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One of the most underrated Californian vacation experiences is camping along the California coast. To fall asleep to the congenial rhythm of the waves and awake to their welcoming tone is quite the contrast to staying in a resort or a four-star hotel (probably a two-star hotel for that matter). But before you pack gear into your car or go rent that RV, there are some things you need to know before starting your coastal beach camping adventure.   Cruise through the redwoods on the way to the coast. “Research different campgrounds to find the beach setting you want. Make your reservations way in advance, and stay away from Holiday weekends. Weeknights are often cheaper than weekends. Load up at Costco for your supplies since many of the necessities are more expensive near the beach.” @Passenger1C Southwest Rapid Rewards Member   Can You Camp Anywhere On The Beach In California?   As someone who's interested in beach camping along the coasts of California, you need to be mindful of the rules and restrictions of beaches. There are numerous campgrounds adjacent to many beaches in northern and southern California. There are state parks and private campgrounds, which usually allow for a camping stay of up to a week, but be keenly conscious of each area’s rules and regulations. Each beach is going to come with different rules, so be careful. Most California beaches will have visible signs of what is allowed.   There ae several general rules to be aware of, one being that most beaches in California you don't allowe individuals to drive up and pitch a tent. It sounds spontaneous, and for some it even echoes the charms of a romantic idea, but if everyone was allowed to do it without regulations, beaches would most likely cease to be beautiful. California is notorious for having strict environmental rules and the same logic applies to beaches and beach camping. Wanting to be lulled to sleep by the calming ocean waves is an enticing thought, but before you rush to this relaxation mecca, it’s important to be aware of what you can and can’t do.    You need to know a few things before camping along California’s coast: What are the fees? What are the regulations? When is the best time? Am I planning for the weather? What’s the best equipment? Are pets allowed? Are the recreational activities I want to do allowed or recommended? Another need-to-know item is to understand there are multiple campgrounds and State Parks surrounding beach areas. Needless to say, plan ahead and do your research.    What Are The Best Beaches To Camp In Northern California?   For some, the idea of coastal California camping on a northern California beach doesn’t seem alluring. But if you time it right and do a little planning ahead, beach camping in the northern part of the golden state is memorable, fun, and loaded with adventure. Camping in this region is definitely a different experience than camping on the southern beaches of California. There are similarities, but one of the biggest differences is the scenic views. They are stunning and provide campers (from those who pitch tents to those who prefer the RV) that outdoor euphoric high many seek after. A word of warning though, plan accordingly because hitting up one of these spots during the winter may not be the best idea unless you love cold temps, lots of wind, and rain.   Sonoma Coast State Park  Only an hour and a half north of San Francisco (about 67 miles), Sonoma is one of the best northern California beach areas for RVs and camping. This state park is loaded with beach camping activities and plenty of places to find what you are looking for. Between Wright’s Beach, Bodega Dunes, and Environmental Campgrounds, there are over 100 different campgrounds to enjoy. Some of the attractions you can expect are hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, bird-watching, tide pools, and many more. For information on reservations, those interested can check out the ReserveCalifornia site and search for Sonoma.   Sonoma Coast State ParkSanta Cruz Beach Area Slightly more than an hour south of San Francisco (about 70 miles), Santa Cruz beach is another must-visit area for beach campers in northern California. There are loads of camping areas for those wanting to pitch a tent and there are some campgrounds that are RV-friendly. This area is known for beaches, redwoods, and rolling mountains and gives camp-goers an array of things to do such as biking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing are just a handful of some of the things you can enjoy. Some of the top spots for camping include: New Brighton State Beach, Butano State Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Natural Bridges State Park, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park.    Point Reyes National Seashore (backpacking campgrounds) In terms of proximity to a major city (only 26 miles from San Francisco) combined with the optimal beach camping experience, Point Reyes National Seashore area should be at the top of everyone’s list for best beaches to camp in California. To clarify, this is a backpacking campground. Point Reyes National Seashore only offers boat-in and backcountry hike-in camping. To reserve one of the multiple camp areas, visit the NPS site for Point Reyes. Don’t let that deter you from going here though! Keep in mind, there are RV and camping accommodations in a number nearby campgrounds. Point Reyes offers many activities such as bird-watching, hiking, horse rides, whale-watching, biking, and more.   Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore What Are The Best Beaches To Camp In Southern California?   There are dozens and dozens of amazing locations to RV, car-camp, or pitch a tent along southern California’s beautiful coastline, almost too many to count. What is listed below only scratches the surface of what the golden state offers for camping the California coast. You’re going to get a slightly different experience in southern California than you would in northern California. In the north where you’re more likely to be enthralled with the scenic views, rolling hills, trees, and wildlife, in the south you’re going to get that beachy vibe experience with more people and more recreational activities to do.    