I’ve lived in quite a lot 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 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 – at the least I feel 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 earth with that a lot variety with regards 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 wish to get exterior and discover the Golden State. Want extra concepts? You may take a look at all of my California journey blogs right here.
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Northern California
Northern California is understood for its dramatic coastlines, Redwood forests, and geothermal exercise, and being so removed from main cities, it sees fewer guests than different components of the state.
1. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is positioned on the northern California Coast lower than 2 hours from San Francisco. It’s probably the greatest locations within the state to view coastal wildlife like elephant seals, tule elk, tons of chook species, and even whales. Peak gray whale season is January by means of 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 luxurious forests crisscrossed with mountaineering trails. Lots of people don’t notice that California has such undeveloped locations like this!
Listed below are some enjoyable issues to do in Level Reyes:
Van and automobile tenting close to Level Reyes is fairly restricted sadly, so that you if you’re hoping to camp together with your car, it is best to have an concept beforehand of the place you intend to remain. We didn’t plan forward and had a tough time discovering anyplace 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 bushes. There are a number of locations alongside the northern California coast the place you possibly can 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 possibly can rise up shut to those giants. I additionally suggest packing a swimsuit and taking a drip within the brisk Eel River. If you wish to spend the night time, Humboldt has an amazing campground underneath the cover of the Redwoods (reservations extremely beneficial!).
Need to see extra redwoods?
Humboldt Redwoods State Park isn’t the one place you possibly can 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 possibly can 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 quite a lot of coldwater lakes for swimming or paddleboarding, many trails for day mountaineering, and alternatives for backpacking.
For the most effective view within the Park, you possibly can 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. 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 nicely 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 some of the distinctive place to go to in California.
I extremely suggest testing 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. Be sure that to put on a headlamp and closed-toe footwear 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 infinite 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 possibly can rent a neighborhood information and deal with 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 amazing 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 legendary for its various marine life, lush coastal bluffs, cute coastal cities, and spectacular mountaineering trails.
6. Huge Sur
All the drive alongside the Pacific Shoreline on iconic Freeway 1 is unbelievable, however my favourite place to discover is Huge Sur. This stretch of street options dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, tons of mountaineering trails, lovely seashores, and Redwood forests.
Listed below are a number of of my favourite locations in Huge Sur:
For extra concepts on methods to spend your time in Huge Sur, take a look at my Huge Sur Journey Information.
7. Yosemite Nationwide Park
In fact, you’d count on Yosemite Nationwide Park to be on the checklist of the most effective 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 might simply spend two weeks right here and never see all of it.
Half Dome is probably the most iconic path within the Park, however it now requires a allow. Should you can’t get one, I recommend you hike to Clouds Relaxation as a substitute. It gives the identical sweeping views of Yosemite, and it’s not fairly as busy in my expertise.
For a multi-day backpacking journey, I cherished 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 complete 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 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 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 suggest spending a day there! You may see marine life up shut as you study in regards to the aquarium’s present work and applications.
There’s loads to do in Monterey exterior 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 Principle staff is that it has nice mountaineering, lovely views, plenty of tenting, and wildlife.
Pinnacles is among the few locations in California the place you possibly can see California condors within the wild. Should 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 perfect 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
Positioned within the southern Jap Sierra Nevada mountain vary, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks are two separate parks, however they’re positioned 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 cause, these Parks are greatest explored on a multi-day backpacking journey.
Should 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 suggest this path!
If backpacking isn’t your factor, there are some day hikes price doing. You’ll additionally wish to cease on the Common Sherman Tree. This sequoia tree is the biggest tree on the earth by quantity and it’s fairly a powerful sight! You can even 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 greatest seashores within the nation, together with desert landscapes and spring blooms.
11. Demise Valley Nationwide Park
Demise Valley Nationwide Park is among the most unusual and otherworldly locations I’ve ever visited. The panorama right here makes you’re feeling such as you’ve one way or the other landed on Mars.
It’s a land of contrasts: you possibly can 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, Demise Valley seems to be a barren wasteland, however for a number of 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 an excellent approach to cap off the day.
You’ll wish to spend at the least a day or two in Demise Valley, so make sure to observe our 3-Day Demise Valley Nationwide Park Itinerary to hit all the most effective 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.
