Southern California – California Travel Life

25 Awesome Day Trips from San Diego

Sharlene Earnshaw — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:54:39 +0000

Locals already know that San Diego is a great place to live, but sometimes you want to get out of the city and explore! Luckily there are dozens of day trips from San Diego offering a wide variety of things to do.

From the desert to the coast, there is just so much to see and do in Southern California. Here are 25 of my favorite day trips from San Diego, along with travel times and tips on what to do once you arrive.

Fun Day Trips from San Diego

1. Anza Borrego State Park

Wildflowers carpeting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Distance from San Diego: 86 miles, about 2 hours

How lucky are you to be just two hours away from the largest state park in the United States? Anza-Borrego is located in eastern San Diego County and protects 600,000 acres of diverse desert landscapes ranging in elevation from sea level to over 6,000 feet.

Start your day early to make the most of your visit. Begin your day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center which is located in Borrego Springs and built into a hillside. It is a great place to learn about the flora and fauna within the park, watch the park video, and get trail conditions and recommendations.

Start your exploration with a hike on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, a three-mile round-trip hike that leads to an oasis of California fan palms inside of a gorge. You will also want to make time to explore one of the park’s unique slot canyons on the Slot Canyon Trail or the Wind Caves Trail.

For lunch, I suggest you pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors surrounded by nature in one of the park’s designated picnic areas. Pack plenty of water as well because facilities are limited in this expansive park.

The biggest attraction at this park is the spring wildflower bloom. Some years are certainly more impressive than others, but during heavy rain years sections of the desert are dotted with all sorts of wildflowers. Wildflowers are usually in bloom from February to Paril, which is the best time to take this day trip from San Diego.

End your day with one of Anza-Borrego’s memorable desert sunsets. Popular spots to enjoy the change of light and color include Fonts Point and the Yaqui Well Trail. If you stay until evening on a day with less moonlight, you will be rewarded with a night sky filled with stars.

Keep in mind that Anza Borrego is extremely hot in the summer months, and the most pleasant visits happen in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Anza Borrego made our list of the best state parks in California. See what other special spots made the list!

Spend the night: Borrego Springs has several different lodging options worthy of a stay, including Borrego Springs Resort and Spa.

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from San Diego: 170 miles, about 3 hours

With its towering boulders, diverse desert life, and iconic namesake trees, Joshua Tree National Park is a special place. This national park is home to two different desert environments, the Mojave high desert and the Colorado low desert.

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is the spring when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. If you visit during the winter snow is possible, but most days are chilly and dry. I would avoid a summer day trip due to the soaring temperatures which make hiking dangerous.

Check out our epic Joshua Tree National Park day trip itinerary.

We love heading to Joshua Tree to enjoy rock climbing and bouldering, and there are plenty of fun options for novices and experts alike. It is also a great place to hike, with 800 miles of trails within the park boundaries.

The trail to Barker Dam is a 1.1-mile loop trail with plenty of boulders to climb on, prehistoric rock art, and even the occassional appearance by desert bighorn sheep.

If you want more of a challenge, hike the 1.5-mile trail to the top of Ryan Mountain. It gains 1,000 feet in elevation in that short distance, but the 360-degree views of the park from the 5,461′ summit are worth the effort.

Additional highlights of this park include Skull Rock, the Keys Ranch tour, bouldering in Hidden Valley, and the sprawling vistas at Keys View. Joshua Tree is another great place to enjoy the night sky without the city lights pollution.

Stay the night: There is no lodging inside of Joshua Tree National Park, except for campsites. Luckily, there are some great VRBOs right outside of the park.

3. Laguna Beach

Distance from San Diego: 80 miles, about 90 minutes

Just up the coast from San Diego is Laguna Beach, and artsy beach city known for its galleries, restaurants, wilderness parks, and beaches.

The hub of Laguna Beach is the dowtown area right across the street from Main Beach. There are lots of shops, galleries, and restaurants to enjoy in this area. We like eating at Nick’s Laguna Beach and Carmelita’s. Finney’s Crafthouse and Brewery has become one of favorites lately. It is across the street from the beach and the menu is varied and tasty.

From downtown you can hop on the Laguna Beach Trolley and head to one of the area beaches or up into Laguna Canyon to check out the Sawdust Art Festival and Pageant of the Masters which are popular summer events.

During Pageant of the Masters locals dress up as characters from famed works of art and pose to recreate the paintings and sculptures. During the winter holiday season the Sawdust Festival also hosts a Winter Fantasy art festival.

Laguna’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the state. Some of my favorites include Treasure Island Beach and Crescent Bay Beach, but it is hard to go wrong at any beach in this town.

If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss the trails at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I love the Serrano Ridge/Little Sycamore Canyon loop) or the Morro Canyon portions of Crystal Cove State Park. Both are exceptionally beautiful in the spring when the hillsides are lush and sprinkled with wildflowers.

If you want to get out on the water, consider taking a whale watching cruise out of nearby Dana Point. December through March is prime gray whale watching season and Dana Wharf offers half price whale watching on Tuesdays!

Stay the night: Surf and Sand Resort is a beachfront resort with a great location. You are so close to the Pacific that the staff offers ear plugs to guests if they don’t want to listen to the relaxing sound of waves crashing!

4. Palomar Mountain State Park

Distance from San Diego: 62 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes

A day trip to Palomar Mountain State Park from San Diego is an easy way to escape into a tranquil mountain environment. The park is nearly 2000 acres in size and while a big hunk of the park is coniferous forest, there are also wetlands and meadows.

The park is home to the famous Palomar Observatory, one of the world’s most famous astronomical research facilities. This is a great place to go star viewing, especially when the skies are clear and there is a meteor shower. You may even get a chance to use the impressive Hale Telescope!

Your first stop should be the park’s visitor center where you can grab maps, learn about the area’s natural history, and get the most up-to-date details on trail condidtions. The park has three trail loops that are fun to explore. The French Valley Loop is mostly level, making it an easy three miles. Scotts Cabin Loop is only four miles and gains about 600 feet along the way, but it is mlostly forest so it isn’t anythign too hard.

If you want the hike with the best view, check out the Boucher Loop which climbs up to the park’s high point, 5,400′. It is three miles and leads you to the Boucher Fire Lookout which has sprawling views. Volunteers working the fire tower on the weekends often offer free tours.

There is no food for sale in the park, so pack a picnic and enjoy a lunch at one of the park’s picnic sites.

Stay the night: Since this park is so great for night sky viewing, you may want to consider camping inside the state park. Reservations are highly recommended.

5. Mission Trails Regional Park

Distance from San Diego: 12 miles, 30 minutes

Mission Trails Regional Park is a large urban park that is perfect for an easy day trip filled with lots of nature and hiking.

The park is home to Cowles Mountain, the highest point in the city of San Diego. The trail is only three miles round trip, but it does gain 912 feet in elevation, so its a great workout! Be on the lookout for mountain bikers as you hike since they do share the trail and can be little speed demons coming down the hill. You will be rewarded with great views of downtown and even Mexico!

If you are looking for something easier but still scenic, check out the Lake Murray Trail. It is close to six miles out and back, but you can make it as long or as short as you would like. The trail follows the shoreline of the Lake Murray Reservoir and is great for biking, walking your dogs, or even pushing the little ones in a stroller. If you want, you can also rent boats and take them out on the lake!

The park does offer guided nature walks which begin at the visitor center every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:30am. They also have special birding walks and wildlife tracking walks to take part in on a regular basis.

6. Julian

Distance from San Diego: 60 miles, 90 minutes

Julian is a cute little mountain town in the Cuyamaca Mountains just east of San Diego. It had its very own little gold rush in the late 1800s which helped shaped the towns historic vibe. Two of the area mines, Eagle and High Peak Mines, offer tours.

The best time to take a daytrip to Julian is in the fall. Julian is also well known for its apple orchards, and you can pick your own apples straight from the trees. Of course, you can enjoy apple pie, apple butter, and apple cider at the local cafes any time of year. Stop in the Julian Pie Company on Main Street for delicious pies in flavors like Apple Mountain Berry and Caramel Apple.

Visit Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures on the weekend if experiences like archery, tomahawk throwing, and paintball slingshotting sound like your idea of fun. Experiences must be booked in advance and include the opportunity to say hi to the farm’s barn animals and reptiles. They also have a Lilac Festival in the spring.

Animal lovers will certainly want to visit the California Wolf Center, a nonprofit dedicated to returning wild wolves to their natural habitat through captive breeding that is open for public tours Friday through Sunday. They have been successful at breeding critically endangered Mexican gray wolves.

Stay the night: Julian Gold Rush Inn is a historic landmark hotel that was built in the 1890s. Rooms are tastefully decorated with vintage decor and feature touches like claw-foot tubs and cast-iron fireplaces.

7. Temecula

Distance from San Diego: 60 miles, 90 minutes

Temecula is a growing wine region northeast of San Diego that has become one Southern California’s most popular day trip destinations.

Wine tasting is the main draw, thanks to around 50 wineries in the area. If nobody in your group wants to be desginated driver, I suggest booking Temecula Valley Jeep & Wine Tours which will take you to three award-winning wineries, into a barrel room, and on a back-road vineyard tour. If your group is large, book Temecula Limo Wine Tasting which can accommodate groups of up to 14 people.

There is more than just wine to enjoy in Temecula! Early risers will want to watch the sunrise from above on a hot air balloon ride above the vineyards. Animal lovers will want to visit the Alpaca Hacienda where you can feed and pet alpacas as well as Sugarplum Farm which is home to zebras, camels, and miniature horses, as well as incredible chocolates.

If you are ready to shop and eat? Old Town Temecula is a hub of shopping, dining, and lodging, all set in an Old West atmosphere, complete with wooden boardwalks. There are several breweries and bars in the area as well.

Stay the night: Pont Vineyard Inn is located in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. Rooms are spacious and most have outstanding views of the property’s pond or surrounding vineyards.

8. Carlsbad

Distance from San Diego: 34 miles, 45 minutes

Located in North County, Carlsbad is a destination that can turn into several different day trips depending on your interests.

Families with young children will want to make the pilgrimage to LEGOLAND, and celebrate all things bricktacular. In addition to the amusement park, the LEGOLAND complex also has an aqaurium and waterpark, so locals may even want to consider a season pass.

Carlsbad is also a shopping destination. The Carlsbad Premium Outlets are definitely worthy of a day trip, and the new food hall housed in the city’s iconic Windmill building just off of Interstate 5 has lots of options for foodies.`Spend a couple hours shopping and eating, and then head to Carlsbad State Beach to watch the sunset.

Spring is bloom season and the Carlsbad Flower Fields are the perfect place to spend an April afternoon. Dress cute and get those “doin’ it for the ‘gram” shots or just take time to stop and smell the vibrantly colored flowers. Make time to pick strawberries to take home at the nearby U-pick field.

Stay the night: The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is an amazing staycation destination with golf, amazing spa, and a fantastic pool complex that includes a traquil adult pool as well as a pool with water slides.

9. Newport Beach

Distance from San Diego: 90 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes

Newport Beach is an awesome day trip destination because there are so many great ways to enjoy the area.

If you have children, take the tiny (but fun!) car ferry from Balboa Island to the Balboa Penninsula where the kids can enjoy the old fashioned rides and arcade at the Balboa Fun Zone. Then grab a frozen banana (of Arrested Development fame) and head to the pier. There is a great beach with a playground.

If you have have plant lovers in your group you will definitely want to head to Roger’s Gardens, my favorite nursery in all of Southern California. The garden has a tremendous selection of indoor and outdoor plants, a wonderful variety of gifts, and a nice restaurant. I especially love visiting during the spring to pick from a huge variety of tomato plants, October for their impressive Halloween decor displays, and December for Christmas decor and gifts that will blow you away.

Newport Beach is a fun place to get out on the water as well. Whether you rent a Duffy boat and wander around Newport Bay, take a kayak into Newport’s Back Bay which is filled with wildlife, or head out on a whale watching trip, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

Stay the night: Go the swanky route and book a stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Take a dip in their circular pool as the sun sets and then enjoy a memorable meal at Pelican Grill & Bar. You will also want to make time for a spa treatment at this five-star resort.

10. San Clemente

Distance from San Diego: 60 miles, 70 minutes

San Clemente is one of my favorite day trip locations in Southern California. I love that they have a long walking path right along the beach that is pet friendly, and the city’s pier is my favorite in all of Orange County.

The Outlets at San Clemente have great stores and incredible ocean views. These are definitely my favorite outlets to shop for that very reason. Plus, they never seem to be as jam packed with people as some of the others. If you perfer more boutique-style shopping, head down to Avenida del Mar.

If you love microbrews, San Clemente has three small breweries you will want to check out. Lost Winds has great beer, frequent food truck offerings, and trivia Tuesdays. They also have some killer hard seltzers. Los Molinos serves up tasty weekend brunch options, taco Tuesday, and microbrews. Artifex has a tasting room on Del Mar downtown or you can visit their brewery in the Talega portion of town.

Of course, San Clemente is a great place to have a beach day as well. Head down to San Onofre to surf some of the best waves in SoCal.

Stay the night: Enjoy the best climate in the world and rent a beach house so you can relax and breath in that salty air.

11. Crystal Cove State Park

Distance from San Diego: 83 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes

Crystal Cove State Park is a throwback to the Orange County of days gone by. Large cliffs block the views of luxury homes on the hillsides up above, allowing you to enjoy the beach without a reminder you are in a large metropolitan area.

Crystal Cove is home to a historic district which is filled with restored bungalows that were built to house crew during movie filming from the 1920s-1940s.

These cottages are reasonably priced and right on the beach, so that means they are also very popular. Cottage reservations are released daily, six months in advance. Be on the website at 8am if you want to snag one. They just released a new set of restored cottages right on the sand!

While th beach can be busy right next to the historic district and The Beachcomber restaurant, you will be rewarded with privacy is you walk a couple hundred yards down the beach. Keep your eyes out for dolphins whic I often spot while taking in the views here. There are also tide pools to explore.

Crystal Cove also has several great hiking trails which lead back into the hills and canyons on the other side of Pacific Coast Highway. The No Dogs/Moro Canyon loop (~ 3 miles) is one of my favorites. It begins with a climb up the rolling hills with ocean views and ends with an easy stroll through beautiful Moro Canyon. From there, you can celebrate with some beach time.

12. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Distance from San Diego: 32 miles, 45 minutes

I make the day trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park at least a couple times a year. This park is much different that the fabulous San Diego Zoo and is definitely worth the time of any animal lover. The park is very spread out which also makes it a great place to get those steps in while you enjoy the wildlife.

This park is most well known for its Africa tram tour where visitors can see African animals like giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and antelope walking about among each other in the massive, 240-acre enclosure. There are also cart safaris you can take into the Asia and Africa enclosures to get even close to the wildife in a more intimate experience.

Some of my favorite habitats in the park are the Gorilla Forest, Tiger Trail, and Australian walkabout where you can enter the enclosure that kangaroos and wallabyes call home. It is so neat to have them walk right past you! Also make sure to visit Condor Ridge. The San Diego Safari Park was instrumental in helping saving the California Condor from extinction.

13. Palm Desert

Distance from San Diego: 122 miles, 2 1/2 hours

Palm Desert is located in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs. It is home to the Living Desert, a great zoo that specializes in showcasing desert-dwelling wildlife from around the world. They have special experiences where you can feed giraffes or rhinos which are great ways to make life-long memories.

There are over great golf courses in Palm Desert and dozens more in the surrounding communities including Desert Willow Golf Resort which was named one of the best places to play by Golf Digest. Many offer reduced twilight rates to make the links more afforable.

If you love to hike you should definitely head to nearby Indian Canyons which are lush, palm-filled canyons fed by the shallow aquifer. For a small fee, guests can gain access to these canyons which are great for hikes and picnics. Don’t miss Murray Canyon which has a 3.9-mile trail leading to the Seven Sacred Sisters Waterfall.

Stay the night: There are so many amazing resorts in the Palm Desert that it is hard to choose but the waterpark at Omni Rancho Las Palmas will be sure to keep smiles on the faces of kids if you happen to be traveling as a family.

14. Long Beach

Distance from San Diego: 113 miles, 2 1/2 hours

Over the last couple decades, Long Beach has gone from being gritty and a bit sketchy to being filled with hip, revitalized neighborhoods and world-class attractions.

Head down to the waterfront and visit Aquarium of the the Pacific, the largest aquarium in Southern California. Book a behind-the-scenes tour to get up close and personal with seals, sea lions, penguins, and sea otters.

You can also book whale and dolphin watching cruises as well as harbor tours via the Aquarium. The waters off Long Beach are great places to see whales, esecially in the winter.

Across the street from the Aquarium is The Pike, an outdoor outlet mall filled with brand name shops and dining. Shoreline Village is also nearby and features fun little shops in Easter egg-colored buildings.

Long Beach’s most iconic attraction is the Queen Mary. Today, the Queen Mary is a hotel and attraction, but in its heyday, it made 1001 transatlantic crossings.

I love Long Beach’s Naples neighborhood which is trendy area filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful homes lining the area’s canals and waterways. It is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or take a chartered gondola ride at sunset.

Stay Here: The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is located in the heart of Long beach’s tourist center and is within walking distance of Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and The Pike.

15. Salton Sea

Salton Sea | photo by Flickr/MarcCooper

Distance from San Diego: 117 miles, 2 1/2 hours

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, but it has only been around since 1905. During that year, the Colorado River flooded through farm irrigation channels in the Imperial Valley, forming the lake.

The Salton Sea quickly became a big tourist destination. It had a yacht club, golf course, marina, and was a popular destination for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra. The area boomed and 30,000 homes were built near the lake.

Sadly, in the 1980’s agricultural runoff from the Imperial Valley brought too much salt and pesticides into the lake and massive fish die off occurred. The towns along the lake turned to ghost towns.

Today, the Salton Sea is now 50% saltier than the ocean and shrinking at a rate of about 3% per year but visitors enjoy bird watching, fishing for tilapia, and checking out the remnants of the thriving tourist towns that used to be. Make time to visit Bombay Beach, one of the communities along the Salton Sea. It has a surreal and somewhat eerie atmosphere due to the lake’s unique history.

Salvation Mountain by Kevin Dooley

While in the area you will also want to check out Salvation Mountain. It is the brainchild of Leonard Knight, a self-described “visionary American folk artist’. He built a mountain east of the Salton Sea out of adobe bricks mixed with straw and sprinkled in with old tires and car parts.

The mountain is covered with several murals with Bible verses and other Christian sayings which were created with thousands of gallons of paint, much of it donated. It is truly a sight to see.

16. San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano by Flickr/LauraB

Distance from San Diego: 66 miles, 80 minutes

San Juan Capistrano is an Orange County city filled with history. It is home to the oldest residential neighborhood in California and the beloved “Jewel of the Missions”, Mission San Juan Capistrano.

I think the best way to get to SJC is to take the train. The San Juan Capistrano Depot is a historic train station that now houses a museum. It drops you off in the heart of twon, steps from the mission and Los Rios Historic District.

The small downtown area with has unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. You’ll find a mix of boutique stores, souvenir shops, and local eateries in a setting that reflects the region’s Spanish heritage.

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 and is one of California’s oldest missions. Explore the beautiful gardens, chapels, and historical exhibits. There are often demostrations on how to make adobe and other hands-on activities on weekends. Don’t miss the iconic Serra Chapel and the ruins of the Great Stone Church.

My favorite place to eat in SJC is the Ramos House Cafe in the Los Rios Historic District. It is a very cute little house and patio that has been transformed to one of the best brunch destinations in Southern California. If you have little kids you wil want to visit visit to Zoomars Petting Zoo. It’s a family-friendly attraction where children feed various farm animals and go for pony rides.

Stay the night: The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection is the nicest hotel in town. It is located near the mission and a short walk from the train station so there is no need to bring a car.

17. Coronado Island

Photo via Hotel Del Coronado

Distance from San Diego: 6 miles, 15 minutes

Not all day trips need to be long drives. Some are only a bridge or quick ferry ride away. Coronado Island is one my favorite places to spend the day in San Diego County because Coronado Beach is picture-perfect and I always find myself relaxed when I spend the day here.

I am not a big fan of the Coronado Bridge, so I tend to take the ferry from over by the USS Midway across the bay to the island. Coronado is a bike-friendly place and it is fun to rent bicycles or surreys to explore the island at your own pace. The flat terrain and scenic views make for a casual ride.

Before hitting up the beach, head to Coronado Brewing Company to enjoy a casual lunch with some tasty brews. Then find a spot on the beach in the shadow of the famed Hotel Del Coronado. If you aren’t a “sit on the beach” type, rent a kayak, jetski, or SUP and get out on the bay!

Before you head back across the bay to the big city, consider enjoying dinner and drinks on the patio at Peohe’s Tropical. The view of the city lights from downtown are magical and Happy Hour runs from 3-5:30pm Monday through Friday, perfect for a winter sunset with some wine and a poke stack. Stay for dinner and enjoy seafood or steak worth writing home about.

18. Disneyland Resort

Disneyland

Distance from San Diego: 94 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes

How lucky are to have Disneyland in our own backyard? People travel from all over the globe to visit the Happiest Place on Earth but we are only a day trip away!

These days Disneyland has definitely gone up in price but thankfully, they do offer Southern California discounts from time to time. Jump on those deals and then head up I5 to enjoy a day filled rides, shows, and lots of tasty treats.

My favorite times of year to visit the park are at the beginning of the Halloween season (when crowds ear lower), the first week in December to enjoy all that Disney holiday majic, and during the annual Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival in early spring. Their Sip and Savor Pass is a great way to sample a bunch of great food for a reasonable price.

Stay the night: The Hyatt Regency offers incredible value and comfortable accommodations for families of all sizes. Their 700 sq. ft. VIP Family Suite includes a master bedroom, bunk beds, two full-sized bathrooms, three 42 inch LCD TVs, and a parlor room with a pull out sleeper sofa.

19. Whale Watching

Distance from San Diego: varies. Most tour originate out of Mission Bay.

San Diego is home to some of the best whale watching around becuase it is on the annual migration route that 20,000 gray whales take to Baja in order to give birth. The best time to see the gray whales is December through April.

From June through September you can go whale watching and see the largets creature on the planet- the blue whale- off the coast of San Diego. You can also see fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, harbor seals, sea lions, lots of dolphins, and even the occasional orca pod.

Legacy Whale Watching has half price deals on weekdays in the winter which also happens to be prime whale watching season. It is hard to pass up a three-hour whale watching trip for $29.

20. Knotts Berry Farm

Photo via Visit Anaheim

Distance from San Diego: 100 miles, 2 hours 20 minutes

For over 100 years, Knotts Berry Farm has been a Southern California mainstay. It began as an actual farm where the Knott family sold their berries, pies, and jams at a roadside stand. Add in some famous fried chicken, a replica ghost town, and a bunch of rides, and suddenly, the Knott family had a theme park!

The best times to visit Knott’s Berry Farm are the Boysenberry Festival, when amazing food stands filled with creative culinary treats pop up throughout the park, and Knott’s Scary Farm, when the park is transformed into a thrilling evening entertainment zone filled with haunted houses, rides, and plenty of opportunities to scare yourself silly.

21. Olvera Street

Distance from San Diego: 128 miles, 2 1/2 hours

I had memories of taking a fieldtrip to Olvera Street in middle school but recently, my family decided to take a day trip to this wonderful spot in the heart of Los Angeles that is home to o some of the oldest buildings in the city.

The heart of Olvera Street is its bustling marketplace filled with shops and stalls selling Mexican folk art, clothing, jewelry, pottery, and souvenirs. There are also several restaurants in the area, including Cielito Lindo which sells some of the best taquitos you will find anywhere. I wish I could dip somethign in their amazing avocado sauce every single day!

Make time to visit the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument which includes the Avila Adobe, built in the early 1800s. There are also street performers, mariachi musiciands, fresas vendors, and lots of seasonal events to enjoy.

Skip the traffic take the train from downtown San Diego to Union Station which is a short walk from Olvera Street.

Stay the night: The Westin Bonaventure is a good spot downtown. It has a six-story atrium and a nice steakhouse with a view.

22. Miracle Mile Museums

Distance from San Diego: 132 miles, 2 hours 45 minutes

The Miracle Mile of Los Angeles is home to some of the best museums in the region. The most famous of these museums is probably the La Brea Tar Pits Museum which houses the many Ice Age found in the immediate area.

Thousands of prehistoric fossils have been discovered in natural asphalt deposits and you can still walk about Hancock Park and see the asphault seeping from the ground which is pretty cool to witness.

The museum has fossils of saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves, and other Ice Age animals found inside the pits. Visitors can also watch scientists working on fossils in the on-site laboratory. They are sstill making discoveries every day.

Across Hancock Park you will find the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the new Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States and has famous works from renowned artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet, and Warhol.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Museum has exhibitions on cinema history, filmmaking techniques, and lots of pieces of iconic movie memorabilia. The exhibitions and memorabilia due change, making it a museums that you can visit every few years to experience something new. Make sure to head up to the glass-domed Dolby Family Terrace which has increible views of the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding area.

If you have a car enthusiast in your family you will definitely want to thead to the Peterson Automotive Museum. The museum has a large collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and automotive memorabilia. They even have some concept cars which will blow your mind as well as famous vehicles from movies and television.

Stay the night: Palihouse West Hollywood is on the old W Hotel property site and only 1.5 miles away. It has an an indoor/outdoor pool lounge and super cute rooms with a chill-yet-sophisticated vibe.

23. Pechanga Resort and Casino

Distance from San Diego: 60 miles, 75 minutes

Why drive all the way to Vegas when you can take a day trip to Pechanga! This resort in Temecula has one the largest gaming floors on the West Coast, with thousands of slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat,and more. Plus, it is a smoke-free atmosphere which is a major win in my book.

Even if you aren’t much of a gambler then you might want to come to Pechanga for some entertainment. The hose a variety of acts throughout the year featuring everything from Smokey Robinson to Jerry Seinfeld to Dancing with the Stars Live. There are several restaurants at the resort including a steakhouse, sushi, Italian, and Thai.

Pechanga is also a great place to enjoy a spa day. They have a full service spa menu featuring several types of massage, lots of facial treatments, body scrubs, and manicures and pedicures.

Stay the night: Pechanga has a full service resort hotel right on property, so it is easy to turn your visit into a weekend of fun.

24. Oasis Camel Dairy

Photo via Facebook/Oasis Camel Dairy

Distance from San Diego: 45 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes

Eastern San Diego County is home to some really neat animal attractions. One of them is the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona.

On select Saturdays from 12-2pm you can watch the bird and camel show, feed camels and mini sheep, take a camel ride, and shop for camel milk products like artisan soaps, lotions, chocolate and even camel milk to drink! If Saturday doesn’t work for you, you can book a private tour for your small group.

25. JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center

Distance from San Diego: 50 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes

Have you ever wanted to hug a fox? My family did that and more on our tour of the JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center in Santa Ysabel. The center is home to foxes, Arctic foxes, New Guinea singing dogs, coyotes, jackals, and their absolutely lovable goofball-of-a-wolf, Lucan.

This is the only place in the US to house domesticated Russian foxes. They also have some fur far rescues in their kit of over 20 fox. I highly recommend paying for the private experience where you will meet and great the animals and have the chance to take pictures with them. Plus, you know that your financial donation for this experience is going to a great cause.

75 Incredible California Landmarks You Must See Before You Die

Sharlene Earnshaw — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:35:00 +0000

California is an incredible place. It is 163,696 square miles of diverse landscapes, culture, and beauty. There is so much to see and do in the Golden State, but what are the California landmarks you really don’t want to miss?

This list of 75 California landmarks is designed to serve as a bucket list for those of us who aim to see an do it all in the Golden State!

From the remote redwoods in the northwestern reaches of the state to the deserts that dominate the southeast (and everything in between), here are 75 California icons you must see for yourself.

75 California Landmarks to Check Off Your Bucket List

1. Golden Gate Bridge

There are few California landmarks more iconic than the Golden Gate Bridge. This stunning, 2-mile suspension bridge was completed in 1937 and connects San Francisco with Marin County to the north.

It is continuously being touched up with the pain color International Orange because of the harsh impacts of the salty air on the metal structure.

The Golden Gate Bridge is California Historical Landmark No. 974.

2. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley | Photo by Mimi Ditchie

Yosemite Valley has been leaving visitors awe-struck for generations. The granite monoliths of Half Dome and El Capitan stand like skyscrapers above the Valley, while waterfalls cascade down to join the Merced River winding down below.

It is just eight miles long and one mile wide but packed into that small valley is enough beauty to inspire the likes of John Muir, Ansel Adams, and countless visitors who have stood in her presence.

Here are 16 Easy Hikes in Yosemite that you won’t want to miss when you visit. We have also put together an epic Yosemite Day Trip itinerary.

Yosemite is a National Park and Yosemite Valley is a California Historical Landmark No. 790.

3. The General Sherman Tree

General Sherman Tree | Photo by Flickr/NA Parish

General Sherman is another natural California landmark that must be witnessed in person to be fully appreciated. If you have ever wondered what it must feel like to see the world from an ant’s perspective, stand next to this tree.

General Sherman is the largest tree in the world and is located inside of Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest. It measure 103 feet around and 275 feet high… for now. This behemoth is still growing, adding enough wood each year to make a 60-foot tree!

4. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hollywood Walk of Fame | photo by Flickr/Christian Haugen

Over 10 million tourists flock to the Hollywood Walk of Fame each year to spot the stars of their favorite actors and musicians each year. The first star was placed in 1960. Today, there are over 2,500 stars on 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

Star maps are available, but I think it more fun to wander around and stumble upon my favorites!

5. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier | Photo by Flickr/Gustavo Tejal

Thanks to television and movies, the Santa Monica Pier is easily one of the most recognizable California landmarks. The amusement park atop the pier opened in 1916, and still entertains over four million visitors annually with its rides, games, and street performers.

The Santa Monica Pier is located at the end of Historic Route 66! Muscle Beach is located just south of the Pier, as well as the original Hot Dog on a Stick stand.

Santa Monica Pier’s Loof Hippodrome received National Historic Landmark designation in 1987.

6. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano | Photo by Flickr/LauraB

Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the “Jewel of the Missions”. Originally founded in 1776 – the year our nation was founded- and has an iconic bell wall and well-preserved ruins.

Many people know also know Mission San Juan Capistrano as the California landmark where swallows return every year. Seeing the mission is a popular day trip by train, since the station is just across the street.

On the other side of the tracks you will find the Los Rios District, which is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in California.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is California Historical Landmark No. 200

7. Sutter’s Mill and the Marshall Gold Discovery Site

Sutter’s Mill Relpica | Photo by Flickr/Nick Ares

California might not have been rushed to statehood in 1850 if it weren’t for that fateful day in January 1848 when gold flakes were discovered near Sutter’s Mill in Coloma by James Marshall.

The California Gold Rush brought 300,000 people from all over the world to “them thar hills”, hoping to strike it rich.

Unfortunately, few people made their fortune during the gold rush outside of bankers and storekeepers, but this piece of California history continues to captivate us.

History enthusiasts can make the pilgrimage to Coloma and see a working replica of Sutter’s Mill, the spot where gold was discovered, and several historic buildings.

They can also meet with pan for gold, watch docents working as blacksmiths, and enjoy the beautiful of the American River. Who knows, maybe you will see something sparkling in the water.

Sutter’s Mill is California Historical Landmark No. 143.

8. Hearst Castle

The Famous Hearst Castle Neptune Pool | Photo by Flickr/LostInTheRedwoods

Hearst Castle is located high atop a hill in San Simeon, along the Central Coast. The extravagant castle belonged to famed publishing tycoon William Randolf Hearst and played host to countless celebrities during the 1920s and 30s.

