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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

California is home to several parks with iconic landscapes and breathtaking views.


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Summary

One of the most popular parks in the state is Yosemite National Park, which attracts millions of visitors every year. Other notable parks include Joshua Tree National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, featuring towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, camping, and even take a scenic drive through the park. Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Half Dome are some of the top attractions to see.

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique desert landscape and rock formations, as well as the distinct Joshua trees that grow throughout the park. Visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing in the park. Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, and Keys View are some of the top attractions to see.

Redwood National and State Parks is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, the giant redwoods. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and explore the coastal beaches and rivers. Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Tall Trees Grove are some of the top attractions to see.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and are home to towering sequoias, alpine lakes, and granite peaks. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and explore the underground caves. General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Tokopah Falls are some of the top attractions to see.

The best time to visit these parks is typically during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. However, each park has its own unique climate and weather patterns, so it's important to check ahead before planning a trip. Overall, California's parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty that is sure to impress any visitor.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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