MY FAVORITE NATIONAL PARKS IN CALIFORNIA
This is a hard question to answer but one that I get asked often as a travel planner, group trip hostess and national parks enthusiast. With 9 national park, all uniquely diverse and spectacular in California, this almost feels like an impossible question to answer BUT I actually do have an answer!
I’ll do a top 3, in order + 1 honorable mention & a bonus!
1) Redwoods National & State Parks
Where do I even begin? I guess I should start with the fact that my soul feels at peace surrounded by greenery and there are few greener places in California than the north! I am a BIG advocate of Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) and believe in its healing benefits and I can literally feel the phytoncides permeating me at a cellular level and healing me when I am here! I know it sounds crazy but it’s true. The activities feel endless here too! From walking among imposing giants (literally the biggest trees on the planet!), to horseback riding in the forest through sunbeams in the cool, fresh air, to wading through cool, calf deep water in a fern canyon, so picturesque that it has been featured in movies! You seriously can’t skip this breathtaking and therapeutic region. Seriously.
Did I also mention the PERFECT weather?!?!? Coming from central California, where the summers feel like a page straight out of hell, the mild weather in Northern California feels like a gentle hug from mother nature.
2) Lassen Volcanic National Park
I have always said that this park is severely underrated and I still stand by that. Each time I visit, I can’t believe how few people are at this park. I must say, I don’t mind because having these gems all to myself is a real treat and part of the parks charm. I am sure people will eventually catch on that this location is incredible and begin visiting by the hoards.
So what do I like about this park? Well, its diversity for starters. You can see snow capped mountains, bright blue alpine lakes, caves/lava tubes, waterfalls, geothermal pools/vents, volcanos & dense forests literally all in one day! It is mind blowing! The sunsets hit different here too, I am not sure why or how but the sky’s feel almost otherworldly at sunset. As if the entire atmosphere seems to turn a hugh of pinkish orange! It is WILD! While you are in the area, I recommend you take a little side journey to Burney falls. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and I’ve seen A LOT!
3) Death Valley National Park
Oh Death Valley! This National Park was the last park that I visited on my journey to visit every park in California and I totally ended up saving one of the best for last! I’ve gotta say that it totally caught me off guard! I don’t typically consider myself a “desert gir;” so I honestly wasn’t expecting to be “wowed”. Especially since I actually really dislike Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley is kind of “close”. I think I was maybe thinking it would be similar . . . underwhelming. Boy was I wrong!!! Let’s start with the colors! When I think of deserts, I don’t usually think of colors but this park was FULL OF THEM! From the rainbow mountain, to the radiant sunsets, to the golden sand dunes! The bright colors were like sunshine to my soul! I must add that I visited this park in the winter, so that is the only time I can personally recommend. The weather was lovely and pleasant, even cold at night! I have researched the weather in Death Valley in depth and decided long ago that I would only ever visit this park between the months of November and March. I have no desire to put my life in danger and/or suffer while exploring the great outdoors. So if you do go, I suggest visiting during the winter months. While you are there, head over to one of my other absolute favorite places in California, Alabama Hills! An extra perk, Alabama Hills is pet friendly! Woo hoo!!!
HONORABLE MENTION:
*Channel Islands National Park
As the only aquatic National Park in California, and only one of 8 aquatic national parks in the entire United States, this park is a real treat! I feel so lucky to have it right here in the California!
Not only can you explore this park by foot, camping overnight & stargaze till your hearts content with ZERO light pollution, you can also explore this park by kayak, boat and even underwater! I’ve explored it by foot, by boat, by kayak and next, I hope to either snorkel (free dive) or scuba dive here. It’s super cool to be somewhere where you can view terrestrial and aquatic wildlife in the same day, even within the same minute actually! Fun fact, Channel Islands National Park is home to a unique subspecies of fox called the “island fox”. This small animal can only be found here in this National park and they are seriously one of the cutest animals I’ve ever seen!!! So if you want a super unique National Park experience, don’t sleep on Channel Islands!
BONUS: POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
We also have a National Seashore here in California, which is actually the ONLY National Seashore on the entire west coast! It also happens to be another one of my favorite places in all of California! So if you want to visit a parks service area, that isn’t a national park, I highly recommend this spectacular region! It is one of the only places in California where you can have a proper safari! Like a real safari!
Please remember to “leave no trace” when visiting these beautiful areas on our planet and always attempt to leave them better than you found them. 🫶🏽
“Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but foots steps.”
Need help planning a unique and exciting trip to one of these national parks? Let me help you plan your unforgettable experiences! —-> INQUIRE HERE
Side Note: I actually host a podcast about all things creepy that have taken places in the national parks if you want to check it out. It’s free to listen and is available on Spotify. I will link it below for you.