The main house is 68,500 square feet with 38 bedrooms, 30 fireplaces, and 42 bathrooms. It is filled with art from all over the world, has a private theater, billiard room, library, and three guest houses. There are over 70,000 trees planted on the grounds.

The Neptune Pool, filled with beautiful intricate tiles, took over 15 years to build. Why? Because it took three different attempts before Hearst was finally satisfied with the design. This is one of those California landmarks that truly must be seen to believed.

Tip: Keep your eyes out for zebras on the hillsides near Hearst Castle. They are descendants of those who were once part of Hearst’s private zoo.

9. Alcatraz

Alcatraz | Photo by Flickr/AndreaN

Alcatraz, aka The Rock, sits on a lonely island surrounded by the freezing, shark infested waters of the San Francisco Bay. Over 1500 inmates called this prison home during the 29 years that it served as a penitentiary.

Alcatraz was the place to send inmates who weren’t behaving in other California prisons, especially those who were known to be escape artists. Famous names who were sentenced to time in Alcatraz include Whitey Bulger, Machine Gun Kelly, and Al Capone.

Ultimately, it was just too cost prohibitive to continue to operate Alcatraz as a prison, and it was eventually turned over to the National Park Service. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the prison, check out the tiny cells for themselves, and learn about the colorful history of this special place.

Alcatraz was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

4. Catalina’s Casino

Catalina Harbor and Casino | Photo by Patty Mooney

When I was growing up and watching the weather report on Today in LA before school, I remember often seeing a live shot of the Catalina Casino before the weather report began. It always looked so glamorous and far away, although it was just a one-hour ferry ride from Long Beach.

I never did make it to Catalina as a kid, but I have taken my own family for weekend getaways on multiple occasions. On Catalina, golf carts far outnumber cars, and life moves at a more relaxed and carefree pace. It truly feels like you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of LA.

The Catalina Casino is not a gambling house. Built in the late 1920s, this 11-story circular fixture on Avalon Harbor is an entertainment venue. Its ballroom hosts events throughout the year and its theater shows movies.

5. The Presidio of San Francisco

San Francisco Presidio | Photo by Flickr/Fumi

The San Francisco Presidio was first built in 1776 and was used by a military base for over 218 years by the Spanish, Mexican, and American armies during that time. In 1994, ownership was transferred to the National Park Service and has become a tourist attraction.

There are 24 miles of hiking and biking trails inside the Presidio, as well as the only overnight campsite in all of San Francisco, located in an eucalyptus grove above Baker Beach. It is also home to 470 historic buildings, as well as the Walt Disney Museum.

The Presidio is a National Historic Landmark District and California Historical Landmark no. 79.

6. Burney Falls

Burney Falls | Photo by Flickr/Wenjieqiao

Burney Falls is not the tallest waterfall in California (that honor goes to Yosemite Falls) but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. It is located in California’s scantly-visited northeastern corner, about 65 miles east of Redding.

The 129-foot waterfall is fed by underground springs, resulting in a weeping wall of water. It is a site so beautiful that President Theodore Roosevelt once called it the “eight wonder of the world”.

Visitors to Burney Falls will enjoy area trails, great camping, and plenty of opportunity for water play at Lake Britton which borders McArthur-Burney Falls State Park.

7. Manzanar National Historic Site

Manzanar | photo by Flickr/ScorpioTiger

In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 Japanese American men, women, and children to leave their homes and be placed in military-style camps. Manzanar War Relocation Center, located near Owens Valley off lonely Highway 395, was one of these camps.

This is a chapter in American history that nobody should be proud of, and many aren’t even aware of. But it is important to learn about the mistakes of our nation’s past and honor those who were forced to leave their homes and live like prisoners.

Manzanar National Historic Site is operated by the National Park Service. Guided tours are led by park rangers but self-guided experiences are available as well. There are two reconstructed barracks, a reconstructed women’s latrine, and a remodeled WWII era mess hall.

Manzanar is California Historical Landmark No. 850.

8. Sutter’s Fort

Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento | photo by Flickr/Nick

Sutter’s Fort was built by John Sutter in 1841. It was meant to be the trade and commerce center of the Sacramento Valley. Several pioneers lived inside the fort during the early 1840s and the city of Sacramento was built around it.

During the winter of 1847, residents of Sutter’s Fort formed rescue parties to rescue the legendary Donner Party. Sutter’s Fort is also associated with the gold rush because it is where James Marshall let Sutter know about the discovery of gold at Sutter’s sawmill.

Unfortunately, the gold rush led to the desertion and destruction of the fort by miners looking to harvest its resources before heading out to the gold mines.

Today, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open for self-guided tours. Much of the fort has be reconstructed and highlights what life was like inside the fort during the 1840s.

Sutter’s Fort was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is California Historical Landmark No. 525.

9. California State Capitol

California State Capitol Building | Photo by Flickr/Daveynin

California became a state in 1850 but the State Capitol building was not completed until 1874. It is a grand Neoclassical building and its architecture was inspired by the US Capitol building in Washington DC.

Visitors can tour portions of the building that are open to the public on a guided tour or via a self-guided walk around the grounds. The 40-acre park surrounding the capitol is filled with trees from around the world and is especially beautiful in the fall when autumn leaves are brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange.

The California State Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is California Historical Landmark No. 872.

10. Calistoga’s Petrified Forest and Old Faithful Geyser

A Petrified Tree in the Petrified Forest | Photo by Flickr/RavenswoodTravel

Did you know that California has its very own petrified forest and an Old Faithful geyser that erupts every 15-30 minutes? Both are located in Calistoga, in Sonoma County’s Wine Country.

The geyser is open daily, and in addition to the geyser’s eruption, visitors will enjoy the petting zoo which has llamas, sheep, and goats. The goats are supposedly “fainting” goats, but don’t seem to faint very often these days.

The California Petrified Forest is home to the largest petrified trees in the world! They are fossilized redwood trees that were excavated after laying beneath volcanic ash for millions of years. The volcanic ash is the result of an explosion of Mt. Saint Helena eons ago, which knocked down the redwood forest.

The Petrified Forest is privately owned but open for visitors. There are trails that allow you to take a self-guided journey through the forest and admire these ancient giants.

The Petrified Forest is California Historical Landmark No. 915.

11. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Boardwalk | Photo by Flickr/DougJones

Everyone who grew up in the Bay Area is familiar with the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. It was a place to escape the heat of summer, enjoy a day at the beach, eat half your body weight in hot dogs and funnel cake, and enjoy carnival rides and games.

A visit to the Boardwalk is definitely an essential California experience. It is the only major seaside amusement park that is still operating on the West Coast. There are over 40 rides and attractions on the Boardwalk, including midway games, an indoor mini-golf course, laser tag, and arcades.

Ride highlights include throwing rings into the giant clowns mouth from the historic Loof Carousel and riding the famed Giant Dipper roller coaster. Both became National Historic Landmarks in 1987.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California Historical Landmark No. 983.

Santa Cruz made our list of the best Northern California weekend getaways. See what other special places made the list!

12. The Mystery Spot

Entrance to the Mystery Spot | Photo by Flickr/Michael Gray

The Mystery Spot is a classic California roadside attraction that has been around since 1941. In the Mystery Spot, the laws of gravity and physics seem to disappear.

Tour guides speculate that it was an ancient meteor that left a “magic circle” or that cones of metal were secretly buried to act as guidance for spacecraft.

In actuality, the Mystery Spot is a tilt-induced visual illusion. The house is slanted at a 20-degree angle, allowing people to stand crooked on chairs and balls to seem to roll uphill.

Whatever the reason, the experience if witnessing the wonders of the Mystery Spot is tons of fun, especially with young kids who haven’t visited before.

The Mystery Spot is California Historical Landmark No. 1055.

13. Trees of Mystery

Paul Bunyan Statue at the Trees of Mystery | Photo by Flickr/HenskeChristine

Another roadside attraction that has joined the ranks of other California landmarks is the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, near Redwood National Park.

It is known for its aerial tramway, as well as its trails filled with unusual tree formations and 50 different chainsaw sculptures. It is most famous for Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. Paul Bunyan stands 49 feet high and Babe the Blue Ox is 35 feet alongside him and both can be spotted from Highway 101.

14. Winchester Mystery House

Winchester Mystery House | Photo by Flickr/AmytheNurse

The Winchester Mystery House is an extraordinary maze of Victorian craftsmanship. The home is infamous for staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and its 160 rooms.

The houses oddities were built to throw off the spirits following Sarah Winchester, wife of the Winchester rifle heir. She had lost her husband and only child and many believe her constant home remodeling was fueled by superstition as well as grief.

Today, the massive mansion is open for tours which are especially popular during Halloween and Christmas. Many visitors report experiencing paranormal activity.

The Winchester House is California Historical Landmark No. 868.

15. Mission Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara | Photo by Flickr/Mmmyoso

There are 21 missions along California’s historic mission trail, El Camino Real, but Mission Santa Barbara is definitely one of the most popular to visit. It was founded in 1786 and is the only mission to be continuously operated by the Franciscans since its founding.

Mission Santa Barbara is called “The Queen of Missions” because it is the most beautiful and best preserved. Juana María, the lead character in Island of the Blue Dolphins was buried at the mission cemetery in 1853.

Today, visitors can tour the garden, cemetery, mission church, and museum.

Mission Santa Barbara has been a US National Historic Landmark since 1960 and is California Historical Landmark No. 309.

16. Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf | Photo by Flickr/Damian Gadal

Stearns Wharf, on the Santa Barbara waterfront, is the oldest working wooden wharf in California. It was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns in order to help facilitate the movement of people and cargo from ship to shore.

These days, Stearns Wharf is a hub of tourist activity. Shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center are the main draws, as well fabulous views of Santa Barbara’s coast and mountains.

17. Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse

During the Gold Rush, over 300 boats ran aground as they tried to enter the San Francisco Bay via the famed- and often foggy- Golden Gate. Thus, the Point Bonita Lighthouse was built in 1855.

It is perched on a perilous spot in the Marin Headlands, and is the only lighthouse in the US that is reached by walking over a suspension bridge. The trail down to the Lighthouse offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding area.

Visitors are allowed to cross the suspension bridge and visit the lighthouse on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 -3:30pm. The trail to the lighthouse includes a walk through a tunnel carved into the hillside, which is pretty cool!

Point Bonita Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

18. Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge

The drive along California’s Big Sur coastline is one of the most beautiful on the planet. It is 85 miles of pure scenic bliss, and just when you think the views have peeked at one turn of the road, it turns again and you discover an even better view.

Completing this rugged stretch of Highway 1 was no easy feat. The greatest engineering marvel along this drive is the iconic Bixby Bridge. It was completed in 1932 and stands 260 above Bixby Creek.

Bixby Bridge is one of the highest single-span arch bridges in the world, and is incredibly popular to photograph.

19. Morro Rock

Morro Rock | Photo by Flickr/MorroElsie

One of the most well-known natural California landmarks on the Central Coast is Morro Rock. It is a remnant of an extinct volcano that sits at the mouth of Morro Bay, and is 581 feet tall.

It is a nesting ground for several bird species, including the peregrine falcon. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters are often spotted in the water around Morro Rock. You can use the Harborwalk Trail to visit the rock or kayak out onto the calm bay and enjoy it (and the sea mammals) from the water.

Morro Rock is is California Historic Landmark no 821.

20. Coit Tower

Coit Tower | Photo by Flickr/MmmYoso

Coit Tower is another iconic structure found in San Francisco. This concrete Art Deco tower sits atop Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park.

The 210-foot building was built in the 1930s and is named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a San Francisco philanthropist who left a third of her fortune to the city of San Francisco with instructions “to be expended in an appropriate manner for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved.”

Inside Coit Tower there are 27 murals created by 26 artists, making it the largest collection of Public Works Art Project art in the country. The murals were not created without controversy. Some of the original had Communist symbols which were painted over.

Most visitors to Coit Tower come for the view which include the Financial District, Nob Hill, Lombard Street, Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.

Coit Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and became a National Historic Landmark in 2008.

21. Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo NM and Point Loma Lighthouse | photo by Flickr/Mmmyoso

On the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego are two important California landmarks, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the eight original lighthouse built on the West Coast. It was commission in 1855 and decommissioned in 1891. Its location 422 feet above sea level meant fog often obscured the light so a replacement lighthouse closer to sea level had to be built.

Today, visitors can go inside the lighthouse as well as visit Cabrillo National Monument which is the same location. This monument was built in 1913 to honor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who landed at the San Diego Bay back on September 28, 1542. He was the first European to set foot on the West Coast.

Prime time to visit this area is December through March, when gray whales can often be spotted off Point Loma during the migration to and from their birthing grounds off the coast of Mexico. There are also some nice tide pools to explore. No matter the time of year, the views of San Diego and its harbor are spectacular.

Point Loma is California Historical Landmark No. 51 and Cabrillo National Monument is California Historical Landmark No. 56.

22. Antelope Valley Poppy Fields

Antelope Valley Poppy Fields | Photo by Flickr/Lauren_DW

The California poppy is our state flower, and it can be found en masse at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve during the spring bloom. The wildflower blooming season is dependent on rainfall, but typically take place mid-February through May.

There are eight miles of trails to enjoy and several benches to stop at along the way. Remember, look at but don’t touch these delicate flowers.

23. San Andreas Fault

San Andreas Fault | Photo by Flickr/Bossco

The San Andreas fault is definitely the most famous fault in all of California. It runs for 800 miles, from the Salton Sea to Cape Mendocino. When it ruptures, it has the potential to trigger an earthquake magnitude 8.0 or higher!

None of us in California are really fans of the San Andreas fault, but we are certainly fascinated by it. One great way to see the San Andreas fault and learn about it is to take a San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour with Red Jeep Tours in the Coachella Valley.

This great tour is led by a naturalist who takes you to geologic cuts and canyons created by the San Andreas fault while teaching tour-goers about the geology, seismology, flora, and fauna of the region.

24. California’s Lowest Point (Death Valley)

Badwater Basin, California’s Lowest Point | Photo by Jim Choates

California is a large state filled with extremes. The lowest point in California (and all of North America) is Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park. It is 282 feet below sea level!

Badwater Basin is an extremely inhospitable place, named for the spring that produces undrinkable water which pools to form a shallow pond.

There is a thick layer of salt on the floor of Badwater Basin which is formed by temporary lakes that settle in after a heavy (and extremely rare) rainstorm. When the water evaporates, mineral salts are left behind.

Trekaroo has a great guide on things to do in Death Valley.

25. California’s Highest Point (Mt. Whitney)

Mt Whitney | Photo by Flickr/SpottedHorse

76 miles from Badwater Basin is Mount Whitney, the highest point in California, and the continental USA. It soars at 14,501 feet in height in the rugged southern Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Mt. Whitney does border Sequoia National Park, but nearly everyone accesses the mountain via the town of Lone Pine off Highway 395. The trail to the top is 22 miles round trip and gains 6130 feet in elevation along the way.

In order to make the strenuous hike to the top you must secure a permit in the permit lottery held by the US Forest Service.

26. California’s Easternmost Point (3 Miles South of Parker Dam)

Parker Dam | Photo by Flickr/James Marvin Phelps

We’ve covered the highest and lowest, but what about north, south, east, and west?

Let’s begin with the easternmost spot in California, a spot not generally considered when people think about a state the occupies for more latitude than longitude.

Technically, the most eastern spot in California can be found out in the middle of the Colorado River about three miles south of Parker Dam. So, if you make it to Parker Dam, let’s call it close enough!

Parker Dam is the concrete structure that holds back Lake Havasu. This area is a popular vacation destination for boaters.

27. California’s Westernmost Point (Cape Mendocino)

Cape Mendocino | Photo by Flickr Paulhami

While all of the western edge of California hugs the Pacific, the most western reaches of the state can be found at Cape Mendocino in Northern California. Yep, that same Cape Mendocino where the San Andreas fault makes its way out into the ocean. No surprise, it is quite seismically active.

This is a wild and remote section of coastline known as the Lost Coast. The closest town is tiny Petrolia, which earned its name for being the first place an oil well was drilled in California.

28. California’s Southernmost Point (Border Field State Park)

California/Mexico Border at Border Field State Park | Photo by Flickr/VtPoly

California’s southernmost point is the border that it shares with Mexico, specifically at Border Field State Park in Imperial Beach, California. This spot is within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve which provides habitat for threatened and endangered birds.

The beach here is usually uncrowded, and a nice place to hike and view wildlife, but not a good place to swim. It is, however, a good place to see the infamous border wall for yourself.

29. California’s Northernmost Point (42nd Parallel)

The Caliornia/Oregon Border | photo by Flickr/ChrisDevers

It is no surprise to anyone with geography knowledge that California’s northernmost point is the border that it shares with Oregon. The entire border runs along the 42nd Parallel, so any spot along this border qualifies as “the northernmost”.

It is easiest to reach this point via California’s major north/south highways- Interstate 5 and Highway 101. Highway 101 offers the beaches and redwoods, while the portion of Interstate 5 that cross the border is forested but not as lush. There are several other crossing highways along the border, but any route you choose will be rural.

30. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Photo by Flickr/GlendaAndKen

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar. It begins at the base of Chino Canyon at 2,643 feet and carries passengers up the steep mountainside to the station Mountain Station at 8,561 feet. The ride to the top takes about 10 minutes.

The weather at the Mountain Station is 30-40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor, making it a really fun and unique experience. Where else can you from lounging by the pool to playing in the snow in less than an hour?

31. Mono Lake

Mono Lake | photo by Flickr/RonRiering

Mono Lake is a weird place. It is an ancient lake with large tufa formations sprouting out of its waters and is twice as salty as the ocean.

Tufas are calcium-carbonate pillars and knobs of varying heights and sizes that protrude from the lake’s surface. They’re formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.

The best way to experience the lake is to either take a free, guided tufa walk or a guided kayak tour. Both are led by naturalists which can answer all your questions about this unique spot, including those about the massive migratory bird population that calls the lake home seasonally.

32. Bodie Ghost Town

Bodie Ghost Town | Photo by Flickr/Jeff Moser BikeCarson.com

Not too far from Mono Lake is Bodie, Bodie, a California gold mining era ghost town. It is fun to wander the town’s abandoned streets and witness a town in the state of “arrested decay”.

At its boom during the Comstock Lode gold strike in 1879, Bodie had a population of 10,000. By 1915, it had become a ghost town.

Today, only a small portion of the town still exists but this portion still look as if the residents left moments ago. There is a wheel barrow dumped over in a yard, cups left on tables, and a tricycle parked on a porch.

Bodie State Historic Park is California Historical Landmark No. 341 and a National Historic Landmark.

33. Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento | photo via Flickr/HyperHamlet

Old Sacramento is a historic eight-block section of the city along the Sacramento River next to downtown. It is a popular tourist destination where folks can take horse-drawn carriage rides past several historic buildings.

Along raised wooden sidewalks are entrances to souvenir shops, old-fashioned candy stores, and restaurants. Other big draws to this area are the California State Railroad Museum, riverboat rides, and historic train rides.

The Old Sacramento Historic District is California Historic Landmark no. 812 and a US National Historic Landmark District.

34. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

The Mission Inn | Photo by Flickr/LittleKoshka

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside is the jewel of the Inland Empire. It was founded in 1876 as nothing more than an adobe boarding house, but by the early 1900s it became a full-service hotel catering to wealthy travelers from Back East.

Mission Inn’s architecture is Mission-Revival style and incorporates architectural features from more than 20 different California missions. It also houses artwork and furniture from around the world, as well as a bell that dates back to 1247. The Inn has hosted several US Presidents and celebrities throughout the years.

The best time of year to visit the Mission Inn is during the Festival of Lights which takes place every holiday season. People come from all around to enjoy thousands of lights and decorations, visits with Santa, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even live reindeer!

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is California Historical Landmark no. 761 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

35. Empire Mine

Empire Mine | photo by Flickr/CBCastro

The Empire Mine is known for being one of the largest and richest gold mines in California. It is located near Grass Valley, and operated for over 100 years between 1850 and 1956. During that time, 5.8 million ounces of gold were pulled from 367 miles of underground passages.

According to geologists, only about 20% of the gold in the mine has been recovered. A mining company still owns the mining rights down below but the surface has been turned into a state park.

The park’s museum has a scale model of the the mine’s tunnels, along with ore samples and a collection of minerals.

The Bourne Mansion is also part of Empire Mine State Historic Park. It was built entirely from the rock pulled out from the mine. This English country lodge has 13 acres of gardens and a reflecting pool.

On weekends during the high season (May through October) volunteers dress up in Edwardian clothing giving tours.

Empire Mine is California Historic Landmark no. 298.

36. Charles Krug Winery

Charles Krug Winery | photo by Flickr/MrPhancy

The Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world. There are over 800 wineries all over the region, but the first person to establish a winery in the region was Charles Krug, back in 1861 in Saint Helena. Krug was an innovator and true industry pioneer.

The winery was purchased by the Mondavi family in 1943 and has been operating the oldest winery and tasting facility in California ever since. The Redwood Cellar Tasting Room was originally built in 1872 and is a National Historic Landmark. It is a lovely spot for wine tasting.

Charles Krug Winery is California Historic Landmark no. 563.

37. Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument | Photo by Flickr/JeffMoser BikeCarson.com

Lava Beds National Monument is a remote park in the far northeastern corner of California. It is home to the largest concentration of lava tubes in North America. Lava rocks and scrub brush dominate the scene above ground, but below ground is wear the main attractions reside.

There are lots of great caves you can explore on your own. Favorites include the ice floor of Skull Cave, beautiful Valentine Cave, and the life growing inside of Sunshine Cave.

Be sure to bring flashlights and sweatshirts because even though the weather can be warm on the surface, things cool off quite a bit below ground. Helmets and flashlights can be rented from the visitor center.

38. Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Sign | Photo by Flickr/Gnaphron

One of the most famous and iconic California landmarks is most definitely the Hollywood sign. It was originally built to be nothing more than a giant advertisement for a new real estate development, Hollywoodland. The sign rapidly became a tourist attraction and emblem of the glitz of Hollywood.

You can’t actually touch the massive, 45-foot letters, but you can get close. There are a couple different trails which will lead you to the backside of the Hollywood sign, with great views of it along the way. It is even possible to hike from the Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign.

The Hollywood Sign was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1973.

39. Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory | photo by Flickr/Matthew Field

Speaking of the Griffith Observatory… It most certainly deserves a spot in this list of California landmarks! Located in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory is the place to visit after a good rainstorm.

The skies clear up and it is easy to see the ocean, downtown, the LA Basin, the San Gabriel Mountains, and even all the way out towards Mount San Jacinto near Palm Springs! Inside the Griffith Observatory you will find great astronomy exhibits, the historic Zeiss telescope, and a planetarium.

The Griffith Observatory was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1976.

40. Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Bumpass Hell | Photo by DonJD2

One of the most unique hikes in all of California is the hike into Bumpass Hell at Lassen Volcanic National Park. This 3-mile, roundtrip hike descends into a Lassen’s most active geothermal area filled with sulfur-scented hot springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots.

Bumpass Hell was named for a cowboy named Kendall Bumpass who lost his leg after his foot broke through the thin dirt crust and his leg went into one of the boiling mud pits! Thankfully, the area is safe to explore now as long as you follow the rules and stay on the boardwalk.

41. Salvation Mountain

Salvation Mountain | Photo by Kevin Dooley

The California desert has always been a refuge for unique individuals. There are several California landmarks out there that celebrate the creativity and vision of of those who think outside the box.

Salvation Mountain is the brainchild of Leonard Knight, a self-described “visionary American folk artist’. He built a mountain east of the Salton Sea out of adobe bricks mixed with straw and sprinkled in with old tires and car parts.

The mountain is covered with several murals with Bible verses and other Christian sayings which were created with thousands of gallons of paint, much of it donated.

Knight faced health issues in 2011 which ended his work on Salvation Mountain, and he passed away in 2014. Today, a non-profit group works to maintain the mountain.

42. Mt. Diablo

View from the Summit of Mt Diablo | Photo by Flickr/TimeWelbourn

There are 520 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails inside Mount Diablo State Park. This 3,849-foot peak looms over the Bay Area and is visible from all over the region.

The summit of the mountain, can be reached via car. There is a visitors center with an observation deck that offers great views of the Bay Area. Oddly enough, the actual peak is housed inside the building and can be accessed via a circular staircase.

One of the most popular spots for families to visit on Mount Diablo is Rock City. It’s fun to scramble around in the the sandstone caves and climbing atop big boulders.

Mount Diablo is a US National Natural Landmark and California Historical Landmark no. 905.

43. Carrizo Plain Wildflowers

Carrizo Plain Wildflowers | Photo by BLM

Tucked into the southeastern portion of San Louis Obispo County is the largest native grassland in California, Carrizo Plain National Monument. It is remote, wild, and one of the best places to enjoy wildflowers in the entire country, especially during a super bloom.

Carrizo Plain has been called “California’s Serengeti” because it is home to more endangered species than any other part of the state. Animals include the California condor, San Juaquin kit fox, pronghorn antelope, deer, and Tule elk.

The landscape and biology of the region is very similar to what the Central Valley looked like before agriculture took over.

44. McWay Falls

McWay Falls | Photo by Jerry Kirkhart

An 80-foot waterfall cascading onto a deserted beach on the Big Sur Coast. Do I really need to say anything else? McWay Falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and is certainly one of the most beautiful scenes in all of California.

The falls are visible from Highway 1, but it is safer to park inside the state park and take the short, 1/2-mile trail to the falls overlook.

45. Skunk Train

The Skunk Train | Photo by Art Poskanzer

The Skunk Train is a legend of the Mendocino Coast. Formerly known as the California Western Railroad, it is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy the scenic redwood forest.

It runs from both Fort Bragg and Willits and the track cross over 30 bridges and trestles as well as two deep mountain tunnels. The railroad was first founded in 1885 as a way of making lumber transportation easier.

It was nicknamed “Skunk Train” because of the pungent odor the motorcars from the 1920’s expelled.

In addition to a train tour, visitors can also opt to go on a railbike tour. These bikes are electric and virtually silent, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the region. The guided tour includes a stop at Glen Bair Junction for a picnic.

46. Disneyland

Disneyland

The most popular attraction in all of California is Disneyland. It was founded in 1955 and since then, has only gained in popularity. Over 18 million people visit Disneyland resort each year.

The best time to visit Disneyland (in my humble opinion) is during the first two weeks in December. The park is fully decked out for the holidays but the Christmas crowds haven’t showed up yet. Plus the weather is usually quite pleasant.

I also really enjoy visiting the parks when the California Food and Wine Festival is going on at Disney California Adventure. The food and drink offerings are quite tasty, and the Sip and Savor Pass is a great way to sample the festival offerings in between rides.

47. Universal Studios

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios is another one of those California landmarks that is also a theme park. The movie studio was founded in 1915 , during the silent movie era. Even then, the studio was open for tours. Admission was a quarter and included lunch! The first tram rides were given in 1964.

The first ride that wasn’t a part of the studio tour came about in 1991 and was ET-themed. Today there are nine rides, seven shows, a play area, and the ever-popular 60-minute studio tour to enjoy.

One of the most popular areas in the parks is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which brings the famous book and movie franchise to life.

48. San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo | photo by Flickr/TDelCoro

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous and beloved zoos in the world. It is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species. It was started with animals left abandoned in their exhibits from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.

In addition to world class exhibits housing animal from around the world, the zoo is also a wonderland for plant enthusiasts. The zoo grows over 700,000 exotic plants. The landscaping often reflects the environment that the animals originate from.

Highlights include Elephant Odyssey, Monkey Trails, Polar Bear Plunge, The Outback, and the new Africa Rocks exhibit.

49. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe | Photo by US Dept of State

Straddling the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is the jewel of the Sierras. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and a playground for skiers, hikers, and water enthusiasts alike.

South Lake Tahoe sees over 400 inches of snow per year on average, resulting in world-class skiing conditions. The lake itself is incredibly clean and nearly as pure as drinking water!

It is 1,644 feet deep at its deepest point, and if it was drained it contains enough water to cover a flat space the size of California in 14 inches of water!

50. Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon | Photo by: Flickr/KirkEdblom

If you want to know what it is like to be immersed in a scene from Jurassic Park, head to Fern Canyon. Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World was filmed in this special spot. The canyon is located inside of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, in the heart of redwood country.

Walking into Fern Canyon you will be surrounded by a 50-foot fortress of walls, covered in ferns. It is lush and shady, with a creek running through. During the summer months, wooden slats act as footbridges to help keep your shoes dry.

Keep your eyes out for elk, which frequent the beach and fields near Fern Canyon.

51. Cabazon Dinosaurs

Cabazon Dinosaurs | Photo by Flickr/Edrabbbit

If you have ever driven west on Interstate 10 towards Palm Springs, you have likely seen two massive dinosaurs hanging out by the side of the highway.

150-foot-long Dinny- an apatosaurus- and Mr. Rex, his 65-foot T-Rex companion were the brainchild of Claude Bell, a former Knotts Berry Farm artist and sand sculptor. He built them to attract customers to his Wheel Inn Cafe,

The dinosaurs gained quite a bit of notoriety after appearing in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure in 1985. You climb through the T-Rex’s mouth just like Pee Wee Herman!

52. The Original In-n-Out in Baldwin Park

Replica of the First In-N-Out

In-N-Out is a California institution. Sure, Mc Donald’s started in California as well, but us lifelong Californians have pledged our allegiance to In-N-Out. So what is the reason a long line is omnipresent at every In-n-Out drive thru? Simple answer- their hamburgers are the best!

We all have our favorite things to order from the secret menu – I like the double meat animal style with fries well done- and the simplicity and consistency of the food brings us back again and again.

Sadly, the original In-N-Out was torn down to make room for Interstate 10. You can visit a replica of the first In-N-Out in Baldwin Park. It is a great place to get pictures. An actual working In-N-Out is on the other side of the freeway. In addition to selling those amazing hamburgers, it also sells souvenirs.

53. Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks | Photo by Flickr/Matthew Dillon

Located off the 14 freeway in near Aqua Dulce, the Vasquez Rocks are a unusual-looking rock formation best known for being a popular filming location for several movies and tv shows. The rocks were named after Tiburcio Vasquez, a bandit who hid from law enforcement in the rocks.

It is probably best known for being featured in several episodes of Star Trek, but Big Bang Theory, Blazing Saddles, The Flintstones movie, and even Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey have all featured scenes here.

In addition to tv and film, commercials and even music videos have been shot at Vasquez Rocks. Eddie Money, Radiohead, and Michael Jackson are just a few of the musicians who have shot videos there.

Vasquez Rocks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

54. Queen Mary

Queen Mary | Photo by Flickr/Bernard Spragg

Long Beach is well known for its port which is a popular spot for cruise ship embarkations and its most famous permanent resident is the Queen Mary. Today, the Queen Mary is a hotel and attraction, but in its heyday, it made 1001 transatlantic crossings.

The Queen Mary is larger than the Titanic and was considered to be the finest ocean liner of its time. Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Queen Mary herself have all sailed on the famous ship.

The Queen Mary is said to be haunted. Several prisoners of war died in the lower decks, and there are rumors that former passengers and crew haunt the ship as well.

Today visitors can choose from several different tours, watch a movie in the 4D theater, view a replica of the Queen Mary made from 250,000 LEGO bricks, eat at the onboard restaurants, or stay in one of the rooms.

The RMS Quuen Mary was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

55. The World’s Tallest Thermometer

Baker Thermometer | Photo by Flickr/KBuckingham

If you have driven from Southern California to Vegas along Interstate 15, you have surely seen the famous thermometer in Baker. It is the world’s largest thermometer, after all!

It was built in 1991 and stands at a height of 134 feet to commemorate the record-setting temperature that was recorded in nearby Death Valley in 1913. There is a gift shop at its base where you can purchase a variety of thermometer-themed souvenirs.

56. Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn | Photo by Flickr/RollerCoasterPhilosophy

The Madonna Inn is a famous hotel that sits along Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo. This California landmark was built by Alex Madonna and his wife, and it well known for having 109 uniquely-themed guest rooms.

The exterior of the building has a Swiss Alps style. The interior common areas are ornately decorated, with plenty of carnation pink to go around.

Rooms come in all sorts of themes such as Caveman, Jungle Rock, Pioneer America, Antique Cars, and Old Mexico. Several of the suites have rock waterfall showers.

Even if you don’t stay at the Madonna Inn, it is still worthy of a pit stop. There is a famous rock waterfall urinal in the men’s bathroom in the lobby.

57. Bubblegum Alley

Bubblegum Alley | Photo by Flickr/Ars5017

Bubblegum Alley is easily the grossest California landmark on our list. It is located in downtown San Louis Obispo and the walls of this narrow alley are literally covered in people’s old chewing gum. If you are so inclined, you can add to the display. I think I have said enough…

58. Lombard Street

Lombard Street | photo by Flickr/DavidYuWeb

The most famous street in all of San Francisco is crooked Lombard Street. It is known as the most crooked street in the world, but that title really goes to Vermont Street, also in San Francisco.

Still, the 600-foot stretch of Lombard has eight turns and the lovely hydrangeas planted in between curves make it quite photogenic.

Why all the curves? Well, the street is steep and back in the 1920’s cars didn’t have the best braking systems, so the curves were added for safety. It became a one way street (downhill) in the 1930s to further improve the safety of the street.

59. Balboa Park

Balboa Park | Photo by Flickr/KevinBaird

Balboa Park is San Diego’s version of Central Park but it is almost twice the size! It is home to gardens, the Morley Field Sports Complex, theaters, museums, and the San Diego Zoo. Visiting the park is an absolute “must” for any tourist but locals love and use the park regularly as well.

Much of the design and aesthetics of the park is a result of the park hosting the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Another interesting tidbit about this parks historic past- Balboa Park was used as barracks and training grounds in both World War I and World War II.

Balboa Park became a National Landmark in 1977.

60. Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado | Photo by Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado is an architectural icon on Coronado Island. Built in 1888, it is one of the few remaining wooden Victorian beach resorts, which were quite popular near the turn of the century. It has hosted countless celebrities, as well a multiple presidents and even royalty!

The Hotel Del sits on Coronado Beach. This beautiful beach has made several lists highlighting the best beaches in the United States.

My favorite time to visit Hotel Del Coronado is during the holiday season when the resort puts up an outdoor skating rink right next to the beach!

Hotel Del Coronado became a National Landmark in 1977.

61. La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits | Photo by Flickr/KonradSummers

More than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered at the La Brea Tar Pits, where asphalt has bubbled up to the surface since the last Ice Age! Out of those 3.5 million fossils, 600 species have been found, including dire wolves, massive lions, huge sloths, and towering mammoths.

Scientists are working to study and uncover more and more fossils on a daily basis. You can watch them at work inside the Page Museum, which showcases a variety of fossils and information onsite.

While there have been plenty of big animals found inside the asphalt, there has only been one human found. She was discovered way back in 1914 and her remains were over 9,000 years old!

Hancock Park La Brea is California Historical Landmark no. 170 and a US National Natural Landmark.

62. Cannery Row

Cannery Row | Photo by Flickr/MeloTrinindadmd

Monterey’s Cannery Row was made famous by the famous novel, Cannery Row, by John Steinbeck. At that time, it was the “Sardine Capitol of the World”. The canned sardines were especially popular during World War I and II.

The last cannery closed in 1973 and today, it is home to Monterey’s most popular tourist attraction, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are several restaurants, hotels, and shops housed in former cannery buildings as well.

63. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

With its towering boulders, diverse desert life, and iconic namesake trees, Joshua Tree National Park is a California landmark everyone should see.

My favorite time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during a wildflower bloom after a wet winter when the desert comes alive with color. Scrambling on boulders is a favorite activity and Hidden Valley is a great spot to climb and scramble around.

We have put together an article which will help you plan you day at Joshua Tree National Park that you will won’t want to miss.

Fun fact: The cover for U2’s famous album, The Joshua Tree, was actually shot in Darwin, California about 200 miles away!

64. Pier 39

The Sea Lions of Pier 39 | Photo by Flickr/Enfad

Easily the most touristy spot in all of San Francisco, Pier 39 is one of the places you just have to visit at least once in order to check it off the California bucket list.

Much of the pier is filled with tourist shops and a couple restaurants, but you really want to visit Pier 39 to see the sea lions.

I have spent at least 30 minutes at a time watching those hilarious sea lions and laughing at their hijinks. They continuously fight over the same dock, even though there are plenty of surrounding docks that are unoccupied! They are noisy, boisterous, and endlessly entertaining.

65. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Grauman’s Chinese Theater | Photo by Flickr/Cezzie901

There are so many great historic theatres in Hollywood, but the one that is probably most famous is Grauman’s Chinese Theater because of the handprints, footprints, and signatures of several stars that are out front.

It has gone through several name changes over the years (technically it is currently the TCL Chinese Theatre) but since Sid Grauman built the theatre, that is the name that most people tend to know it by.

The theatre has been the site of several movie premiers, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Mary Poppins, and Star Wars. And while it is always fun to stand where movie stars once stood, it is far more fun to compare hands with over 200 icons like Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument.

66. Drive-Thru Trees

The Chandelier Drive Thru Tree | Photo by Flickr/JStephenConn

Only in California do the trees grow so big that you can drive right through them! There are three giants redwoods up by Eureka which have had holes big enough to fit a car carved into them.

The Shrine Tree is 50 miles south of Eureka on the Avenue of Giants. The hole in this tree was mostly carved by Mother Nature, which makes it all the more impressive.

The Chandelier Tree is in Leggett and its opening is wide enough to allow some larger vehicles to pass through. Unlike the Shrine Tree, which is closed in the winter, the Chandelier Tree is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Klamath Tree is close to Redwood National Park near the Klamath River Bridge. There is a small gift shop and picnic tables nearby.

67. Glass Beach

Glass Beach | Photo by Flickr/ImagesByJohnK

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Well, that is literally the case at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg! The glass pebbles scattered across the beach are the remnants of when the beach was used as a dump in the 1950s and 60s.

There are actually three “glass beaches” in Fort Bragg, but the third and most recent site is the most well known. Unfortunately, because people keep collecting the sea glass they find, the sea glass is rapidly diminishing from the beach. So visit sooner rather than later, and leave the glass at the beach.

68. Salton Sea

Salton Sea | photo by Flickr/MarcCooper

The Salton Sea is a weird place. It is the largest lake in California, but it has only been around since 1905. During that year, the Colorado River flooded through farm irrigation channels in the Imperial Valley, forming the lake.

The Salton Sea quickly became a big tourist destination. It had a yacht club, golf course, marina, and was a popular destination for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra. Over 30,000 homes were built near the lake. By the 1980’s the towns along the lake had become ghost towns.

Agricultural runoff from the Imperial Valley brought too much salt and pesticides into the lake. Massive fish die offs have occurred, due to lack of oxygen and too much salt. The Salton Sea is now 50% saltier than the ocean and shrinking at a rate of about 3 % per year.

Today, visitors enjoy bird watching, fishing for tilapia, and checking out the remnants of the thriving tourist towns that used to be.

69. Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument | Photo by Flickr/ParksTraveler

Another weird but natural monument in California is Devils Postpile National Monument near the town of Mammoth Lakes. It looks tall columns of rock were stacked upright by some supernatural being but in reality, this columnar basalt stack was caused by cooling lava 10,000 years ago.

During the summer, visitors must take a shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center to access the monument. Head two miles further down the trail and you will come across 100-foot Rainbow Falls.

On sunny days, the mist reflects rainbows near the base of the falls, giving the waterfall it’s colorful name.

70. Carlsbad Flower Fields

Carlsbad Flower Fields | photo by Flickr/Kellinahandbasket

For those living in the far southern reaches of coastal California, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are a welcome site along Interstate 5 every spring.

Thirteen different varieties of Ranunculus are planted each year, resulting in over 500 million flowers and 10 weeks of color!

The fields are open from March 1- May 10 each year. There are wagon rides, several themed gardens, and poinsettia and orchid greenhouses to enjoy. Bring your camera!

71. Venice Canals

Venice Canals of America | Photo by Frank Fujimoto

Did you know that California has its own version of the famed Venice canals? These man-made canals were put in by Abbot Kinney in 1905 for his Venice of America housing development.

Originally there were 13 canals, but the popularity of the automobile and the need for roads in the area meant some of the canals needed to be drained and paved over.

Today there are six beautiful canals to enjoy. The canals are a popular spot for walking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Nearby Venice Beach is a quirky spot filed with funky shops and entertaining street performers.

The Venice Canals Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

72. San Francisco Cable Cars

San Francisco Cable Car | photo by Flickr/Janitors

Cable cars have been a part of the San Francisco landscape since 1873. There were over 600 cable cars in operation until the famed 1906 earthquake. Street cars replaced 500 of the cable cars during the city’s recovery.

Today, San Francisco is down to 40 cable cars but they still are an important part of the city’s identity. They run on Powell Street and California Street, and are mostly used by tourists these days.

The San Francisco Cable Cars are US National Historic Landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are the only moving National Landmark.

73. Circus Trees of Gilroy Gardens

A Gilroy Gardens Circus Tree | Photo by Flickr/Milst1

Axel Erlandson turned tree grafting into an artform when he created his famed Circus Trees. He carefully shaped trees into basket weaves, hearts, rings, and many other designs that have to been seen to be believed.

By 1957, he had created more than 70 amazingly-shaped trees and was featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Life Magazine.

Erlandson passed away in 1964 and there have been several owners of the Circus Trees since. Even Disney tried to purchase the trees at one point, but the price was too high.

In 1985, 29 of the remaining trees were moved to Gilroy Gardens, a theme park and botanical garden. Today, 25 of the incredible trees are still alive.

74. Palm Springs Windmills

Palm Springs Windmills | Photo by Flickr/Samhowzit

There are several windfarms in California. The most famous is the windfarm just outside of Palm Springs in the San Gorgonio Pass off Interstate 10.

There are about 3,000 windmills in this windfarm that has been an “we’re almost there!” signal for travelers from LA metro heading towards a weekend of fun and sun in the Coachella Valley. Together, they can power up to 300,00 homes! It was the first commercial wind farm in the United States.

Self-guided bike or driving tours are available.

75. Pea Soup Andersen’s

Pea Soup Andersen’s | Photo by Flickr/Vision63

From one windmill to the next, the last of our California landmarks is a roadside restaurant that is well known for it’s billboards and split pea soup.

This roadside restaurant has been feeding travelers since 1924 at its original location in Beullton, next to Highway 101. It was founded by Danish immigrant, Anton Andersen, and his wife Juliette. They opened a second location in Santa Nella, off Interstate 5, in 1976.

Important update: The Buellton location closed suddenly in January of 2024. Santa Nella is still open. There is hope that new owners will reopen the Buellton location but the future status is still TBD.

During peak road trip season, Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton goes through 500-600 gallons of pea soup per day! Here is the recipe so you can make their famed pea soup at home.

12 Incredible California Ghost Towns You Need to Visit

Sharlene Earnshaw — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 23:17:21 +0000

Who doesn’t love a good ghost town? With their colorful history and unique remnants of the past, visiting a California ghost town is a great way to spend the day.

Many ghost towns are shells of what they were during their rough and rowdy heydays, but each leaves a clue about the history of the state and its impressive mining history. After all, it was mining that lead the masses flocking to what would become the Golden State.

Most of these California ghost towns are in remote locations, but each has a fascinating story to tell. Use this guide to find a ghost town on your next road trip route, and spend a couple hours exploring.

12 California Ghost Towns to Visit

Calico Ghost Town

If you have driven Interstate 15 from Southern California to Las Vegas, you have passed right by Calico Ghost Town. This California ghost town is located just outside of Barstow and is the most popular ghost town in the state.

Calico was founded in 1881 during the silver mining boom in California. The town quickly grew as miners flocked to the area in search of silver. The boom in silver mining, however, was short-lived. By the mid-1890s, the price of silver dropped, leading to the closure of many mines. As a result, Calico’s population dwindled, and the town was eventually abandoned.

In the 1950s, Walter Knott, of Knott’s Berry Farm fame, purchased Calico and began to restore the town which eventually became a county park and popular tourist attraction. The town is designed to reflect its late 19th-century appearance.

The Calico Odessa Railroad is a narrow-gauge railroad which gives visitors train rides around the town. I remember taking a field trip out Calico when I was in kindergarten and abolutely loving that train ride!

Calico Ghost Town Train

There are also several historic buildings to explore including the former schoolhouse, general store, and the Maggie Mine. Visitors can walk 1000 feet into Maggie Mine as they take a self-guided tour and look at minerals in the rock and learn about the mine and the miners that worked there in the late 19th century.

If you have ever been to Knott’s Berry Farm, then you will be familiar with the Mystery Shack where water runs uphill and crooked rooms play mind tricks. Mr. Knott added a Mystery Shack to Calico Ghost Town and it is always fun to explore. There is also gold panning onsite where kids will be excited to take home some iron pyrite aka: Fool’s Gold.

For $12, adults can purchase a package that allows them to tour the mine, visit the Mystery Shack, and pan for gold. Kids 5 – 11 are just $6. The railroad is a separate cost- $5.50 for adults and $3 for kids.

Calico Bottle House by Snap Man

In addition to the special attractions there is a restored schoolhouse, town hall, bottle house, general store, woodworking shop, mineral shop, old-time photo store, and a handful of other shops. The Lucy Lane Museum has artifacts, photographs and documents from Calico’s origin. There are a couple restaurants serving food as well.

During last two weekends in October Calico Ghost Town hosts Town of Terror with scary attractions from 5-9pm on Fridays and 5-10pm on Saturdays. They also host three different ghost tours- Main Street, Maggie Mine, and Schoolhouse. Tours happen on Saturday nights at 6pm and 7:30pm.

Calico Ghost Town is open from 9am to 5pm daily, except on Christmas Day.

Here are 75 California landmarks you need to visit.

Bodie State Historical Park Ghost Town

Bodie Ghost Town

Bodie State Historical Park is a California ghost town in the Eastern Sierra, about 75 minutes north of the popular Mammoth Lakes resort area and 30 minutes east of the town of Bridgeport. It is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States.

Bodie made our list of the best state parks in California. See what other parks made the list!

It began as a small mining camp after gold was discovered in the area in 1859. The town was named after Waterman S. Body (William Bodey), who discovered gold there. In the 1870s and 1880s, the town “boomed” as gold mining operations expanded. At its peak, Bodie had a population of around 10,000 people and was known for its rough and lawless reputation.

The Standard Mine, one of the most productive in Bodie, yielded millions of dollars in gold during its operation but like many other mining towns, Bodie’s prosperity was short-lived. By the early 20th century, the gold began to run out, and the town’s population started to decline. By the 1940s, Bodie was almost entirely deserted.

The arrested decay of Bodie Ghost Town

Thankfully, in 1962, the State of California took over the Bodie State Historic Park, and efforts were made to preserve the town in a state of arrested decay. This means that the buildings are maintained but not restored to a pristine condition, giving visitors a sense of how the town looked when it was abandoned. Visitors will discover cups left on tables, a wheel barrow dumped over in a yard, and even a tricycle parked on a porch.

Only about five percent remains of the original town of 2,000 buildings, but more than 100 buildings still stand, including homes, stores, a church, and a school. Visitors to Bodie can explore the streets and enter some of the buildings. Guided tours of the Stamp Mill are available during peak season and highly recommended.

Techinically, Bodie is open all year but it is accessible only by skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles during winter months because of its high elevation (8,375′).

Bodie is open to cars and fully staffed with park rangers Memorial Day through Labor Day. The road will close once it starts snowing for the season. It is a 13 mile journey off Highway 395 and the last three miles are unpaved, but most cars are fine on the road. Admission is $8 per adult and $5 per child 4 – 17.

Darwin

Abandoned building in Darwin by Don Barrett

Way out in the middle of nowhere, but not far from the northern reaches of Death Valley, is the town of Darwin, a a quiet, semi-ghost town. It is located in Inyo County, about two hours north of Ridgecrest and 40 minutes south of Lone Pine. About 40 people do still live in Darwin so it isn’t technically deserted, but it might as well be.

Like most California ghost towns, Darwin’s history is tied to mining, particularly lead and zinc. The town experienced its peak during the late 1870s when it had 3500 residents and was the second largest town in the county at the time. It had about 20 operating mines, hundred of homes, a post office, saloons, restaurants, a hotel, and even a newspaper!

It was also a particularly rowdy and lawless town, thanks in big part to its isolation and gun fights and stage robberies were common.

Mining declined due to several factors including an outbreak of small pox, a countrywide economic recession, and the movement of many miners up north to Bodie. An arson fire in 1879 wiped out a big portion of the heart of the town and by 1880, just 85 people remained. Despite the small population, mining did contiinue on some level in the area thorugh the 1970s.

Abandon miner shacks in Darwin by Don Barrett

Visitors can explore the remnants of old buildings, mining structures, vehicles, and equipment. The town has an authentic, weathered feel, providing a sense of what life was like during its mining heyday. The remains of the old Defiance smelter still exist as well. On the hillside of Mt. Ophir there are remnants of the company camp, including decaying rows of company houses.

Be respectful of private property and residences when you visit this semi-ghost town.

Panamint City

Surprise Valley Mill and Water Company smokestack

Death Valley has its very own ghost town in the Panamint Mountains of the northern portion of the park. Panamint City was founded by a trio of prospectors in the early 1870s who found a deposit of silver ore in Surprise Canyon. Unfortunately, they were followed into the area by bandits who forced them into a partnership on the profits made by the mine.

It didn’t take long for word to get out about the newly formed Panamint Mining Company and soon hundreds of miners flocked to the area. Soon there were 2,000 people in town, along with saloons, a bank, restaurants, a brewery, a newspaper, and lots of ramshackle houses.

It was an especially wild and lawless area, complete with its very own red light district and dozens of shootings. Alas, the town did not last long. In 1876 two of the main mines were exhausted of ore and a large flood wiped out much of the town.

Not much of this ghost town remains except for some foundations, and the crumbling smokestack of Surprise Valley Mill and Water Company.

Access is challenging, involving a steep and strenuous five-mile hike which should only be attempted by seasoned hikers in the cool season. Here are some of the animals in Death Valley which you may encounter on your hike.

Ballarat

Rusted out car in Ballarat by Jim Choat

Ballarat is a ghost town in Death Valley National Park at the base of the Panamint Range. It was founded in 1897 to serve as a supply point for the mines in the Panamint Range, including the nearby Ratliff Mine. It was named after the Australian gold mining camp of Ballarat.

Ballarat experienced a boom during the early 1900s as mining activity increased in the Panamint Range. Life was especially tough in the summer, when temperatures would soar over 120 degrees, but 500 hardy folks endured the heat at the town’s peak.

And of course these 500 residents needed seven saloons, because this was the Wild West after all! However, like many other mining towns in the region, its prosperity was short-lived.

What makes this California ghost town especially interesting and unique is its connection with the Manson Family. In the late 1960s, Charles Manson and his followers lived in the area at Barker Ranch south of Ballarat, and members of the Manson Family left graffiti in an old truck they abandoned in town.

Seldom Seen Slim is Ballarat’s most famous resident, who lived in town from around 1918 until his 1968 when he died. He was the last to be buried the town’s cemetary, aka Boot Hill. He claimed to be “half coyote and half wild burro” and said he hadn’t take a bath for 20 years!

There are still a couple people that live in Ballarat and operate a small store. There are remains of old adobe structures to visit as well as several miner cabins. Unlike Darwin, Ballarat is accessible by vehicle, and is located off State Route 178, approximately four miles south of the park boundary.

North Bloomfield

Old General Store in North Bloomfield by Foothills Rambler

About 15 miles northeast of Nevada City in the heart of Sierra Nevada Gold Country is North Bloomfield, a preserved gold rush town that is now a state park. The town is closely associated with the Malakoff Diggins, one of the largest hydraulic mining operations in California history.

Nevada City is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Northern California.

Originally named Humbug because of some failed gold mining attempts, North Bloomfield was established in 1851 after a few prospectors found gold in a nearby creek. Once gold was discovered in the area, a rush of prospectors and settlers seeking their fortunes flocked to the area.

By the late 1860s, North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company employed 1100 people, including 800 Chinese workers. The population of the town reached a height of 2000 residents. The company used hydraulic mining which uses highly pressured water to basically blast away mountainsides in the pursuit of gold.

As you can imagine, hydraulic mining was absolutely terrible for the environment and a law was passed in 1884 to make the current system illegal. Once that happened, operations at the mine should have ceased, but they didn’t. Instead they installed a new system to pull debris from the tailings and retain it in holding ponds.

Then the mine basically ignored that law as well as the law passed by Congress in 1893 requiring all hydraulic mines to be licensed. In the late 1800s the law and all the resulting fines caught up with the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company and operations were ceased. They left behind a massive pit.

The population continued to dwindle until less than 20 people remained. At that point, the locals urged the state to preserve and protect the historic area. In 1965 Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park was established.

Malakoff Diggins cliffs exposed from hydraulic mining

Today, the state park encompasses the remnants of the hydraulic mining infrastructure, including towering cliffs and the townsite. One of the central features of the historic park is the enormous tailings piles resulting from the hydraulic mining operations.

Visitors can also view the restored and operational Malakoff Diggins Dredge, which is a large floating gold dredge that was used to extract gold from the sediment.

Within the park, visitors can explore various historical landmarks, such as the North Bloomfield Schoolhouse, which is a well-preserved one-room schoolhouse dating back to the 1870s, and the cemetery where some early residents are buried. There is also a drug store, church, and several houses.

Three miner’s cabins in North Bloomfield may be reserved for camping. The area is quite scenic and has several miles of trails so spending a couple days here makes for a lovely getaway.

Doble

Photo via WikiMaps

Doble is a former mining community located in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear Lake. It was originally named Bairdstown but the name changed to Doble, named for horse trainer and silent movie actor, Budd Doble.

Doble’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was primarily a mining and logging town. The area was rich in timber, and the timber industry played a significant role in the town’s early development. In 1875 there was a butcher shop, a bakery, several saloons, three general stores, two livery stables, three restaurants, two hotels, a black smith shop, a cemetery, and much more. This town was legit!

It did experience a brief period of silver mining activity when several mines operated in the surrounding mountains. At that time, the Doble Mine Mill processed 100 tons of ore per day. However, the mining boom was short-lived and last only about 8 months .Another attempt was made to rebuild the mill (the original burned down) in 1899 with a promising new “Cyanide Process” to mine the region’s poor quality ore but the mine shut down in 1903 and the town became a ghost town.

Ruins of the 1875 Stamp Mill and the cemetery are all that remain today. Still, if you are exploring in the Big Bear Lake area, it is worth a stop. Baldwin Lake is within view of the ruins because most of the trees in the area were cut down to help run the steam engine for the stamp mill. Most of the trees in the area these days are second generation growth.

Big Bear Lake is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Southern California.

Laws

The Laws Engina House by Wayne Hsieh

Laws is a historic site and former railroad town located in the Owens Valley, a few miles north of the town of Bishop on Highway 395. It is not a traditional ghost town, but rather a preserved area that showcases the history of the Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra.

Laws began as a station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad in the late 19th century. The railroad played a crucial role in the development of the Owens Valley by providing transportation for mining and agricultural products. It became a hub for maintenance, repairs, and other services related to the operation of the narrow-gauge railroad and an essential stop for trains traveling through the Owens Valley.

The Great Depression hit Laws hard and in 1938, Southern Pacific tore up the rail lines north of town. Still, the town persisted as the northern terminus until the railroad fully shut down the narrow gauge line between Keeler and Laws in 1960.

Today, Laws is home to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site. The museum features a collection of historic buildings, vintage railroad equipment, and artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the original depot, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and various railway cars. Some of the buildings were moved to their current location inside the museum.

Paramount Pictures made the film, Nevada Smith, on the site in 1966 and the Laws Railroad Museum protects buildings from that set as well. It also houses a collection of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as a variety of rolling stock.

Laws is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is open from 10am – 4pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Admission is a $10 donation.

Amboy

Photo by Photographersnature

Amboy was founded as a railroad and mining town in the Mojave Desert. However, its location halfway between Barstow and Needle on Route 66, the most popular route out west back before the advent of the Interstate Highway system, made the town a popular tourist stop for travelers heading to California.

When Interstate 40 opened in 1973, 100 miles of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert were basically deserted. And with it went all the towns that lined that stretch, including Amboy.

Amboy began as a mining camp in 1858 and was named in 1883 when the first railway tracks were being built in the area. It was never a big town. Only 200 people lived there during its heyday of the 1930s and 40s. At that time the town had 13 businesses, three gas stations, three motels, a couple cafes, a post office, a church and even a small school.

Amboy is best known for Roy’s Motel and Café, an iconic roadside stop along Route 66. Roy’s became a symbol of the classic American road trip, featuring the distinctive Googie architecture and neon signs that were popular in the mid-20th century.

With the construction of Interstate 40 which bypassed Route 66, traffic through Amboy declined significantly. The town’s businesses struggled, and by the late 20th century, Amboy had become a near-ghost town.

In 2005, Amboy was purchased by Albert Okura, the founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain, for just $425,000. Okura aims to restore and preserve the town’s historic features, including Roy’s Motel and Café.

Roy’s, with its classic mid-century design, includes a motel, café, and gas station. While the motel is no longer operational, the café is occasionally open, and the site attracts visitors interested in its nostalgic appeal.

Roy’s famed neon sign was relit in 2019 after many decades of disrepair. There are continued plans to renovate the motel, add a gift shop, update the gas station to be a 24-hour self serve establishment, and get a food permit so the restuarant can once again sell more than food. Installing a water system is another key aspect of the rehab to be tackled.

While in Amboy, make time to visit Amboy Crater, a volcanic cinder cone that rises prominently from the desert landscape. It is a popular hiking destination, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Randsburg

Known as the “Living Ghost Town,” Randsburg has a mix of abandoned and occupied buildings, showcasing its mining and Old West history near the junction of Highway 395 and Highway 14 in the Mojave Desert of Kern County about 17 miles south of Ridgecrest. Less than 50 people live in the area today.

Randsburg’s history began with the discovery of gold in 1895 by three prospectors: John Singleton, Charles Burcham, and Henry Singleton. The discovery sparked a gold rush, leading to the rapid growth of the town.

Randsburg was unique in that it was situated at the junction of three major mining districts: Randsburg, Johannesburg, and Red Mountain. The combined output of these districts contributed significantly to the town’s prosperity.

As the town grew, it developed essential infrastructure such as schools, churches, saloons, and stores. The Yellow Aster Mine, one of the most successful gold mines in the region, brought considerable wealth to the area. The population grew to over 4000 people in the early 1900s.

Like many mining towns, Randsburg faced a decline in the early 20th century as the easily accessible gold was depleted. The town’s population dwindled, and many businesses closed, especially during World War II when mining for gold was considered non-essential. However, some mining operations continued into the mid-20th century.

In the latter part of the 20th century, there was renewed interest in preserving and restoring Randsburg’s historic buildings. Many structures from the town’s heyday still stand, providing visitors with a glimpse into its past. Randsburg has been designated a California Historical Landmark (#285) due to its significance in the state’s history as a major mining town during the Gold Rush era.

Today, Randsburg is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its well-preserved ghost town atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historic district, including the 1896 White House Saloon, opera house, a tiny jail cell, and other vintage and dilapidated structures and rusted-out abandoned vehicles.

Be sure to visit the Randsburg General Store which opened in the 1930s. It has a soda fountain from 1904 where you can still order soda, shakes, and ice cream sundaes.

Shasta State Historic Park

Photo by Jasperdo

Shasta State Historic Park protects and preserves the remains of old Shasta City, a ghost town north of Redding. Shasta was founded during the California Gold Rush in the early 1850s. Gold was discovered in the area, leading to a rapid influx of settlers and the establishment of a mining and commercial community.

Shasta quickly became an important commercial and transportation hub in the region. It was known as the “Queen City of the Northern Mines” and served as a supply center for miners and travelers heading to the goldfields.

The town boasted numerous businesses including hotels, saloons, general stores, and a theater. The construction of a courthouse and jail reflected Shasta’s aspirations to become the county seat. The town was plagued by fires, once in December of 1852 and again six months later, but the residents quickly rebuilt.

Gold claims in the area were largely depleted in the late 1860s and the towns prominence further waned as other transportation routes, such as the railroad, bypassed the town. By 1888 the county seat was moved to Redding and many of the buildings were left abandoned.

Beginning in the 1920s, efforts were made to preserve the historic structures in Old Shasta. The California State Parks Commission began purchasing some of the old buildings, eventually forming Shasta State Historic Park, which covers over 300 acres.

The park preserves the historic district of Old Shasta, including the Litsch General Store, jail, blacksmith shop, and the Blumb Bakery. The ruins of the original brick courthouse, which burned down in 1861, has been rebuilt and is filled with historic exhibits. The park also offers interpretive programs, guided tours, and living history events.

Cerro Gordo

Cerro Gordo in 2011 by David Lofink

Cerro Gordo is a historic mining town located in the Inyo Mountains of eastern California, near the town of Lone Pine. It gained prominence after the discovery of rich veins of silver was made by Pablo Flores in 1865. By 1867, word had gotten out and people began flocking to the area.

By the mid-1870s, Cerro Gordo experienced a mining boom and the town quickly grew into a bustling mining community, attracting fortune-seekers from different parts of the country.

The mines in Cerro Gordo were known for their high-grade silver ore, and the town became one of the most significant silver producers in California. At its peak, it was producing millions of dollars’ worth of ore annually.

The town boasted a range of structures, including mines, mills, a general store, saloons, a hotel, and housing for the miners and their families. The town’s growth reflected the prosperity brought by mining activities. It was also quite lawless and at one point there was a murder a week!

Cerro Gordo’s remote location in the Inyo Mountains posed significant challenges for transportation and logistics. Supplies and ore had to be transported over difficult mountain roads, adding to the town’s isolation. There was also a lack of water and timber which added to the town’s challenges.

As the easy-to-access silver ore was depleted, Cerro Gordo experienced a decline in the late 19th century. The town went through periods of boom and bust over the years, with mining operations intermittently resuming. During the early 20th century, zinc became the towns’s main ore export.

These days, the town is privately owned. Cerro Gordo has gained notoriety in recent years since one of town’s owners, Brent Underwood, moved to the town in 2020 and began a very popular YouTube channel (over 1.6 million subscribers!) about life in the ghost town and his efforts to bring it back to life as a tourist destination.

The preservation efforts aimed at maintaining its historical integrity. Several of the town’s structures have been stabilized and restored, helping to preserve the town’s unique character. The American Hotel, which was built in 1871, burned down in 2020 and is currently being rebuilt for guests to enjoy.

Cerro Gordo is accessible by a rough mountain road, and visitors are advised to check conditions before attempting the journey. Most people who visit these days are volunteering to help restore the property. Hopefully in a few years it will be open for overnight stays. The best way to keep up with the town’s progress is to follow the YouTube channel.

12 Amazing National Parks Near Los Angeles

Sharlene Earnshaw — Fri, 19 May 2023 18:32:12 +0000

LA can sometimes feel like a never-ending sprawl of concrete but thankfully, there are 12 national parks near Los Angeles where you can get away from it all. All of these parks can be reached in about five hours or less, and a couple are right down the road!

From the rugged Channel Islands to the desert parks of the Mojave to the peaks of the High Sierra, here aer 12 parks that remind us why we live in the Golden State.

National Parks Near Los Angeles

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains NRA

Distance from Los Angeles: Some of the park is within city limits!

