Activities to Try in California's National Parks

California is home to the most national parks in the country—there are 9 parks within the state’s boundaries! From the Channel Islands to Yosemite, each park has unique features for visitors to explore. We’ve put together a short list of activities to try during your next visit—remember to leave no trace and happy adventuring!

Channel Islands National Park: 

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is a great way to experience the kelp forests and sea caves of Channel Islands National Park! A general tip for those visiting the park is to secure your kayaking tour before your trip. Tours range from 2.5 to 5-hour excursions and offer a variety of skill levels while exploring the waters surrounding the islands. Keep an eye out for garibaldi, seals, and seabirds on your trip!  For more information on rentals, safety, and tips, click here.
 

Death Valley National Park: 

Stargazing 

Due to the lack of light pollution and the remote location, Death Valley National Park received the highest level (gold tier) as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it boasts some of the best stargazing in the country. We recommend using red lights, bringing a chair or a large blanket to spread out on, and visiting during a new moon or a meteor shower for the best experience. If you have a telescope, be sure to bring it along and study some of the planets in the night sky! Not comfortable stargazing alone? Check out the park’s annual Dark Sky Festival! Though this year’s event has already occurred, add it to your calendar for 2024!  

Joshua Tree National Park: 

Rock climbing

Interested in bouldering, scrambling, or slacklining? Joshua Tree has over 8,000 climbing routes, 2,000 boulder problems, and hundreds of natural gaps to test your skills! Rock climbing can be a high-risk sport, so it is important to be prepared and safe. Climb with a partner, pack extra water, use sun protection, and wear a helmet! Please note the National Park Service does not maintain fixed anchors, and the removal, placement, or replacement of anchors requires a permit. For more information on climbing in the park, click here. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park: 

Kayaking

Visiting in the summer? Take to the water and rent a kayak or paddleboard! This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness while keeping cool. The most popular boating areas in Lassen Volcanic National Park are Manzanita, Butte, Juniper, and Summit lakes. Motorized boats are not allowed in the park, and boating is prohibited on the following lakes: Lake Helen, Reflection Lake, Emerald Lake, and Boiling Springs Lake. For more information on boating in Lassen Volcanic National Park, including boating safety and rentals, please click here.  

Pinnacles National Park: 

Birdwatching

Pinnacles National Park is home to various birds, including songbirds, birds of prey, Turkey Vultures, and the largest bird in North America, the California Condor! We recommend starting at the park’s Visitor Center or the Bear Gulch Nature Center to learn about the different bird species you may see in the park. To be successful, be patient, keep alert,  listen, and bring a good pair of binoculars. Apps and guidebooks help identify birds—select California-specific guides or use the app eBird to record your sightings. For more information on birding in the park, click here.   

Redwood National and State Park 

Biking 

Grab your bike and ride through the ancient Redwood National and State Parks forests! Throughout much of the southern portion of the parks, you’ll find a combination of hiking and biking trails that will take you through this rich, unique ecosystem. Unlike many other parks, there are several backcountry biking trails along old logging roads that test your mountain biking skills. Whether you are cycling on the California Coast Trail or a quick loop around the parking lot, it’s important to stay safe and respect the rules of the road. Remember to wear a helmet and yield to hikers. For suggested biking trails, current conditions, and more information, click here.  

Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks:

Backcountry camping 

These two neighboring parks have over 800 miles of hiking trails and 800,000 acres of designated Wilderness to explore, including the tallest mountain in the continental United States, Mount Whitney. Backcountry camping is a fantastic way to experience the parks! Any good backpacking trip starts with planning; always remember to share your hiking itinerary with friends and or family. For more information on trails, tips, and tools, click here.   

Yosemite National Park: 

Hiking

There are many things to do in Yosemite National Park, ranging from tubing down the Mercer River to rock climbing on the famous El Capitan. But the best way to see the park, in our opinion, is to hike it! Hiking trails in the park range from easy strolls like the Mirror Lake Trail to strenuous ones like Half Dome. In some instances, trails (like Half Dome) may require special permits to limit crowds and the environmental impact. There are 6 regions of the park to hike in, each offering day trips and overnight backpacking. Remember to follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace when exploring the park, and happy hiking!