National Parks in California
34 NPS units in California — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in California
California is home to 34 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 6 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, California's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in California.
National Parks in California
Channel Islands
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and…
Full visitor guide →
Death Valley
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme…
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Joshua Tree
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of…
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Lassen Volcanic
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged…
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Pinnacles
Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The…
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Yosemite
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the…
Full visitor guide →Other NPS Units in California
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This…
Butterfield Overland
National Historic Trail
In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract…
Cabrillo
National Monument
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto…
California
National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the…
Castle Mountains
National Monument
Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave…
César E. Chávez
National Monument
Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in…
Devils Postpile
National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and…
Eugene O'Neill
National Historic Site
America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill, chose Northern California as his…
Fort Point
National Historic Site
From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point defended…
Golden Gate
National Recreation Area
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over…
John Muir
National Historic Site
John Muir’s life was a tapestry of roles—fruit rancher, family man, writer—each…
Juan Bautista de Anza
National Historic Trail
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles…
Lava Beds
National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and…
Manzanar
National Historic Site
In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 men, women,…
Mojave
National Preserve
Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year…
Muir Woods
National Monument
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh…
Old Spanish
National Historic Trail
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the…
Point Reyes
National Seashore
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand…
Pony Express
National Historic Trail
It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to…
Port Chicago Naval Magazine
National Memorial
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East…
Presidio of San Francisco
For 218 years, the Presidio served as an army post for three…
Redwood
National and State Parks
Renowned for the world’s tallest trees, Redwood’s landscapes span from open prairies…
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front
National Historical Park
Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the…
San Francisco Maritime
National Historical Park
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime…
Santa Monica Mountains
National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience…
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
National Parks
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest…
Tule Lake
National Monument
Tule Lake National Monument includes both Tule Lake Segregation Center, the largest…
Whiskeytown
National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area…
Planning Your California National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across California's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 34+ NPS units in California and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in California?
California has 6 designated national parks and 34 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in California?
The best park depends on your interests. Channel Islands is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in California?
Most NPS units in California charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.