The closest national park to Los Angeles is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This national parks covers over 150,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Unlike many national park units, it encompasses a variety of destinations like Franklin Canyon, Paramount Ranch, Solstice Canyon, and Circle X Ranch. It also works in collaboration with many of the surrounding state parks and beaches like Point Mugu State Park, Malibu Creek State Park, Will Rogers State Park and Leo Carillo State Park.

The beaches along the coastline that falls under the national recreation area near Malibu are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Point Mugu and Zuma Beach are two popular spots where you can catch some waves or sunnbathe, while Leo Carillo is a fun place to go tide pooling

There are over 500 miles of trails inside the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the Backbone Trail is perhaps the most impressive of them all.

This 67-mile trail traverses the entire park and offers incredible views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Most people choose to pick a segment of the trail to enjoy. It is especially colorful in the spring when the hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom.

The Split Rock Trail (3.5 miles RT) and the Solstice Canyon Trail (2.1 mile RT) are two more popular trails that we recommend, especially if you want to hike with your dog. Split Rock is at the Circle X Ranch while the Solstice Canyon Trail leads hikers to a waterfall and ruins of an old cabin.

2. Channel Islands National Park

Anacapa Island

Distance from Los Angeles: 65 miles (About 90 minutes with traffic)

The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center in Ventura is only about 90 minutes from LA, but this national park is still one of the least visited in the West. Only about 400,000 people take a boat trip out to one of the five islands that make up this special place.

Skipping this national park is a mistake, especially if you are wondering what the California coast might have been like generations ago. Of the five islands, Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands are the most visited and can easily be done as a day trip..

In order to visit you will need to book a trip with Island Packers, the park’s authorized concessionaire. This boat ferry company has several different options, including itineraries that are suited for campers.

Sea kayaking is one of the best things to do at Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz Island is the most popular place for sea kayaking because of its incredible sea caves, which are some of the largest in the world. Painted Cave off Santa Cruz Island is about 1,215 feet in length and up to 160 feet in some points. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers great sea kayaking tours.

View from Above Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island

Scorpion Anchorage, on the eastern end of Santa Cruz Island, is home to a cluster of sea caves that can be explored by kayak or boat tour. These caves vary in size and shape, and some have openings large enough to allow boats to enter. The caves provide a chance to observe marine life and experience the natural wonders of the island’s coastline.

Snorkeling is another activity at Channel Islands. The water is cold, so wetsuits are highly encouraged. The kelp forests surrounding the islands are amazing and full of sea life.

The waters around Scorpion Anchorage provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can explore the kelp forests and rocky reefs, encountering a variety of marine life such as colorful fish, sea stars, anemones, and maybe even some playful sea lions.

Frenchy’s Cove, located near the landing area at Anacapa Island, is a popular spot for snorkelers. You can explore the kelp forests and swim alongside fish and other marine life. The nearby Arch Rock is also a beautiful area to snorkel around.

Hikers will want to visit during wildflower season in the spring. The bright yellow brilliant yellow coreopsis flowers are showstoppers. Keep your eyes out for the tiny Channel Island fox which stands at just a foot tall and weighs only 4-5lbs.

Spend the night: If you want to stay the night on one of the Channel Islands, you will have to camp and it is pack in, pack out. If you would rather spend the night close to Ventura Harbor and get an early start for a day trip, check out the Holiday Inn Express which is right on the harbor and walking distance to Island Packers.

Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 130 miles, about 2.5 hours

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks near Los Angeles to visit in the spring. After a rainy winter he desert comes to life with a riot of color, with blooming cacti, desert marigold and primrose, and mojave aster among the flowers you will encounter.

Of course, Joshua Tree is a special place to visit in the fall and winter as well (I would avoid the sweltering summers). With its towering boulder piles and iconic namesake trees, and plethora of hiking trails, it is a park you will find yourself returning to again and again.

Joshua Tree National Park is where two different deserts- the Mojave high desert and the Colorado low desert- meet, offering two distinct desert environments to explore. Most of the most iconic and popular activities are in the high desert portion of the park, like rock climbing and bouldering.

With over 800 miles of trails inside the park, visitors can choose from easy nature walks to more strenuous hikes up rocky terrain. Here are a few of our favorites:

The trail to Barker Dam is a 1.1-mile loop trail with plenty of boulders to climb on, prehistoric rock art, and even the occassional appearance by desert bighorn sheep.

If you want more of a challenge, hike the 1.5-mile trail to the top of Ryan Mountain. It gains 1,000 feet in elevation in that short distance, but the 360-degree views of the park from the 5,461′ summit are worth the effort.
The Arch Rock Nature Trail is a short, easy 0.5-mile loop located near the White Tank Campground. The trail leads to a natural arch known as Arch Rock, which is formed by wind and water erosion. There is also a boulder shaped like a heart nearby.
The Split Rock Loop Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you through a diverse desert landscape. It winds through unique rock formations and offers an up-close look at Joshua trees, ocotillos, and other desert flora.

More attractions inside Joshua Tree that you won’t want to miss include Skull Rock, taking the ranger-guided Keys Ranch tour, bouldering in Hidden Valley, and the sprawling vistas at Keys View.

Check out our epic Joshua Tree National Park day trip itinerary.

Spend the night: All accommodations inside the national park are campgrounds. If you prefer four walls, you can choose to stay at one of the many hotels and resorts in the Palm Springs area or go my preferred route and book a funky home in Joshua Tree via VRBO. There are some really cool options!

Cabrillo National Monument

Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Cabrillo National Monument

Distance from Los Angeles: 125 miles, about 2.5 hours

Located in San Diego on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula is Cabrillo National Monument, a place to experience the natural beauty and history of the region.

This historic site commemorates the arrival of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States in 1542. There is a statue as well as a museum with exhibits explaining the history of the region, including the Kumeyaay people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. But wait, there’s more!

The monument is also home to Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the eight original lighthouses built on the West Coast. It operated from from 1855 to 1891 helping ships enter the San Diego Bay.

There are also some natural attractions to enjoy at this park. Tidepooling is very popular at low tide, and visitors can see a wide variety of sea life, including anemones, crabs, and starfish. Gray whales can also be spotted just off Point Loma from December through March during the migration to and from their birthing grounds off the coast of Mexico.

There are also several hiking trails that lead visitors through the park’s diverse landscape. The Bayside Trail is a great option if you are looking for sweeping views of the bay and downtown San Diego. It is an easy, 2.5-mile trail and there are several interpretive panels that provide information about the local history, marine life, and the unique ecosystems of the area.

Spend the night: There are so many great lodging options in San Diego. I love the location and suite-style rooms at the Embassy Suites in downtown San Diego. If you are looking for a more resort-style stay, check out Paradise Point Resort on Mission Bay.

Carrizo Plain National Monument

Carrizo Plain Wildflowers by Sharlene Earnshaw

Distance from Los Angeles: 150 miles, three hours

After all the rain we received this past winter, I knew it was time to make the journey out to Carrizo Plain National Monument, known for its incredible wildflower displays. The park is quite remote, but getting there was easy. It is just over the Grapevine from LA metro.

The park is located in the rolling hills that separate the Central Valley from the coast and protects the largest native grassland left in the state of California. The main road through the park is partially paved, but we had zero issues navigating the dirt portion of the road in our Tesla.

The wildflowers here definitely live up to the hype and I was impressed by the sheer diversity of flower types. Color tends to peak in late March through April and include yellow daisies, owl’s clover, goldfields, coreopsis, baby blue eyes, tidy tips, poppies, and phacelia.

A Golden Hillside in Carrizo Plain by Sharlene Earnshaw

If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle you will want to definitely take some of the other dirt roads throughout the park including Caliente Ridge, Shell Creek Road, and Seven Mile Road to see even more blooms.

While most people who visit the park tend to do more driving tours than hiking, there are some great trails to enjoy. The Caliente Ridge Trail provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys rom above. If you want to walk on the famed San Andreas Fault, take the 1.3-mile Wallace Creek Trail.

Take time to visit Soda Lake, which reflects the wildflowers on its waters. You can also visit Painted Rock, an ancient Native American site with pictographs and petroglyphs. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site to learn more about its history and cultural significance.

Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the few places in Califoria where you have a chance of spotting pronghorn antelope. They were once the most common big game animal in California’s Central Valley, but overhunting during the Gold Rush era and agricultural development drastically reduced their range and numbers. There are also elk inside the park.

Spend the night: If you want to stay inside the park, you need to camp and there are very limited services. We chose to spend the night at the Best Western Plus in Taft, a small oil town that offers some of the closest lodging to the park. Rooms were clean and breakfast was included.

Mojave National Preserve

Distance from Los Angeles: 194 miles, about three hours

Mojave National Preserve protects over a million acres of the Mojave Desert in between Interstate 15 and Interstate 40, close to the California/Arizona border.

The park is home to Kelso Dunes, some of the largest sand dunes in the country. These massive dunes rise 600 feet above the desert floor. There is a three-mile trail around the dunes, but we think it is far more fun to just climb, slide, snowboard, or even roll down the dunes.

You can also make the dunes “sing”. They make a deep sound when a large amount of sand is pushed off the top of the dunes in hot weather. This is best accomplished with a group in synch with one another.

Another great spot to visit inside the preserve is Mitchell Caverns. The park service offer guided tours of an underground cave system. Visitors can explore the unique rock formations and learn about the geological history of the area.

Here are 25 awesome caves in California to explore.

Lava tube at Mojave National Preserve

You will also want to check the park’s lava tube. It was created by molten lava 27,000 years ago. There is a beam of light that shines into the lava tube at certain times of day (usually early afternoon in the summer), begging to be photographed.

If you are a hiker who enjoys a bit of adventure, check out the the 1.5-mile Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail where you can use the rock-mounted ringbolts to climb into the rocky amphitheater at the bottom of Banshee Canyon.

As you can imagine, Mojave National Preserve can get very hot in the summer, so winter and shoulder season visits are the most enjoyable.

Castle Mountains National Monument

Distance from Los Angeles: 250 miles, about 4.5 hours

Castle Mountains National Monument is likely a national park you haven’t about yet. It established in 2016, is located two hours east of Barstow. It protects 21,000 acres of desert northwest of the Colorado River in between Interstates 15 and 40; basically the small section of desert that Mojave National Preserve didn’t previously protect.

The park is home to Joshua trees, rare desert grasslands, seasonal desert wildflowers, and even pinyon-juniper forest at the highest elevations. It also protects the habitat for a variety of wildife including for desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, golden eagles, gila monsters, and desert tortoise.

This park is only accessible by dirt roads, so a four-wheel-drive, high clearance vehicle is recommended. There are no maintained trails and you are welcome to hike where you want. There are abandoned mines and ghost towns to explore like the Hart Mine, the Oro Belle Mine, and the restored Hart Homestead, which provides a glimpse into life in the desert in the early 1900s.

Another one of the highlights of the monument is the Castle Mountains themselves, which offer stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The Castle Mountains are a popular destination for hikers and provide a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit.

Here is a good article on visiting this remote national monument.

Spend the night: This national monument is close to Lake Havasu so staying in Bullhead CIty is your best bet.

Death Valley National Park

Zabriski Point

Distance from Los Angeles: 250 miles, about 4.5 hours

You have likely driven past the exit to Death Valley several times on your trek towards Vegas on Interstate 15, but have you ever actually taken the time to visit? If you haven’t, you should! Don’t get turned off by the word “death” in the name. Or the news reports of 120+ degree temps during heat waves in July. This place is special!

Death Valley National Park is 3,422,024 acres in size, making it the largest national park outside of Alaska. And while Death Valley is well known for its fiery summer temperatures which can exceed 130 degrees during a heat wave, it is a delightful and scenic place to visit during the winter, late fall, and early spring when the weather is mild.

This is a park of stark contrast. Badwater Basin, the lowest spot in North America at -282 feet, is impressively offset by Telescope Peak looming 11,331 feet above just 15 miles away.

It is home to rare fish that can survive swimming in a spring-fed creek that warms up to 90 degrees in the summer, sand dunes that will knock your socks off, dark skies where you can see the Milky Wave, and lots of great canyons to explore.

And despite the ominous name, there is actually lots of wildlife in this park. Here are 24 animals in Death Valley that you may encounter on your visit.

Unlike most national parks, you aren’t required to stay on marked trails while you explore. As a matter of fact, many places don’t have trails at all! We love to explore Golden Canyon, Sidewinder Canyon, and Mosaic Canyon. Other park destinations you don’t want to miss include Zabriski Point, Artist’s Drive, and the Devil’s Golf Course.

Spend the night: Death Valley is huge so staying inside the park will help you spend a couple days exploring. The Ranch at Death Valley is a great place for families with activities like shuffleboard, swimming, and horseback rides, on site. The Furnace Creek visitor center is just steps away. The Inn at Death Valley is a more upscale option that will appeal to couples and golfers.

Sequoia National Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 225 miles, about 4.5 hours

In my opinion, Sequoia National Park is a little underrated. It sits in the shadow of Yosemite which is just down the road, but I prefer a visit to Sequoia in the summer over Yosemite because it is far less crowded and still has plenty of incredible scenery to offer beyond its namesake trees (which are reason enough to visit).

One of the main attractions in Sequoia National Park is the General Sherman Tree, the largest known living single-stem tree on earth. Visitors can hike through the Giant Forest, which has more than 8,000 sequoia trees. The further you hike away from General Sherman, the fewer people you will encounter.

If you haven’t stood at the base of a sequoia tree, make it a priority. Pictures just can’t do these behemoths justice. The trees are simply magical, and feel like they are the brainchild of a fantasy writer. They are unlike anything else in nature.

Beyond the impressive trees, this park is filled with great hiking and plenty of epic Sierra Nevada scenery. Don’t miss the trail to Tokopah Falls which follows the refreshingly cold Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The trailhead starts at the Lodgepole Campground and we have seen black bears either in the campground or on the trail on every visit.

Another popular attraction is Moro Rock, a granite dome that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the Great Western Divide. If you are a backpacker, head to Mineral King and enjoy some of the most magical trails in the High Sierra.

Sequoia National Park is also home to Crystal Cave, which is open for cave tours seasonally. The tours are popular, and it is recommended that you purchase tickets two months in advance of your visit. It is a 1/2-mile walk down the hill to the Crystal Cave entrance. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt because it is a constant 50 degrees inside the cave.

Important Note: Sequoia National Park was heavily impacted by the extreme winter weather this year combined with the massive fire that hit the area in 2021. Crystal Cave for the 2023 season due to damage to the road and trails but is expected to open in 2024. The Mineral King area is also closed in 2023 due to road damge.

Spend the night: I really enjoyed our stay at the centrally located Wuksachi Lodge inside the park. Camping at Lodgepole Campground is a geat option as well.

Kings Canyon National Park

Zumwalt Meadow in Kings Canyon

Distance from Los Angeles: 250 miles, 4.5-5 hours

The sister park to Sequoia is King Canyon, a national park that in many ways, feels like two distinct parks. It is home to Grant Grove, an impressive Sequoia Grove that is home to the General Grant tree, the second largest sequoia in the world. This grove also houses the Fallen Monarch, a fallen sequoia that is cool to walk through and explore.

This portion of park is at 6,500 feet in elevation and heavily forested. The other portion of the park is Kings Canyon itself, which accessed via a winding mountain road that ends in a valley that gives Yosemite Valley a run for its money.

Be sure to make a stop at Boyden Cave on your way to or from the valley. This marble cave is located deep in Kings Canyon and is open for tours.

Kings Canyon’s Cedar Grove (4,600′) is certainly less crowded than Yosemite, and has beautiful granite peaks and sprawling meadows to enjoy. We especially love hiking the Zumwalt Meadow loop, stopping to see Sheep’s Creek Cascade, and playing in the Kings River on warm summer days.

Horseback riding is a fun way to enjoy Kings Canyon as well. Trail rides along the Kings River are offered at the Cedar Grove Pack Station.

Spend the night: If you are wanting to stay up near Grant Grove, John Muir Lodge is a good motel option. We have also stayed in the Grant Grove camp cabins which are super basic and essentially camping with four walls. Down in Cedar Grove, the only lodging is the super basic Cedar Grove Lodge or a few different campgrounds.

Pinnacles National Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 270 miles, about 5 hours

Pinnacles National Park is the newest national park in California, and while it doesn’t have the some wow factor that the Sierra parks have, it is still definitely worth a visit

Pinnacles is great thanks to its known for its four “C’s” – caves,climbing, camping, and condors.

There are two sides of the park, the west and east entrance, and there is no road that goes through the park connecting the two. If you want to explore both sides of the park on the same visit, you will have to go back to Hwy 101 and go around.

On the east side of the park, the Bear Gulch area is home to large talus caves that are formed by massive boulders. These caves are really fun to explore- bring a flashlight or head lamp- and will lead you up to Bear Gulch Reservoir. They are closed seasonally when bats are roosting, so check the park website before heading out becase they are definitely a park highlight.

If you are on the west side of the park, which is closer to the Bay Area, the 2.4-mile Balconies Cave loop is another cool talus cave to explore. As with the Bear Gulch Cave, flashlights or headlamps are necessary.

The High Peaks Trail is the premier hiking trail inside the park. It is a challenging 5.5-mile loop trail that takes you through the dramatic rock formations and rugged peaks of the eastern section of the park. Parts of the trail require the use of handrails or staircases carved into the rock.

As you hike the hills of Pinnacles, keep your eyes out for the rare California condor. There are only about 300 of these birds living in the wild so spotting one of these massive raptors is quite a treat. Some climbing and hiking routes can be closed during their nesting season.

Spend the night: The only lodging inside of Pinnacles is a campground that has tent sites, RV sites, and tent cabins.

Yosemite National Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 280 miles, about 5 hours to southern entrance

Yosemite National Park is the most popular park in California for good reason- it is truly one of the most places on the planet. Yosemite Valley is home to towering waterfalls, remarkable granite features like Half Dome and El Capitan, abundant wildlife, and pristine meadows.

Read about all the animals in Yosemite you might encounter.

Still, the Yosemite Valley can become a bit of a circus during the height of the summer. There are just too many people for my taste. I prefer to visit this portion of the park in the spring or fall.

If you do visit in the summer, you will find fewer people when you hikea couple miles or visit some of the other portions of the park.

Yosemite is home to three Sequoia groves and plenty of high Sierra backcountry to explore. You will definitely want to make time to explore Tioga Pass which has some great trails and cooler weather. Hetch Hetchy is another less-visited-but-still-worthy spot where you can hike near a reservoir to a waterfall.

Given the size and scope of Yosemite, I suggest that you plan on spend at least two to three full days exploring the park. But, I also know that sometimes schedules won’t allow for that which is why I put together this Yosemite in One Day itinerary if you are short on time.

There are so many great day hikes in Yosemite National Park that you won’t want to miss. They include trails to gushing waterfalls, verdant green meadows, and crystal clear waterways. Here are the 16 best easy hikes in Yosemite National Park.

25 Animals in Death Valley- Fun Facts + Where to Find Them!

Sharlene Earnshaw — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:17:36 +0000

The name “Death Valley” leads many people to think this vast national park in California contains no life, but the real truth is that there are dozens of animals in Death Valley that call this diverse landscape home. Death Valley animals include furry mammals, scaly reptiles, and even colorful fish!

Here are 25 animals you may encounter while in Death Valley National Park. Some of these animals are more elusive than others, but all of them call this desert park home. This is not an exhaustive list of animals that are seen in the park. There are several more rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects that call it home as well.

25 Animals in Death Valley

Coyote

Coyotes are a common sight in Death Valley National Park which is no surprise since they are one of the most adaptable and widespread mammals in North America. Coyotes can be found all throughout the park and are highly intelligent and resourceful.

are opportunistic feeders which means they will eat just about anything incluing small mammals, insects, prickly pear fruit, carrion and whatever humans leave behind at picnic spots and campsites.

The coyote in the photo above actually ran alongside our car while we were driving on Badwater Road. It was clear that it had previous success with roadside begging because it was completely unafraid of our vehicle.

Feeding coyotes is dangerous for many reasons. 1. The park’s coyotes can become dependent on humans for food. 2. It can lead to human/animal encounters that lead to human injury from an overly aggressive or hungry wild animal 3. The practice of running up to cars will surely lead to more coyotes being hit and killed by vehicles inside the park.

Coyotes are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, and are often heard howling at night, but as you can see from the photo above, they have no qualms about showing their faces in braod daylight if the possibility of food is involved.

Like birds of prey? Here are all the different hawks in Southern California.

Desert Tortoise

The desert tortoise is a species of turtle that is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of North America, including Death Valley National Park. These tortoises are known for their long lifespan, and many live to be up to 100 years old!

Desert tortoises are listed as a “threatened species” under the Endangered Species Act, and populations in Death Valley National Park have been impacted by habitat loss, disease, and human disturbance. To help protect the desert tortoise and its habitat, the National Park Service has implemented a number of measures, including monitoring populations, enforcing strict regulations on human activity in tortoise habitat areas, and working to control the spread of diseases that can impact the tortoises.

The desert tortoise spends most of their lives in burrows and are completely inactive from November through February. For the rest of the year they do come out for a short period each day to eat, avoiding excessive highs and lows in temperature since they are unable to regular their body temperature on their own.

They are especially active on warm, overcast days. If it rains, the tortoises will also come out to drink water that has gathered in small pools. The desert can go through extended periods of drought, and theses reptiles have developed an adaptation that allows them to store water in their bladders.

Since desert tortoises are soil-colored and rather small (2-15 inches in length), they can be quite hard to spot. They can be found in rocky areas, canyons, and washes where they seek out shelter from the hot sun and access to water sources. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, cacti, and wildflowers.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park may be able to see desert tortoises in the wild, but it’s important to remember that they are a protected species and it is illegal to touch or disturb them. Some of the most common places to see desert tortoises in Death Valley National Park include:

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where tortoises often seek shelter under the brush and cacti that grow in and around the dunes.
Scotty’s Castle: the historic site located in the northern part of the park is a popular spot for visitors to see tortoises crossing the road or basking in the sun on nearby rocks.
Titus Canyon: Visitors may spot tortoises near the creek bed or along the canyon walls.
Wildrose Canyon: This remote canyon is home to a small population of desert tortoises which live in the rocky terrain and among the desert vegetation.

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert bighorn sheep are one of the most iconic animals that call Death Valley National Park home. These magnificent animals are well adapted to the harsh desert environment and are known for their impressive climbing abilities and keen senses.

Bighorn sheep are most often found in the mountains and canyons throughout the park, where they seek out areas with rocky terrain and water sources. It is especially important for them to drink water during the brutal summers, and these sheep are known to drink gallons at a time before leaving a water source.

They are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including cactus, shrubs, and grasses. Their complex digestive system allows them to eat plants like mesquite which many other herbivores mightnot be able to digest.

Bighorn sheep are known for their impressive horns, which can weigh up to 30 pounds in males and are used for defense and dominance displays during mating season. Males can weigh up to 250 pounds, while females are generally smaller, weighing around 125 pounds.

Bighorn sheep stick to rocky terrain where their agility can help them escape predators, such as coyotes, who are looking to snag a lamb. Lambs have a 50% chance of surviving their first year of life but if they do, they often live 10-15 years.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park can often catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep from a distance, but it is important to remember to give them plenty of space and not disturb them in their natural habitat.

They are most commonly seen in the higher elevations of the park such the Panamint Range, the Cottonwood Mountains, and the Grapevine Mountains. You may also spot them in canyons like Wildrose Canyon, Emigrant Canyon, Titus Canyon, and Grapevine Canyon.

Mule Deer

Mule deer are a common sight in Death Valley National Park’s higher elevations where there is more vegetation and water sources such as the Panamint, Cottonwood, and Grapevine Mountains These large, graceful animals are named for their long ears, which resemble those of a mule.

Mule deer are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation including grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers. They are active throughout the day, but tend to be most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Mule deer are occasionally seen in the area around Furnace Creek, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon hours when they are most active. They are also sometimes spotted around Scotty’s Castle where deer may be seen crossing the road or grazing in nearby meadows.

Death Valley is one of 12 national parks within a days drive of San Diego.

Desert Kangaroo Rats

The desert kangaroo rat is a small rodent that is native to the deserts of Death Valley National Park. These rats have adapted to the harsh desert environment and are able to survive on very little water, obtaining most of their moisture from the seeds and plants that they eat.

Desert kangaroo rats are primarily active at night, when the temperatures are cooler. They have large hind legs that are adapted for jumping, and are able to cover long distances in search of food and water. They are also known for their ability to avoid predators, using their sharp senses to detect and evade danger.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park may be able to spot desert kangaroo rats at night, particularly in areas where there is vegetation and a source of water. They may also be seen darting across the desert floor, as they move between burrows and feeding grounds.

Chuckwallla

The chuckwalla is a species of lizard found in the southwestern part of the United States, including Death Valley National Park. They are known for their unique appearance, with a stocky body and prominent folds of skin around their neck and shoulders.

In Death Valley, the chuckwallas can often be found basking on rocks or hiding in crevices to avoid the extreme heat of the desert. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants and occasionally insects.

The chuckwalla has a unique defense mechanism called “tail autotomy,” which allows it to break off its tail if it is caught by a predator. The detached tail will continue to wiggle, distracting the predator while the chuckwalla makes its escape.

These lizards are often brown or gray in color, blending in with their desert surroundings. They can grow up to 16 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 25 years.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park may be able to spot chuckwallas while hiking or driving through the park, especially in rocky areas or along canyon walls. They are often found basking in the sun on large rocks, especially in the morning hours.

They can be spotted on the rocks around Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Titus Canyon, and around the park’s other canyons and rock formations. They can also be seen along hiking trails, such as the Golden Canyon Trail, Gower Gulch Loop Trail, and Zabriskie Point.

Chuckwallas are generally shy and prefer to avoid humans, so visitors may need to be patient and observant to spot them in their natural habitat. They will hibernate during the winter but are active in high desert temperatures, up to about 102 degrees.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit

The black-tailed jackrabbit is a common species found in the deserts of California, including Death Valley National Park. They are known for their long ears, powerful hind legs, and distinctive black tail.

In Death Valley National Park, black-tailed jackrabbits are found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants including grasses, shrubs, and cacti.

Black-tailed jackrabbits are active during the day and are most commonly seen in the early morning or late afternoon hours. They are able to run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, which allows them to quickly evade predators such as coyotes and bobcats.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park may be able to see black-tailed jackrabbits in the wild, particularly in the park’s more open and arid areas. One of the most common places to spot them is the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where they may be seen hopping through the sand or among the desert vegetation. They can also been along the edges of the salt flat in Badwater Basin and in the canyons and washes of the Stovepipe Wells area.

Desert Cottontail

The Desert Cottontail is a common species found in Death Valley National Park. They are a small species of rabbit known for their soft, cotton-like tail and brown or gray fur.

Desert Cottontails are found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, grasslands, and rocky areas. They feed on a variety of plants including grasses, shrubs, and cacti They are active during the day and are most commonly seen in the early morning or late afternoon hours. They are able to run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park may be able to see Desert Cottontails in the wild, particularly in the park’s more open and arid areas. As with all wildlife, it is important to observe them from a safe distance and not to approach or disturb them.

Like the jackrabbit, the cottontail is seen near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, and Stovepipe Wells. Also keep an eye out for them while visiting Harmony Borax Works. Visitors may see them around the ruins or along the nearby dirt road.

Mojave desert sidewinder rattlesnake

Sidewinder at Mesquite Springs Campground by Victorrocha

There are nearly 20 different species of snakes that live in Death Valley and you can read about all of them in my extensive guide to the snakes of Southern California. I am going to point out three of the most commonly seen snakes inside Death Valley National Park.

The Mojave desert sidewinder rattlesnake is a venomous snake native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, including Death Valley National Park. It gets its name from the distinctive way it moves sideways, with only two points of contact on the ground at any given time, allowing it to move quickly and efficiently across loose sand.

Mojave desert sidewinder rattlesnakes are typically tan or pale brown in color, with darker brown or black diamond-shaped markings along their backs. They are relatively small, typically growing to a length of around two to three feet.

While Mojave desert sidewinder rattlesnakes are venomous, they are generally not aggressive towards humans and will typically try to avoid confrontation if possible. The best places to spot these snakes are in the lower elevations of the park, particularly in areas with loose sand and sparse vegetation. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

Rosy Boa

The Rosy Boa is a non-venomous snake species found in Death Valley. These snakes are easily recognized by their characteristic pinkish to reddish-brown dorsal coloration with dark brown or black markings on their back and sides, and a lighter pinkish coloration on their belly.

Rosy Boas are relatively small, with adults typically reaching lengths oftwo to three feet. They are active during the evening and at night, spending most of the day hiding under rocks or in burrows to avoid the heat of the sun. These snakes are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small rodents, lizards, and other snakes.

Rosy Boas are docile and gentle snakes, making them popular as pets, but snakes should never be taken from the wild. These snakes spend most of their time underground, preferring rocky habitats, including boulder piles and crevices, as well as desert scrubland and sandy washes.

Great Basin Gopher Snake

The Great Basin Gopher Snake is a non-venomous snake that grows up to six feet in length. They are primarily found in areas with dry, rocky terrain, such as desert grasslands, sagebrush plains, and rocky hillsides. In Death Valley National Park, they are commonly seen in the higher elevation areas, such as the Panamint Mountains and the Grapevine Mountains.

Great Basin Gopher Snakes are known for their distinctive patterns and colors, which can vary depending on the individual snake and its location. They are usually tan or brown in color with dark brown or black markings that run along their back and sides. They can be mistaken for rattlesnakes but these snakes have no rattle and are not venomous.

The Great Basin Gopher Snake is a carnivore and feeds on a variety of prey including rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes. They are constrictors, meaning they wrap their bodies around their prey and squeeze until they cannot breathe.

In Death Valley National Park, the best place to spot the Great Basin Gopher Snake is in rocky areas and canyon floors, such as Mosaic Canyon, Titus Canyon, and Golden Canyon. You may also spot them along the trails that lead to the park’s high-elevation peaks, such as Telescope Peak or Wildrose Peak.

Another popular location to see Great Basin Gopher Snakes is along the park’s main roads, particularly in the areas where the road cuts through rocky terrain. These snakes can often be seen basking on the warm pavement during the cooler morning hours so keep an eye out as you drive!

Panamint Rattlesnake

Photo by Jeff Sullivan

The Panamint Rattlesnake is a rattlesnake found in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park. It lives on rocky slopes, in canyons, and in the shrublands this arid desert range.

This rattlesnake has a slender body with a distinct diamond-shaped pattern along the back. The coloration of the snake varies, but it typically has a gray or brownish background color with dark brown or black blotches bordered by lighter edges. Adults are usually 3 to 4 feet in length.

The Panamint Rattlesnake is venomous and has a rattle at the end of its tail warning you not to touch. If you get bit by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.

They are primarily nocturnal and secretive, spending much of their time hidden under rocks or in crevices during the day. They feed on small mammals, lizards, birds, and other snakes.

The Panamint Rattlesnake is considered a species of conservation concern due to its restricted range and habitat fragmentation. It is protected under California state law, and efforts are being made to conserve its habitat and monitor its populations.

Pocket Gophers

Pocket gophers are small burrowing rodents that are found in Death Valley National Park. These animals are known for their extensive tunneling systems, which they use to obtain food, create shelter, and navigate through their environment.

In Death Valley, pocket gophers are found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub and open grasslands. They are important ecosystem engineers, as their burrowing helps to aerate the soil, increase water infiltration, and mix organic matter into the soil.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park are unlikely to see pocket gophers, since they spend most of their time underground. However, they may be able to observe their tunneling activity, which is often visible on the surface as mounds of soil or disturbed vegetation.

