Why California’s 21 National Parks and Monuments Should Top Your List

Spread across California, the Golden State boasts 27 federally recognized national parks, monuments, and historical sites. While I wish I could take you on a virtual tour of all of them, today,h we’ll spotlight the most popular ones, ranked according to the 2023 visitor statistics from the official National Park Service records.

After living in Cali for three years and two incredible years vanlifing across the state multiple times, I’ve had the chance to explore most of these gems. The range in popularity is fascinating; consider the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, which saw just 764 visitors in a year, compared to the Golden Gate Bridge’s nearly 15 million visitors!

So, if you’re judging your destination’s worthiness based on numbers, tourists have spoken, and here are the 21 most popular California national parks and monuments.

1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco

Number of Visitors (2023): 14,953,882

You know it, people love it, and nearly 15 million tourists can’t get enough of the Golden Gate Bridge each year. Standing tall at around 746 feet, the bridge is also incredibly strong, capable of withstanding winds of up to 100 mph. The famous ‘International Orange’ hue was specifically chosen to help the bridge stand out against the fog, making it look like it’s floating on a cloud most of the time.

Other scenic views of San Francisco include those from Lands End, or you can take a stroll down Baker Beach. The Marin Headlands offer incredible panoramic views that you won’t forget.

2. Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Village

Number of Visitors (2023): 3,897,070

Yosemite is where granite giants and cascading waterfalls come together to form one of America’s most beloved nature paradises. With almost 4 million visitors, it’s clear this park is the rock star of the Sierra Nevada.

El Capitan, the 3,000-foot vertical cliff, is a place where climbers dream of conquering. Then there’s Half Dome, a smooth, rounded mountain top was carved by glacier ice. Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall, is another headliner, as is a walk through the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove.

3. Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms

Number of Visitors (2023): 3,270,404

Joshua Tree National Park is where two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, collide to create a fantastical desert landscape of its namesake Joshua trees. The plant is dotted with its spiky arms reaching to the heavens in twisted formations.

Massive boulders make Joshua Tree an exciting challenge for both newbies and seasoned climbers. And after watching the sunset from Cholla Cactus Garden, brace yourself for some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station

Number of Visitors (2023): 2,268,058

Point Reyes National Seashore is a coastline of sprawling cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific mixed with green meadows and historic dairy farms. The famous Point Reyes Lighthouse has been a beacon for sailors since 1870 and Alamere Waterfall is one of the few in the world that drops directly onto a beach to the sea.

Lying on rocks casually are elephant seals lounging around and showing off. And if you’re there in the winter, you might just catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales.

5. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco

Number of Visitors (2023): 1,769,467

San Francisco Maritime Park is dedicated to all things maritime, from historic ships to old seafaring tales. Step onto the decks of vessels that date back to the Gold Rush era and wander through the impressive fleet at Hyde Street Pier. The Visitor Center houses fascinating exhibits, including a detailed model ship collection.

6. Mojave National Preserve, Barstow

Number of Visitors (2023): 1,178,998

Deep in the Mojave National Preserve, sand dunes tower like forgotten castles, ancient volcanoes leave remnants of their fiery past, and Joshua trees throw up their twisted hands into the air.

Strap on your hiking boots and tackle the Kelso Dunes. They supposedly hum a haunting tune, earning them the nickname “the singing sands.” Don’t miss the lava tubes at one of the ancient cinder cones.

7. Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek

Number of Visitors (2023): 1,099,589

Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest place on Earth ever recorded, a nice toasty 134F! Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America and is covered in salt flats. I’ve never seen sunsets so fiery as from Zabriskie Point or the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Artists Palette is a colorful area with rocks in all shades of the rainbow.

And if you’re up for something rare, catch sight of the phenomenon known as the ‘sailing stones’ at Racetrack Playa, where massive rocks mysteriously move across the dry lakebed without any help from humans or animals.

8. Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers

Number of Visitors (2023): 980,567

You never feel so insignificant as when you’re walking amongst some of the largest trees on Earth. Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the biggest tree in the world by volume! Aside from these towering marvels, take a tour of the Crystal Cave or climb to the top of Moro Rock

9. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Redding

Number of Visitors (2023): 920,311

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is great for those looking for a watery escape. Its name hails from the Gold Rush era when miners stashed their precious bottles of whiskey in hiding spots around the area. For the water enthusiasts, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are top-notch here. And if you’re into waterfalls, feel the spray of the mist from Whiskeytown Falls.

10. Fort Point National Historic Site, San Francisco

Number of Visitors (2023): 903,685

Fort Point National Historic Site is San Francisco’s unsung hero, standing proudly under the Golden Gate Bridge. This old military fort was built to protect the Bay Area during the Civil War, even though it never saw any battle action. There’s even a rumor has it that Fort Point is haunted.

Wander through its brick corridors and secret nooks, peek into the cannons, and attend a reenactment that happens periodically. The rooftop gets you stunning views of the bridge and the bay.

11. Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego

Number of Visitors (2023): 810,147

Cabrillo National Monument is perched on the tip of Point Loma, commemorating the brave Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. He’s known as the first European to set foot on the West Coast in 1542.

You’ll love the old lighthouse that stands as a sentinel and can scramble up the steep staircase for a lighthouse keeper’s view of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Tidepooling is a popular activity here during low tide, and if you’re lucky, you can spot migrating gray whales cruising along the coast.

12. Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley

Number of Visitors (2023): 809,697

Walking among the old-growth coast redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco. These neck-stretching trees can skyrocket up to 250 feet and live for over a millennium! At the right time, the dappled light filtering through the fern-filled undergrowth creates rays of golden light.

The main trail is an easy, accessible loop that takes you through the heart of the redwood grove. Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove are particularly beautiful spots within the park.

13. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks

Number of Visitors (2023): 759,352

As an implant to the city, many Los Angeles escapes lead to the trails of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Boasting majestic mountains, sparkling coastal views, and an almost endless supply of trails, this recreation area has over 500 miles of hiking trails.

Paramount Ranch is a fun spot where you can see old movie sets and even catch a filming in action. Stop by the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center for some cultural wisdom. It’s also unbelievably one of the few places in the world where mountain lions roam so close to a major city.

14. Kings Canyon National Park, Cedar Grove

Number of Visitors (2023): 643,065

Commonly lumped on the same trip with Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park is its neighboring park, a lesser-visited sibling with deep valleys and epic vistas. One of the park’s stars is the General Grant Tree, which boasts the title of the Nation’s Christmas Tree and is the second-largest tree in the world.

Take a wild ride along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, where dizzying turns reveal deep canyons and crystalline rivers. And if you’re a fan of waterfalls, brace yourself for the powerful Grizzly Falls and Roaring River Falls.

15. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral

Number of Visitors (2023): 418,978

Buried under deep snow for much of the year, Lassen Volcanic National Park finally opens its roads to the public only in June. The park is home to Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915 and has been deemed as one of the most active volcanoes in the US and one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world.

Take a dip in Boiling Springs Lake, hike through Bumpass Hell (yes, that’s its real name), and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes created by boiling springs, bubbling mud pots, and hissing fumaroles. The smell might make your eyes water, but the sights are worth it!

16. Redwood National Park, Crescent City

Number of Visitors (2023): 409,105

If colossal trees and Jurassic vibes are what you’re looking for, then a trip to Redwood National Park in Crescent City is calling your name. Some of these ancient redwoods have been around for over 2,000 years and can shoot up to more than 350 feet tall. Fern Canyon and Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail are both easy and popular places to hike.

Exploration doesn’t stop at the redwoods. Go cliff-jumping into the brisk, clean Smith River or tide-pooling at Enderts Beach.

17. Pinnacles National Park, Paicines

Number of Visitors (2023): 341,220

One of the smaller national parks, Pinnacles National Park, features volcanic peaks and spires shooting up from the ground. The Bear Gulch Cave Trail is a fun hike that takes you through talus caves and past a reservoir. For climbers, the park has excellent routes that will test your skills and give you a killer view as a reward.

Pinnacles is one of the few places you might catch a glimpse of the California condor, one of the world’s rarest birds.

18. Channel Islands National Park, Ventura

Number of Visitors (2023): 328,746

The Channel Islands National Park is California’s very own Galápagos, bursting with marine life, dramatic cliffs, and shipwrecks. The getaway is comprised of five islands you can explore on a day trip or with an overnight camping permit.

First off, getting here is part of the fun. You’ll need to hop on a ferry or a boat from Ventura or Santa Barbara to access the islands. Once there, you can snorkel through secluded coves, swimming next to dolphins and seals. If you’re super lucky, you might even spot a blue whale or two.

19. Lava Beds National Monument, Tulelake

Number of Visitors (2023): 136,164

Shaped by volcanic activity, Lava Beds National Monument has over 700 caves to explore. Skull Cave and Mushpot Cave are among the most accessible and interesting to visit. Check out the Petroglyph Point Trail to spot ancient carvings from Native American cultures and it was once the site of the Modoc War.

20. Manzanar National Historic Site, Independence

Number of Visitors (2023): 105,416

Manzanar National Historic Site is a poignant reminder of a difficult chapter in American history. Once a Japanese American internment camp during World War II, this site has transformed into a place where you can learn about a lesser-talked-about part of American history.

The Visitor Center sheds light on those tough times with heartfelt stories, while a self-guided driving tour takes you around the site to see the remnants of the camp.

21. Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes

Number of Visitors (2023): 86,132

Devils Postpile National Monument is a striking basalt columns created by cooling lava. And while the rocks are the main stars, continue the hike to Rainbow Falls. This 101-foot waterfall also steals the show with misty rainbows on sunny days.

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