I’ve lived in plenty 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 Large 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 – at the very least I believe so – is that there are such a lot of completely different ecosystems. California is residence 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 planet with that a lot variety 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 put up, I share my favourite locations to go to in California for individuals who need to get outdoors and discover the Golden State. Want extra concepts? You possibly can take a look at all of my California journey blogs right here.
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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 fowl species, and even whales. Peak gray whale season is January via 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 if you’re hoping to camp together with your car, you must have an thought beforehand of the place you intend 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 timber. 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 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 night time, Humboldt has an ideal 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 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’ll be able to 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 residence to plenty of coldwater lakes for swimming or paddleboarding, many trails for day mountaineering, and alternatives for backpacking.
For one of the best 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. But it surely’s on my listing 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 quick drive.
4. Lava Beds Nationwide Monument
Positioned 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 advocate trying out the quite a few caves and lava tubes all through the park. These had been fashioned hundreds of years in the past as lava flowed from Drugs Lake Volcano and cooled all through the encircling 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 out of doors 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 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 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 an ideal place to hang around. They’ve some good campgrounds across the lake that you should use as a base camp to discover the realm.
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Central California
Central California is known for its various marine life, lush coastal bluffs, cute coastal cities, and spectacular mountaineering trails.
6. Large Sur
All the drive alongside the Pacific Shoreline on iconic Freeway 1 is unbelievable, however my favourite place to discover is Large Sur. This stretch of highway options dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, tons of mountaineering trails, stunning seashores, and Redwood forests.
Listed below are just a few of my favourite locations in Large Sur:
For extra concepts on the right way to spend your time in Large Sur, take a look at my Large Sur Journey Information.
7. Yosemite Nationwide Park
In fact, you’d anticipate Yosemite Nationwide Park to be on the listing of one of the best locations to go to in California, particularly for out of doors fans! 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 would simply spend two weeks right here and never see all of it.
Half Dome is probably the most iconic path within the Park, but it surely now requires a allow. When you can’t get one, I recommend 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 liked 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 whole method. There are waterfalls, swimming holes, and enjoyable riverside tenting. It additionally requires a allow, which cuts down on the crowds.
For extra suggestions, take a look at 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 advocate spending a day there! You possibly can see marine life up shut as you study in regards to the aquarium’s present work and packages.
There’s loads to do in Monterey outdoors 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 Idea crew is that it has nice mountaineering, stunning views, a number of tenting, and wildlife.
Pinnacles is among the few locations in California the place you’ll be able to see California condors within the wild. When you’re a climber, Pinnacles Nationwide Park can also be residence to world-class climbing routes. There are boulders and rock faces unfold all through the park.
The most effective time to go to is in Spring when it’s not too sizzling and the whole lot is inexperienced.
10. Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks
Positioned within the southern Japanese 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 finest explored on a multi-day backpacking journey.
When you’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, 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 the planet by quantity and it’s fairly a powerful sight! You may also go to Redwood Canyon in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, which is residence to the biggest remaining grove of Redwoods on the planet.
Southern California
Southern California has among the finest seashores within the nation, together with desert landscapes and spring blooms.
11. Dying Valley Nationwide Park
Dying Valley Nationwide Park is among the most original and otherworldly locations I’ve ever visited. The panorama right here makes you are feeling such as you’ve one way or the other 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 best level within the decrease 48, Mt. Whitney. For a lot of the yr, Dying Valley seems to be a barren wasteland, however for just a few 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 method to cap off the day.
You’ll need to spend at the very least a day or two in Dying Valley, so remember to comply with our 3-Day Dying Valley Nationwide Park Itinerary to hit all one of the 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.
Though Joshua Tree it’s a comparatively small Nationwide Park, there may be nonetheless loads to see and do.
Joshua Tree can get busy, although, so remember 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 fowl 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 probably the most frequent ferries, and a giant campground only a quick stroll from the seashore.
The snorkeling proper off the seashore 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 even take a guided kayaking tour of the shoreline and sea caves.
Be taught extra about the right 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. In contrast to the Nationwide Park that’s uninhabited with no companies, folks dwell on Catalina Island the place you’ll discover eating places, resorts, and loads of issues to do.
One in every of my all-time favourite backpacking journeys is the Trans-Catalina Path which traverses the whole island. This 3-4 day journey affords completely gorgeous beachfront tenting and superior views the whole method. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, you can even bike virtually the whole 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 via a few of California’s most stunning kelp forests encountering the intense 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 one in every of my favourite little cities in California. Positioned within the lush hills above Ventura, it’s barely touristy, however the boutiques, eating places, and outlets that line the primary 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 only a few miles outdoors of city or hike one in every of my favorites, Gridley Path.
For extra issues to do and see in Ojai, take a look at day 3 of my Central California Coast Street Journey Itinerary that additionally takes you to Ventura, Santa Barbara and as much as Morro Bay.
California’s Japanese Sierra
Dwelling to the decrease 48’s tallest peaks, Lake Tahoe, sizzling springs, and 4,000 yr outdated timber, California’s Japanese Sierra is a hiker’s paradise.
16. Lake Tahoe
I’ve been to Lake Tahoe plenty of instances and it’s simply as picturesque as it’s in images. 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 price trying out with a number 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 attractive 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’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, superb 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 unbelievable views out over the Minarets and the bottom of Yosemite Valley.
On the east facet of Freeway 395 only a quick drive from city, you’ll additionally discover plenty 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 a number 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 historical saline lake that was fashioned hundreds of years in the past. It has no outlet, so the one method water escapes is thru evaporation, which has led to excessive concentrations of salts and minerals. In consequence, 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. You may also stroll right 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 residence to among the oldest timber on the planet. This particular place is situated within the White Mountains above Bishop, California, and may solely be accessed (simply) in the summertime.
Among the Bristlecones listed here are 4000+ years outdated and so they 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 superb 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 carry 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.
You may also go to Patriarch Grove, which is 13 miles north of Schulman Grove through a tough grime highway. It’s price visiting in case you have the precise car to see the Patriarch Tree, the biggest bristlecone on the planet!
Tip: Be sure to have a great quantity of fuel in your tank earlier than heading as much as the Bristlecones. The highway is steep, winding, and lengthy and there aren’t 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 residence to among the most original and exquisite landscapes in California (in my view).
The realm is characterised by large boulder fields with 14,000-foot peaks because the backdrop. It’s a tremendous place for tenting, bouldering, and pictures. There are just a few mountaineering trails, however the Alabama Hills are principally 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 Japanese Sierra. I camped right here earlier than mountaineering to Dusy Basin and had a beautiful night time beneath the celebs.
Positioned simply outdoors of Lone Pine on Freeway 395, Alambama Hills additionally places you in shut proximity to Mt. Whitney, the best peak within the decrease 48 states at 14,505 ft. You possibly can drive up Whitney Portal Street to the trailhead at 8,360 ft, 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 yr you go to. It actually will depend on 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’ll be able to cowl plenty of floor in California. However 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 grow to be more and more prevalent in California through 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.
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What are one of the best locations to go to in California in your opinion? Which of them are in your bucket listing? Let me know within the feedback under!