Ground Squirrel

Ground Squirrel in Death Valley by Maholyoak

Several species of ground squirrels can be found in Death Valley National Park, including the golden-mantled ground squirrel, the rock squirrel, and the round-tailed ground squirrel. These small rodents are adapted to the desert environment and play an important role in the park’s ecosystem.

Ground squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and can often be seen foraging for food or sunning themselves on rocks or logs. They eat a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects.

Visitors to Death Valley may encounter ground squirrels in campgrounds, picnic areas, or along hiking trails. While they may seem cute and harmless, it is important to remember that feeding wildlife is always a bad idea. Feeding ground squirrels can cause them to become habituated to humans, and can also lead to aggressive behavior or the spread of disease like the bubonic plague.

Kit Fox

The kit fox is a small, nocturnal canid that can be found in the Mojave Desert, including in Death Valley National Park. They are typically found in arid environments with sparse vegetation, where they feed on small mammals, insects, and fruit.

The kit fox is an important part of the desert ecosystem and helps to control rodent populations. They are also a key prey species for larger predators, such as coyotes and golden eagles.

Kit foxes are well adapted to the harsh desert environment and have several physical and behavioral adaptations that help them survive. For example, they have large ears that help them regulate their body temperature and locate prey, as well as thick fur that insulates them from the extreme temperatures of the desert.

While kit foxes are relatively common in Death Valley National Park, they can be difficult to spot due to their nocturnal habits and the fact that they are generally shy and elusive. Visitors to the park may have the best chance of seeing kit foxes at dawn or dusk, when they are most active. They have been most commonly spotted in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the Ubehebe Crater area, or along the park’s perimeter.

Gray Fox

The gray fox is a small to medium-sized canid that can be found throughout much of North America, including the mountainous areas of Death Valley National Park. They are typically found in woodlands, chaparral, and other areas with dense vegetation, where they feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Gray foxes are notable for their climbing abilities, which are unusual for a member of the canid family. They are able to climb trees and other vertical surfaces using their strong claws and flexible ankles, allowing them to escape predators or access food sources that other animals cannot reach.

In Death Valley National Park gray foxes are most often seen in the Panamint Range and the Grapevine Mountains. They are primarily nocturnal, and are most active at night when they hunt for food.

Badger

American Badger via National Park Service

The American badger is a carnivorous mammal known for their stocky, powerful build, and their ability to dig and burrow in search of prey.

In Death Valley National Park, badgers can be found in a variety of habitats, from sandy desert flats to rocky mountain slopes. They are primarily nocturnal and are most active at night when they hunt for prey such as rodents, reptiles, and small mammals.

Visitors to the park may have the opportunity to see badgers while driving or hiking in the early morning or late evening. However, badgers are typically shy and elusive, and are more likely to be heard than seen.

Bobcat

Bobcats are small to medium-sized wild cats that live in Death Valley National Park. They are generally shy and elusive animals, and are most active during dawn and dusk, although they may be active at any time of day.

In Death Valley, bobcats can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, rocky canyons, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. They are opportunistic hunters and prey on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as insects and other invertebrates. They may also scavenge on carrion.

They can be difficult to spot due to their secretive nature and their excellent camouflage. However, visitors may be able to spot them at dawn or dusk, especially in areas where prey is abundant. They may also be seen crossing roads or hiking trails, or resting in the shade of rocks or vegetation during the heat of the day.

Burros

The burro, in Death Valley National Park are descendants of the pack animals brought to the area during the mining era. They are an iconic part of the park’s history and landscape but they are also considerd an invasive species. Today, they experience a population growth of 20% per year!

Burros roam freely throughout the park and can often be seen along the park’s scenic drives and in the surrounding desert areas. They cause damage to the native vegetation and fragile ecosystems as they eat 6,000 pounds of plants per burro per year and compete with native species about desert tortoises and bighorn sheep for resources.

Attempts to remove the burros come at a great cost. In the 1980s $400,000 was spent on a 32 mile fence along the park’s northeastern border. It was ineffective. Useing helicopters to move burros costs about $1,000 per hour- not exactly budget friendly. So, for now, the burros stay.

While these burros may appear friendly, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with caution. Feeding or approaching them can be dangerous, and visitors are advised to observe them from a safe distance. It is also illegal to capture, feed, or harass the burros.

Visitors to the park may encounter the burros on the popular Wildrose Charcoal Kilns road or in areas such as Titus Canyon, where the animals sometimes gather around the spring. The burros can also be seen at Furnace Creek Ranch and Stovepipe Wells Village, where they occasionally wander into the parking lots.

Pupfish

Salt Creek Pupfish

Yes, there are fish in the desert! There are actually several species of pupfish found in Death Valley, all of which are adapted to the extreme conditions of the park’s waterways. These include the Salt Creek pupfish, the Devils Hole pupfish, the Cottonball Marsh pupfish, and the Amargosa pupfish.

The Salt Creek pupfish lives in the shallow, warm waters of Salt Creek and can tolerate high levels of salt and temperatures up to 104°F. They feed on algae and small aquatic insects and have a distinctive breeding behavior where males dig shallow nests in the sand and attract females by flashing their brightly colored fins.

There was a boardwalk known as the Salt Creek Interpretive trail that allowed for easy viewing of the fish in winter and spring but it was destroyed by a massive flash flood in August of 2022. They flood alteres the creek bed and surrounding are and it will take some time to get things rebuilt.

The Devils Hole pupfish, found only in the Devils Hole pool in the Amargosa River basin, is one of the most endangered fish species in the world. They are adapted to the constant, warm temperatures of the pool and have a specialized diet of blue-green algae. hey are heavily protected by park rangers.

A recent study by national park service scuba divers shows that there are about 175 Devils Hole pupfish, up from the low of 35 in 2013.

The Cottonball Marsh pupfish, found in the springs and marshes near the Nevada border, is one of the largest pupfish species in the park and is known for its bright blue coloration during breeding season. They are found in Cottonball Marsh on the west side of central Death Valley.

Finally, the Amargosa pupfish, found in the Amargosa River system, is also adapted to high temperatures and salt levels. They are small and relatively plain in appearance, but are important indicators of water quality in the region. Found in the Amargosa River northwest of Saratoga Springs.

Horned Lizard

The horned lizard, also known as the horny toad or the horned desert lizard, is a common sight in Death Valley National Park. These unique lizards are easily identified by their distinctive body shape and the rows of horns on their heads and backs.

This small reptile typically grows to be around three to five inches long. They are well adapted to life in the desert, with a wide, flattened body that helps them stay close to the ground and avoid the intense heat of the sun. Their skin is covered in a series of bumpy scales, which help to protect them from predators and conserve water.

One of the most interesting things about the horned lizard is its unique defense mechanism. When threatened, the lizard will puff itself up with air, making it appear larger and more intimidating to predators. Some species of horned lizard are also able to shoot blood from their eyes as a way of deterring predators.

In Death Valley National Park, horned lizards can be found in a variety of habitats, from rocky outcroppings to sandy washes. They are most commonly spotted in the early morning and late afternoon, when they are most active. Look for these fascinating reptiles in rocky areas, or near the base of shrubs and other vegetation.

One of the best places to look for horned lizards in Death Valley is around Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Here, visitors may spot the desert horned lizard, which has a distinct pattern of black and white spots and stripes that help it blend in with the sand. Horned lizards can also be found in other areas of the park, including Wildrose Charcoal Kilns and around the Furnace Creek area.

Zebra-tailed Lizard

The zebra-tailed lizard, also known as the “tiger lizard,” is a small species of lizard found in Death Valley. They are easily identified by their distinctive black and white striped tails, which resemble those of a zebra.

These lizards are well adapted to the harsh desert environment, with their flat bodies allowing them to easily move over loose sand and rocky terrain. You may also see them on washes or on the edge of roads. They are primarily active during the daytime, and are often seen basking in the sun or seeking shade under rocks or other objects.

In Death Valley National Park, they can be found in areas with loose sand and rocky outcroppings, such as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the Badwater Basin. Another great place to see zebra-tailed lizards is in the hills around Titus Canyon.

Zebra-tailed lizards feed primarily on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and ants. They are also known to occasionally eat other small lizards.

Desert Iguana

The Desert Iguana is a common lizard species found in Death Valley. It is a medium-sized lizard that can grow up to 10 to 16 inches in length, with a relatively flat body, and a long tail that makes up two-thirds of its total length. They have a unique coloration, with a tan or gray body, and dark spots or stripes on the back, making them well-camouflaged against the sandy desert terrain.

The Desert Iguana is a diurnal reptile, meaning that it is active during the day and rests at night. They are primarily herbivores and feed on various desert plants, such as cactus, flowers, and leaves. However, they occasionally consume insects and other small animals.

During the breeding season, which occurs in the spring and early summer, the male Desert Iguana becomes territorial and will engage in head-bobbing and push-up displays to establish dominance over other males. Females will lay 3-8 eggs in a burrow dug in the sand, where they will incubate for 2-3 months.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park are likely to spot Desert Iguanas in rocky areas or desert terrain where there is ample vegetation. Some of the best places to spot them in the park include the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, and Emigrant Canyon. They are also commonly seen along roadsides, basking in the sun.

Tarantula

Desert Tarantula

Tarantulas are one of the many interesting creatures found in Death Valley National Park. There are two species of tarantulas in the park, the desert tarantula and the Arizona blonde tarantula. The desert tarantula is the more common of the two and can be found in the lower elevations of the park, while the Arizona blonde tarantula is found in higher elevations.

These tarantulas are generally brown in color with a hairy body and legs. They have eight eyes, but their vision is poor and they rely more on their sense of touch and smell. They are nocturnal and spend their days in burrows that they create in the ground. At night, they venture out to hunt for insects and other prey.

Arizona Blonde Tarantula

While tarantulas have a fearsome reputation, they are generally harmless to humans. Their venom is not deadly and is mainly used to subdue their prey. However, if provoked or handled roughly, they may bite as a means of self-defense.

The best time to see tarantulas in Death Valley National Park is during the fall when they are out and about looking for mates. They can be found in open areas and along hiking trails. If you come across a tarantula, it is important to give them space and avoid disturbing them.

Scorpion

There are two species of scorpions commonly found in Death Valley National Park: the desert hairy scorpion and the stripe-tailed scorpion.

The desert hairy scorpion is one of the largest scorpion species in North America, growing up to six inches in length. They are commonly found in Death Valley, and are known for their hairy appearance. They are nocturnal and feed on insects and other small animals.

The stripe-tailed scorpion is a smaller species, growing up to three inches in length. They are also found in desert regions and are recognizable by the distinctive stripes on their tails. They are also nocturnal and feed on insects and other arthropods.

Both species of scorpions in Death Valley are venomous and should be treated with caution. While their stings are usually not life-threatening, they can cause pain and discomfort, and some individuals may experience an allergic reaction. Visitors should always avoid handling or disturbing scorpions.

Love learning about the animals that live in national parks? Then check out our guide to Animals in Yosemite.

20 Weekend Getaways in Southern California

Sharlene Earnshaw — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:11:00 +0000

There are so many wonderful weekend getaways in Southern California! The region is incredibly diverse with mountain, desert, beach, and wine getaways just a short drive away.

Here are 20 great places to spend the weekend in California in 2023. Whether it is adventure or relaxation you crave, we’ve got you covered.

Headed north? Then you will definitely want to check our guide to the best Northern California weekend getaways.

Southern California Weekend Getaways

1. Big Bear

Big Bear Lake | Photo via Big Bear Lake Tourism

Big Bear has been one of the most popular weekend getaways in Southern California for generations. My great grandfather built a cabin up near Big Bear Lake nearly 100 years ago and since then, word has definitely gotten out about this special place!

If SoCal residents want to enjoy snow, droves of them head up towards Big Bear after a winter storm. If you want to avoid a traffic jam, try to time your visit for mid-week.

We love skiing at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit, enjoy snow tubing at Magic Mountain, and joining snowshoeing tours with the folks at Big Bear Discovery Center.

When the snow is gone, Big Bear is still an ideal weekend getaway for those who want to enjoy some cool mountain air and walk among the pines. There are several hiking trails in the area.

The centerpiece of Big Bear is Big Bear Lake, and the summer is the perfect time to enjoy it. You can fish, rent a pontoon boat, coast around on a Wave Runner, or even paddle a stand-up paddleboard.

Big Bear made our list of the best California mountain towns. See what other spots made the list!

Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing and snow play. Summer for hiking and boating.

Don’t Miss: Strolling through Big Bear Lake Village. This charming little downtown district is filled with cute little shops and fun restaurants. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town!

Stay Here: Big Bear is a great place to enjoy some time with family in a cabin. Big Bear Vacations has a great inventory of cabins at various size and price points.

2. Santa Barbara

View on Santa Barbara from the Wharf

Heading up the coast to Santa Barbara is definitely one of my favorite weekend getaways in Southern California. Why? The scenery, weather, and wine scene are hard to beat!

It is no surprise that celebrities like Oprah and Prince Harry call the region home. Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a simply gorgeous place where the mountains meet the sea and the Mediterranean architecture reflects the region’s Spanish colonial roots.

Your visit to Santa Barbara should include some time at the beach, and East Beach is the city’s hub of activity. It is a popular spot for biking, sunbathing, kite flying, and water play.

It is also located adjacent to downtown as well as Stearns Wharf, a fun place to enjoy a drink and appetizers while taking in the waterfront.

Leadbetter Beach is a good spot to visit if you want to surf or boogieboard. Hendry’s Beach (aka: Arroyo Burro Beach) is the place to go if you want bring your dog along with you. Summerland Beach is a nice locale to relax and enjoy your own piece of paradise.

Downtown, you won’t want to miss Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail which has more than two dozen tasting rooms with wines from the area’s celebrated wine region.

You also won’t want to miss strolling the grounds of Mission Santa Barbara, known as the Queen of the Missions. It was founded in 1786 and the inspiration behind the city’s red-roofed architecture.

If shopping and window watching are your thing, spend time strolling down State Street and through Paseo Nuevo, admiring the shops along palm-lined streets. There is a free shopping trolley that will help you around the area.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a great destination for animal lovers. It is small but beautiful and feeding giraffes with beach views can’t be beat!

Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but summer and early fall are best if you want to get in the water.

Don’t Miss: Renting a surrey and biking along East Beach. It is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery.

Stay Here: Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara is worth the splurge. It is one of my all-time favorite resorts because of it’s stunning beauty and ideal location, across from Butterfly Beach. It is also popular with the rich and famous.

3. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Coastline

Laguna Beach is a dream destination for those that love art and the ocean. It is the home of the famed Pageant of the Masters as well as several art festivals and galleries.

Laguna’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the state. Some of my favorites include Treasure Island Beach (in front of the ritzy Montage Resort), Victoria Beach with its famed tower, and Crystal Cove State Park which straddles the border of Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar.

Main Beach is located on the edge of downtown and the most popular beach with tourists. Take in the views and then walk across the street to stroll quaint streets filled with charming shops, great restaurants, and several art galleries.

If you want to get out on the water, consider taking a whale watching cruise out of nearby Dana Point. December through March is prime gray whale watching season while during the summer you may catch a glimpse of the blue whale, the largest animal on earth.

Best Time to Visit: Laguna is a year-round destination but if you love art, come during the summer to enjoy the Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters.

Don’t Miss: Pageant of the Masters where locals dress up as characters from famed works of art and pose to recreate the paintings and sculptures. It is incredibly realistic and truly has to be seen to be believed!

Stay Here: Surf and Sand Resort is a beachfront resort with a great location. How close is to the surf? Close enough that ear plugs are offered to guests if they don’t want to listen to the waves crashing!

The resort is just a 15-minute walk from the heart of downtown (or take the free trolley) and nearly all the rooms have ocean views. The resort’s Splashes Restaurant is a great spot for a special meal overlooking the water.

4. Coronado Island

Hotel Del Coronado | Photo by Hotel Del Coronado

Coronado Island is just a short, 15-minute ferry ride from Downtown San Diego but in many ways, it feels like it is a world away. The island has a small town atmosphere and one of the best beaches in the country.

During the summer months, there is live music playing at the Coronado Ferry landing every weekend from 2-5PM.

My favorite way to explore Coronado Island is by bike. The island is flat and easy to navigate. There are several places to rent bikes and they all include maps.

The most famous spot in all of Coronado is the Hotel Del Coronado. This red-roofed landmark has been drawing dignitaries, Hollywood celebrities, and families from all over the country for over 100 years.

Discover why Hotel Del Coronado made our list of the 75 California Landmarks You Must See Before You Die.

It sits on Coronado Beach which is often included on lists highlighting the best beaches in America. During the winter months, the resort plays host to an outdoor ice rink, and there is nothing better than ice skating with ocean views!

Orange Avenue is the island’s main drag. It is a great spot to shop in one-of-a-kind stores, eat, and just taken in the overall vibe of the area. If you are craving something bubbly, make sure to stop by Coronado Brewing Company.

Best Time to Visit: The winter if you want to check “ice skate by the ocean” off your bucket list. But truthfully, Coronado is an all-season destination.

Don’t Miss: The Sandcastle Man. He is known for creating epic sandcastles in front of the Hotel Del and he even offers lessons!

Stay Here: Obviously the Hotel Del Coronado is the most well known choice, but we also love Loews Coronado Bay Resort which sits near Silver Strand State Beach. Jet skis, powerboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent from the resort.

5. Palm Springs

Palm Springs Golf Course and Mt. San Jacinto

Palm Springs has been a Southern California weekend getaway since the Golden Age of Hollywood. It is the land of palm trees, golf courses, and swimming pools.

While the Coachella Valley is most definitely a desert, the Palm Springs region is an oasis. It sits on the 4th largest aquifer on the planet– that’s how they keep all those golf courses so green!

On the edge of town, Indian Canyons are lush, palm-filled canyons fed by the shallow aquifer. For a small fee, guests can gain access to these canyons which are great for hikes and picnics. Don’t miss Murray Canyon which has a 3.9-mile trail leading to the Seven Sacred Sisters Waterfall.

One of most unique experiences in Palm Springs is taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the Mountain Station which sits at 8,500 foot in elevation on Mount San Jacinto.

Temperatures are typically 30-40 degrees cooler than they are on the valley floor, and there is often snow during the winter months! Where else can you trade sun-kissed palm trees for snow-blanketed white firs in just 10 minutes?

Best Time to Visit: Late fall through early spring is you are looking for ideal golf and hiking weather. Summer if you want to snag hotel deals and spend most of your time in the pool.

Don’t Miss: Palm Springs Villagefest, the weekly street fair that takes places every Thursday night and features lots of great booths, music, and food.

Stay Here: If you have kids, the waterpark at Omni Rancho Las Palmas will be sure to keep smiles on their faces. The La Quinta Resort is known for its dozens of pools, world-class golf courses and tennis program, and being dog friendly.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Photo via Joshua Tree NP

With its towering boulders, diverse desert life, and iconic namesake trees, Joshua Tree National Park is a one of the best weekend getaways in Southern California for folks who love to be outside.

Joshua Tree National Park is a place where the high desert (Mojave) and low desert (Colorado) meet. This allows visitors to see two unique desert environments, but the high desert with its unusual-looking Joshua trees is the main attraction.

Climbing massive boulders is one of the most popular things to do inside the park. You will see plenty of professional climbers with crash pads, but amateurs will have just as much fun scrambling around in popular spots like Jumbo Rocks and Hidden Valley.

If you are looking for a nice hike, try the 1.1-mile loop to Barker Dam. There are boulders to climbs on along the way and prehistoric rock art to admire. Arrive at dusk or dawn and you may even see Bighorn sheep!

The Ryan Mountain trail is a great hike if you want a good workout. The trail gains 1,000 feet in just 1.5 miles before reaching the 5,461′ summit. Once at the top you will have a 360-degree view of Joshua Tree National Park.

I also recommend signing up to take the Keys Ranch tour. Long before Joshua Tree became a national park, it was the home of exceptionally hearty people with colorful stories.

This tour takes takes visitors to the former homestead of Bill and Frances Keys, which includes a ranch house, schoolhouse, and store, along with lots of great tales of pioneering desert life. You can only buy tour tickets at the Oasis Visitor Center, beginning at 8:30am each day.

Ready to visit the desert? Don’t miss our epic Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary.

Best Time to Visit: During the spring wildflower bloom when the desert becomes a riot of color.

Don’t Miss: Star gazing. These desert skies are far from the light pollution of the LA Basin and the Milky Way is sure to dazzle.

Stay Here: If you want to stay inside the park, bring a tent because campgrounds are the only lodging available. If you crave four walls, head to the small community of Joshua Tree which plays host to a couple charming small inns and B&Bs. Try the Joshua Tree Inn or bring a group and rent out El Coyote, a residence on five acres with views of the park.

7. Catalina

Catallina Harbor and Casino | Photo by Patty Mooney

Catalina is one of those weekend getaways in Southern California that is close by but feels like a world away. You can take a helicopter to Catalina Island, but most folks take the 40-minute ferry ride from Long Beach or Dana Point.

The most popular destination on Catalina is the charming town of Avalon, where golf carts are the main mode of transportation.

One of my favorite things to do in Avalon is take the zip line eco-tour. Tour guides offer up info about the unique flora and fauna of the island in between zips across a canyon with sweeping ocean views.

Your zip line tour ends at Descanso Beach Club, a great place to rent a cabana and enjoy a day of lounging, food, and drinks. The island’s signature drink is the Buffalo Milk which is made with creme de cacao, creme de banana, Kahlua, half & half, and plenty of vodka.

The waters off Catalina are filled with life. Many folks bring their wet suits and snorkeling gear to check out the fish living the kelp beds. If you would rather stay dry, try a glass bottom boat or submarine tour.

Back on land, you might want to spend your days four-wheeling on a back country tour in search of the island’s resident buffalo herd, playing mini-golf at one of the nicest courses I have ever seen, or admiring the Wrigley Botanic Gardens.

Best Time to Visit: Summer if you want to get in the water. Otherwise, Catalina is a great destination anytime of year.

Don’t Miss: Two Harbors, Catalina’s tiny hamlet with one hotel, one restaurant, one general store, and even a one-room schoolhouse. It is a great place to hike, spend time at the beach, and camp.

Stay Here: Hotel Vista Del Mar is located on the beach, overlooking Avalon Bay. It has incredible views, evening milk and cookies, complimentary beach chairs, and one of the best locations in all of Avalon.

8. Anaheim

The Millennium Falcon inside Disneyland’s Star Wars-themed Land

Anaheim is the home of Disneyland, and us Disney fans think it is a fabulous place to enjoy the weekend. If you haven’t been to Disneyland for a few years, you will be surprised by how much has changed.

Disney California Adventure (DCA), Disneyland’s sister park, has had a full makeover. Highlights include Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and the food festivals that occur throughout the year.

Over at Disneyland, the newest land is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It is basically paradise for Star Wars fans where you can pilot the Millennium Falcon, build your own lightsaber, and have a cocktail like the Fuzzy Ttauntaun or Jedi Mind Trick at Oga’s Cantina.

If you are a foodie, definitely head over to the Anaheim Packing District where craft beers and creative eateries are housed in the Anaheim Packing House, a former citrus packing warehouse.

Anaheim was founded by German immigrants back in 1857 and has been in the beer brewing business ever since. It is home to over 15 breweries, and I think a great goal is to try them all!

Anaheim is also home to the Angels, so make sure to visit during baseball season so you can catch a game.

Best Time to Visit: The first two weeks in December are great if you want to experience Disney at Christmastime with out the massive crowds. Spring and summer are ideal if you wan to see the Angels play.

Don’t Miss: The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. There are 13 different marketplaces serving creative dishes and regional beverages that reflect the bounty of California. Purchase a Sip & Savor Pass, a mimosa flight, and taste the day away in between rides.

Stay Here: There are so many great hotels in Anaheim but I want to give a nod to the OG of Disney lodging, the Disneyland Hotel. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations and the pool area is really fun. Plus, the drinks at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar are legit!

9. La Jolla

La Jolla Sea Lions Photo via Flickr

La Jolla is another one of my favorite Southern California weekend getaways because it a great place to enjoy a weekend at the beach!

La Jolla Shores is my favorite beach in La Jolla. It is a long strand of beach that is perfect for water play and sunbathing, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

One of my favorite active things to do is kayak to the Seven Caves near La Jolla Shores. There are several companies that offer guided tours and it is the perfect “beginner” sea kayak experience.

Here are 25 caves in California you will defintiely want to visit.

On the way, you will paddle over the La Jolla Underwater Park which is home to sea lions, harmless leopard sharks and bright orange garibaldi.

I like kayaking with Everyday California, and can never resist picking up merchandise with their cool surfing bear logo.

If you are looking for a great spot to take pictures, head over to Scripps Pier. It is small enough to get the full pier in your shot and snag those classic “California pier” shots .

La Jolla Cove is another beautiful beach. It is a small cove that is picture perfect, and just north of the ever-popular seals at Children’s Pool. George’s at the Cove is a great place to enjoys drinks, apps, and sunsets.

Another spot you won’t want to miss is the Torrey Pines Gliderport. This is one of our favorite places to bring a picnic and then enjoy watching hang gliders launching off cliffs to soar above the waves crashing below.

Speaking of Torrey Pines, you should definitely head over to the Torrey Pines State Reserve and talk a walk along the beautiful cliffside trails.

The Torrey Pines are the rarest pine trees in the country, and only grow in La Jolla and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Best Time to Visit: La Jolla is an ideal destination any time of year.

Don’t Miss: If you visit during the late summer, definitely don’t miss snorkeling with the leopard sharks. Everyday California offers snorkeling gear rentals as well as snorkeling tours. The leopard sharks are harmless but you get the bragging rights of having checked “snorkeled with sharks” off your bucket list!

Stay Here: La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a private club that also has beachfront rooms for non-member guests. When guests stay in these rooms they have access to club amenities. In addition to beach umbrella and chair service, they also offer beachfront tables, chairs, and barbeques to rent to have a sunset dinner with your toes in the sand.

10. Long Beach

Long Beach Waterfront

Long Beach has had a bit of a renaissance in the 21st Century. It went from being gritty and a bit sketchy to being filled with hip, revitalized neighborhoods and world-class attractions.

Long Beach’s Naples neighborhood is trendy area filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful homes lining the area’s canals and waterways. It is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or take a chartered gondola ride at sunset.

While in Long Beach, you definitely don’t want to miss the Aquarium of the the Pacific, the largest aquarium in Southern California. Book a behind-the-scenes tour to get up close and personal with seals, sea lions, penguins, and sea otters.

You can also book whale and dolphin watching cruises as well as harbor tours via the Aquarium. The waters off Long Beach are great places to see gray whales in the winter and blue whales in the summer.

Long Beach’s most iconic attraction is the Queen Mary. Today, the Queen Mary is a hotel and attraction, but in its heyday, it made 1001 transatlantic crossings.

Visitors can choose from several different tours, watch a movie in the 4D theater, view a replica of the Queen Mary made from 250,000 LEGO bricks, eat at the onboard restaurants, or stay in one of the ship’s rooms.

Best Time to Visit: Long Beach is an all-season destination. The weather is pleasant year round.

Don’t Miss: The Pow-Wow! Art Festival which takes place every July. Contemporary graffiti artists and muralists from around the world flock to Long Beach to create amazing street art in a week filled with music, events, and live scaffolding painting.

11. Channel Islands

Hiking on Santa Crus Island | Photo via Bigstock

The Channel Islands are one of the best Southern California weekend getaways for those who really want to get away from it all.

Channel Islands National Park sits off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties and is wild, remote, and beautiful. It is made up of five different islands, but most people visit Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands because they are the closest.

Most people reach the Channel Islands via the Island Packers ferry out of Ventura Harbor, but if you have your own boat, feel free to set sail for the islands yourself!

Santa Cruz Island is the best island for a weekend getaway because it is large and offers plenty of opportunities to hike and sea kayak.

Channel Islands Adventure Company leads guided kayaking tours of the islands many sea caves. There is also great snorkeling to enjoy in the kelp forests just off the coast. Wetsuits are recommended.

There are no food concessionaires on these largely undeveloped islands. Be sure to pack in all the food you will need for the duration of your stay. There is potable water available at the Scorpion Campground on Santa Cruz Island.

Best Time to Visit: Early spring for wildflowers or summer for snorkeling.

Don’t Miss: Wildflower season when brilliant yellow coreopsis and purple lupines dot the landscape with a riot of color.

Stay Here: If you want to stay on an island, you have to camp. Campgrounds are undeveloped and have pit toilets. If you prefer four walls, consider making a couple day trips out to the islands and sleeping at a hotel near Ventura Harbor.

12. San Diego

Downtown San Diego Waterfront

San Diego has long been a favorite weekend getaway for Southern Californians due to its great weather and numerous things to do.

San Diego’s waterfront downtown area is a great place to call home base as you explore the city. The Gaslamp District is a happening area with lots of restaurants, bars, and people watching.

The entire downtown area is very walkable but there are always pedicabs in the main tourist areas that you can hop on if your feet get tired.

The USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier, is docked at the waterfront and is open as a museum. Audio tours allow you to explore the massive ship at your own pace and learn what life is like aboard the cities at sea.

The waterfront is also a great place to catch a harbor cruise. I recommend opting for the sunset cruise where you can sip cocktails, watch the sunset, and then return to vibrant city lights.

If you are an animal lover, don’t miss the San Diego Zoo, often recognized as the best zoo in the United States. This zoo has had a hand in helping several species escape extinction, including the beloved California condor.

My family absolutely loves the zoo’s Animals in Action experience. We were able to pet a rhino and a zebra, feed hilarious pink flamingos, and see wild cats like the beloved cheetah, up close and personal.

The San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park, a sprawling park that is larger than NYC’s Central Park and home to several museums. Our favorites are the San Diego Natural History Museum and the fun San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

San Diego is known as one best destinations in the US for people who love craft breweries. Head to 30th Street in North Park, aka Beer Blvd., to taste your way through several breweries. Each spot has its own vibe and unique flavors.

Mission Beach is popular with the young, college crowd. There are several restaurants, bars, and a great stretch of beach. Nearby Mission Bay is a popular spot for watersports like jet skiing and water skiing, and home to SeaWorld, famous for its sea mammals and thrill rides.

Best Time to Visit: San Diego is a great place to visit year round. If you have kids, visit in October during “Kids Free” month to visit over 100 destinations offering free admission or meals to children all month long.

Don’t Miss: A ballgame at Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres. The field is located right downtown.

Stay Here: I have never met an Embassy Suites I didn’t like and the Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown is one of my favorites. Besides having a great location across from Seaport Village, a touristy shopping and restaurant area on the water, it has spacious rooms, a good breakfast, and that famous Embassy Suites complimentary happy hour.

13. Huntington Beach

Wide Beaches and Bike Paths in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a fun weekend destination for those looking to spend some time on the sand. The city is known for its wide beaches and lively beach town vibe.

Also known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is a fun place to learn how to surf and there are several operators, like HB mainstay Cork Carroll’s, who are eager to get you standing on a board.

Surfing not your thing but like to stay active? There are several volleyball courts right on the sand.

Biking along the 15-mile bike trail that hugs the coast is another popular activity. There are several bike rental stands near the pier.

A bonfire is the best way to enjoy the beach at night. There are several bonfire pits on the city’s beaches, but you will have to claim them early if you are trying to snag one during peak season.

Huntington Beach is one of the best Southern California weekend getaways for dog lovers, thanks to its dog beach where pups can run unleashed on the sand and in the water. Restaurants like the Sit Stay Cafe and Park Bench Cafe and spots like Top Dog Barkery welcome Fido.

If it is dining and shopping you seek, there are lots of great options, including Pacific City, an outdoor mall filled with shops and restaurants located right on Pacific Coast Highway. Duke’s is a classic spot for a nice seafood dinner or Sunday brunch located at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Best Time to Visit: There isn’t a bad time to visit Huntington Beach, but summer is best if you want to spend time in the water.