Pismo State Beach With a little more than an hour’s travel outside of Santa Barbara, Pismo State Beach with its pleasant year-round weather is one of the top southern California coastal camping destinations. Ideal for outdoor activities and recreation, Pismo offers just about everything that makes California unique: camping, surfing, fishing, kayaking, hiking, trails, swimming, and everything in between. Aside from the recreational potential of Pismo, this state beach is loaded with history. You can catch a glimpse of that rich history of Pismo by visiting one of the visitor’s centers, taking part in a campfire program, or becoming a Jr. Ranger (for the kids).    Because of its popularity, you must visit the ReserveCalifornia site to reserve a campground spot, especially during the holidays and the peak season. The two campgrounds available at Pismo State Beach are North Beach Campground and Oceano Campground. Each campground provides restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and campfire rings. Oceano is the only one that offers RV hookups.      Doheny State Beach Only a shade more than an hour from Los Angeles (under 60 miles), Doheny State Beach is one of the best places in southern California to get real close to the ocean with a campsite. There are over 100 campsites which include 30+ premium ocean-front sites, 16 designated for RV and trailer only, and hiking/biking sites. Campsites at Doheny are at beach-level, which means in very high tides sometimes the premium sites with the ocean views can get flooded with the waves. There are showers and restrooms (Doheny is known for the cleanest) but it’ll cost you some quarters so plan accordingly. If you are unable to get a spot reserved there are very close campgrounds nearby: Crystal Cove, San Clemente, and San Onofre State Beaches are popular beach camping spots in this area as well.    Doheny is located in Dana Point and is probably the most popular state beach in all of California. It’s estimated that over 1 million people visit each year. There are a ton of activities to engage in while visiting Doheny: stand-paddle boarding, kayaking, volleyball, hiking, biking, field trips, interpretive programs, and tide pools are just a handful. Oh...there are also several aquariums at the visitor center near the south end of the beach. Doheny is most known for surfing. You will find a few places to rent equipment for just about any activity you can think of.    Leo Carrillo State Park About an hour from Los Angeles just past Santa Monica and Malibu, you’ll hit Leo Carrillo State Park. This southern California gem spans over two miles along California’s coast and is spotted with rugged rock structures in the smooth sand. The main campground at Leo Carrillo is Canyon Campground and you’ll want to reserve ahead of time to make sure you get a spot. Leo Carrillo can be very busy during the peak season. There are 130 campsites designed for tents and RVs up to 31’ in length. There are showers (token operated) and restrooms available as well as fire rings, picnic tables, and a camp store.     This park is also packed with fun and captivating activities: kite-surfing, surf fishing, tide pools, swimming, surfing, long-boarding, hiking (from easy to hard trails with breath-taking views), volleyball, kite-boarding, bird-watching, wildlife, and diving are just a sample of the endless things you can do on your beach camping trip. Another fun adventure is to explore the exposed reef and the variety of sea life. Don’t be surprised if you see octopuses, leopard sharks, lobsters, and sea bat rays. For the kids, you can expect Jr. Ranger programs, campfire programs, and other field trip activities.    A Few Last Tips For Camping Along The California Coast  One of the worst things you could do is be unprepared for a beach camping adventure. It is unlike any camping you’ve ever experienced. Aside from the normal camping basics (like bug repellants, matches, tents, etc), here are a couple of quick tips to help you prepare before you embark on your California beach camping trip: bring an extra cushion layer if sleeping in a tent (the sand can act as hard as cement), broom and dustpan, sand stakes, extra rope to tie tent to surrounding rock structures for increased stabilization, sun protection (polarized glasses, a canopy, or big umbrella), chapstick, tent cover, water (more than normal), and somewhere to pack your trash (California is especially environmentally-friendly).    Even though it can seem like a lot of preparation, braving the California coast with camping in mind is an extraordinary adventure that will leave you with impactful memories of this beautiful state. Doesn’t matter if it’s northern or southern California beach camping, every single region is going to provide you with a perspective unique enough, yet fun enough to call itself California.   Want to get the best deals on your trip out to the coast? Check out the Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar, which can help determine when you can get a great price on your airfare so you can save money on your camping getaway.    Do you have any tips for camping on the coast? Tell us in the comments below!   Want to keep daydreaming about all the vacations you should be taking? Visit the Travel Inspiration section on or Discussion Forum to keep filling your ‘to visit’ list with all sorts of great destinations.    ... View more

