The Ultimate Guide to Visiting California’s National Parks
An introductory guide to each of the national parks in California including beginner trails, what to pack, top sights to see and more!
California By Region
Planning a trip to California? Let us show you some of our favorite spots to visit, where to stay, California road trip guides, budget tips and more! Covering over 160,000 square miles, California is the third largest state in the US. Here’s a breakdown of California by region:
- North Coast: Stretching along the Pacific from the Bay Area to the Oregon border, the North Coast features small coastal towns where you can indulge in activities including kayaking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking. Highlights include San Francisco, Fort Bragg, Bodega Bay, The Redwoods, and Shelter Cove.
- South Coast: The South Coast is perhaps the most exciting region in California because of the Southern California beaches. Besides Los Angeles and San Diego, we highly recommend making stops in Orange County to visit places like Laguna Beach and Dana Point and making a trip out to the Channel Islands. Just two hours from the South Coast is where you will find Joshua Tree National Park.
- Central Coast: The Central Coast provides a slower experience compared to the North and South Coast. Places like Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Cambria, Morro Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur are highlights of this part of California.
- The Mountains: There are two major mountain ranges in California – the Sierra Nevadas and Coast Ranges. Top destinations in the mountain region of California include Mount Whitney (a must-do for serious hikers), South Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Alabama Hills, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Destination Guides
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California Travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit California?
California is beautiful year round, but the best time to visit depends on which destinations you want to explore and your ideal activities. Summer can be hot in some parts of the state, so this is a great time to visit the coastal towns.
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Spring and fall are my favorite times to explore California. Spring will bring gorgeous wildflowers and the fall usually means warmer ocean temperatures. If you’re planning to camp in the mountains, keep in mind that many of the campgrounds are usually only open from about May to mid September.
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Winter is obviously good for snow sports and, depending on the year, you might also get lucky with some 70 degree Fahrenheit winter days on the coast.
What is the weather like in California?
The weather for the northern areas of California is more extreme than the southern parts. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the closer you stay to the coast, the cooler it will be. During the winter, the temperature drops significantly, so pack accordingly – especially if you are visiting the mountain areas!
Southern California is obviously known for its perfect temperatures year round. That being said, if you’re visiting the desert (places like Joshua Tree), it will get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
As is the rule for all coastal areas, the cool winds tend to make the evenings a bit chilly in nearly every season.
20 Best Restaurants in Encinitas 2024 (A Local’s Guide)
Discover the top dining hotspots in Encinitas with our exclusive guide. These are the 20 best restaurants in Encinitas, California!
The 12 Best Places to Camp in California (2024)
Looking for the best places to camp in California? Find the best camping spots, our packing essentials, and tips for planning your trip!
28 Things To Do In San Diego For Couples (Fun Date Ideas)
Looking for fun date ideas in San Diego? These are the 28 most romantic things to do in San Diego for couples!
15 Cheap Weekend Getaways in California To Visit Now (2024)
Our list of cheap weekend getaways in California includes national parks, diverse cities, beach towns, wine regions, and more.
The Most Beautiful Road Trips in California + Where To Stay
Want to experience California’s best road trip routes? Read our detailed guide with insider tips and the best places to stay!