Don’t Miss: If you want to watch the best surfers in the world do their thing, visit during the annual US Open of Surfing which takes place during the end of July and beginning of August.

Stay Here: The Kimpton Shorebreak is a great pet-friendly (with no extra charge!) hotel that has beach cruisers, umbrellas, beach chairs, and even ice chests for guests to check out as part of their Beach Amenities Program. It is located in the heart of the HB action and the closest hotel to the dog beach.

14. Venice/Santa Monica

Classic Venice Beach Sunset

Venice and Santa Monica are neighboring beach towns with great urban beach vibes.

Venice has long known for its funky Bohemian spirit and eclectic boardwalk filled with street performers, cheap sunglasses stands, and pot shops. I once had a guy offer to sell me a bunny out of his coat pocket while I strolled the boardwalk!

It is truly a great place for people watching because people come here to be seen! Muscle Beach is popular with the shirtless gym rat crowd and there is always a crowd around the beachfront skate park’s bowl.

Beyond the boisterous boardwalk, head slightly inland to find peace and beauty while walking the Venice canals. If you have a kayak or paddleboard, you can also use it to paddle under the bridges and past beautiful homes.

If it is shopping and dining that you crave, stylish Abbot Kinney Boulevard has some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and bars.

Just down the beach from Venice is Santa Monica, the beach and boardwalk most associated with LA, thanks to Hollywood cinema.

Route 66 once ended at the Santa Monica Pier, and it is still one of the most popular beach attractions in California today. Pacific Park, a fair on the pier, is home to classic rides and carnival games.

Santa Monica State Beach is very popular and usually bustling with tourists and locals alike. Its wide stretch of sand is a great place to spend the afternoon.

Shoppers won’t want to miss the 3rd Street Promenade or the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. If it is a great meal you crave, try a farm-to-table meal at Rustic Canyon, the famed Office burger at Father’s Office, and handmade pasta at Uovo,

Best Time to Visit: Both cities are great to visit year round but sunny days, fewer crowds, and lower prices can be find during the early fall months of September and October.

Don’t Miss: First Fridays, which takes place on the first Friday evening of each month on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. During this event the boulevard is lined with the region’s hottest food trucks.

Stay Here: Oceanfront Hotel Casa del Mar is located in between the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Their Sea Wellness Spa offers a full array of facials, wraps, massages, and state-of-the-art treatments. On-site dining comes with perfect sunset views.

15. Temecula

Vineyards in Temecula During the Spring

Temecula is a wonderful wine region northeast of San Diego that has become one Southern California’s most popular weekend destinations for wine enthusiasts.

Many people begin their weekends by seeing the Temecula Valley from above on a hot air balloon ride. Balloon rides begin bright and early at dawn, and include beautiful sunrises over the vineyards and mimosa toasts.

If you would rather stick closer to the ground, try a horseback ride instead. Wine Country Trails by Horseback offers 90-minute rides out on the hills and through the vineyards of Maurice Car’rie Winery.

More animal-based fun can be found at The Alpaca Hacienda where you can feed and pet alpacas and shop for alpaca goods. It can also be found at Sugarplum Farm which is home to zebras, camels, and miniature horses, as well as incredible chocolates.

If you want to try something unique and fun, head into the hills south of town to mine for gems like tourmaline, aquamarine, quartz, and garnet at the Oceanview Mine. My family had a great time hunting for treasure and touring the mine. We all came home with special gems.

Old Town Temecula is a hub of shopping, dining, and lodging, all set in an Old West atmosphere, complete with wooden boardwalks. There are several breweries and bars in the area.

If it is wine you came for, you will be happy to know there are nearly 50 wineries in the region. It is always more fun to go wine tasting when someone else is driving, and Temecula Valley Jeep & Wine Tours are happy to act as your guide takes you to three wineries, into a barrel room, and on a back-road vineyard tour.

If you have a larger group, a limo tour is a better option. Temecula Limo Wine Tasting can accommodate groups of up to 14 people. They offer discount tasting tickets for seven different wineries and even have lunch packages.

Best Time to Visit: Avoid the summer and early fall if you don’t want to risk visiting on a 100-degreee day.

Don’t Miss: Socal Axe Throwing, which has a location in Temecula located right next to Wild Barrel Brewing. Beer and throwing axes will surely make for a fun evening.

Stay Here: Pont Vineyard Inn is located in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. Rooms are spacious and most have outstanding views of the property’s pond or surrounding vineyards.

The pool is a great place to lounge with a a cocktail and take in the scenery. Three wineries are within walking distance and dozens more are a short, Uber ride away.

16. Malibu

Sunset at the Malibu Pier

Malibu is well known for its celebrity residents, but us commoners can still enjoy a weekend getaway in this beautiful beach town.

When I was growing up in Ventura County, Zuma Beach was our favorite beach to frequent. Its a good place to surf, sunbathe on wide stretches of sand, and play beach volleyball. You may even spot a couple celebrities!

If you would rather skip the crowds and focus on spotting sea life instead of famous people, Westward Beach and Leo Carillo State Park are good options. Leo Carillo is known for its tide pools and sea caves. Westward is a good place to spot seals, sea lions, and dolphins.

If you want to surf (or watch surfers), head to Malibu Lagoon State Beach. I like coming here near sunset to watch the surfers ride waves as the sun goes down and take pictures of Malibu Pier in the foreground.

If you want to shop where the beautiful people shop, head to Malibu Country Mart. Far from country, this upscale shopping center is filled with high end boutiques, galleries, and a variety of dining options.

You visit Malibu without enjoying a meal to remember. Nobu Malibu has a stunning oceanfront setting and some of the best sushi in the state. Malibu Farm Cafe is a more casual spot on the pier with fresh made juices, a great crab cake sandwich, and a wide variety of vegetarian options

Malibu is surrounded by hillside and canyons, making it a great place to hike. Favorite spots include the ruins of Tropical Terrace at Solstice Canyon, the trail to seasonal Escondido Falls, sprawling views on Zuma Ridge, and over a dozen other trails in the area.

Malibu’s hills are home to a few different wineries and Malibu Wines is the place to be on Saturday and Sunday. It features wines from Semler and Saddlerock wines, live music, and food trucks.

They even have a wine hikes program that takes guests on guided hikes to Chumash cave paintings and through the Saddlerock Ranch vineyards.

Best Time to Visit: Malibu is fun to visit anytime but I love September when the weather is still warm and the crowds are gone, or March when the hillsides are covered in wildflowers and the waterfalls are running.

Don’t Miss: The Malibu Wine Safari at Saddlerock Ranch. You tour the property in open-air safari vehicles while stopping to taste wine and meet alpacas, bison, zebras, and Stanley the famed giraffe.

Stay Here: The Malibu Beach Inn is located right on the sand on a strip known as Billionaire’s Beach (in other words, they have some wealthy neighbors). Choose and oceanfront room and watch the sunset from your balcony, eat dinner at the onsite Carbon Beach Club, and then fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

17. Death Valley

Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley | Photo via Flickr

Death Valley’s name turns a lot of people off from visiting. But the truth is, Death Valley is a vast and beautiful place, and there is plenty of life in Death Valley.

Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48, and there are plenty of great places to explore. Just be sure to keep plenty of gas and water in your car because gas stations are scarce, the climate is usually very dry, and distances are vast.

One of my favorite things about Death Valley National Park is that you don’t need to stick to trails when exploring the park! Death Valley is famous for bein the hottest spot in North America during the summer months, but during the winter it is a great place to hike and explore.

You definitely want to visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. In this land of extremes, be sure to scan the horizon and take in Telescope Peak which is 11,331 feet in elevation and only 15 miles away!

If you are looking to hike, consider exploring Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Sidewinder Canyon, and the hills around Zabriskie Point. My family loves scrambling up rocky hillsides and forging our own paths.

If it is sand dunes you crave, head over to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where you can wander, roll, make sand angels, and even snowboard down the hills. They aren’t the tallest dunes in Death Valley, but they are the most convenient to reach. Visiting the towering Eureka Sand Dunes requires a 2.5-hour drive down a remote dirt road.

The evening is a great time to enjoy Death Valley. Stars are abundant and the Milky Way is visible. If the moon is full, consider heading to the sand dunes for some moonlit exploration.

Here are 24 animals in Death Valley you may encounter on your visit.

Best Time to Visit: Winter is the best time to visit if you want to get out and explore the park in pleasant weather. Summer visitation is mostly dominated by Europeans looking to experience some serious heat!

Don’t Miss: The extremely rare pupfish in Salt Creek. Temps in the creek can reach 90 degrees in the summer months but the pupfish endures in the harsh environment. A 1/2 mile boardwalk runs alongside the side of the creek, making it easy to spot these special fish.

Stay Here: The Inn at Death Valley offers four star lodging in the middle of nowhere. This historic hotel was first built in the 1920s but has recently undergone a massive renovation.

The Inn has a spa, a great pool area, and is home to the lowest course in the world, the Furnace Creek Golf Course. It has been named one of the 50 toughest courses in the country.

18. Ojai

Spa Pool at Ojai Valley Inn

Ojai is one of the best Southern California weekend getaways to enjoy if you are dreaming of spa vacation and prefer things a bit on the “granola” side.

Ojai is a small town located in a valley in northern Ventura County, surrounded by avocado and citrus farms. It is a charming place that bans chain stores but embraces yoga, wellness retreats, and healthy living.

The Ojai Valley Inn is the queen of the spa scene. While stay at the Ojai Valley Inn is highly recommended you can still have still purchase treatments on weekdays without being hotel guest.

Purchase of a treatment also gives you full access to the spa pools, Mind & Body classes, fitness gym as well as indoor facilities for the entire day! The Mind & Body classes include things like yoga, meditation, fitness walks, and spin classes.

In addition to Himalayan salt massages and Kuyam treatments- part healing clay, part dry heat, part guided meditation- the spa offers spiritual counseling, crystal healing therapy, and even custom aromatherapy.

There are several other wonderful spas in the area such as the Oaks at Ojai and the Lavender Inn Spa.

Beyond the spa, Ojai is a great place to get outside. There is horseback riding, and several great local trails for hiking or biking.

Back in town, you don’t want to miss the wonderful shops along Ojai Avenue. Many sells goods from local artists and all are independently operated.

Best Time to Visit: I like to avoid the peak summer months. Summer temps in the Ojai Valley can be quite hot which may limit your ability to enjoy the great outdoors.

Don’t Miss: Bart’s Books, the largest independent outdoor (yes, outdoor) bookstore in the United States.

Stay Here: The Ojai Valley Inn is the big name in town, for good reason. This resort offers much more than the spa and beautiful rooms. There is also a golf course, pools, tennis courts, an artist cottage where you can take classes, and even a beekeeping experience!

19. Solvang

Charming Solvang | Photo via Bigstock

Solvang is a charming little Dutch town 30 miles north of Santa Barbara. It is filled with cute shops, great pastries and several nods to Dutch culture.

We had fun renting a surrey and peddling around town. Keep an eye out for the Little Mermaid Fountain, five different windmills, and the giant red clog.

There are 20 different beer and wine tasting rooms downtown because Solvang sits on the edge of Santa Barbara County wine country. As a matter of fact, the wine-centric movie, Sideways, was filmed in Solvang!

I highly recommend going on a wine tasting tour to visit several of the 120+ wineries in the area. Options include everything from bike tours to limos.

Food is part of the fun in Solvang. Don’t miss breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House, beers and brats at the Copenhagen Sausage Garden, and Danish pastries from Olsen’s, Mortensen’s, and Birkholm’s.

Best Time to Visit: Visit during the fall and you can enjoy events like Danish Days in September or the Solvang Grape Stomp in October where you can stomp on grapes a la I Love Lucy!

Don’t Miss: Danish Days which is filled with Danish fun! Enjoy folk dancers, three parades, concerts, axe throwing, an Æbleskiver breakfast, historical Viking re-enactments, artisanal craft booths, and plenty of food and drinks!

Stay Here: The Landsby is a small, boutique hotel in the heart of Solvang. It embraces Scandinavian design and heritage, and has charming courtyards with fireplaces. The hotel’s restaurant, Mad & Vin, serves wonderful Wine Country cuisine.

20. Hollywood

World Famous Hollywood Blvd

Hooray for Hollywood! Those of us who grew up in Southern California tend to take Hollywood for granted, but playing tourist for the weekend and going Hollywood can be fun!

Start by taking one of those cheesy celebrity TMZ bus tours or grab a map highlighting the star’s homes, because why not?

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and search for your favorite stars, making time to place your hands and feet in the imprints left by celebrities outside of Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Want to take pictures with your favorite celebrities but can’t find them anywhere? Head to Madame Tussaud’s and pose with wax replica’s of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Jimmy Kimmel, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, and Tupac.

If you want to see or be a part of the real thing, take a tour of Paramount Studios, the last major studio still located in Hollywood. Or sign up to be a part of a studio live studio audience during a tv taping.

You can’t spend a weekend in Hollywood without spending some time at the theater. There are several famed theaters around town hosting movie premiers, musicals, and concerts. I love watching the latest touring Broadway hits at the Pantages Theater.

After you have had enough of the city, head up into the hills and hike to the world-famous Hollywood Sign. There is a trail that link the sign with the Griffith Observatory. Views are especially impressive sight after a good rain. Runyan Canyon is another great place to hike (and potentially spot celebs).

Best Time to Visit: If you want to spot celebs, come during awards season (generally November through February) or wait for a movie premier starring your favorite actor.

Don’t Miss: A picnic at the Hollywood Bowl. This classic outdoor venue in the Hollywood Hills host famous music artists as well as the LA Philharmonic.

Stay Here: The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a historic hotel that reflects the glamour Hollywood. It’s palm-lined Tropicana Pool is a great place to kick back with a cocktail and enjoy that California sunshine.

The 30 Best California State Parks

Sharlene Earnshaw — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:51:01 +0000

There are 280 state parks in California, but which are the best California State Parks that you definitely don’t want to miss?

As a lifelong California resident, I have traveled up and down the state, searching out state parks with an aim to visit them all. Each has something special to offer, but some California State Parks are certianly better than others. Here are my picks for the best California State Parks, from the redwood studded coastline in the north to the desert filled with life in the south.

The 30 Best California State Parks

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: Elk, redwoods, and a lush canyon lined with ferns.

Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall. Winter brings rains which can make the road to Fern Canyon impassible.

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, but dogs are not allowed on trails in this park.

Where to Stay: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground if you are camper. Stay in one of the many charming VRBOs near the park if you prefer four walls and a bed.

Located in the northwestern corner of the state north of Eureka is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, one of the four state parks that help make up the Redwood National and State Parks complex.

Prairie Creek is a special park not only for its towering trees, but also for its resident population of Roosevelt elk. In 1925, there were as few as 15 of these elk left in the California redwoods. Nearly 100 years later, the population has rebounded to 1,000.

The elk can be seen thoughout the park, but are most often seen on Elk Prairie near the park’s southern entrance, along Davidson Road west of Highway 101, and on Gold Bluffs Beach.

The road to Gold Bluff’s Beach is unpaved and there are a couple stream crossings, but it is usually quite easy to manage in the summer and fall, or when there haven’t been any recent rains.

After checking out the elk on the beach, head to Fern Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in the California State Parks system. Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World was filmed in this 50-foot fortress of walls, covered in ferns. It is lush and shady, with a creek running through.

It is only one mile in length, making it an easy hike where you will want to take your time and enjoy the spectacular scenery. During the summer months, wooden slats act as footbridges to help keep your shoes dry.

Fern Canyon

Note: This park now requires Day Use Permits to access Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon from May 1st – September 30th. Permits for the 2023 season can be reserved by the public beginning April 15th.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is also one of our favorite Northern California weekend getaways.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It preserves old growth redwoods and offers great camping along the crystal-clear Smith River.

Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, but dogs are not allowed on trails in this park.

Where to Stay: Campers will love staying at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground which sits along the tall trees alongside the Smith River. There are several hotel options in nearby Crescent City, including Oceanview Inn and Suites which has family suites with three beds!

The northernmost California State Park that protects old growth redwoods is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It located just 15 miles from the Oregon border, nine miles east of Crescent City. It is home to a lush rainforest and the crystal clear Smith River, the longest major free-flowing river in California.

Some of the trees that live in this park has been growing for over 1,000 years! Stout Grove is a great place to walk among these other-wordly trees. It is a one-mile loop trail through the towering trees which are hugged by the lush stands of ferns below. Fallen redwoods act as nursery trees for new life. You will see a variety of plants and even new redwood trees growing out of them.

Make time to enjoy the beauty of the Smith River. You can fish. kayak, and even snorkel in the river! Or, simply sit along its banks and enjoy a picnic surrounded by incredible scenery.

Did you know? California State Parks started a pilot program with a new FREE pass which allows access to 19 California State Parks to 4th graders and their families. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of those parks.

Año Nuevo State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects a massive colony of elephant seals that are incredibly entertaining to watch.

Best Time to Visit: December 15th through March. December is peak time to watch mating battles and see brand new elephant seal babies.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: Book an ocean-view cottage on VRBO or book an unforgettable stay in Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel.

Every December, up to 10,000 elephant seals come to breed on Año Nuevo Beach. Elephant seals spend most of their lives in the ocean, but they do come ashore every year to breed and give birth.

If you haven’t watched the raucous spectacle that is a colony of elephant seals before, you are really missing out! These creatures are endlessly entertaining as they grumble, argue, and waddle like a fibrating pile of blubber on the sand. Plus, the babies are adorable.

The elephant seals haven’t always lived at Año Nuevo. As a matter of fact, the first elephant seal wasn’t spotted on this beach until 1965 and the first pups weren’t born here until 1975. Clearly, the seals enjoyed their protected status at this beach because their impressive numbers continue to grow.

Accessing the viewing area for the sea lion colony involves a 3-4 mile walk over varied terrain, including sand dunes. From December 15 through March 31, you can only access the area via a 2½-hour, guided tour. You can begin booking reservations on October 20th each year.

CTL Tip: If a family member has a mobility disability, the park has an option to take an accessible version of the elephant seal tour.

There are elephant seals that can be viewed in this state park year round. If you visit April through November, you can pick a visitor permit at the Natural Preserve from 8:30 – 3:30pm daily. Your walk to the viewing area will be self-guided.

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Mendocino Headlands SP by Sharon Mollerus

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects the wild and dramatic Mendocino coast.

Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers, fall for the best weather, and winter for gray whales.

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Where to Stay: You can camp at nearby Van Damme State Park or Russian Gulch State Park. There are several small inns and rentals in town. Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast is a New England-style Victorian that serves up superb breakfasts and offers oceanview rooms.

Mendocino Headlands State Park wraps around three sides of the town of Mendocino on the remote, Northern California coast. The park has trails that follow the bluffs, giving visitors access to breathtaking views, that are especially breathaking during the golden hour near sunset when the cliffs of the headlands glow.

The 4.2-mile Mendocino Bluff Trail is an easy walk along the edge of the bluffs. You can take a spur trail down to Portuguese Beach which is riddled with ocean-tumbled logs.

Walk the entire trail along the bluffs or walk one way along the bluffs and then cut through town on the way back. There are brunch spots and a pub waiting for you.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees by Phae

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects two groves of remarkable giant sequoia trees.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is the most popular but a spring and fall visit are equally enjoyable.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only in campgrounds an on fire roads.

Where to Stay: There is tent, RV, and even cabin camping inside this park. Make reservations early to secure your spot, especially in the summer and use those bear lockers! There are also several great VRBO cabins in the mountains surrounding the park.

As the name implies, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is home to some the largest giant sequoias in the world. The park is in Gold Country, east of Stockton up Highway 4, three miles from the little town of Arnold.

There are two groves of sequoias within the park- the aptly name North and South Groves- and the ancient trees here can grow over 300 feet high and 30 feet in diameter.

If you haven’t stood next to a sequoia, it is hard to believe just how gargantuan these trees are. Walk the 1.5-mile North Grove Trail to feel like an ant among giants. A five-mile hike will take you through the South Grove of giant sequoias left in their natural setting.

During the winter, snow is common as the park is close to 5,000 feet in elevation. This will close portions of the park, but open some areas to cross country skiing. In the summer, the weather warms up into the 80s and the Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek become popular places to cool off.

Portola Redwoods State Park

Portola Redwoods by Shalaco

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects a lush redwood forest 30 miles outside of San Jose.

Best Time to Visit: Anytime outside of the winter rainy season when winter storms can fall trees and cause temporary closures.

Are Dogs Allowed? Not on trails. Only on campsites and paved roads.

Where to Stay: There are 50 campsites within the park. A cozy VRBO cottage in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a great options as well.

In 2020 Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park, was largely destroyed by the CZU Lightning Complex fire. It is one of our treasured state parks but the damage sustained will take generations to recover. Thankfully Portola Redwoods State Park is nearby and undamaged.

This park is located in the Santa Cruz mountains and protects one of the southern stands of redwood trees that is easily accessible to the Silicon Valley. It sits on 2,800 acres of lush forest with 18 miles of trails that follow creeks and wind through the trees.

An easy option at just 1.6 miles is the Iverson Trail to Tiptoe Falls. Keep your eyes open for banana slugs on the shaded, 4.6-mile Slate Creek Trail.

Point Lobos State Reserve

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: This park is home to tremendous coastal scenery and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit: Visit in spring to see baby animals or early fall to enjoy the most pleasant weather.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: The park is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming village known for its upscale and dog-friendly atmosphere. We love the Hyatt Carmel Highlands which is located on a cliff facing the Pacific Ocean.

Deemed “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world” by Australian landscape artist Francis McComas, Point Lobos State Marine Reserve is a meeting of turquoise waters, craggy cliffs, and sculptural cypress trees.

Considered by many to be the “crown jewel” of California’s State Park system, Point Lobos is a wonderful place for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the splendid scenery of the Central California coastline.

During the spring months, you can often spot baby sea otters in the kelp beds offshore. Bluefin Cove and Whalers Cove are prime spots for viewing baby seals laying on the tiny beaches below. You can view both of these coves from above on the North Shore Trail which leads hikers through the forest to ocean cliffs with panoramic views.

Here are the best places to see wild sea otters in California.

A hike south to China Cove is a a fun option for beachfront rock scrambling and admiration of the brilliantly aquamarine waters. Scuba diving is a popular activity in the rich marine waters offshore but proof of certification and reservations are required.

Humbolt Redwoods State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It is home to one of the largest stands of redwoods in the world and the impressive Avenue of the Giants.

Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall. Winter can bring temporary closures due to winter storm damage.

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, but dogs aren’t allowed on trails.

Where to Stay: You can camp at one the 250 family campsites across three different campgrounds or stay in the city of Eureka which is 30 miles north. The Inn at 2nd & C is located in the historic district of town.

Humbolt Redwoods State Park is massive. It is 53,000 acres in size, making it the third largest California State Park, and protects 17,00 of old-growth redwoods. This park is home to some of the densest and most impressive redwood stands in the state.

One standout of this park is the Avenue of the Giants, a 32-mile scenic route with eight different stops to enjoy. There are over 100 miles of trails in the park. Highlights include the 1.3-mile Founders Trail which is home to the impressive Dyerville Giant is a 362-foot redwood that fell in 1991.

The Bull Creek Trail follows the namesake creek through old-growth redwood forest. Another nice hike is the north section of the River Trail which follows the South Fork Eel River 3.6 miles on a one-way route with a shuttle. Note: This trail is only accessible in the summer, when the bridges are installed.

Samuel P Taylor State Park

Samuel P Taylor State Park by Kevin Krejci

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: Easy access to nature and redwoods just 30 minutes north of San Francisco.

Best Time to Visit: I love visiting this park in the fall when the leaves are changing and falling onto the trails.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs are allowed in the picnic day-use area, campground, and on the Cross Marin Trail only.

Where to Stay: Samuel P Taylor Campground is very popular with families so book early. The Embassy Suites San Rafael is a nice option nearby with a great breakfast and complimentary evening cocktail reception.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County and head for the forests of Samuel P. Taylor State Park. This North Bay gem sits just outside of San Rafael and whisks you away from the hustle of Bay Area life.

There are hiking and bike trails which meander through redwoods and mixed forest. Wildlife such as deer, raccoons and foxes call this lovely park home. A spring visit is greeted with rolling green hills and wildflowers. During the fall, the deciduous foliage turns brilliant yellow which contrasts against the conifer greens.

The South Creek Trail follows Lagunitas Creek for 1.5 miles and in the rainy season, you should keep your eyes out for spawning salmon. In the summer months you will want to splash about in the shallow portions of the creek.

The Barnabe Peak loop trail is a beautiful hike. The views from the top of this six-mile trek are among the best in all of Marin County on a clear day. The Cross Marin Bike Path cuts into the park for three miles. It is a good place to bike, run, bringing your jogging strollers, and the only trail that welcomes Fido inside the park.

Good to know: Given this park’s proximity to a large urban area, it is quite popular. Expect parking lots to fill up by mid-morning on weekends.

Columbia State Historic Park

Columbia State Historic Park by Jasperdo

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It is the best example of a California Gold Rush town.

Best Time to Visit: During the summer when there are daily town tours and more events occuring in town.

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, but dogs are not allowed in the historic buildings.

Where to Stay: The Columbia City Hotel and the Fallon Hotel, are 19th-century country inns with Victorian touches that are located within the park.

45 minutes from Modesto, Columbia is a true Gold Rush town. It was founded in 1850 and quickly grew to be a boom town and became the second largest city in the state!

Much of the town has been preserved, and there are businesses where you can make candles, dress up for old fashioned photographs, grab an ice cream cone, and check out wooden toys. The most popular shop is the candy store where you find all sorts of sweet treats like homemade jelly candies and other old-fashioned treats.

There are also seasonal stage coach rides (complete with attempted stage coach robberies!) and a spot where you can pan for gold. Visit the school, cemetery, and jail.

Daily town tours take place June 15th through Labor Day but you should plan your visit during Gold Rush Days when special exhibits are open and docents dressed in period attire guide visitors through hands-on activities. Gold Rush Days are 1 – 4pm on the second Saturday of the month.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: The views of the rugged San Mateo coastline are stunning.

Best Time to Visit: September and October are typically fog free and bring the warmest weather. This time of year is known as “San Francisco summer”.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs are allowed on the trails east of Highway 1 only. They are not allowed on the beach. They are, however, allowed on neighboring Montara State Beach.

Where to Stay: Splurge on the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay which is perched on an oceanfront cliff and home to two championsip golf courses, a world-class spa , and a wine bar with 5,000 bottle of vino on site.

Gray Whale Cove is known to many as Devil’s Slide, an area notorious for landslides and road closures. As a matter of fact, the area had so many landslides that in 2013, Highway 1 was rerouted away from the cliffs and replaced with the Tom Lantos Tunnels.

The good news is the former Highway 1 route has been replaced the paved, 1.3-mile Devil’s Slide Trail which is open to pedestrians and bicyclists. The views of the rugged coastline from this location are outstanding.

Gray Whale Cove isn’t just a clever name. During gray whale migration season (December through March), whales are commonly seen just offshore. Accessing this beach does involve walking down a steep trail, but the scenic rewards are worth your efforts.

The parking lot shares access with neighboring McNee Ranch and Montara State Beach as well. Two-mile San Pedro Mountain Trail connects Montara SB with Gray Whale Cove SB.

Important note: Gray Whale Cove is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.

Bodie State Historic Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It is an example of a Gold Rush Ghost town.

Best Time to Visit: Summer brings the nicest weather though you can visit all year long. You must use skis or snowmobiles to access the park in winter.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed in park but are not allowed in any of the historic buildings.

Where to Stay: The Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport has everything from cottages with kitchenettes to tens for rent.

Bodie State Historic Park is located in Northern California east of the Sierra Nevada range near the Nevada border. It is 13 miles from Highway 395, and the last three miles of the trek to this ghost town are on a dirt road. Since the park is 8,375 feet in elevation, snow is common in the cold season.

Bodie was a mining town founded by four prospectors, one being W.S. Bodey, who found gold in the surrounding mountains. At its peak, Bodie had 10,000 residents for 60 saloons and dance halls lining its streets. This was truly the Wild West!

The mines were depleted by 1886 and the population declined to 1,500 people. Six years later, a major fire destroyed portions of the town. By the 1940s it was officially a ghost town. Today the remains of the town are left in “arrested decay”, looking like they did when the last residents left town.

Take a docent-led walk of the town to get the most out of your visit. Tour several of the town’s building such as the church, homes, and stores with all their items left behind, as well as the Stamp Mill where mountain ore was pulverized and gold was separated out.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

McWay Falls by Jerry Kirkhart

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It is home to McWay Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Best Time to Visit: Winter is likely to bring the worst weather and road closures along Highway 1 are more likely. Spring through fall are better bets. Afternoons are better than mornings because the fog is more likely to have burned off.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: The Ventana Campground offers traditional camping. Fernwood Resort offers tent camping, glamping tents, and forest cabins. Post Ranch Inn is a splurge-worthy luxury resort in Big Sur.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is named for an early pioneer of the Big Sur coast. It is most well known for McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading onto a deserted beach.

The falls are visible from Highway 1, but it is safer to park inside the state park and take the short, 1/2-mile trail to the falls overlook.

You will also want to check out the Partington Creek Trail which heads through a canyon and 100-foot tunnel to Partington Cove Beach, a good spot to look sea otters in the kelp beds just offshore.

Hearst San Simeon State Historic Park

The Famous Hearst Castle Pool by Flickr/LostInTheRedwoods

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It preserves the extravagent and historic castle that belonged to publishing tycoon William Randolf Heart.

Best Time to Visit: Hearst Castle is a great destination any time of year.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only in the parking lot at the bottom of the hill.

Where to Stay: There are several lovely beach homes to rent on VRBO in the nearby resort town of Cambria. Camping can be found at Hearst San Simeon State Park on the beach nearby.

The Neptune Pool, filled with beautiful intricate tiles, took over 15 years to build. Why? Because it took three different attempts before Hearst was finally satisfied with the design!

Cars park at the bottom of the hill on Hearst Ranch property and then board a bus to take the winding road up the hill that Hearst Castle sits upon. Visitors can remain on the hilltop to enjoy the gardens, pools, and views until closing time, or they are ready to come down.

Tour tickets can be reserved online up to 60 days in advance. There are several different tours available, allowing you to see different portions of the sprawling mansion. The Grand Rooms Tour is the tour recommended for first timers. It is 70 minutes long and an guides are great about telling the stories of famous visitors to the castle, as well as about the historic artwork and furniture.

CTL Tip: Keep your eyes out for zebras on the hillsides near Hearst Castle. They are descendants of those who were once part of Hearst’s private zoo.

Fort Tejon State Historic Park

Fort Tejon by Calchux

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It preserves a part of California’s military and Native American history.

Best Time to Visit: Any time of year as long as winter weather hasn’t closed the road.

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Where to Stay: Most people visit Fort Tejon on their way to other destinations. There are, however, some small motels in Lebec and Gorman nearby.

Anyone who has driven up and down Interstate 5 from the Central Valley to Southern California is surely familiar with “the Grapevine”, a portion of the interstate that winds through the mountains and Tejon Pass. But did you know that there is a state park up there that is certainly worth your time?

Fort Tejon was established to protect and control Sebastian Indian Reservation and white settlers from raids by other Indian groups nearby. It was only occupied by the US Army for 10 years, from 1854 – 1864.

Today you can walk the 1/2-mile loop to check out the old adobe buildings and admire the 400-year-old Valley Oaks. During the loop you can visit the Captain’s quarters, barracks, and jail. A museum onsite houses exhibits on army life and local history.

Visit on a Saturday to catch the living history program or the 3rd Sunday of the month May to September for Civil War Re-enactments. During these programs you can talk with soldiers, visit craftsmen like the blacksmith and carpenter. There are also volunteers dressed cooks, servants, laborers and officers.