The idea of a “getaway” suggest it’s something quick, it’s affordable, and you’re going to maximize the most out of this adventure. Because of the time crunch, most getaways aren’t going to include theme parks, all-inclusive resorts, or a jaunt to the closest National Park. Let’s get in, get out, and getaway. Throw a few outfits in the travel case and we’re off. If only weekend getaways were that easy. In all seriousness, there are some small travel tweaks you can do which will make a huge difference in how successful your California weekend getaway is.   Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles 5 Tips to Get the Most Out Of Your California Weekend Getaway   1. Keep Everything Simple There are thousands upon thousands of adventures waiting to be explored in northern and southern California. It is unique in the sense that California has something to offer everyone: hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, relaxing on the beach, theme parks, spelunking, bird-watching, National Parkin’ it, roller coasters and zombie scavenger hunts (no lie...this is a thing in San Francisco). Each of these activities are fun and exciting in their own way; however, that doesn’t mean you need to do all of them. The most common mistake people make on a weekend getaway is doing too much in such a short amount of time. With that in mind, remember this: Pack simple. Do simple. Keep your budget simple.    2. Create a Budget Having a budget planned out for a weekend getaway is really important, but some important words of advice: Don’t be married to it. Some of the best moments you will have on a weekend trip will be the spontaneous moments and most likely will push you out of what you had planned for your budget. On the flip side, if you don’t have a budget in mind, it can be rather easy to overspend. You want to avoid “getaway-regret,” which is the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you look at the credit card bill the week after your trip.    3. Find Deals Simply because you can’t find a deal for your weekend getaway, doesn’t mean you need to cancel your plans. It’s not a deal-breaker (no pun intended). Deals are everywhere. You just need to know where to look. Finding the best California weekend getaway deal using Southwest Vacations is easy. Here are some simple, effective tips for getting everything you need to begin planning your northern or southern California weekend getaway. Through a simple process of plugging in your departure and arrival locations and dates, then selecting the hotel or resort, you can begin to plan and prepare for your weekend trip.   One of the best features of the vacation package tool is the search filters. Drill down by hotel, price, rating, hotel amenities, the type of experience, and geographically-centered points of interest which means you can select intriguing points of interest anywhere in northern and southern California. Inside each of these filters are a plethora of weekend getaway options. Simply put, you can create one of the most customized California weekend packages without all the complex organizing.    Another tip is to check out Southwest’s low fare calendar when you’re planning your trip to get the best prices on airfare. If you use airfare comparison sites you will not see fares from Southwest in the comparison matrix because Southwest doesn’t make flights available through those websites.   4. Plan Ask yourself these questions: ‘Do I know where I want to go? Do I have a theme for the weekend trip? Do I have an idea of what I want to do? Do I have a main goal?’ It’s important to sketch what you want to do throughout each day. As stated above (and it bears repeating), one of the biggest weekend getaway mistakes we make is trying to cram so many things into such a short amount of time. One effective planning hack (after you know where you want to go) is to prioritize a list of what you want to do. Keep the list to only ten things. Cut that list of ten things in half. Those remaining top five items are your plan. Organize them any way you want (romantic, recreational, etc.) from there. What do you do with those other five things you cut out? Keep them handy, because you may want to swap one of them out because it fits the vibe of the weekend getaway.    Another vital, crucial tip in terms of planning a weekend getaway: make sure the life you leave home has a plan too. While you are out relaxing, soaking in the sun on Huntington beach, you don’t want to be worried about your home, pets, plants, or kids. An hour of planning will save you days of remorse and regret.   5. Enjoy!  What’s the best way to enjoy a weekend getaway? Block out the noise. Don’t bring your laptop. Set your phone on airplane mode (because you still want to take pictures). And unplug! The emails, the chores at home, your daily social media fix, the tasks your boss wants you to do, and all those things you worry about are going to be there for you come Monday. Your ultimate goal for a weekend getaway is to do just that: getaway!   What Are The Best Weekend Getaways Northern California?   San Francisco, fly into Oakland (OAK) or San Francisco Airport (SFO) Urban hikes, fairs, museums, national monuments, aquariums and more. San Francisco is the top spot for a weekend getaway in northern California because of all the diverse options. Looking for an action-packed adventure, romance, entertainment, culture, or maybe some much-needed R&R? San Francisco has more than enough potential to fulfill that getaway itch.   Bay Bridge, San Francisco Napa Valley, fly into Sacramento Airport (SMF) If you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway in the northern regions of California, Napa Valley is your destination. Wine, fine-dining, scenic views, and plenty of extravagant activities to excite the senses and set the mood is what you can expect with this sought-after destination. Some of the top activities to do in Napa Valley: take a cruise on the Napa Valley Wine Train, visit a winery, explore the vineyards, bike on the Napa Valley Vine Trail, or take in stunning views in a hot air balloon ride.   Bodega Bay, fly into San Francisco Airport (SFO) Just an hour north of San Francisco, sits one of northern California’s most relaxed weekend getaway spots. There are sailboat rides, whale watching, art galleries, kayaking, horse-back riding, hiking, golfing, bird watching on coastal trails, and more. You can easily turn your northern California weekend getaway into something romantic, adventurous, or a mixture of both in one location.    What Are The Best Weekend Getaways Southern California?   Los Angeles, fly into Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Don’t let the travel bloggers fool you, it is possible to enjoy a weekend getaway in an urban setting. Be careful not to confuse “weekend getaway” as code for “away from people.” The idea behind the best getaway is simplicity. Los Angeles delivers a simplistic approach to a weekend trip because it has so much to offer travelers (beaches, museums, entertainment, and everything in between) within close proximity of each other. You can squeeze a lot or squeeze just a little out of a Los Angeles getaway.    “I'm a southern California guy and love quick trips to Los Angeles. Avoid the crowds and hassle of LAX and fly into BUR, which will instantly make you feel like you've gone back in time to the old Hollywood glory days. My faves include catching a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, eating some great tacos in the downtown area, and doing some hiking in Griffith Park. Downtown LA has really improved recently and includes many great restaurants and places to stay.” @DancingDavidE Southwest Rapid Rewards Member   Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles San Diego, fly into San Diego Airport (SAN) Perfect weather? Check. Perfect beaches? Check. Perfect... you can fill in the blank with anything and it’s going to get a check. For the weekend traveler, San Diego checks all the boxes. Since there is so much to do here, we recommend these top weekend activities: Mission Beach, Balboa Park, Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Sunset Cliffs, a cruise in San Diego Bay, SeaWorld, and La Jolla. A casual warning if you do find yourself spending a weekend here: You may want to plan a trip here when you can squeeze in an extra day because of how enjoyable San Diego is.    Catalina Island, fly into Los Angeles Airport (LAX) One of the most underrated weekend getaways in Southern California is Catalina Island. You can start your trip with either a 15-minute helicopter ride to the island or an hour-long high-speed ferry via Los Angeles. Both options are the perfect start to a relaxing and memorable weekend. The atmosphere you are aiming for will determine where you want to stay; however, because of its size,  choices are limited. Two Harbors is small, quaint, and quiet. Avalon is much larger has restaurants, shops, and more things to do.    Catalina is ripe with culture, history, and beauty. It’s also loaded with fun activities: an aerial park (rope bridges, zip lines, etc.), parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, helicopter tours, museums, eco-tours, golfing, spas, botanical gardens, and ghost tours are just a handful of the things you can expect to fill your weekend retreat with fun and engaging memories. Even though Catalina Island may be small (about 70 square miles), you can easily make big plans and organize the weekend retreat theme of your choice.     Laguna Beach, fly into Orange County Airport (SNA) Looking for the best beach for a quick southern California weekend trip? Laguna is one of the best options for weekend getaway warriors. One of the best getaway features is hotel accommodations. A lot of hotel options mean a variety of prices. There’s also a wide range of activities: golfing, art festivals, art museums, art tours, state parks, trolley rides, beach walks, tide pools, sunset strolls, music after dark, farmer’s market, and more. A weekend trip to Laguna Beach is the ideal, eclectic southern California experience.    California National Parks If you’re up for a hustle, you can absolutely enjoy the California National Parks for a quick weekend getaway—there are NINE of them after all! Take a look at our guides to the California National Parks, we’ve got a southern California edition and a northern California edition and there is something there for everyone.    If you could spend a weekend in California, what would your dream itinerary look like? Tell us in the comments!   You can visit our Discussion Forums to get more advice and information from travelers like you—there’s even a section devoted to Travel Inspiration!    ... View more

Southern California, home to world-renowned amusement parks and famous beaches. But did you know southern California is also home to five of the most incredible, diverse, and unique National Parks in the country? Next time you visit SoCal, check out one of these astonishing landmarks and take part in a tradition shared by those looking for that elusive, eclectic yet memorable Californian experiences. Below is a snapshot of the national parks in southern California. We wanted to hit on important points of emphasis such as the closest airport(s), the distance from a major city, things to do or see, and the best time of the year to travel to the national parks.    If you want to get the best deals on your trip, check out Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar to see when you can get the lowest prices on airfare. You can also visit the Southwest Vacations search engine to get your hotel, car rental, and airfare in one budget-friendly bundle.    Channel Islands National Park This national park is one of the most interesting of all of California’s southern national parks because the only way to get to it is by boat. The park features one of the most diverse collection of animal and plant species in the country. Dubbed as the “Galapagos Islands of North America”, Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five islands which are: San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, and Santa Cruz. Each island you visit is going to give you something different to see and do: hiking, camping, bird watching, sight-seeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing are island favorites. Here’s the good news: general admission into the park is free (camping overnight is not though). On the flipside, that extra cash you save on admission is going to be already spent by getting there. Typically, travelers can expect to pay anywhere in between $50 and $75 for a round trip ferry to the park (via plane will run you anywhere from $150 to $175 per person). Be sure to plan early and get reservations on any travel to and from the park. Don’t let this unconventional way of seeing the park stop you from visiting this bastion of diverse nature in southern California.   Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park Best Airport to Fly into Channel Islands National Park: The best airport to fly into if you’re wanting to get to the Channel Islands National Park is Los Angeles (LAX). LAX is by far the best and easiest option for travelers.    