5 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In California This Year
The state of California is blessed with some of the most impressive natural wonders in America. From the tallest trees on Earth to the 海角社区鈥檚 hottest desert, these magnificent attractions lure millions of visitors to the Golden State every year. But these must-visit destinations don鈥檛 only serve as tourist spots. Often protected as national or state parks, they also function as important ecosystems that support a diversity of flora and fauna. Boasting nine national parks, numerous state parks, and countless other areas of outstanding natural beauty, knowing exactly where to go in California to get your nature fix can be tricky. To help you make the most of your travel time, we鈥檝e pulled together a few favorites of our own.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park鈥檚 1,200 square miles of natural splendor make it one of California鈥檚 top attractions, with four million tourists visiting every year. Set within California鈥檚 spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, its iconic landscapes include massive granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome, and waterfalls like Yosemite Falls with its impressive 2,425-foot drop. In addition to hiking, Yosemite is a prime spot for rock climbing, attracting climbers from around the 海角社区 to scale its most challenging verticals.
The park supports diverse ecosystems due to variations in elevation, meaning visitors can experience giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove and alpine meadows near Tuolumne Meadows all on the same day. A free shuttle system allows easier travel to the most popular sites without having to worry about parking or traffic. Ranger-led programs are also hosted throughout the year, covering fascinating topics such as bear management and local geology.
As for the best time to visit, that depends on personal preferences. Spring (April to June) is ideal for viewing waterfalls at their peak, while the summer months see most facilities open but crowded. Autumn offers cooler weather and colorful foliage in higher elevations, while winter sports fans will head to the Badger Pass area to ski and snowboard, often right through to spring.
Redwood National And State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks cover roughly 139,000 acres along the northern coast of California. This protected region includes Redwood National Park plus three state parks: Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek. Home to some of the 海角社区's tallest trees (some redwoods can exceed 370 ft.), take the 10-mile-long Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to see some of the best. These parks also contain diverse habitats including prairies and coastal areas with tide pools.
Fern Canyon, located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, is a must-visit. Featuring steep walls draped in moss and ferns that create a unique microclimate, it鈥檚 popular with wildlife watchers on the lookout for animals such as Roosevelt elk, which roam freely. In addition to ranger-led walks, a mile-long loop is perfect for those wanting to go it alone. Camping is available, including a backcountry site without amenities. Kayaking on the Klamath River is another popular activity, with seals and other marine life often spotted near the river鈥檚 mouth.
The best time to visit usually spans from late spring to early autumn when rainfall is lower and temperatures moderate. However, winter visits mean fewer crowds and a chance to witness the region鈥檚 lush rainy season. Whenever you choose to visit, be sure to dress in layers because coastal fog can roll in unannounced at any time of year, leading to sudden temperature changes.
Joshua Tree National Park
Occupying a vast area of over 795,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park brings together two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado. The park鈥檚 name stems from the presence of its famous Joshua trees, a type of yucca with spiked leaves and twisted branches that add to the sometimes stark desert landscape. It鈥檚 also well known for its unique rock formations, making it perfect for bouldering and rock climbing. If climbing is your thing, head to the Hidden Valley area with its routes suitable for beginners and advanced climbers.
Hiking historians should tackle the Lost Horse Mine loop which heads through a once busy former mining region. Shorter routes like the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail feature clusters of cacti that appear almost illuminated when the sun鈥檚 low. After sunset, astronomers and stargazers take advantage of the park鈥檚 minimal light pollution, especially around Cottonwood Campground and other remote sites. The park even coordinates night sky programs and astronomy events that highlight cosmic features.
Wondering when to visit? The most favorable times to visit Joshua Tree are spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) as daytime temperatures are near perfect. Summer can see extreme heat that may limit some daytime activities, while winter nights can be quite cold. That said, each season provides unique perspectives of this beautiful park, so do your research as things can get quite busy during events like the Joshua Tree Music Festival, this year being held in late May.
Death Valley National Park
One of the hottest places on the planet, Death Valley National Park spans nearly 3.5 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Standout geological features include Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America, and at the other extreme, Telescope Peak, which rises to 11,049 feet.
Head to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, near Stovepipe Wells, for some superb hiking, an especially memorable experience at sunrise. The park鈥檚 also known for its rare wildflower 鈥渟uper blooms鈥� that sometimes occur after heavier than usual rainfall in late winter or early spring. When this happens, the valleys and hillsides come alive with beautiful displays of yellow, purple, and white flowers. Stargazing is also popular here thanks to its remote setting and lack of artificial light.
If you plan on visiting in summer, be aware that temperatures can exceed 120掳F, which limits most activities to early morning or evening. Most people will instead opt for a visit from late fall to early spring when temperatures are more moderate, with winter daytime highs in particular being comfortable for hiking (though nights can become cool).
Big Sur
A magnificent 90-mile stretch of California coast located between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of the Golden State. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a must-visit and features redwood groves and well-marked paths leading to scenic overlooks along the Big Sur River. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another tourist attraction, this time featuring McWay Falls, a picturesque 80-foot waterfall that drops onto a small beach cove.
The real star here, though, is Big Sur鈥檚 magnificent stretch of Highway 1. One of America鈥檚 best scenic drives, it boasts breathtaking coastal views where the road literally hugs the cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean. Iconic sites along the route include the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, completed in 1932 and one of the route鈥檚 most photographed spots; and Pfeiffer Beach, unique for its purple-tinted sand, the result of eroded manganese garnet deposits.
Things to do here include hiking trails ranging from short loops to longer backcountry routes that head into the Santa Lucia Mountains, and cycling along bike trails or even along Highway 1. Wildlife spotting is also fun with everything from migrating whales to frolicking sea otters. As for the best time to visit Big Sur, shoot for late spring to early autumn when Highway 1 is less likely to experience closures due to mudslides or storm damage. Though summer is popular, it can be foggy in the mornings, though this usually clears up by the afternoon.
The Final Word
These five natural wonders perfectly illustrate California鈥檚 broad appeal for nature enthusiasts. From the towering granite formations in the Sierra Nevada to ancient redwoods on the northern coast, and from deserts to some of the country鈥檚 most spectacular coastlines, each location provides many sightseeing opportunities. Whatever you enjoy doing, these natural wonders should be at the top of your list of places to visit in California this year.