Leo Carillo State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It offers a slice of Malibu to the masses.

Best Time to Visit: Enjoy a perfect beach day in the summer or early fall.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs are allowed only in day-use areas, North Beach, and the campgrounds.

Where to Stay: Camp at Leo Carrillo in one the Canyon Campground’s 135 sites. As you can imagine, reservations are necessary. Ready to feel like a star? Book a beachfront cottage in Malibu on VRBO.

Beaches, caves, tide pools, and hiking through the hills await visitors to Leo Carillo State Park. The park is located in Malibu, the scenic home of the rich and famous.

This stretch of coastline if the stuff dreams are made of, and tide pools are some of the best around. Plan for a low tide visit and you will spot sea anemones, sea stars, sea urchins, mussels, barnacles, and crabs. You can also surf, kayak, and windsurf in the waters offshore.

There is also a cool sea cave to explore. It is located at rocky point that separates North Beach from South Beach. It should be visited at low tide, and you should always be mindful of the tide as it begins to come in.

The cave at Leo Carillo is one of 25 caves in California you will want to visit.

Inland there are trails which lead you into the hills to locations with impressive views. The Yellow Hill Fire Trail leads to a viewpoint where you can see three islands that help make up Channel Islands National Park as well as up and down the coastline.

Crystal Cove State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: This park gives you a glimpse of what Southern California beaches were like long ago.

Best Time to Visit: This is a perfect destination year round.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: Camp at the RV campground or stay in one of the cottages onsite. Both will require reservations well in advance. The Resort at Pelican Hill is a five star resort just a stone’s throw away as well.

One of my favorite beaches in all of California happens to be close to home. Crystal Cove State Park is a throwback to the Orange County of yesteryear. Large cliffs block the views of the masses of luxury homes on the hills up above, allowing you to enjoy the beach without the masses.

The beach can be busy right next to the historic district and The Beachcomber restaurant, but if you walk a couple hundred yards away you can find a peaceful spot all to yourself. This beach usually has small waves, making it great for families, and the tide pools along the shore are fun to explore. Dolphins are frequently spotted splashing about in the water.

This park also has several great hiking trails which head back into the hills and canyons on the other side of Pacific Coast Highway. The No Dogs/Moro Canyon loop (~ 3 miles) is one of my favorites. It begins with a climb up the rolling hills with ocean views and ends with an easy stroll through beautiful Moro Canyon. From there, you can celebrate with some beach time.

Crystal Cove is home to a historic district which is filled with restored bungalows that were built to house crew during movie filming from the 1920s-1940s. These cottages are reasonably priced and right on the beach, so that means they are also very popular. Cottage reservations are released daily, six months in advance. Be on the website at 8am if you want to snag one.

Torrey Pines State Beach and Reserve

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It prefers the Torrey pines, the rarest pine trees in the world.

Best Time to Visit: This is a great destination year round.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a luxury resort that sits on the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course. San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas is the closest park with camping.

Torrey Pine State Reserve is located on the bluffs of northern San Diego and protects the rarest pine trees in North America. These trees only grow in and around the reserve and on Santa Rosa Island , one of the Channel Islands off the coast of California. The contrast between the forest on the bluffs and the sandy below is lovely.

The Guy Fleming Trail is the perfect introduction to what Torrey Pines has to offer. Its a one-mile, loop trail that takes allows you to walk amongst the pines and enjoy amazing views of the great blue yonder from bluffside viewpoints.

Its a place where you can watch birds having a blast surfing the updrafts while parasailers make their best attempts at being birds themselves.

After enjoying the trees head down the hill and spend time at Torrey Pines State Beach. The beach is a great place to enjoy a picnic and splash in the water.

Emerald Bay State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks:

Best Time to Visit: In the summer if you want to hike and spend time out on the water and in the winter if you want to enjoy the snowy landscape around the lake and world-class skiing nearby.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: Eagle Point Campground is located just above Emerald Bay within the state park. It is open during the summer and early fall. Reservations can be made six months in advance. Camp Richardson is a great place to stay on Lake Tahoe as well with a variety of camping and lodging options.

Emerald Bay State Park is located at Lake Tahoe, one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet. The Rubicon Trail is a moderate trail that allows you to hike between Emerald Bay and DL Bliss State Park, enjoying the tremendous lake views along the way.

The trail also leads visitors to Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion built in 1928 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knigh. It’s considered to be one the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.

Out in the water of Emerald Bay is Fanette Island which has a stone tea house that was used by Mrs. Josephine and her guests. Boat tours can give you a different perscpective of Emerald Bay than hiking. I suggest you do both.

Lake Tahoe is one of our favorite California mountain towns. See what other special places made the list.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Burney Falls | Photo by Flickr/Wenjieqiao

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects Burney Falls, one of the most scenic falls in the country.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to enjoy the falls and Lake Britton nearby. Just arrive early to secure parking.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only in the parking lot and campground. Not on the trails or near the falls.

Where to Stay: There are campsites as well as rental cabins located within the park.

Burney Falls is not the tallest waterfall in California (that honor goes to Yosemite Falls) but it is definintely one of the most beautiful. It is located southeastern Cascade Mountain range in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park about 65 miles east of Redding.

The 129-foot waterfall is fed by underground springs, resulting in a weeping wall of water. It is a site so scenic that President Theodore Roosevelt once called it the “eighth wonder of the world”.

The Burney Falls Loop Trail is a great way to see the falls at different angles and also enjoy some of the surrounding forest. FIshing is popular in Burney Creek, especially during the October trout season and boating is a fun activity on Lake Britton. Boat and kayak rentals are available at the store and marina.

Love waterfalls? Here are 21 Northern California waterfalls to add to your bucket list.

Castle Crags State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects the wilderness around the impressive Castle Crags State Park.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall. Snow can limit activities in the winter.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only in the parking lot and campground. Not on trails.

Where to Stay: Camping is available inside the park. It is first come, first served October through April but reservations are required in the summer. If you are looking something unique, stay at the Railroad Park Resort. There are over a couple dozen cabooses that have been converted into quaint lodging with private bathrooms, mini fridges, and microwaves.

If you have driven Interstate 5 as it passes by Mount Shasta you have surely noticed the towering granite pillars on the opposite side of the highway. Castle Crags State Park is the home of steep, rocky spires that are 170 million years old and soar 6,000 feet in elevation.

Drive the winding, one-lane road up to the Vista Point and taking in the fantastic views of Castle Crags and Mount Shasta. More than 30 miles of trails wind through the park, including a portion of the famed Pacific Crest Trail.

If you are looking for a true challenge, take the 5.5-mile round-trip journey up to Castle Dome via the Crags Trail. It gains 2,000 feet in elevation in a relatively short distance but the scenery and views are worth it. You can climb Castle Dome but it is not recommended unless you have climbing gear.

Swimming in the Sacramento River is a fun option during the summer months. The river is much smaller here than it is down in Sacramento.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It is a great place to witness a desert wildflower bloom.

Best Time to Visit: Early spring during the wildflower bloom

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed in the campgrounds, on designated park roads, and the Visitor Center/Campground Trail. They are not allowed on other trails in the park.

Where to Stay: If you visit during the cool season, camping inside the park is a good option. Reservations are available October 1st through April 30th. There are several different resorts and inns in Borrego Springs, including the Borrego Springs Resort and Spa.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the biggest state park in the United States, located in eastern San Diego County. With 600,000 acres of desert ranging in elevation from sea level to over 6,000 feet, this is a diverse landscape full of life.

Begin your visit at the visitor center which is built into a hillside. It is a great place to learn about the flora and fauna within the park, watch the park video, and get trail conditions and recommendations.

The biggest attraction at this park is the spring wildflower bloom. Some years are certainly more impressive than others, but during heavy rain years sections of the desert are dotted with all sorts of wildflowers.

Favorite hikes inside the park include the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail, a three-mile round-trip hike which leads to a large palm oasis inside of a gorge. The Pygmy Trail is a quick, one-mile jaunt that to fifty short palm trees.

The Slot hike is accessed by driving a two-mile dirt road to the trailhead. It’s a short hike over the hill and then into the slot canyon. The further into the canyon you hike, the narrower it gets.

The budding geologist in your group will enjoy the Narrows Earth nature trail where you can learn about igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock as well as earthquake faults in this geologically active portion of the state.

If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, head out to Blair Valley to see Marshal South’s home where engaged in “primitive living” on his homestead at Ghost Mountain. The trail to the home is a steep mile but the views are amazing and exploring the homestead is fun. There are pictographs on a rock nearby as well.

Other park highlights include the Box Canyon Historical Monument, Coyote Canyon, the Culp Valley Overlook, the Elephant Tree Discovery Trail, the Mason Valley Cactus Garden, and the Vallecita Stagecoach Station.

Montaña de Oro State Park

Photo by Sharlene Earnshaw

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: Incredible protected coastline and geotectonic evidence on display.

Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers and summer and fall for warmer temps.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed only in campgrounds, on roads, and Spooners Beach.

Where to Stay: Camp at Montaña de Oro State Park or stay in a nearby VRBO cottage with water views.

One of my favorite California State Parks that might be off the radar of those traveling up and down the central coast is Montaña de Oro State Park. This dramatic stretch of coastline is in Los Osos, a small town west of San Louis Obispo.

The park is named for its “mountains of gold”, referring to the coastal bluffs that are covered in wildflowers, like the California poppy, during the spring.

Montaña de Oro is a great place to witness the geologic ramifications of geotectonic action (aka: earthquakes), with tilted and exposed million-year-old rock formations and sea beds. You can see these exposed sea beds along the shore, many serving as tide pools filled with life.

Be sure to walk the Bluff Trail, an easy 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that hugs the coast. Admire the views and keep a look out for sea otters which float in the kelp beds just offshore. In the winter you may even see gray whales.

From the Bluff Trail take one of the spur paths that lead down to the water to explore the tide pools. Check the tide charts before you go and aim for a low tide visit.

Here is an awesome Central Coast Road Trip itinerary.

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Mono Lake by Flickr/RonRiering

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It protects an ancient lake that is known for its tufas.

Best Time to Visit: Summer if you want to swim or get out on the lake.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs are allowed in most areas of the State Reserve, except for the State Reserve Boardwalk. There is also a county park along a portion of the lake where dogs are not allowed.

Where to Stay: Camp in the Lee Vining area or up in the Tioga Pass of Yosemite National Park. You will find traditional lodging in Bridgeport.

Mono Lake is one of the most unusual places in California. It is an ancient lake (one million years old!) that is twice as salty as the ocean and it has these large, other-wordly tufa formations sprouting out of its waters. The lake is also an important nesting area for gulls and ospreys.

Tufas are calcium-carbonate pillars and knobs of varying heights and sizes that protrude from the lake’s surface. They’re formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.

You can swim in Mono Lake, but make sure to keep the water out of your eyes or any cuts because it is very salty. You will find yourself quite boyant in these waters. If you are looking to stretch your legs a bit, take the one-mile nature trail in the South Tufa Area which has great views of the tufas.

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Photo by Flickr/GlendaAndKen

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: Going from 75 degrees in Palm Springs to snow atop San Jacinto in about 30 minutes is unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow play, summer for hiking.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only in the Idyllwild and Stone Creek Campground. They aren’t allowed on the trails or the aerial tram.

Where to Stay: Camp or rent a VRBO if you are coming from Idyllwild. If you are taking the tram stay at one of the many luxury resorts in the Palm Springs area, like Omni Rancho Las Palmas.

You can visit Mount San Jacinto State Park two ways- via Highway 243 from the mountain town of Idyllwild or via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar. It begins at the base of Chino Canyon at 2,643 feet and carries passengers up the steep mountainside to the Mountain Station at 8,561 feet in just 10 minutes! The views from the top are incredible!

The weather at the Mountain Station is 30-40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor, making it a really fun and unique experience. Where else can you trade sun-kissed palm trees for snow-blanketed white firs in just 10 minutes?

During the winter and early spring months, snowshoes and cross country skis can be rented from the Adventure Center. You can also bring your own sleds, find a hill, and have at it.

In the summer, escape the desert heat and discover a wildly different environment complete with 50 miles of hiking trails including a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail and the hike to the top of San Jacinto Peak which rises 10,834 feet above sea level.

Palm Springs is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Southern California. See what else made the list.

Huntington State Beach

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It offers the classic Southern California beach experience.

Best Time to Visit: During the summer if you want to swim, and any other time of the year if you want most of the beach to yourself.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only on the bike path, not on the sand. Thankfully, the Huntington Dog Beach is just up the road.

Where to Stay: Camp at neighboring Bolsa Chica State Beach or stay in a beachfront hotel like the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

When visitors come from other states and countries and ask for the classic Southern California Beach experience, we head to Huntington State Beach. There you will find wide sprawls of sand filled with umbrellas, mats, and families. Tourists ride on the bicycles path that runs along the cost and food shacks serve up hamburgers and shakes.

During the summer there are typicallly street performers gathering money from eager audience members to perform some sort of feat of athleticism or entertainment.

Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA, and hosts the US Open of Surfing every year at the end of July and beginning of August. Throughout the year you will see surfers in the water, especially by the pier, and there are a few different surf schools teaching newbies as well.

Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, renting bikes or surreys and pedaling the bike path, and fishing off the Huntington Beach Pier. Sitting around one of the 200 firepits at the beach is a fun evening activity, but you better get there early in the day to claim one because they are very popular.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Park

Sutter’s Mill Relpica by Flickr/Nick Ares

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It preserves the site that launched the California Gold Rush.

Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring for the best weather. Summer if you want to add river rafting to your itinerary.

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes! Dogs are allowed on trails and in the river but not inside the buildings.

Where to Stay: Camp with OARS if you are going rafting or at the Coloma Resort which has cabins, tent sites, and RV sites.

One of the most important moments in California history was when James Marshall found some gold flecks in the tailrace of a sawmill he was building for himself and John Sutter. This discovery in the town of Coloma lead to the California Gold Rush which created a boom in the population and quick establishment of California as a state.

The original mill was destroyed by flooding but a replica now stands in it place along with over 20 historic buildings in the old mining town of Coloma. Take the Gold Discovery Tour (not offered when temps exceed 92 degrees) to learn about the fascinating history of this site and following it up with gold panning lessons.

There are several sites to visit including the blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, a miner’s cabin, nature center, jail ruins, the grange, and the beer garden.

Coloma is also the launching point for rafting trips down the South Fork of the American River. OARS offers half-day and one-day trips that are guided and include a tasty lunch. They even have two-day trips and a great campsite in Coloma that includes dinner and activities. I have done both the one day and two day trips and highly recommend them.

Mount Diablo State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: Mount Diablo is a great place for natural recreation in the busy Bay Area.

Best Time to Visit: Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit when the mountain is covered in green.

Are Dogs Allowed? Dogs are not allowed on trails, buildings, or fire roads. They are allowed at the campground.

Where to Stay: There are 50 campsites at Mount Diablo State Park. There are lots of great hotels in nearby Walnut Creek, including Embassy Suites.

If you have ever been in Sacramento, Stockton, or the Bay Area you have surely seen it. Mount Diablo stands alone. An icon in its own right, taking up over 20,000 acres of valuable East Bay real estate. An island of wilderness in a sea of humanity.

At 3,849 feet, Mt Diablo offers hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, star gazing and wildlife viewing. There are 520 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails inside the park. My favorite spot on the mountain is Rock City, an area of the park with large sandstone formations and small caves.

No trip to Mt. Diablo is complete without a trip to the summit, which can be reached by car. There is a visitor center at the top and the views from the observation deck are amazing. Just below the summit is the 0.7-mile Mary Bowerman Trail, a great little family hike with plenty of views.

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: This park protects important natural resources near an urban area, including redwoods and coastline.

Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early fall so the fog is less likely to impede your views.

Are Dogs Allowed? Only at the campsite.

Where to Stay: There are a few different reservable campgrounds within the park but they book up fast. There is lodging available in Mill Valley and the surrounding towns.

Mount Tamalpais, or as the locals call it- Mount Tam, is a 2,571-foot peak rising over Marin County that begging to be explored. From atop Mount Tam you can see San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Farollon Islands 25 miles offshore.

Mount Tam has been used by Californians for recreation ever since the Gold Rush. In 1896, the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railroad was built and billed as the “crookedest railroad in the world”. There were 281 curves on the ride from Mill Valley to the summit. Eventually cars replaced the railroad.

For generations, the redwood forests and coastal trails have provided a great escape from urban and suburban life. Bikiing is allowed on all roads, fire roads, and the Coast View Trail. There are 60 miles of hiking trails within the park, several of which connect to trails in neighboring Muir Woods National Monument and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Since this park is within a major metropolitan area, it can be very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. The early bird most certainly gets the worm when it comes to parking.

Antelope Valley California Poppy State Natural Reserve

Why this park one of the best California State Parks: It provides protection to wild fields of California poppies.

Best Time to Visit: During the spring wildflower bloom after a strong rainy season.

Are Dogs Allowed? No

Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels nearby in Lancaster like the Best Western Plus Desert Poppy Inn.

The California poppy is our state flower, and it also happens to be my favorite flower. Once you see it bloom in mass, it will take your breath away. I love poppies so much we named our dog, Poppy!

One of the best places to see acre upon acre of bright orange poppies is at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve during the spring bloom. The wildflower blooming season is dependent on rainfall, but typically take place mid-March through April.

Before you head out to the poppy fields, check out the small interpretive center, where kids can see taxidermied versions of the wildlife that call this area home. There are educational displays highlighting plants & wildlife, a short video, as well as a gift shop.

There are eight miles of trails to enjoy and several benches to stop at along the way. Besides poppies visitors can see lupines, goldfields, clover, and cream cups. Remember, look at but don’t touch these delicate flowers. Call the Poppy Hotline for flowering updates: (661) 724-1180.

CTL Tip: Arrive at the Reserve near opening in order to secure a parking spot, especially during big bloom years. Keep in mind the poppies will close if there is no sun. Though you are in the desert, the weather can often be windy and chilly.

25 of the Best Mountain Towns in California

Sharlene Earnshaw — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:37:21 +0000

One of the reasons I love California is that we have such diverse landscapes, including tremendous mountain ranges filled with charming destinations waiting to be explored. The best mountain towns in Calfornia are found up and down the state, from the remote Klamath Mountain Wilderness near the Oregon border to the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.

Of course, we highlight popular destinations like South Lake Tahoe in the north and Big Bear in the south, but there are so many other California mountain towns worth visiting and endless things to do once you arrive, especially if you enjoy being outside. These are our picks for the 25 best mountain towns in California, along with what to do and where to stay while you are visiting.

Best Mountain Towns in California

1. South Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay near South Lake Tahoe

Elevation: 6,237′

Population: 22,535

Can’t-miss highlight of this California mountain town: World-class skiing and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Perhaps the most well-known mountain town in California and certainly one of the largest, South Lake Tahoe is a major vacation destination for ski enthusiasts, hikers, water sports aficionados, and even gamblers, thanks to its location straddling the California/Nevada state line.

South Lake Tahoe is a place where you can either stay in a luxury cabin on the lake or tent camp among the towering pines and curious black bears, making it a destination for all budgets.

Visiting Emerald Bay State Park, skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort, picnicking at Fallen Leaf Lake, and a day cruising on the lake are among our favorite things to do in South Lake Tahoe.

Insider tip: If you love miniature golf, you will definitely want to visit Magic Carpet Golf which has two, 19-hole courses and one 28-hole course filled with great hazards and structures to enjoy. It is definitely one of the best mini-golf spots in the state.

Stay Here: Camp Richardson is a beloved historic resort just outside of town with a beach, marina, camping, and lodging. Even if you don’t stay here you will want to stop in and visit the Beacon Bar and Grill, a restaurant on the water that is well-known for its Rum Runners and the best calamari strips in the state!

Lake Tahoe is one of our favorite Northern California weekend getaways. See what else made our list!

2. Tahoe City

Elevation: 6,250′

Population: 1,555

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Skiing at a former Olympic venue, Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley).

The north shore of Lake Tahoe is much quieter than the bustling south shore, and home to the much smaller town of Tahoe City. The small downtown strip is lined with quaint shops and restaurants, and has a nice walking path along the shore.

This side of Lake Tahoe is closer to Interstate 80, and just 45 minutes from Reno. It is close to a few great ski resorts- Palisades Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, and Northstar. They all have varied terrain and offer some of the best sking in the country.

In the summer, popular activities include floating down the Truckee River, beach days at the lake, hiking on trails such as the Tahoe Rim Trail, and rides aboard the Tahoe Gal, a ship that cruises Lake Tahoe from Tahoe City. The sunset dinner cruises are especially nice.

Insider Tip: If you have newbies or young kids with you, check out Granlibakken, which is great for beginning skiers and snow boarders. It is also a popular spot to go sledding, snowshoe, and even cross country ski.

Stay Here: Granlibakken Tahoe is situated on 74 acres in Tahoe City and is filled with onsite activities no matter the season. Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort has a 275-foot private beachfront and each room features a lake view and a full kitchen over in the Tahoe Vista area.

3. Truckee

Elevation: 5817′

Population: 16,666

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Donner Memorial State Park, home to Donner Lake and site of the Donner Party tragedy.

The largest mountain town in California along bustling Interstate 80, Truckee is home a great home base for exploring the Tahoe region, taking day trips to Reno, or vacationing at Donner Lake.

In the winter, Truckee is often snow-covered, and the many vacation homes in the area serve families well who are looking to visit a local ski resort- Tahoe Donner, Boreal, Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs, Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows are all within 30 minutes.

Truckee is a town filled with history and a great frontier-vibe with a cute downtown. It is also home to Donner Memorial State Park. While many people stop at this park to learn about the Donner Party, there are also eight miles of hiking trails which are great to explore once the snow has melted.

In the summer, Donner Lake becomes the main attraction for vacationers enjoying fishing, boating, and water sports.

If you are looking to take a unique hike, check out the Donner Summit Tunnels. They were built by Chinese laborers in the 1800s and abandoned in 1993 when a new route was established. They are are very cool to walk through as part of an easy, 4.5-mile round-trip hike. Be sure to bring a flashlight!

Insider Tip: Wake up early to enjoy breakfast at Squeeze Inn, a beloved cafe that is well-known for serving up 60 different specialty omelettes.

Stay Here: The only hotel lodging on the lake, Donner Lake Village has its own private beach and marina, as well as plenty of lake-view rooms. Also check out VRBO or AirBnB for cabin rentals.

4. Big Bear Lake

Photo via Big Bear Lake Tourism

Elevation: 6,752′

Population: 5,302

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Strolling through Big Bear Lake Village. This charming little downtown district is filled with cute little shops and fun restaurants. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town!

Big Bear has been one of the most popular weekend getaways in Southern California for generations. My great grandfather built a cabin up near Big Bear Lake nearly 100 years ago and since then, the word has definitely gotten out about this special place!

After a winter storm you will find Big Bear jam-packed with Southern California residents eager to see and play in the white stuff. If you want to avoid a traffic jam, try to time your winter visits for mid-week.

You can ski at either Bear Mountain or Snow Summit, enjoy snow tubing at Magic Mountain, and even joining snowshoeing tours with the folks at Big Bear Discovery Center.

In the warm season, Big Bear is still an ideal weekend getaway for those who want to enjoy some cool mountain air. There are several hiking trails in the area as well as Big Bear Lake to enjoy. Rent a pontoon boat, go fishing, or just have a picnic by the water.

Insider Tip: Fall is a great time to visit Big Bear Lake if you want to enjoy changing leaves, pleasant temperatures, and few crowds.

Stay Here: Big Bear is a great place to rent a cabin. Big Bear Vacations has a great inventory of cabins at various size and price points.

5. Lake Arrowhead

Elevation: 5,174′

Population: 9,741

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Admiring all the beautiful homes that line the lake from a boat or paddleboard.

Just 80 miles from Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead might as well be a world away. Originally known as Little Bear Lake when it was created as a reservoir in the 1890s, Lake Arrowhead has been a resort community for 100 years.

Access to the lake is reserved for residents or guests staying at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa. It is warm for a high elevation lake, and great for waterskiing, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and kayaking. You can also embark on the Arrowhead Queen‘s one-hour boat tour around the lake and catch views of celebrity homes.

Lake Arrowhead Village is both charming and dog friendly. It plays hosts to several events and festivals like concerts in the summer and a bonfire in the winter.

SkyPark Bike Park at Santa’s Village is a popular spot for mountain bikers when there isn’t snow on the ground and Santa’s Village is a great family destination no matter the season. In addition to the bike park and village there is archery, rock climbing, axe throwing, a train ride, zip line, and more.

Insider Tip: Grab a beer from Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company and head to Lou Eddies Pizza, a little pizza joint in the forest that is winning awards and was even been named one of Yelp’s 100 top restaurants in the United States!

Stay Here: Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa is where you will want to stay if you want to enjoy all the lake perks, and a spa. Ask for a lakeside room with a balcony to full take advantage of location, location, location.

6. Oak Glen

Photo by Don Graham

Elevation: 4,734

Population: 307

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Apple picking in September and October.

Set right at the snowline in the San Bernardino Mountains, Oak Glen is a tiny hamlet that is well-known for being the premier apple picking destination for the LA metropolitan area.

For most of the year, things are relatively quiet but come autumn, Oak Glen becomes quite the bustling destination, especially on the weekends. In all, there six seasonal u-pick apple farms to visit.

Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm is the largest apple farm in all of Southern California, and quite historic as well; it was has been in operation for nearly 115 years! In addition to growing 32 different varieties of apples, they also have u-pick strawberries and raspberries in the summer, pumpkins in October, and chestnuts in November and December.

In addition to the apple farms and cider mills, you will also want to make time to visit the Oak Glen Preserve which protects 900 acres and is home to the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden. The Montane Garden features a couple ponds, a wetlands boardwalk, a section dedicated to the conifers of California, a deciduous forest, seasonal wildflowers, and a Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center.

Insider Tip: Oak Glen is a great place to enjoy fall foliage in Southern California. Colors tend to peak late October through mid November. The colors of the deciduous trees really pop against the oaks and evergreens.

Stay Here: Most people visit Oak Glen as a day trip but there are a couple cute AirBnb options in the area.

7. Mammoth Lakes

,Elevation: 7,881′

Population: 8,263

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Epic skiing in the winter and epic hiking in the summer.

Mammoth Lakes is the most popular ski destination in the Eastern Sierra. Though it is about equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is much more popular with Southern California residents because NorCal folks have to drive past so many of the Tahoe-area resorts in order to reach Mammoth.

Mammoth Lakes is just on the other side of the Sierras from Yosemite National Park, and receives well over 200 inches of snow per year on average. On especially snowy years, Mammoth can receive over 600 inches of snow!

Mammoth Mountain Resort has one of the longest ski seasons in country. It typically begins in early November and runs through Memorial Day, though there has been skiing until the 4th of July on more than one occassion!

Mammoth Lakes may be known as a ski resort town, but during the warm months, there are even more things to do in Mammoth!

Mammoth Mountain Resort becomes a mountain biking destination, with 80 miles of trails that traverse the mountain. If mountain biking isn’t your thing, you can still take a scenic gondola ride up to the summit and enjoy the views.

There is also via ferrata and the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center where kids can tackle climbing walls, a junior zip line, bounce on the bungee trampoline, and complete a ropes course.

One of the main attractions near Mammoth is Devils Postpile National Monument, an impressive and extremely rare example of columnar basalt. The national monument is also home to Rainbow Falls, a 100-foot waterfall.

Devils Postpile is one of 75 California Landmarks you should see before you die!

There is no official “Mammoth Lake”, but there are several wonderful lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake are all connected via a paved bike path. If you are looking for a workout with plenty of views of Mammoth Lakes along the way, take the series of switchbacks up to Crystal Lake.

Insider Tip: Mammoth Lakes is a great home base for several day trips. Tioga Road is open during the summer, making a day trip to Yosemite National Park an easy option when the road is open. Mono Lake, an other-wordly saline soda lake is less than an hour from Mammoth Lakes as well.

Stay Here: Mammoth Mountain Resort has several lodging options including luxury homes, condos, and standard hotel rooms.

8. June Lake

Elevation: 7,654′

Population: 413

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Fall foliage season along the famed June Lake Loop.

June Lake is a small mountain resort town just north of Mammoth Lakes. It is home to June Mountain, a less expensive and less crowded alternative to Mammoth Mountain Resort. Families like this resort because kids under 12 ski for free, and beginners generally feel more comfortable on a mountain which caters to them.

Outside of ski season, people love to visit June Lake to enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and just enjoying nature. Besides the namesake lake, the area is also home to several other lovely lakes like Gull Lake, Grant Lake, and Silver Lake.

June Lake is also a premier leaf-peeping destination. Quaking aspens flanking June Lake seem to glow as the sunlight penetrates their leaves. Granite mountainsides reflect in the lake’s waters with fiery trees highlighting the foreground. Foliage tends to peak in mid-October along the June Lake Loop.

Insider Tip: Parker Lake is an easy and excellent day hike near June Lake. The hike is just over 3.5 miles round trip and the reward is a peaceful lake framed by 12,000-foot peaks. Parker Creek runs along a portion of the trail, and brook trout and brown trout in the both lake and creek, so don’t forget your fishing poles!

Stay Here: Double Eagle Resort and Spa has a beautiful location at the base of Carson Peak. Choose from hotel rooms or two-bedroom cabins with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and decks overlooking Ron’s Pond. They also have a large spa and fitness center.

9. Wrightwood

Photo by Russ Loar

Elevation: 5,900′

Population: 4,362

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Boasting the closest ski resort to Los Angeles, Mountain High Resort, Wrightwood also features some of the easiest mountain driving in the country, which is especially helpful for family members who get car sick.

Just 90 minutes from LA, Wrightwood is a small town that also features plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing trails; a local brewery with outdoor seating and regular live music; a thrilling zipline tour (with a line over 1500 feet long!); and plenty of local restaurants.

Speaking of a quick bite, don’t miss the pizza at Mile High Pizza, the wine cellar and tasting room at Village Grind, the breakfasts at The Grizzly Cafe, fine dining at The Blue Ridge Inn, and a bowl of healthy (or not so healthy) deliciousness at Bigfoot Bowls.

Insider Tip: The Pacific Crest Trail runs just above Wrightwood, so don’t miss the chance to walk a few steps on the famous trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Head to the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center to hit the trail or take a few pictures at Inspiration Point nearby. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean. The Big Horn Mine Trail is another best bet that ends at a mine that originally opened in 1895!

Stay Here: There are no major hotels or resorts in Wrightwood, but there are plenty of amazing cabins, inns, Bed and Breakfasts, AirBnBs and VRBOs in town with easy access to the town’s perks and the ski resort. Two best bets include the newly renovated Grand Pine Cabins and Wrightwood Sunshine Loft, an in-town AirBnB.

10. Pinecrest

Pinecrest Lake, photo by John Morgan

Elevation: 5,679′

Population: 150

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Enjoying a day on Pinecrest Lake.

Pinecrest is a Sierra Nevada resort town located 30 miles east of Sonora off Highway 108. It home to Pinecrest Lake, a 300-acre lake owned and operated by Pacific, Gas and Electric Company.

The lake is a picture-perfect outdoor destination no matter the season. During the summer it is popular with boaters, campers, fisherman, and families looking to enjoy a day splashing by the shore. There is also a four-mile hiking trail, Pinecrest National Recreation Trail, which winds around the lake.

During the winter, Pinecrest is a popular place for snowplay as well as skiing at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. Dodge Ridge is a smaller, family-focused resort, making it a more affordable option than the Tahoe resorts to the north. In recent years, Dodge Ridge has also been welcoming summer guests to enjoy mountain biking and disc golf as well.

Kennedy Meadows is close by and a great place to enjoy a horseback ride. They have a wide range of trip options, ranging from one hour to multiple days.