Distance from Major City: Channel Islands National Park is a little bit different in the fact that you have to catch a ferry (or plane) to the islands. The most popular place to find transportation to and from the islands is Ventura. Los Angeles is about 60 miles Southeast of Ventura so plan on a little over an hour’s drive.    Cool Things to See: There are so many sights to see and things to do at Channel Islands National Park. Instead of breaking it down by activity, we look at what each island has to offer. Here are some of the best things to check out while visiting Channel Islands:  Anacapa Island: Many who visit the park claim that if there’s one island to visit, make it Anacapa. Plan accordingly because there are no services on the islands. There are guided hikes and even though they are limited to two miles of trails, Anacapa will give some of the best views of the park. Anacapa is also one of the best places in the park for swimming, diving, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Birds, seals, sea lions, and plenty of wildflowers make Anacapa a top spot in the Channel Islands.   Santa Barbara Island: This island is one of the more difficult places to get to because of the limited schedules with transportation; however has plenty to offer if you can get there. This is one of the cliff islands so some of the hikes are a little more moderate in nature. It also makes it quite diverse in landscape. There are no lifeguards on this island, but most water activities are allowed there. Santa Cruz Island: Different from Santa Barbara Island, Santa Cruz is the easiest island to get to and provides the most activities for visitors. Since there is so much to do, the NPS has provided regulations and guidelines for the public with Santa Cruz. This island provides world-class water activities and world-class views. There are many open bodies of water, easy beach access, and the kelp beds which give snorkelers an incredible experience. For recreational activities, Santa Cruz Island is by far the best.   San Miguel Island: Just like Santa Barbara Island, San Miguel Island is a little more difficult to get to. Once there, prepare yourself for wind. In fact, the wind does impact how much you can enjoy activities you would otherwise engage in with the other islands. That doesn’t mean this island doesn’t deserve a visit. The wildlife viewing (after a sizable hike) rewards visitors with some of the largest gatherings of wildlife on all the islands with up to 30,000 animals across multiple species.  Santa Rosa Island: Similar to San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island can be a windy visit. Don’t let that deter you from visiting though. Some of the best hiking opportunities (from flat routes to rugged mountainous paths) are located here. One of the best beaches in the park, Water Canyon Beach, is easy to access and offers awesome beach walking and surfing.    Best Time of the Year to Visit: Summer and fall provide the best seasons for the park (because of the ideal water temperatures and clarity for diving, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling). You can visit the park the entire year and each season will give park-goers a different experience with the park when considering the changes in weather, landscape, and wildlife behavior.    Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks You could argue if Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks should be included in a list featuring southern California national parks. Although San Francisco is one of the main hubs where people visit from, the quickest way to get here is via San Jose. These two national parks are close enough in proximity where travelers can get an incredible taste of the best national parks in southern California in just two parks. Home to the giant sequoia trees, travelers will want to make sure they soak in all there is to do here. Depending on what your interests and how much time you have, you’ll want to plan about two-to-three days between the two parks.   Congress Trail, Sequoia National Park Best Airport to Fly into Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Kings Canyon National Park is San Jose (SJC). Depending on the traffic, it’s about a three- to four-hour drive from that airport. There are some smaller airports (FAT and BFL) that are a little bit closer, but when you consider arrival records plus avoiding connecting flights, your best bet is to choose the SJC airport.    Distance from Major City: Kings Canyon National Park is about 200 miles from San Jose.    Cool Things to See: Day hiking, back-packing, majestic drives, and viewpoints...these two parks have a lot to offer. Here are some of the best things to check out: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Kings Canyon): Also known as Highway 180, this 50+ mile route will take you to some of the best canyons in the country. Even though this route is packed with curves and cautions, it provides many opportunities for amazing stops for views, selfies, and photos.  General Sherman Tree (Sequoia): In terms of sheer volume, this tree is touted as the world’s largest standing almost 300 feet tall and about 40 feet in diameter. Giant Forest (Sequoia): There is literally no way to describe this giant grove without seeing it for yourself. It’s inspiring, motivating, humbling and also home to 8,000+ sequoias (the most in all of California). You’ll want to begin your adventure at the Giant Forest Museum which will give you more information and history.   Best Time of the Year to Visit: Avoid weekends. The best time to visit the Kings Canyon and Sequoia parks are late spring and early fall.    Death Valley National Park Tucked in between southern California and the Nevada border sits one of the largest national parks in the country: Death Valley. Since this is one of the hottest and driest places in the country, it’s no wonder where it got its name. Don’t let the lack of water and hot temps fool you though, Death Valley is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes of all the national parks in southern California. Sand dunes, endless valleys, deep colorful canyons against a blue sky, and rugged mountains make Death Valley a must-see stop on a southern California National Parks tour.    