23 Best National Parks in CALIFORNIA (Most Beautiful)

Parks in California are a perfect place to visit if you want to live indoors and go outdoors to spread your wings. 

It is perfect for visiting parks whether you are looking for a chilled and relaxing experience or want to exert energy on things to feel better. 

There are many activities to perform at parks and even more parks to perform these activities. 

The many national parks in California are places you can visit when you are looking to experience the fun activities in parks. 

There are many national parks to choose from in California; keep reading to find out which suits you best.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Amusement Parks in California.

 

National Parks in San Diego, California

1. Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Centre (Rich History & Diverse Trails)

Tecolote, which means owl, is named after the most common bird in the park. 

The park has a vibrant history that dates back over two centuries. 

For many years, the park was a privately owned farm, but now, it is owned by San Diego and is a place to find and enjoy nature in all its glory. 

The canyon, natural park, and Nature Centre are all used for different things, with the canyon having numerous trails that hikers can enjoy. 

Tecolote natural park has walking, jogging, or mountain biking. 

The nature center has a lot of flora and fauna exhibits in the park and is a good location for workshops, meetings, and special events. 

You can enjoy hiking at this park alone or on a family date and enjoy the exhibits during well-deserved family time. 

Address: 5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego, CA 92110, United States

2. Cabrillo National Monument (Park Showcases Historical Landing)

This National Monument has an entire park built around it which is significant in that it shows the place Juan Cabrillo landed at that location. 

Now, the park is home to plenty of plants and animals, such as coyotes, whales, and some rare species of lizards, to mention a few. 

There is a visitor’s center that guests can visit where they can buy souvenirs to show that they have seen this place. 

Also, some of these souvenirs contain much information about the park’s history, so it is a woodwind to carry some of its history with you. 

Many films and shows run daily for park visitors to enjoy, and children can participate in a regular Junior Ranger class to earn a Junior Ranger badge. 

Numerous events run during the year and one of the most popular ones is where all guests are allowed into the park for free throughout the weekend. 

Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States

3. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (Multiple Parks, Picturesque Venues)

This park consists of multiple Sunset Cliffs parks and is a perfect place to spend time. 

These little parks include those at Ladera Street, Luscomb Point, Osprey Street, and other nearby areas. 

Each place has a maximum capacity and is divided so that events can occur in each area but not disturb each other’s venues. 

The park is a stunning location and is an excellent place for weddings and parties since it is beautiful and has a lot of picturesque plants that make it seem like the area is in paradise. 

Also, since the park is close to the sea, it has a stunning view of the water, so you can enjoy that while walking on the beach. 

Address: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States

4. Friendship Park (Inclusive, Picnic-Friendly)

This park along Imperial Beach is perfect for Mexican and US residents to spend time in the sea, monuments, and picnic areas. 

There are a lot of sites in the park that can be used for fun picnic activities, and people are allowed to bring their barbecue grills; some grill some meat at the park. 

Friendship Park was built with inclusivity in mind; as such, it allows affordable entry to all guests visiting the park. 

Also, the park runs from California to Mexico, so residents from both countries can use it simultaneously, although they can only walk through the border with a visa. 

It is a fun place to visit and enjoy relaxing near the sea with family and friends. 

Address: Monument Rd, San Diego, CA 92154, United States

5. Mission Trails Regional Park (Largest Park With Diverse Activities)

This is the largest park in San Diego, home to many mountains, rivers, and Lakes. 

There are a lot of activities that visitors can occupy themselves with while in the park, and these activities include hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. 

Besides regular park activities, visitors can also spend time rock climbing or horse riding. 

In addition, there is an interpretive center for park visitors where visitors can see many exhibits. 

There is also a theater and library in this interpretive center that guests can enjoy every single day of the year. 

A photo contest runs annually in this park and also a summer camp that accepts children who are in their sixth grade. 

Many rare species of animals and plants can be found in this park, so it’s essential to take precautionary methods when moving around. 

Address: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119, United States

6. Marian Bear Memorial Park (Serene Environment For Walks)

This park in San Diego is a great place to enjoy walks alone or with your pets, as it offers a serene environment where you can stay and reflect. 