Insider Tip: If you are looking for some adventure and a great hike to a swimming hole, head to Cleo’s Bath. It involves a four-mile hike and some rock scrambling, but the rewards are worth your efforts. This is best experienced in the summer.

Stay Here: Pinecrest Lake Resort has a variety of lodging options- motel rooms, townhouses, and cabins. It also operates the Pinecrest Marina which rents party boats, kayaks, paddleboats, and motor boats.

11. Twain Harte

Elevation: 3,648′

Population: 2,502

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Twain Harte Lake, a private lake that offers summer fun for families like swimming, picnicking, fishing, and paddleboarding.

Named for two authors that once lived in California, Mark Twain and Bret Harte, Twain Harte is a wonderful home base for exploring the Sierra Nevadas east of Sonora. It is no wonder that many Bay Area folks have vacation homes in Twain Harte.

Day trips to Yosemite are only about 90 minutes, so it is easy to explore the park and then return back to a spacious rental cabin. In the summer, Don Pedro Reservoir and New Melones Lake are popular destinations as well. Both lakes are great for water sports like boating, water skiing, and even house boating.

Head into Jamestown, just 20 minutes away, for a scenic ride on the historic Sierra Railway and a visit to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.

Insider Tip: Head out on the Main Tuolumne Ditch Trail, a dirt single track trail with wooden water flumes ranging from several yards to one mile in length. These flumes have 2 x 12″ planks in place for maintenance workers so you can use them to walk across the flumes (or go around them if you don’t like heights). It is five miles from Twain Harte to Lyons Lake.

Stay Here: There are a few inns and bed and breakfasts in town, but if you want lake access you will want to rent a cabin with lake priviledges.

12. Dunsmuir

Mossbrae Falls in Dunsmuir

Elevation: 2,290′

Population: 1,870

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Mossbrae Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Northern California.

Dunsmuir is located in the Trinity Mountains along the Upper Sacramento River, located just off Interstate 5. It is rugged and outdoorsy, with a rich railroad history.

Castle Crags State Park is located just outside of town. These 170-million-year-old formations are popular with hikers and rock climbers. There is also great fishing along the Sacramento River which passes through both the town and park.

There are a couple different waterfalls you will want to visit while in Dunsmuir. Hedge Creek Falls are located by the Sacamento River. Mosbrae Falls is a lush and elegant waterfall formed when pure spring water pours out of the moss-covered cliffside into the Sacramento River.

Mosbrae Falls is certainly the more impressive waterfall but it requires that people walk along the train tracks (which are private property) in order to access them, and this is considered trespassing.

Thousands of people do walk along the tracks to Mosbrae Falls every year, but thankfully the city of Dusnmuir has been working with the Mount Shasta Trail Association to build a trail that connects Hedge Creek Falls with Mosbrae Falls. They are actively taking steps forward to build the trail, but it seems like it is still in the “red tape phase”.

Insider Tip: This town is known for its great local water which plays a role in crafting tasty brews at Dunsmuir Brewery Works. Great beer is best accompanied by a great burger, and the brewery has those as well, including a popular elk burger.

Stay Here: If you are looking something unique and in line with the towns railroad history, stay at the Railroad Park Resort. There are over a couple dozen cabooses that have been converted into quaint lodging with private bathrooms, mini fridges, microwaves. The Castle Crags provide the perfect natural backdrop. There is even a restaurant on property in a coverted dining car!

13. Mount Shasta

Elevation: 3,586′

Population: 3,250

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Iconic Mount Shasta looming 14,163 feet above town.

Less than 10 miles north of Dunsmuir up Interstate 5 you will come to the town of Mount Shasta, the gateaway to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and its namesake volcanic behemoth. This is a great destination for enjoying some of the amazing outdoor adventures that can be found in the northern reaches of the state.

The McCloud River Recreation Area is outside of town and home to McCloud Falls, a set of three waterfalls (Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls) interconnected by an easy, four-mile (round trip) trail. During the summer months, the pools below these waterfalls are fun places to swim.

Lake Siskiyou is less than three miles from downtown Mount Shasta. It is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and walking or cycling the seven-mile Lake Siskiyou Trail which circumnavigates the lake. In the summer there is a beach with roped-off swim area, hourly SUP board and kayak rentals, and a Splash Zone with inflatable toys to play on in the lake.

Castle Lake is another great destination nearby. This lake is filled with pure water and has been studied by UC Davis for decades. I suggest taking the two-mile hike from Castle Lake up to Heart Lake, and enjoying the great views of Mount Shasta.

If it is caves you crave, Pluto’s Cave is not far from Mount Shasta and made our list of 25 Amazing Caves in California You Can Visit.

If you visit Mount Shasta in the winter you can enjoy the 32 downhill trails and terrain parks of Mt. Shasta Ski Park. There is also Mt. Shasta Nordic Center which has cross country trails.

Insider Tip: Interested in checking out the headwaters of the Sacramento River, the largest and most important river in California? Then head to Mount Shasta City Park, home to Headwaters Spring, the source crystal clear origin of the Upper Sacramento River.

Stay Here: Mount Shasta Resort is a great year-round destination set on over 125 acres at the base of Mount Shasta. There are one-and-two-bedroom chalets and some are lakeside. There is also a golf course and spa on property.

14. Chester

Lake Almanor in Chester, photo by Don Debold

Elevation: 4,534′

Population: 2,088

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Lake Almanor, the centerpiece of town and a popular vacation destination.

Chester serves as the gatewat to both Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park, two major vacation destinations in northeastern California, especially during the summer. The road between Quincy and Lake Almanor is also a good place to enjoy fall foliage.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is just 30 minutes from Chester, and a great spot for those who want to experience an active volcano in the state of California. Lassen last erupted 100 years ago but it is still very much alive.

One of the best places to enjoy some geothermal action is on the Bumpass Hell Trail. This region is filled with bubbling mud pots and plenty of (stinky) sulfur steamworks which are accessed via a three-mile-round-trip trail that leads to a boardwalk which cuts through this active volcanic area.

Other trails in the area which are filled with volcanic features that you won’t want to miss include the three-mile trail to Boiling Spring Lake, a lake that remains at 120 degrees and 4.2-mile Devil’s Kitchen which second largest hydrothermal area.

Insider Tip: The road between Quincy and Lake Almanor is a great place to enjoy fall foliage.

Stay Here: There are several great vacation homes to rent around the lake, golf course, or forest but if you are looking for traditional lodging, Best Western Rose Quartz Inn is highly rated and includes breakfast.

15. Happy Camp

Klamath River in Happy Camp, photo by Reignition2

Elevation: 1,660′

Population: 861

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: The rugged Klamath Mountain Wilderness surrounding town.

Happy Camp is one of the most remote towns in California. It is located in far Northern California, about 30 miles from the Oregon border and 70 miles from the nearest major town of Yreka (and by “major” we mean a town of only 8,000 people).

It used to be a logging town but since the mills have shut down, it has become a haven for artists, outdoorsy folks, and those still embracing the desire to separate from California and form the State of Jefferson. You can even find State of Jefferson flags and shirts for sale around town.

Happy Camp is a popular destination for fishing Steelhead trout in the Klamath River, the second largest river in California. As a matter of fact, the town has deemed itself to be the “Steelhead Capital of the World”.

It is also a popular place to enjoy river rafting with three-day rafting trips on the Lower Klamath originating in town. This trip is a great option for beginners. There is also great mountain biking, camping, and hiking in this area.

Happy Camp is also known as “Bigfoot Country” and Bigfoot hunters come from all around with hopes of spotting this mythical beast. There is even a large Bigfoot sculpture created by local artists on Highway 96 on the eastern side of town!

Insider Tip: The Marble Mountain Wilderness portion of the Pacific Crest Trail passes near Happy Camp, a great backpacking destination.

Stay Here: Klamath River Resort Inn is a nice place to stay along the Klamath River. The property has a lovely lawn with chairs by the river, and it is a splendid spot to slow down and enjoy nature.

16. Groveland

Rush Creek Lodge in Groveland

Elevation: 3,136′

Population: 528

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Exploring the Hetch Hetchy portion of Yosemite National Park, a region often missed by visitors.

Groveland is one of the gateway towns for Yosemite National Park, located off Highway 120. It has a rich California Gold Rush past and has been the center plenty of controversy revolving around its role as the base of operations for the nearby Hetch Hetchy Dam which supplies water to San Francisco.

Hetch Hetchy Valley is located inside of Yosemite National Park, about 35 minutes outside of town. The Tuolumne River winds through this valley which is said to be as beautiful as Yosemite Valley. Unfortunately it was flooded once the 430-foot-tall O’Shaughnessy Dam was built in the 1930s.

There has been a long campaign to remove the dam and return the valley to its natural state, but since it is the primary source of water for 2.5 million people and there is currently a water shortage in the state, these efforts haven’t been successful thus far.

This region is still very nice to hike, and the five-mile, round-trip hike to Wapama Falls shouldn’t be missed. The trail follows the shore of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and is especially lovely during wildflower season.

Groveland was founded in 1848 (originally named “Big Oak Flat”) and is home to Iron Door Saloon, the longest continually operating saloon which opened back in 1852. The vibe at this bar and along Main Street definitely is reminiscent of the town’s Gold Rush past.

Groveland is home to Pine Mountain Lake, a private community with its own lake and golf course. It is a gated community but you can book a stay at a vacation rental and enjoy the ammenities.

Insider Tip: If you want more California history check out the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum which has exhibit on the Gold Rush, Hetch Hetchy, and exhibits highlighting local plants and animals, including a huge, stuffed 565-pound California Black Bear

Stay Here: Rush Creek Lodge is resort-style lodging within a short drive to Yosemite National Park. It has rooms, suites, and even hillside villas, as well as a spa. During the summer months you won’t want to miss their Poolside Summer BBQ which is perfect for families.

17. Wawona

Sequoia Trees in Wawona

Elevation: 3,999′

Population: 166

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Wawona is a historic town located entirely within Yosemite National Park at its southern entrance. It is one of the only places where you can rent a vacation home inside the park, and the only spot inside the park to enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and see a covered bridge.

The biggest attraction in the area is probably the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, a magnificent forest of 500 mature Sequoias first protected by President Lincoln in 1864. Some of its most famous trees are the Grizzly Giant, Fallen Monarch, and the California Tunnel Tree.

You will also want to check out the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in nearby Fish Camp. They offer narrated steam train rides which can include lunch or dinner. These scenic rides are in the Sierra National Forest, just outside of Yosemite.

Insider Tip: The Chilnualna Falls Trail is a strenuous one with 2,400 feet of elevation gained over 4 miles, but if you hike it along the creek for the first half mile, you can still enjoy some of the trail’s highlights and beauty without all the effort.

Stay Here: The Redwoods in Yosemite is a collection of vacation cabins inside the national park. They come in a variety of sizes and price points, and some are pet friendly.

18. Pine Mountain Club

Elevation: 5,554′

Population: 2,315

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Spotting rare birds of prey up on Mount Pinos.

Anyone who has driven the infamous “Grapevine” up Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles has driven past a few different Southern California mountain towns, but most don’t stop and explore. Believe it or not, there is plenty to enjoy once you get off the interstate.

Pine Mountain Club sits in the shadow of Mount Pinos, a 8,847′ peak dotted with Jefferey pines which sits on the border of Ventura and Kern Counties in the Los Padres National Forest. During the winter, this is a popular place to enjoy snow play, sledding, backcountry skiing, and even snow camping.

In the summer, the weather is a mild escape from the heat of the surrounding lower elevation cities of LA Metro and Bakersfield, and Pine Mountain Club is a great place to be outside. Hiking and bird watching are two great activities, especially since the areas is home to several birds of prey, including endangered California condors.

Hiking trail options include Eagle Pass Ridge which leads you to a scarf joint of the San Andreas Fault and the trail to Silverville Mine which is still being worked by the claimholder.

Insider Tip: Pine Mountain is a fun home base for ATVing. There are several trails in the area including ATV trails including Caballo, Marin, Toad Springs, Campo Alto, Mesa Springs, Sheep, Chula Vista, McGill, and Mt. Pinos.

Stay Here: Pine Mountain Inn is a charming inn close to all the perks of living in Pine Mountain Club. Each room has its own theme and decor.

19. Kernville

Kern River Near Kernville

Elevation: 2,667′

Population: 791

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Rafting the Kern River.

Kernville was founded as the mining settlement known as Whiskey Flat back in the mid-1800s. It was named after a whiskey saloon that was built to serve gold miners and outlaws that were attracted to the area.

Today, you can visit Silver City Ghost Town which is home to historical buildings from Whiskey Flat.

Today, Kernville attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking to go white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and climbing in the summer as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

This town serves as the gateway to the southern Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as Sequoia National Forest. It is at a lower elevation than some other mountain towns in California, but since it is such an important gateway to the southern end of the Sierras, we wanted to include it.

The Kern River is a very popular destination for whitewater rafting. There is Class II and III whitewater in town, and Class IV and V whitewater further up the river. If you aren’t interesting in rafting but want to catch a glimpse of it, head to the deck Ewings Restaurant where you will see close to 100 rafts floating by per day during peak season.

One of the most popular day trips from Kernville is to the Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Monument. This sequoia grove is located on the Western Divide Highway about an hour from town. It is home to 125 giant sequoias that are up to 20 feet in diameter and soar over 200 feet tall.

There is a 1.3-mile loop trail that winds through the grove which is a great alternative to the busy groves in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.

If you visit Kernville during the winter and like to ski, head to Alta Sierra, a small ski resort that serves the communities in the southern Central Valley. They also have snow tubing.

Insider Tip: Visit the Kern River Brewing Company. It is owned by two former Olympic kayakers and was named the best small brewery in the country in 2019.

Stay Here: Corral Creek Lodge is small lodge along the Kern River outside of town that is a great central hub for enjoying outdoor adventure as well as pursuits in town.

20. Idyllwild

The Pacific Crest Trail cuts through Idyllwild

Elevation: 5,413′

Population: 2,963

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Hiking one of the numerous trails in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail.

Palm Springs and the rest of the Coachella are backed by the towering San Jacinto mountain range. While life in the valley is filled with scorching temps and palm trees, things change rapidly once you start climbing in elevation.

Idyllwild is a land of pine trees and boulders, making it an ideal Southern California mountain town escape. Most access the town on the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, which winds its way through several different ecosystems as it climbs.

Idyllwild is one of those towns that doesn’t allow big chains to set up shop, so you will have the joy of patronizing a bunch of cute mom and pop shops. The heart of town is very walkable and has a definite mountain town vibe. It is also very welcoming to artists and hosts Idyllwild Art in the Park during several weekends throughout the year.

This is another one of those mountain towns in California that serves as a great home base for hiking or rock climbing. Mt. San Jacinto State Park has several great hikes, including the one to San Jacinto Peak, but many of them are strenuous since these mountains are so steep.

If you are looking for something more tame, head to the Idyllwild Nature Center which is the jumping off point for several easier-but-still-scenic trails in the area, including one that leads to Idyllwild Regional Park.

Insider Tip: If you are an animal lover, stop by the Living Free Animal Sanctuary. It is set on 155 acres and rescues cats, dogs, horses, and donkeys. Behind-the-scenes tours allow you to visit the cattery, dog kennel, and meet some of the horses and donkeys.

Stay Here: Most people who visit Idyllwild either camp or rent a cabin.

21. Pollock Pines

Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines

Elevation: 3,980′

Population: 6,480

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Sly Park Recreation Area, home to Jenkinson Lake.

Pollock Pines is the largest mountain town along Highway 50 as it climbs in between Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. It sits in the El Dorado National Forest and is surrounded by dense pine forest and gets anywhere between six inches and six feet of snow per season.

Sly Park Recreation Area is located just outside of town. It is home to Jenkinson Lake, a fun spot to water ski, kayak, peddle boat, and fish. There are also nine miles of trails around the lake which can be hiked, biked, or ridden on horseback.

The town is close to Apple Hill, a collection of 50 family farms, most of which have wonderful apple orchards. During the fall, this region is bustling with tourists from the Sacramento area eager to pick apples, visit cider mills, select pumpkins, and experience all the booths and attractions that many of these farms have to offer. During December, it is also a major cut-your-own Christmas tree destination.

Insider Tip: Pollock Pines was one of the original stops on the Pony Express. Sportsman’s Hall, which served as the Pony Express station, is still in operation and serves up three meals daily.

Stay Here: The Best Western Stagecoach Inn is the best bet in town.

22. Meyers (+Twin Bridges)

Echo Lake near Twin Bridges and Meyers

Elevation: 6,352′

Population: 2,396

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Skiing at Sierra-at-Tahoe or hiking in nearby Echo Lake.

Another Pony Express stop in the mid-1800’s, Meyers is now known as the junction point for Highways 50 and 89, as well as a western suburb (if you can call it that) of South Lake Tahoe. Most people who visit Meyers use it as a homebase to explore the Lake Tahoe Region, including its many ski resorts.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort is less than 10 miles away, just off Highway 50 in the tiny 30-person hamlet of Twin Bridges. Echo Lake Snow Park is five miles away and a popular place for snow play. If you want to try snowmobiling, Lake Tahoe Adventures operates in town and will take you out on a tour of nearby Hope Valley.

In the summer, hiking along the Echo Lakes is a popular activity. The Pyramid Creek Trail to Horsetail Falls is another popular destination as well.

Insider Tip: Enjoy a 5.8-mile, round-trip hike to Tamarack Lake by taking advantage of the water taxi to Echo Lake Chalet on Upper Echo Lake. Use the taxi on the outbound leg and then return by walking past the northern shore of the glacially carved Echo Lakes.

Stay Here: Most people visiting this portion of the Sierras either rent cabins or stay in South Lake Tahoe.

23. Julian

Photo via Flickr/Parttu Raivio

Elevation: 4,226′

Population: 1,318

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Apple picking at one of the area orchards.

The southermost of all of the featured mountain towns in California is Julian, a cute and historic hamlet in the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego. It was home to a gold rush which was sparked after gold was discovered in a nearby creek in 1870.

The gold rush only lasted 30 years, but you can still tour two of the original mines, Eagle and High Peak Mines, today.

Julian is also well known for its apple orchards, and you can pick your own apples straight from the trees during the fall. Local orchards and businesses also sell fresh-pressed apple cider, pies, and a variety of other seasonal goods. Stop in the Julian Pie Company on Main Street for delicious pies in flavors like Apple Mountain Berry and Caramel Apple.

Animal lovers will certainly want to visit the California Wolf Center which a nonprofit dedicated to returning wild wolves to their natural habitat through capitve breeding. They have been successful at breeding critically endangered Mexican gray wolves. Public tours are offered Friday through Sunday.

Insider Tip: Stop in Miner’s Diner to eat at the old-fashioned soda fountain which was originally installed in 1928. Try classic drinks like sarsparilla and phosphate or go big with a banana split or rootbeer float.

Stay Here: Embrace the town’s history and stay at the Julian Gold Rush Inn. This historic landmark hotel was built in the 1890s. Rooms are tastefully decorated with vintage decor and feature touches like claw-foot tubs and cast-iron fireplaces.

24. Placerville

Photo via Flickr/Helen Gordon

Elevation: 1,867′

Population: 10,869

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Gold Bug Park and Mine, an authentic gold mine from the Gold Rush era.

Placerville is a Gold Rush town east of Sacramento that serves as a gateway to the Tahoe country, El Dorado Wine Country, as well as Gold Country. The town comes with a past common to the wild and wooly 1850s. As a matter of fact it was once known as Hang Town due to the fact that five men were once hung on the same day from the same tree.

Historic dowtown Placerville is the Fountain-Tallman Museum, where you can learn more about the town’s Wild West history, as well as “the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi”- Placerville Hardware Strore, and lots of antique shops, galleries, stores, and restaurants. If you plan well, you can even take advantage of the free stagecoach rides offered once a month.

If you want to dive deeper into the town’s mining history, head to Gold Bug Park and Mine which offers tours and has a museum, historic stamp mill, blacksmith shop, and gem panning trough.

Insider Tip: Head up HIghway 50 to Apple Hill, a community of farmers that grow Christmas trees, pumpkins, and plenty of apples. During the fall and holiday seasons, this region is bustling with tourists visit the farms to enjoy festivals, food, apple picking, and plenty of fun.

Stay Here: Embrace the history of this California mountain town and by staying at the Historic Cary House Hotel. The property has plenty of antiques, some dating back to the 1850s, and is a short walk to all that Placerville’s Main Street has to offer.

25. Nevada City

Photo via Nevada City Chamber of Commerce

Elevation: 2,477′

Population: 3,114

Can’t-Miss Highlight of this California Mountain Town: Lots of Gold Rush history and the Nevada City Winery, the oldest winery in the region.

Nevada CIty is yet another California mountain town with Gold Rush roots. It was settled in 1849 and the first mine, Gold Tunnel, was built in 1850.

Much of Nevada City’s downtown area has been deemed a historic district, with several buildings deemed California Historical Landmarks or on the National Register of Historic Places such as Nevada Theater (California’s oldest theater) and the National Hotel which is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the West.

If you love historic bridges, there are several which cross the numerous creeks and rivers in the area such as Edwards Crossing Bridge, Purdon Crossing, Hoyt’s Crossing, and South Yuba River Bridge.

Nevada City serves as the headquarters for the Tahoe National Forest, and there are several great hiking trails in the national forest as well as around town. The Independence Trail, a five-mile round-trip trail, is the nation’s first handicapped-accessible wilderness trail which was created by transforming a historic gold mine ditch!

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is another great place to visit. There, gorgeous red and white cliffs are exposed among the evergreens thanks to hydraulic mining generations ago. The park offers tours of the resident ghost town as well as guided gold panning.

Insider Tip: Visit during December to enjoy the town’s Victorian Christmas celebration. Enjoy wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, over 100 artisan vendors, visits with Father Christmas, and fresh roasted chestnuts.

Stay Here: The National Exchange is a historic hotel built in 1856 which has been recently renovated and is home to the National Bar (also historic with great ambiance) and fine dining at Lola, the hotel’s restaurant.

An Epic Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary- 10 Great Stops

Sharlene Earnshaw — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:04:15 +0000

A Joshua Tree day trip is an escape to a landscape of towering boulders and twisty trees that look like they were dreamed up by Dr. Seuss. Joshua Tree National Park is a place where two desert ecosystems meet and winter rains can result in an explosion of color.

Given all there is so see and do, it is no wonder that over 2.5 million people visit the park each year, most of them on a day trip to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles metro or Palm Springs.

I have made this trip several times and discovered that if I get an early start, there is quite a bit to do and see in one day. Here is how to make the most of your Joshua Tree day trip.

Joshua Tree made our list of 20 Amazing Weekend Getaways in Southern California. See what else made the list!

Your Complete Guide to a Joshua Tree Day Trip

When Should I Take My Joshua Tree Day Trip?

Visit Joshua Tree National Park During a Spring Super Bloom

I consider Joshua Tree to be a three season park. I have visited in the winter, spring, and fall but the summer months are just too darn hot! There isn’t much shade in Joshua Tree National Park and trying to climb on the sun-backed rocks can result in some serious burns when temperatures soar above 100 degrees.

Visit in mid-October through mid-April for Joshua Tree National Park visit that allows you to enjoy all that wonderful hiking and bouldering without the oppressive heat.

In my opinion, the perfect time to enjoy a Joshua Tree day trip is a weekday in the spring after a rainy winter. If you are lucky enough to time things right, you will not believe just how much colorful Joshua Tree can be. Everything blooms with such urgency and exuberance.

Winter can actually be very chilly in Joshua Tree National Park, and snow is certainly possible. But, most days are cool and clear and wonderful for exploring.

Start Your Joshua Tree Day Trip Early

Those of us who live in Southern California know that planning our days around traffic is a way of life.

For this reason, I suggest you leave the LA area by 6am so you have plenty of time to enjoy the park and don’t spend your morning stuck in rush hour traffic. Joshua Tree is about 2 1/2 hours away from downtown LA.

If you are coming from Palm Springs, which is only an hour away, you can leave by 7am and still have plenty of time to make the most of your day in Joshua Tree.

San Diego and Las Vegas are also within a day trip’s drive from Joshua Tree. Given the park’s proximity to so many metropolitan areas, it is no wonder that Joshua Tree is one of the 10 most visited national parks in the United States.

If you want to enjoy sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park (and trust me, you do) to capture the best photos of Joshua Trees glistening in golden light framed with soft-colored boulders, check for sunrise times and leave your home base even earlier.

What Should I Bring on My Joshua Tree Day Trip?

A car is essential for a Joshua Tree day trip because there is no public tranportation to the park or within the park.

Make sure that you have plenty of fuel in your tank before entering Joshua Tree National Park because there are no gas stations inside the park’s boundaries. There are gas stations along Hwy 62 in Yucca Valley where you can top off.

There are no food services within the park. I like to bring a cooler full of sandwiches, drinks, and snacks whenever I visit the park.

There are several spots with picnic tables inside the park. My favorite place to picnic is among the boulders at Hidden Valley.

When I visit Joshua Tree National Park I also like to bring along a daypack with sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water (plus refills in the car), and a first aid kit.

The weather in the high desert can have big temperature swings, so come prepared with layers and always check the weather report before you go. Sturdy footwear is also recommended, especially if you plan on hiking or climbing around in the boulders. Hiking shoes give you much better grip than tennis shoes.

Keep in mind that there is virtually no cell service inside the park, so print out you itinerary. You can always pick up a park map at the visitor center or print a map out before you head out.

Admission to Joshua Tree National Park is $15 per car. Your entrance fee gives you access to the park for seven days. You can purchase your admission ahead of time via Recreation.gov.

Which Joshua Tree Entrance Should I Use?

I avoid entering via west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park because a large portion of the day trippers coming from Los Angeles and Palm Springs use this entrance and the lines for entry can back up for a mile during the busy season.

I suggest entering the park at the north entrance in Twentynine Palms. The main visitor center (Oasis Visitor Center) and park headquarters are located at this park entrance so you can fill up your reusable water bottles, check out the visitor center exhibits, talk to park rangers, and use the restroom before heading out into the park.

You can also enter park via the Joshua Tree entrance but there is no visitor center at this entrance. This may or not may not matter to you. If it doesn’t, entering via Joshua Tree and exiting at the west entrance is another great strategy for a Joshua Tree day trip.

If you enter the park in the high desert and exit in the low desert, this will give you a chance to see a large portion of the park’s main attractions without backtracking.

10 Things to do on Your Joshua Tree Day Trip

Joshua Tree is one of those parks where it is actually quite easy to hit all the major highlights in one day. Of course, we would all love to have multiple days to fully immerse ourselves in the national parks, but sometimes that just isn’t possible.

Here are 10 things I have done in a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Unless you are a really fast hiker, you may have to pick and choose between all the hikes I mention, but most are short so it is possible to do most of them in a single day.

Remember part of the joy of Joshua Tree National Park is enjoying the views on your scenic drive through the park. It is also important to take time climb the boulders. They make for a natural playground that simply can’t be resisted!

1. Start Your Day With a Hike

49 Palm Oasis

The Oasis of Mara is located next to the Oasis Visitor Center. There is a short, paved, nature trail (0.6 miles) which loops around the oasis and is a nice place to stretch your legs after your drive.

Another great early morning hike option is the scenic hike to 49 Palm Oasis. This hike is found on a spur road off Highway 62 in between the Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms entrances.

This hike gains 620 feet in elevation while making its way through classic high desert scenery to the palm oasis about 1.5 miles form the trailhead. There are plenty of boulders to scramble on along the way.

2. Stop at Skull Rock

Skull Rock is a massive boulder off Park Boulevard that really does look like a skull! Park alongside the road and enjoy scrambling and exploring the piles of boulders in this area.

There is a 1.7-mile trail from the Jumbo Rocks campground, but I think it is far more fun to just climb on the rocks and create my own trail through the boulders. Just pay attention to your surroundings so you don’t get lost!

3. Go Bouldering in Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is another great spot to climb and scramble over massive boulders. There is a nice 1-mile loop trail which circles around the Hidden Valley area, but you will likely be tempted to wander among the boulders instead of staying on the trail.

Just be careful and make sure you know how to get out of any of the spaces you climb into (speaking from experience with my son).

Hidden Valley has several picnic tables near the parking lot, making it a great spot to stop for lunch. There are also bathrooms.

4. Climb Ryan Mountain

If you are looking for a hike that will get you huffing and puffing and reward you with amazing views at the top, head up to the top of Ryan Mountain’s 5,461 summit.

This popular hike gains 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles. Once at the top, you will be able to take in 360 degree views of the desert. If you are adding this hike to your Joshua Tree day trip itinerary, I suggest doing it when temperatures are cooler, either early or late in the day.

5. Visit Barker Dam

Water comes at a premium in the desert so it is no surprise that the local bighorn sheep use Barker Dam as a watering hole.

Barker Dam is accessed via an easy, 1.1-mile loop trail. There are plenty of boulders to scramble on along the way, as well as some interesting prehistoric rock art. Remember- look but don’t touch!

6. Tour Keys Ranch

Ranger-led tours are great ways to learn about the history or national park. The Keys Ranch Tour is no exception.

This 90-minute guided walking tour takes visitors to the former homestead of Bill and Frances Keys, one of the hearty families that called this part of the country home long before it became a national park.

The homestead includes a ranch house, schoolhouse, and store, as well as several artifacts still at the ranch. It is fascinating to learn about what it took to live in such a remote and harsh environment long before the days of air conditioning and wifi.

You can only buy tickets at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, beginning at 8:30am each day. Tours are limited to 25 people and do sell out.

The cost is $10 for adults and children 12 and older, $5 for seniors, $5 for children 6 to 11, and free for 5 and under. Visit the park’s calendar page for tour times.

7. Drive Up to Keys View

One of the most popular things to do on a Joshua Tree Day Trip is drive up to Keys View and take in the sprawling views of the Coachella Valley, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio, the Salton Sea, and even the San Andreas Fault. Rumor has it that on clear days you can see all the way to Mexico but I have never been that lucky.

Keys View sits at 5,000 feet above sea level on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. You can basically park right at the viewpoint so this can be a quick pit stop.

8. Climb Arch Rock

As you start to make your way towards the low desert potion of the park, make time to stop at (and climb) Arch Rock. Unlike the arches formed by erosion that are common in Utah, this arch was created by lava pushed up through a fault line!

The trail to Arch Rock is flat, easy (provided you aren’t hiking in the heat!), and only 1.2 miles in length round trip.

Note: Arch Rock is a popular spot for photos so will likely have to wait your turn to get that perfect shot.

9. Look But Don’t Touch at the Cholla Cactus Garden

Located near where the high desert and low desert converge, the Cholla Cactus Garden is home to a large parch of cactus that look cuddly- but resist your urges to touch!

In actuality. the “Teddy Bear Cactus” has needles that will attach to anything that touches them using curved barbs on their tips. They attach quite easily, giving them the nickname of “jumping cholla” because some people swear that needles jump right off the cacti (psst… they don’t).

There is short, .25-mile trail that meanders through the patch. It is quite photogenic during sunrise and sunset.

10. Admire the Ocotillos at Ocotillo Patch

A short drive from the Cholla Cactus Garden is the Ocotillo Patch, an impressive collection of these tall and elegant desert plants. The ocotillos are particularly beautiful in the spring when they are adorned with red-orange blossoms.

Experience the Milky Way on Your Joshua Tree Day Trip

If the sky is clear (as it often is in the desert), consider staying to enjoy the desert at night. The night sky in Joshua Tree National Park is far diffrerent than most of us experience in the metropolitan areas we call home. The Milky Way is visible in Joshua Tree National Park, and the black sky is brilliantly dotted with stars.

Rangers will often host night sky programs and have their telescopes out for visitors to use. Check at the visitor centers to see if any programs are scheduled during your visit.

Explore more of California’s national parks. Check out our guide to the perfect Yosemite day trip.