So you have already decided that a National Park is the best way for your family to spend a vacation. We have listed our top 5 National Parks In California below, with simple bullet itineraries for each park. These are listed in no particular order or preference.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park in California is a magnificent natural wonder that is renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Often considered one the best National Parks In California, you will see why on your first visit. With its iconic landmarks, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, and its breathtaking landscapes, including high-country meadows, deep valleys, and towering granite cliffs, Yosemite is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park offers numerous trails for hiking and backpacking, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging multi-day adventures, and rock climbing opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, Yosemite National Park promises a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Yosemite Trip Itinerary

1. Explore Yosemite Valley: A stunning valley filled with towering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and scenic meadows.
2. Visit Lower Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in the world and a must-see attraction in the park, this is an easy walk from the parking areas.
3. Take a scenic drive along Tioga Road: A breathtaking drive through the park with scenic vistas and overlooks.
4. Hike Half Dome: A challenging and rewarding hike to one of the park’s most iconic landmarks.
5. Visit Glacier Point: A stunning viewpoint overlooking the entire Yosemite Valley.
6. Explore the Mariposa Grove: A peaceful grove filled with towering sequoia trees.
7. Visit El Capitan: A towering granite rock formation and a popular spot for rock climbing. Watching the climbers tackle this wall is very inspiring.
8. Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery: A gallery featuring the works of one of the most famous photographers of the American West.
9. Take a hike in the Tuolumne Meadows: A peaceful and scenic hike through one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the park.
10. Ride Ebikes through the valley.
11. Hike the Mist Trail to see two waterfalls and feel the spray of the water on your face. This trail is incredible in the spring when the snow melts.

To find out where to stay when you visit Yosemite, go here.

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Parks

Ok, technically this makes up two National Parks In California, but how do you skip one of them when they are right next to each other? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California offer visitors a unique combination of towering giant sequoia trees, rugged mountain landscapes, and deep river canyons. Although these are technically two different parks, they are right next to each other and both should be visited on the same trip. The parks are home to some of the largest trees in the world, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest known living single stem tree on Earth. The parks offer numerous trails for hiking, including the Congress Trail, which leads visitors through groves of giant sequoias, and the High Sierra Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the mountain scenery.

Sequoia National Park Itinerary:

1. Visit the General Sherman Tree: The largest tree in the world and a must-see attraction in the park.
2. Take a hike in the Giant Forest: With numerous trails to choose from, the Giant Forest is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.
3. Explore Moro Rock: A popular spot for sunset and sunrise views, Moro Rock offers a stunning panoramic view of the park.
4. Visit the Tunnel Log: Drive through the fallen sequoia tree and experience the size of these massive trees up close.
5. Visit the Crystal Cave: Explore the stunning crystal formations of this marble cave located in the park.
6. Visit the Foothills Visitor Center: Learn about the history and ecology of the park and the surrounding area.
7. Take a scenic drive through the park: With numerous scenic vistas and overlooks, a drive through the park is a great way to take in the breathtaking views.
8. Visit the Wolverton Meadow: A peaceful and scenic meadow surrounded by towering trees.
9. Explore the Crescent Meadow: Take a leisurely hike through this stunning meadow filled with wildflowers and wildlife.

Kings Canyon National Park Itinerary:

Here’s a list of the top things to do in Kings Canyon National Park:

1. Visit the General Grant Tree: The second largest tree in the world and a must-see attraction in the park.
2. Take a hike in the Grant Grove: With numerous trails to choose from, the Grant Grove is home to some of the largest trees in the world.
3. Drive through Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: A breathtaking drive through the canyon with scenic vistas and overlooks.
4. Visit the Big Stump trail: See the remains of some of the largest trees that have ever lived and learn about the history of logging in the area.
5. Have a picnic in the Grant Grove picnic area: Enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by towering trees and scenic views.
6. Visit the Zumwalt Meadow: A peaceful and scenic meadow surrounded by towering mountains. There is a nice hike here.
7. Explore Roaring River Falls: Check out this beautiful waterfall in the park.
8. Visit the Cedar Grove Visitor Center: Learn about the history and ecology of the park and the surrounding area.
9. Take a scenic drive through the park: With numerous scenic vistas and overlooks, a drive through the park is a great way to take in the breathtaking views.