There is always at least one park ranger and multiple volunteers available to help you in case you encounter any difficulties in the park. 

The park has a strict set of rules to ensure the safety of all visitors, and all visitors must take these rules seriously and keep to them. 

Hiking at this park is convenient since most trails are flat and beginner friendly.

However, there are a few complex trails, so it is best to ask around before hiking some paths. 

The atmosphere around the park is very calm and usually very quiet even when occupied so that you can enjoy a nice picnic yourself. 

Address: 5491 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117, United States

Also see our article on Water Parks in California.

National Parks in Baja, California

1. Sierra de San Pedro Martir National Park (Observatory For Stargazing)

This National Park in Baja, California, is home to many rare native plant and animal species. 

The park has desert shrubs, scrub, and coniferous plants. 

Mammals are also abundant in the park, such as the bighorn sheep, coyote, rabbit, squirrel, mule deer, and many others. 

The climate in this park is very conducive for people to enjoy time strolling or hiking, although it gets too hot many times in the year, so you have to be careful to protect yourself from heatstroke. 

There are many places in the park, such as the National Astronomical Observatory, where you can observe the stars and see recordings of special astronomical days in history.

Other places in this park include trails from which you can see nearby museums and other parks. 

Address: Carretera Diaz Ordaz, al Observatorio Km 84, 22795 Ensenada, Baja, California

2. Cabo Pulmo National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

This is a national marine park in Baja, California, on a reef that is about twenty thousand years old. 

The park is home to many coral reefs on the Pacific Ocean, about eleven of the reefs. 

It is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO, and although it is endangered, it is protected by the United Nations. 

The park works to protect this part of the ocean and is a means of conserving the reef. 

Since the park has been established, hazards like overfishing are now avoided since the national park enforces a no-fishing policy for all the guests that come to the park. 

Many efforts have been made to improve the reef’s health, and it is a great tourist site that provides income to the park and neighboring areas. 

Address: domicilio conocido, 23574 Cabo Pulmo, Baja, California 

3. Constitution of 1857 National Park (Protects Forest Region)

This park is a five thousand-acre area in Baja, California which was established to protect the forest region in the area. 

The park is home to many trees and some wildlife, some of which are deer and some species of birds.

Constitution of 1857 National Park is a protected area by the government and is put in place to preserve and appreciate the forest. 

The park is well-loved and well-visited because of the beautiful sites you can see. 

There are a lot of small lakes in the region, and they ice over during the winter and dry out on sweltering summer days because of the heat. 

Because of this, the park looks different depending on the season you visit. 

Address: Carretera, Ensenada-San Felipe km 35, Ensenada, Baja, California

4. Loreto Bay National Park (Diverse Plant & Animal Species)

The parks in Baja, California, are significant in protecting the environment, and this one is no exception. 

Loreto Bay National Park in Baja conserves its coastal land by naming the space a Park, which has turned it into a tourist attraction. 

The park borders a body of water, so from the park, you can enjoy the mesmerizing View of sea lions and other sea creatures that can spend time interacting outside the water. 

Also, the park is home to diverse plants and animal species, some of which are only common in the Baja region. 

Loreto Bay National Park is a perfect place to watch different aspects of nature, from the animals to the rare plants and even the Cliffs and submarine Canyons. 

Location: Baja, California

5. San Lorenzo Marine Archipelago National Park (Habitat For Diverse Marine Life)

This National Park bothers the California Peninsula and is a great place to observe and relish your time in nature. 

It is home to diverse species of animals and plants and is a great place to visit if you like to sit still and enjoy nature. 

The park is part of an endangered Island that is very close to California, so it is a place you can visit when you are in the area. 

Since there are a lot of endangered and vulnerable species in the park, you must take many precautions not to disturb the wildlife – for your safety and theirs.

Most of the animal species that you get to encounter in the park are mostly Sealife creatures, so they include fishes, whales, turtles, etc.

Location: Baja, California

Also see our article on Indoor Water parks in California.

National Parks in Palm Springs, California

1. Palm Canyon (Emphasis on Sun Protection)

The Palm Canyon is a Park in Palm Springs that hikers love to frequent because of the relative simplicity it takes to climb a trail. 