Regardless that Joshua Tree it’s a comparatively small Nationwide Park, there’s nonetheless a lot to see and do.
Joshua Tree can get busy, although, so make sure to guide your campsite forward of time.
13. Channel Islands Nationwide Park
I went to grad faculty 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 completely different islands, every with its personal distinctive geography and landscapes. Every island can also be a haven for chook and marine life, a few of that are endemic, which 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 improbable. 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 methods to plan your go to in my Channel Islands information.
14. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is off the coast of Lengthy Seaside, California and gives 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, accommodations, and loads of issues to do.
One among my all-time favourite backpacking journeys is the Trans-Catalina Path which traverses your complete island. This 3-4 day journey gives completely gorgeous beachfront tenting and superior views your complete method. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, you may as well bike nearly your complete size of the island.
In fact, the actual draw of Catalina for a lot of guests is the ocean. You may SCUBA dive or snorkel by means of a few of California’s most lovely kelp forests encountering the brilliant 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 certainly one 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 principle 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 possibly can 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 certainly one 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 Highway Journey Itinerary that additionally takes you to Ventura, Santa Barbara and as much as Morro Bay.
California’s Jap Sierra
Residence to the decrease 48’s tallest peaks, Lake Tahoe, scorching springs, and 4,000 yr previous bushes, California’s Jap Sierra is a hiker’s paradise.
16. Lake Tahoe
I’ve been to Lake Tahoe quite a lot 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 throughout the hotter months, it’s nonetheless price testing with plenty of enjoyable issues to do across the Lake. I like to recommend visiting in early June or September to keep away from peak summer season crowds.
For mountaineering, I particularly love mountaineering to the highest of Mount Tallac, and the attractive Lake Aloha Path is simply up the street 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 possibly can’t miss the epic 24-mile Tahoe Rim & Flume Path.
17. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth is among the most lovely locations in California! Assume 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 may 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 quick drive from city, you’ll additionally discover quite a lot of simply accessible scorching springs. Wild Willy’s and Hilltop Sizzling Springs (each on Google maps) are nice locations to soak your muscular tissues after a day of journey. There’s plenty of dispersed tenting not removed from the springs too!
18. Mono Lake
Mono Lake is positioned 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. Consequently, 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 can even stroll all the way down to the lake shore to see the tufas up shut and look ahead to birdlife.
Notice: There are only a few facilities and lodging round Mono Lake, so do your analysis and plan forward earlier than setting out.
19. Historical Bristlecone Forest
The Historical Bristlecone Forest is residence to among the oldest bushes on the earth. This particular place is positioned within the White Mountains above Bishop, California, and may solely be accessed (simply) in the summertime.
A number of the Bristlecones listed below are 4000+ years previous 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 possibly can study extra about these wonderful bushes. Then, hike one (or each) of the loops to see the Bristlecones up shut. You’ll be mountaineering above 10,000 toes, although, so make sure to carry solar safety and plenty of water and tempo your self. Should you’ve by no means been that top, learn my tips about avoiding altitude illness.
You can even go to Patriarch Grove, which is 13 miles north of Schulman Grove by way of a tough grime street. It’s price visiting you probably have the precise car to see the Patriarch Tree, the biggest bristlecone on the earth!
Tip: Be sure to have an excellent quantity of fuel in your tank earlier than heading as much as the Bristlecones. The street 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, automobile 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 unusual and exquisite landscapes in California (in my view).
The world 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 a number of 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 beautiful night time underneath the celebrities.
Positioned simply exterior 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 toes. You may drive up Whitney Portal Highway to the trailhead at 8,360 toes, 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.
Ceaselessly 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 wish to go and what you wish 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 possibly can cowl a number of floor in California. However you probably have lower than that, I like to recommend sticking to only one or two areas of the state so you possibly can actually maximize your time at every vacation spot.
Sadly, sure. Wildfires have change into more and more prevalent in California throughout the summer season months. Whereas imminent hazard from wildfires is uncommon, your journey (and well being) may be impacted by smoke and air high quality. Examine the CalFire web site earlier than your journey to see if and the place wildfires are burning.
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What are the most effective locations to go to in California in your opinion? Which of them are in your bucket checklist? Let me know within the feedback under!