Ad feature by VisitCalifornia.com
PUBLISHED: 11:34, 6 February 2024
With its bewitching mix of epic landscapes, magical coastline and breathtaking natural wonders, California offers an array of unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Here you’ll find nine national parks more than any other state – and a variety of thrilling experiences including stargazing, kayaking, hiking and rock climbing. The Golden State is the perfect place for those with a taste for adventure.
Yosemite national park is famed for it ancient sequoia groves, magnificent granite peaks and sweeping vistas
The most well-known of California’s national parks are Yosemite, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and famed for its ancient sequoia groves, magnificent granite peaks and sweeping vistas, and Joshua Tree, a vast area of rugged mountains and desert landscapes renowned for the mystical twisted trees that give it its name.
Besides the big two, there are a whole host of other lesser-known national and state parks that are well worth a visit. Head north for the majestic mountains of Lassen Volcanic National Park, known for its otherworldly steaming volcanic vents. Bubbling mud pots and the crystalline waters of Lake Siskiyou.
Joshua Tree, a vast area of rugged mountains and desert landscapes renowned for the mystical twisted trees that give it its name
Made up of five islands off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands National Park has been dubbed ‘The North American Galapagos’, due to its abundance of wildlife, including foxes, lizards and humpback whales.
Two hours east of San Diego’s beaches, Anza Borrego State Park offers incredible desert landscapes, while to the north, the Redwood National and State Parks are a string of incredible forests that are home to the world’s tallest trees.
For those with an adventurous spirit, there are endless ways to explore the incredible landscapes of the Golden State. Hikers are spoiled for choice, whether they want to explore a national park or simply follow the excellent trails out of Los Angeles for sweeping views across the city.
For high-octane fun, Yosemite National Park is known as one of the world’s premier rock-climbing spots, and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy climbing here – simply take a class or sign up for a guided climb.
Follow the excellent trails out of Los Angeles
Lake Tahoe – the state’s best skiing destination
Further water-based adventures await in California’s lakes, creeks and rivers. Try whitewater rafting along the South Fork American River, or kayaking amid crystal clear waters and alpine peaks of Lake Tahoe – also the state’s best skiing destination.
From national parks to crystalline lakes, rushing rivers to epic waves, California is a true natural playground for the adventurous.
Find out more and plan your trip at visitcalifornia.com
If you have a head for heights, take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride over the rolling hills and lush vineyards of Temecula Valley, or try tandem hang gliding and paragliding over Torrey Pines Beach in La Jolla, San Diego County – the most historic gliding site in North America.
Just 50 miles further north along the coast you’ll find Dana Point, one of the world’s best whale-watching locations. And if it’s surf beaches you’re after, from north to south, there are plenty of places to learn.