At this park, you encounter seemingly different trails that are easy to navigate, so you feel fulfilled and proud of yourself. 

While some of the trails at this park are under-shaded areas shaded by trees, other trails are exposed to the sun, so you can experience the ruggedness of hiking a trail in the bare sunlight. 

However, it is essential that you protect your skin and adequately hydrate no matter the route you are taking so you do not suffer from heat stroke. 

The park is small and can be hiked for a full day.

However, taking the trails in bits and pieces is advisable to enjoy the exercise better. 

Location: Palm Springs, California

2. Indian Canyons (Guidelines For Safe Hiking)

The Indian Canyons is a Canyon located at the base of Mount Jacinto Mountains and contains almost a hundred miles of established trails that people can enjoy walking, jogging, or hiking. 

If you like to exercise and are looking for the perfect place to exercise daily where you want to do the same thing every day but want to do it at a different location, Indian Canyon is a place you should check out. 

At this park, you can hike or jog in the exact location but make different trails all the time, so your exercise location always seems distant even though it is not. 

Before you start hiking, it is essential that you stay hydrated and even carry water along for your safety. 

Also, check the guidelines for the kind of trail you are considering before you go on it so you only hike on trails you can handle. 

Location: Palm Springs, California 

3. Josie Johnson Vista Park (Shaded Walks & Picnic Spots)

Josie Johnson Vista Park is a Park in Palm Springs where you can enjoy pleasant walks under the shade with your pet, who has to be restricted for the safety of others around you. 

Although there are no tour guides to offer guided tours, you can still attempt to tour around the park and walk around with the map and tour guide, which can be found at the park, helping you navigate your way so that you stay aware of your location.

There is no freedom to lodge or camp at the park, so whatever you plan to do, no matter how much, has to be fused into an itinerary for one day, except if you plan on leaving and coming back. 

The park is a perfect place to hike, and you can also bring lunch along to enjoy a wonderful picnic. 

Address: Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

Also see our article on Aquariums in California.

National Parks in Fresno, California

1. Spano Park (View of San Joaquin River)

This is a mini park in Fresno from which you can see the San Joaquin River. 

Spano Park is a perfect place to visit to explore the environment and relax with nature. 

You can also view some parts of the Sierra Mountain Range while lounging at Spano Park. 

It is a perfect place to lounge around and have a picnic, whether with family and friends or by yourself. 

For your safety and the safety of those around you, you must not start any campfire so the fire does not spread and become uncontrollable. 

You are not allowed to camp at this park, so whatever you want to do at Spano Park should be fixed into one day. 

Address: 8090 N Palm Ave, Fresno, CA 93711, United States

2. Forkner Memorial Park (Farmer’s Market Venue)

This memorial park is dedicated to Jesse Forkner, the developer who worked very hard to develop most of Fresno. 

It is a tiny park that is often not even identified by itself, but instead, it is identified with neighboring properties and thought to be a part of these properties. 

Unfortunately, the park is not used for park-related things, but thankfully, it still is relevant to the Fresno community since it houses the weekly farmer’s market in the area. 

The park is part of the land that produced most of the figs used in California and is fondly called Old Fog by residents and neighbors who remember. 

Forkner Memorial Park, established in 1961, has no facilities or water bodies. 

Address: 799 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93704, United States

3. Oso de Oro Park (Ideal For Picnics & Basketball)

This beautiful park in Fresno is always filled with nice and friendly people, so it has a great vibe. 

It is a perfect place to visit since it has many play areas for children and adults alike, as well as picnic areas where the entire family can sit to enjoy the lunch they brought along. 

The park is very inclusive as it is wheelchair accessible and always very clean and neat. 

It is used mainly by the residents in Fresno, so it is taken excellent care of since the people who use it see it as their property to maintain. 

If you live in Fresno or are staying in Fresno for some time, it is an ideal place to meet up with people and make friends with your neighbors. 

There is also a basketball court in the park. 

Address: 5550 N Forkner Ave, Fresno, CA 93711, United States 

Also see our article on Planetariums in California.

National Parks in Lone Pine, California

1. Spainhower Park (Recreational Activities & Pet-Friendly)

This recreational park in Inyo County is a perfect place to visit if you want to unwind and have fun. 

