Los Angeles is among the world’s top tourist destinations, but urban charm isn’t its only attraction. Thankfully, L.A. is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes teeming with wildlife and flora, from towering mountains and lush forests to deserts and picturesque beaches. Looking for even more natural beauty? Head to one of the numerous national parks near Los Angeles.
1. Channel Islands National Park
This national park is the closest to L.A., and it provides an excellent escape into nature without traveling far from the city. Five of the eight Channel Islands are protected, with half of the park’s area underwater. The islands host over 2,000 species of land plants and animals, 145 of which are unique to the islands, including the Island Fox.
Most visitors will likely want to plan a boat ride around, going snorkeling or a hiking trip on, Anacapa or Santa Cruz Islands, both about an hour’s boat ride from Ventura. For a delightful day trip, consider Avalon on Catalina Island, one of the prettiest small towns in SoCal.
📍 Location: Santa Cruz Island, accessible from Ventura Harbor, CA 93001
🚗 Distance: Approximately 70 miles (1.5 hours by ferry from Ventura)
🎟️ Fee: $15 per person (valid for 7 days)
2. Joshua Tree National Park
This exotic desert landscape is home to thousands of iconic Joshua trees, complemented by boulders and rock formations that create breathtaking views. The varied elevations lead to strikingly different environments, including bleached sand dunes, dry lakes, rugged mountains, valleys bursting with wildflowers, and massive clusters of granite monoliths.
With plenty of camping and glamping options and unique stays for those seeking extra comfort, it is also one of the best places for stargazing. Thousands are known to descend on Joshua Tree during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower every summer.
📍 Location: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
🚗 Distance: Approximately 130 miles (2-3 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of the most extreme places in the United States, and also one of the most incredible national parks in California near Los Angeles. Spanning over 3.4 million acres, its vast and rugged landscape seems endless.
Temperatures can soar to a blistering 130 degrees, and it is home to Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation point in North America. Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley boasts a surprisingly diverse array of wildlife and landscapes, including swirling sand dunes and dusty flats shimmering in the heat.
📍 Location: 331 Varner Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
🚗 Distance: Approximately 270 miles (4-5 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
4. Yosemite
Yosemite boasts impressive granite cliffs, striking waterfalls, and ancient forests, including the iconic rock faces of Half Dome and El Capitan. The park also features Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. Within its pristine wilderness in the Sierra Nevada, you’ll find three giant sequoia groves and a rich variety of rare plant and animal species. Keep in mind that it can get quite crowded during the summer months.
📍 Location: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
🚗 Distance: Approximately 320 miles (5-6 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
5. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are conveniently located next to each other, allowing for easy exploration of both. Here, you can witness General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume. The sheer scale of the trees in the Giant Forest will leave you in awe, proving that nature’s skyscrapers existed long before human-made ones. However, be cautious when hiking, as the high altitude can affect your stamina.
📍 Location: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
🚗 Distance: Approximately 210 miles (4-5 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
6. Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park, not far from Los Angeles, is a total gem. The giant sequoias and deep canyons are awe-inspiring, and the hiking trails are both challenging and rewarding. You’ll find stunning views around every corner, making it a great place to disconnect and recharge. It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to explore some incredible landscapes.
📍 Location: 18018 Sierra Way, Three Rivers, CA 93271
🚗 Distance: Approximately 210 miles (4-5 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
7. Zion National Park
Zion National Park in southwest Utah is a stunning natural wonder with its dramatic red cliffs and deep canyons. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive offers breathtaking views and easy access to lush forest trails along the Virgin River. You can explore the Emerald Pools with its beautiful waterfalls and hanging garden or take on the adventurous Zion Narrows wading hike. With picnic tables available and dogs allowed, it’s a fantastic spot for a memorable outdoor adventure with family and pets.
📍 Location: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
🚗 Distance: Approximately 400 miles (7 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
8. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, sculpted by the mighty Colorado River, showcases 277 miles of colorful layers from the Colorado Plateau through millions of years of erosion. At a depth of one mile and up to 15 miles wide at its broadest, the Canyon is a stunning natural wonder.
As the second-most visited national park in the U.S., with over 6 million visitors annually, it is as renowned as Yosemite. For those seeking a national park close to L.A., consider visiting this iconic landscape on an incredible adventure.
📍 Location: 121 Cave Ave, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
🚗 Distance: Approximately 400-450 miles (7-8 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
9. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is a vast geological amphitheater on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, renowned for its striking landscape of towering sandstone hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires sculpted by erosion. Visitors can marvel at the unique rock formations, explore scenic viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, and hike trails such as the Queens Garden and Peek-a-boo Loop.
The park’s diverse landscape also includes vibrant rock formations and deep canyons. Originally inhabited by Native Americans and later settled by Mormon pioneers, Bryce Canyon offers both stunning natural beauty and a rich historical backdrop.
📍 Location: 1 Bryce Canyon Scenic Dr, Bryce, UT 84764
🚗 Distance: Approximately 430 miles (8 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
10. Lassen Volcanic National Park
This park showcases four types of volcanoes, with Lassen Peak being the largest plug dome volcano globally. Although Lassen Peak last erupted in 1915, much of the park remains active, with molten rock heating various hydrothermal features like fumaroles, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pots. For those exploring national parks near Los Angeles, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into volcanic activity.
📍 Location: 38050 Highway 36 E, Mineral, CA 96063
🚗 Distance: Approximately 470 miles (8 hours)
🎟️ Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)