Death Valley National Park Best Airport to Fly Into Death Valley National Park: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Death Valley National Park is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (about 130 miles distance). The best airport in southern California for a visit to Death Valley is Los Angeles (LAX), which would put you around 260 miles from the park.   Distance from Major City: The closest major city in southern California to Death Valley is Los Angeles.    Cool Things to See: With day hiking, back-packing, and geological mysteries to check out, Death Valley gives park-goers one of the most unique national park experiences in southern California. Here are some of the best things to check out at Death Valley: Golden Canyon: Narrow canyons and deep, crisp golden hills create one of the most unique hiking adventures in the park. You can hit up hikes anywhere from five minutes to three hours, and simple strolls to strenuous elevations. Fun fact: did you know Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was filmed at this location?  Badwater Basin: Experiencing Badwater Basin is like a visit to another world. Not only does it feel like this vast expanse stretches forever, but the setting (lowest elevation spot in North America at nearly -300 feet below sea level) and salt flat landscapes also give park-goers views they won’t get anywhere else in the world. One of the added benefits (if you don’t like to hike and walk in the warm temps) is the ability to see most of the landscape from the parking lot.  Artists Palette (Artist’s Drive): This feature of Death Valley can give you some of the most vibrant and intriguing views of the park ... and all from the comfort of your vehicle. It’s one of the reasons Artist’s Palette is popular, you can see a lot of the views from the parking lot. Some have dubbed the scenic nine-mile drive "an experience in geological rainbows" as eroded passes and colorful desert hills provide some fantastic scenery. Zabriskie Point: By far the most famous viewpoint in Death Valley, this overlook offers views of Furnace creek and has connecting trails that lead to Gower Gulch, Red Cathedral and Golden Canyon (all popular hiking destinations). To see one of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the country, take your camera.    Best Time of the Year to Visit: You’re not going to have to worry about a lot of crowds like you would with other national parks in California. But you do have to worry about temperatures in Death Valley because the extreme temps can be blistering. The best time of the year to visit is from mid-October to mid-May.    Joshua Tree National Park  With almost 800,000 acres of desert and where two major deserts collide (Mojave and Colorado), Joshua Tree is home to one of southern California’s most intriguing national parks. Its close proximity to Los Angeles (and Ontario) make it one of the top national park stops in all of California. A variety of plants and wildlife as well as a variety of things to do make Joshua Tree a fun vacation spot. The combination of scenery and funky rock formations promises to give you an experience you’ve never seen before at a national park. Hiking, bouldering, rock climbing, star gazing or just being out in nature, you’re bound to build memories of this incredibly unique place.    Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park Best Airport to Fly into Joshua Tree National Park: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park is Ontario International (ONT), which will put you about an hour and a half from the park entrance. Los Angeles (LAX) and Long Beach (LGB) are also really good airport options and only put you about two to three hours away.    Distance From Major City: Joshua Tree is a little over 90 miles from Ontario, and a little over 130 miles from Los Angeles. If coming from Los Angeles, plan on about a three-hour drive right down I-10.     Cool Things to See: With day camping, hiking, back-packing, bird-watching, star-gazing and climbing to check out, Joshua Tree gives travelers an intriguing and different national park experience in southern California. Here are some of the best things to check out at Joshua Tree: Hiking: Make sure you do a little research before you embark on one of the various hikes Joshua Tree has to offer. This is home to a lot of hikes that range from really easy to really hard, and really short to really long. One of the best hikes is the Scenic Hidden Valley Trail. It’s short and easy (one mile loop) and gives trail-goers a great sample of what this national park has to offer (rock formations to boulder and cacti to admonish). With more than 300 miles of trails in the Joshua Tree National Park hiking system, hikers will experience a myriad of trail adventures unlike any other in the southern California National Parks system.  Bird Watching: Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best southern California parks for those who love birding. Make sure you have binoculars (7-10 power range), a spotting scope, and a field guide. Depending on the season, you can see upwards of around 50+ bird species in the park. Some of the more popular birds you can expect to see include: several warbler species, cedar waxwings, hermit thrush, sparrows and juncos, and various birds of prey ( such as hawks, harriers, and osprey). This park is home to a lot of birds (both residents and migratory). Best places to bird watch: Barker Dam (even though it’s dry), Oasis of Mara, Cottonwood Spring, Lost Palms Oasis, the Fan Palm Oasis, and Lost Horse Valley. They are all great places to see some of Joshua Tree’s dynamic bird residents.  Cholla Cactus Garden: This popular stop in Joshua Tree is for good reason. The Cholla Cactus Garden is home to a copious amount of cacti and yes...they are adorned with very sharp and painful cactus needles. If visiting between March and May you will be able to see the teddybear cholla patch in bloom. A word of caution: although these cacti are plentiful and incredible to look at, be careful traversing through the garden on the short nature trail (0.25 miles round trip and flat). With the short trail, this makes Cholla a family-friendly hike, but just make sure to stay on the trail.  