At Spainhower Park, you can participate in many fun activities, such as playing at the game areas allocated in the area, such as the basketball court, tennis court, and lawn area. 

You can also participate in horseshoe pitching and learn how to play it, even if you do not know how. 

It is a perfect place to meet like-minded people who live in the same neighborhood as you do. 

If you want to take your pet along for a walk, Spainhower Park has a dog park where your pet can train, walk and play. 

There is a gazebo that flows into and through the park. 

Address: 430 N Main St, Lone Pine, CA 93545, United States

2. Alabama Hills (Camping Spot With Scenic Views)

Alabama Hills is an extension of the Sierra Nevada range since they are in the exact geographic location.

However, the two of them are two totally different mountain ranges with very different qualities. 

The location is perfect for camp in the area, whether you want to set up a tent or move your recreational vehicle to the site for a while. 

However, if you want to be friendly, it is best to set up tents so that you do not use your recreational vehicle to block other people’s views of the beautiful sight. 

Camping at this park offers you all the camping benefits, like hiking the area for multiple days and enjoying the scenic views while at it. 

However, there is no restroom, so you must go to town to use the public bathrooms while camping in the area. 

Location: Lone Pine, California

3. Alabama Hills National Scenic Area (Scenic Views)

The Alabama Hills National Scenic Area is a great area to camp in as it is a part of the Alabama Hills, and it offers exclusive views of the mountain range and other cool places around it. 

This scenic area affords all the guests who visit its incredible views of the environment and the entire park, the site is dedicated to being conserved, and Dingell Jr Conservation Management and Recreation Act protect it. 

The park has been used for several things, such as filming locations for many hits on TV like The Round-Up, The Walking Hills, and even the globally known Marvel movie; Iron Man. 

Aside from regular one-time movies, the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area has been used to film many television series like The Lone Ranger, Annie Oakley, and many others. 

Location: Lone Pine, California 

Also see our article on Playgrounds in California.

National Parks in Santa Barbara, California

1. Andree Clark Bird Refuge (Nature Preserve For Bird Species)

This recreational park in Santa Barbara doubles as a nature preserve, and it is majorly for preserving different bird species and protecting them from extinction and other dangers. 

It is an open space park with a lake that takes up more than half of it at its center. 

The park has an artificial estuary, so the birds that naturally come here spend time flying around and hunting some fish from the lake. 

You can enjoy your time here by watching birds, biking, and hiking. 

Guest at the bird Refuge is kept from feeding the birds as some of the birds do not react well to human interaction. 

Even though there are fish in the lake, nobody is allowed to fish there too. 

The nature preserve park leaves these animals to nature and allows them to do things without human modification, which is how it is meant to be. 

Address: 34a Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, United States

2. Douglas Family Preserve (Adjacent to Elings Park)

This public park in Santa Barbara is located by the beach grounds just beside Arroyo Buyo Beach. 

It is known by locals and well-informed residents of the area as Wilcox Property, the former name of this open and uninhabited large area of land. 

There are many attractions you can access in the park, and one of them is the walking trail that makes the boundary of the Preserve. 

This trail is a great place to walk, jog, or hike; you get to do any exercise you want here. 

Another attraction around this park is the nearby Elings Park, where you can watch people or participate in hang gliding and paragliding.

There are elevated areas in the park, and from these high spots, you can watch the mammals such as whales and dolphins game interact in the sea. 

Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States

3. Shoreline Park (Beachside Relaxation, Chill Vibe)

Based on its name, the park is at the shore of the beach and is a perfect place to spend time lounging outdoors. 

If you are in Santa Barbara, it is the perfect place for a picnic or to go if you want to sunbathe. 

Locals in Santa Barbara love this spot because it has a very chill vibe, and it is a great place to meet people on your wavelength who are relaxing. 

It is a trendy park for children and adults in the city, and since it is close to the beach, it is a very relaxing place to spend time. 

The place is usually occupied all year by both locals and tourists alike. 

Address: Shoreline Dr & Santa Rosa Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Attractions, Zoos, and Alpaca Farms in California.

Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the National Parks in Florida and Texas.