How to Plan Your California National Park Vacation in 2022
Get the latest scoop on reservations, shuttles, lodging, roads, and trails
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California boasts nine national parks—more than any other state—and each has its own unique appeal. Death Valley is the biggest, the hottest, and the most foreboding. Joshua Tree possesses an otherworldly charm and so much dynamic flora. If you want to escape civilization, head to the Channel Islands. For big trees, Kings Canyon & Sequoia are both superb. Yosemite National Park is a World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why. Pinnacles is an ideal spot to see endangered California condors while Lassen Volcanic and Redwoods will provide delights both expected and surprising.
Featured National Parks
Great Lodging Options in and Around California’s National Parks
These hotels, cabins, and campgrounds help you maximize your time in the park—and they still have space available this summer
Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Must-see sites at California's iconic park in the Sierra Nevada mountains
Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
A haven for artists, hipster transplants, and the ascent-obsessed, this national park has an allure all its own
Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Discover the Shasta Cascade region’s hissing, boiling volcanic wonderland
Death Valley National Park
Frolic among sand dunes, marvel at multi-hued badlands and marble-walled canyons, and stand on the western hemisphere’s lowest spot
How to Explore the Channel Islands
Spend a day—or a week—in this idyllic national park off the Central Coast
Things to Do in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
See the biggest tree in the world, climb to spectacular views, and go caving as you discover the best of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Things to Do in Redwood National Park
Behold massive sequoias, ancient forests, peaceful beaches, and tasty brews in this northern California wonderland
Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Experience the famous extremes of Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest point in North America
Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Mix a little adventure into your National Park experience with these five ideas
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Top Places for Whale Watching in California
See a few amazing wonders of the sea first-hand
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Places to See California’s Big Trees
Feel really, really small at these awe-inspiring parks
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10 Great Beaches for Kids
Make memories at some of California's family-favorite beaches
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9 Quirky Desert Lodgings
These offbeat California lodgings are “out there” in more ways than one
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9 California River Rafting Adventures
Find whitewater rafting fun for all—from newbies to nerves-of-steel experts
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Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in California
Plan your trip around these classic sights that are also free
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May 2022 Events in California
Enjoy the height of spring by signing up for a fun race, or tasting your way through a few food festivals
Traveler Photos
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