can also stroll the Sulphur Works Sidewalk trail and see the mud pots hissing vents. If you enjoy watersport, go kayaking at Manzanita Lake, a beautiful, postcard-worthy place. You can also check out Kings Creek Falls or Mill Creek Falls or hike to Lassen Peak. Swim, fish, kayak, and canoe at Juniper Lake.

Pinnacles National Park

Hiking is one of the main activities of Pinnacles, and this national park features a lot of beautiful trails. Bear Gulch Cave Trail takes you through narrow canyons, boardwalks, and bridges. High Peaks Loop is the most popular trail and hiking to the top of the rock gives you some of the best viewpoints in the whole park. Outdoor enthusiasts can also try their hand at rock climbing. Pinnacles National Park is also the home of the California condor, an endangered bird species. If you visit in the spring, you’ll see the park dressed in a colorful blanket of wildflowers.

Point Reyes National Seashore

About an hour drive north of San Francisco lies California’s hidden gem—Point Reyes National Seashore. Take a walk on South Beach Overlook, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to see elephant seals on the shores below. Laguna Trail Coastal Loop is another hiking trail next to the sea with equally stunning views. If you are traveling with a dog, Limantour Beach is one of the places in the park where you can let your fur friend play. You can also visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, located at the bottom of 313 steps. If you don’t feel like going down (and climbing up again), you can enjoy the views from the observation deck. Keep a lookout for migrating whales.

Redwood National Park

Make sure to include Redwood on your road trip to California national parks. If you want coastal views, you can check out Gold Bluffs Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook with their spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. You might even be able to see some resident elk nearby or migrating whales and dolphins out in the ocean. Walk among Redwood trees in Stout Grove and Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Jeremiah Smith Redwoods has a popular swimming hole if you want a quick dip to cool down. Trek to Fern Canyon, a popular place with its dripping ferns. Finally, end your day by hiking to the top of Redwood Creek Overlook—the best place in the park to watch the sunset.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with thousands of people flocking to popular places like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome every month. When you visit Yosemite, hiking is an absolute must. Check out some of the popular trails, including the hike up to Half Dome. If you are traveling with kids, there are more family-friendly hikes that you can take, including Mirror Lakes, Mist Trail, and Vernal Fall Footbridge. You can also go biking, rock climbing, or tour the museums and galleries to learn more about the park.

Planning Your California National Parks Road Trip

While you might want to visit every California national park in one road trip, that could prove difficult. Plan your trip—or multiple trips—according to the park that interests you most, and remember, you can always come back. 

Book accommodations for your California national parks road trip at a Hotel by Wyndham today.