To find out where to stay for these parks, click here.

Redwood National and State Parks:

Redwood National and State Parks offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the majesty and beauty of the world’s tallest trees. The parks are home to towering coast redwoods, some of which are over 350 feet tall and estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Visitors can explore the parks’ scenic byways, hiking trails, and campgrounds, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the redwoods up close. The parks also offer diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, and provide opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, and horseback riding. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Redwood National and State Parks is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the majesty of the redwoods.

Redwoods National and State Parks Itinerary

1. Explore the Redwood Forests: Hike through some of the tallest trees in the world and experience the ancient, magnificent redwoods.
2. Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Grove: A short hike through a beautiful forest of towering redwoods.
3. Visit the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Explore the scenic trails, beaches, and meadows in this stunning state park.
4. Hike the Fern Canyon: A unique canyon filled with lush ferns and crystal-clear streams. Jurassic Park was filmed here, and it’s easy to feel like you are transported into that movie here. This hike was easy and perfect for kids of all ages.
5. Take a scenic drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: A breathtaking drive through the park with scenic vistas and overlooks.
6. Visit the Kuchel Visitor Center: Learn about the history and ecology of the park and the surrounding area.
7. Hike Cathedral Trees as this was our kids favorite hike in the park for climbing around the old fallen trees.
8. Explore the Ender’s State Reserve: A peaceful and scenic reserve filled with towering redwoods and crystal-clear streams.
9. Visit the Howland Hill Road: A scenic drive through the heart of the redwoods.
10. Explore the Gold Bluffs Beach: A beautiful beach surrounded by towering cliffs and scenic views.
11. Get a permit to hike Tall Trees Trail and try and spot Hyperion, the tallest tree in the world.

Death Valley National Park:

Death Valley National Park is a unique and captivating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into one of the harshest and most unusual landscapes on Earth. Although it’s not one of the most visited National Parks In California, we think it is a true gem. Despite its name, Death Valley is a land of contrasts, with stunning views of towering mountains, colorful sand dunes, and pristine salt flats. The park is home to many unique geological formations, including the Devil’s Golf Course, a jagged landscape of salt crystals, and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. The park also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives, such as the Artists Drive, a one-way road through a colorful canyon.

Death Vally Trip Itinerary:

1. Badwater Basin- The lowest Point in North America

2. Furnace Creek Visitor Center- Pick up Jr. Ranger Books and take a photo with the thermometer. Death Valley Holds the record for the hottest place on earth!

3. Zabrinskie Point- Easy Path with beautiful views of the vibrant rock formations

4. Golden Canyon- Great Hike for families

5. Artists Drive- Breathtaking curvy road with colorful rock formations

Joshua Tree National Park:

Joshua Tree National Park is an adventurous park that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. The park is named for the iconic Joshua trees, which are found nowhere else in the world, and offers stunning landscapes of towering rock formations, surreal Joshua tree forests, and expansive deserts. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. The park also offers numerous camping and picnic areas, as well as ranger-led programs and guided walks. Our kids favorite activity was running around and climbing on all the boulders. A good old fashioned game of hide and seek can last for hours here.

Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary:

1. Explore the Joshua Tree Forests: Hike through the unique and otherworldly landscape of the park and take a selfie with the iconic Joshua trees that look right out of a Dr. Suess book!
2. Visit Skull Rock: A unique rock formation shaped like a skull and a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking. Our kids enjoyed playing hide and seek here for hours.
3. Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden: A unique garden filled with thousands of cholla cacti.
4. Take a scenic drive along the Park Boulevard: A breathtaking drive through the park with scenic vistas and overlooks.
5. Hike the Barker Dam: A peaceful and scenic spot to take a fun hike with beautiful views that are a bit different than the rest of the park. Keep walking to find the petroglyphs.
6. Stop and check out the Keys View: A stunning viewpoint overlooking the Coachella Valley.
7. Visit the Cottonwood Spring Oasis: A peaceful oasis surrounded by towering trees and scenic views.
8. Explore the Hidden Valley: A scenic hike through a hidden valley surrounded by towering rock formations.
9. Anywhere there is a pull off without cars, take the time to stop and jump around on the boulders away from the crowds.

We know there are many National Parks In California, but these are our favorite. Let us know if you have any questions!