Biking/Four-Wheeling: Joshua Tree is home to miles and miles of fantastic backroads, which makes it a challenging yet fun and rewarding experience for bikers and four-wheelers. Although bikes and four-wheel drives are welcomed (off-road and all-terrain vehicles are not), the park is adamant that these recreationists stay on established roads. Some popular spots include Black Eagle Mine Road, Old Dale Road, Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Roads, and Queen Valley Roads. Here is a helpful topo map of the area. Always check with a park guide before embarking in unfamiliar territory and always have plenty of water.    Best Time of the Year to Visit: The absolute best time to visit this national park is in the spring (March and April). Desert wildflowers are in bloom, cacti are in bloom, and temperatures haven’t hit that peak blistering heat that makes any outdoor activity unbearable. Fall in the park is also enjoyable because the crowds aren’t as numerous which provides park-goers plenty of access to campsites (and the temps are so relaxing).      A Southern California National Park Visit Offers a Little Bit of Everything The national parks system in southern California is vastly different than northern California. Each one offers something unique, while at the same time promising to enlighten your visit to southern California with unforgettable memories. From crystal clear ocean views in the Channel Islands Park to the unworldly-like deserts of Death Valley, these national parks are home to inspiring views and exhilarating activities for anyone looking for a fun family trip with kids, a romantic getaway, or the traveler just looking for the next national park to check off the bucket list.     Have you visited any of these amazing National Parks? Tell us in the comments what travelers “must-see” when they visit.    You can also visit our Discussion Forum to talk to other travelers like you and get advice and answers from people that have been in your shoes!    ... View more

Most widely known for its amusement and theme parks, did you know California is also home to more national parks than any other state in the country? Five of California’s nine national parks are all within a three hour drive from San Francisco. Someone who is vacationing in the San Francisco Bay area for a week or more may want to consider a quick trip (a day or two, maybe even a week) to one or more of these majestic national parks in northern California. You’re probably wondering, ‘Which national park is better?’  It depends on what you are interested in seeing and doing. Each vacationer brings with them certain expectations and interests when it comes to visiting national parks. The six national parks mentioned here promise to appeal to anyone interested in a northern California national parks trip. Weather plays a major role when thinking about visiting one of these parks in northern California. Another factor to consider is crowds; they play a major role in timing as well.    Below is a quick vacationer’s guide to national parks in northern California. We wanted to hit on important points of emphasis such as closest airport(s), the distance from a major city, things to do or see, and the best time of the year to travel to the national parks.    Yosemite National Park   One of the most popular national parks in the United States and by far the most visited in all of California is Yosemite, and for good reason at the top of the list. Some would argue that Yosemite is too popular and busy. Don’t let those opinions of the park cloud your judgment when it comes to visiting. Yosemite provides visitors some of the best experiences and views in the entire country. Whether it’s hiking, sight-seeing, photography, climbing, or whatever activity you enjoy when hitting up national parks, Yosemite is an adventure every national parks traveler should cross off their bucket list. This is the quintessential destination for a California national park road trip. Yosemite is also one of the best national parks near San Francisco.   Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park Best Airport to Fly into Yosemite National Park: The two best airports to fly into for your Yosemite Destination are Oakland (OAK) and San Francisco (SFO). Depending on the traffic, it’s about a three to four hour drive from the airport. There are some smaller airports that are a little bit closer, but when you consider arrival records plus avoiding connecting flights, your best bet is to choose OAK or SFO airports.    Distance from Major City: Yosemite National Park is about 180 miles from San Francisco and about 170 miles from Oakland.    Cool Things to See: There are so many sights to see, things to do, and places to hike in this tabernacle of nature. Some of the best things to check out while visiting Yosemite:  Yosemite Falls: Highest waterfall in North America and sixth largest in the world.  Half Dome: One of the most popular rock formations in the park. Towers almost 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor Tunnel View: Provides one of the best views Yosemite has to offer. Half dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall can all be viewed in one sitting.  El Capitan: A very popular destination for climbers. From the base to the top of the peak, it reaches nearly 3,000 feet in the air. Valley View: This valley stretches eight miles long and nearly one mile deep and provides park-goers one of the best spots for majestic and nostalgic views.    Best Time of the Year: If you can avoid weekends, then do so. Otherwise you might be spending more time in traffic than out and about taking in all the incredible views Yosemite has to offer. With that said, the best time to visit the park is early fall or late spring. Not only will you avoid the larger crowds, but these seasons offer some of the best views of all the national parks in California.   Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks   You could argue if Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks should be included in a list featuring northern California national parks. Both are only about a hundred miles away from Yosemite and geographically almost right in the middle of California (closest national parks to the Sierra Nevada). Although one of the main hubs where people visit from is San Francisco, the quickest way to get here is via San Jose; however, it would be wise to plan a visit to these parks in addition to visiting Yosemite. They are close enough in proximity where travelers can get an incredible taste of the best national parks in northern California (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia) in about a week’s length. Kings Canyon and Sequoia are two separate parks, but most people who visit the two do so in one combined trip. Home to the giant sequoia trees, travelers will want to make sure they soak in all there is to do here. Depending on what your interests and how much time you have, you’ll want to plan about two to three days between the two parks.   Redwood Creek, Kings Canyon National Park Best Airport to Fly into Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Kings Canyon National Park is San Jose (SJC). Depending on the traffic, it’s about a three to four hour drive from that airport. There are some smaller airports (FAT and BFL) that are a little bit closer, but when you consider arrival records plus avoiding connecting flights, your best bet is to choose the SJC airport.    Distance from Major City: Kings Canyon National Park is about 200 miles from San Jose.    Cool Things to See: Day hiking, backpacking, majestic drives, and viewpoints...these two parks have a lot to offer. Here are some of the best things to check out: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Kings Canyon): Also known as Highway 180, this 50+ mile route will take you to some of the best canyons in the country. Even though this route is packed with curves and cautions, it provides many opportunities for amazing stops for views, selfies, and photos.  General Sherman Tree (Sequoia): In terms of sheer volume, this tree is touted as the world’s largest standing almost 300 feet tall and about 40 feet in diameter. Giant Forest (Sequoia): There is literally no way to describe this giant grove without seeing it for yourself. It’s inspiring, motivating, humbling and also home to 8,000+ sequoias (the most in all of California). You’ll want to begin your adventure at the Giant Forest Museum which will give you more information and history.   Best Time of the Year: Avoid weekends. The best time to visit the Kings Canyon and Sequoia parks are late spring and early fall.    Lassen Volcanic National Park   The outcome of its eruption in 1915 sent massive chunks of lava and ash more than 200 miles away and has since created one California’s lesser-known national parks. Lush forests, lava fields, and geothermal features are all commonplace in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Aside from being one of the least visited national parks in the country, Lassen is home to some of the most intriguing national park adventures in northern California. With mud pots, scenic hikes, bubbling pools, and Sulphur smells, it’s no wonder many have dubbed this little gem as California’s mini-version of Yellowstone National Park. If you are looking for another waypoint for your California national parks road trip, Lassen is one to add.    Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park Best Airport to Fly into Lassen Volcanic National Park: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park is Sacramento (SMF). This will put you at a three hour drive from that airport to the park.   Distance from Major City: Lassen National Park is about 180 miles from Sacramento. If travelling from San Francisco, you’re going to be about 240 miles away (four hour drive).    Cool Things to See: With day hiking, backpacking, and geological mysteries to check out, Lassen gives park-goers one of the most unique national park experiences in northern California. Here are some of the best things to check out at Lassen: Devastated Area: this north side of Lassen Peak features the largest plug dome volcano in the world.  Lily Pond Nature Trail: An easy trail to traverse and only one mile, this little hike lets you get great views of Reflection Lake and Lily Pond. There are also interesting plants and geological features to view along the hike.  Sulphur Works: This geothermal feature is right off the road, has ample parking, and is easy to access. You’ll see steam valleys, mud pots, and bubbling streams with this quick visit. Bumpass Hell Trail: Has been rated as a somewhat moderate trail to hike, this 2.7 mile trail is relaxing and gives park-goers one of the best experiences Lassen has to offer. It is one of the most popular destinations at Lassen National Park and for good reason.   Best Time of the Year: Summer and fall. You will not experience crowds at Lassen like you would at some of the other California national parks, so don’t be afraid to visit on weekends.   Pinnacles National Park    Pinnacles National Park is a lot like Kings Canyon and Sequoia where it’s debatable if they’re located in northern California. With that said, Pinnacles is located in the center section of California and is easily accessible from a major city. In 2013, Pinnacles National Park became one of California’s newest members of the national park family. You will want to plan your trip to this park carefully as the two park entrances do not connect with each other at any point in the park.    Pinnacles National Park Best Airport to fly into Pinnacles National Park: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Pinnacles National Park is San Jose (SJC), which will put you about an hour and a half from the park’s east entrance. You can also fly into San Francisco (SFO) which would put you at about a two hour drive from that airport to the park.    Distance from Major City: Pinnacles is a little over 70 miles from San Jose. The park is about 130 miles from San Francisco. As of the time of this article, there is no public transportation to and from Pinnacles to any of the major cities.   Cool Things to See: With day camping, hiking, backpacking, bird-watching, and spelunking to check out, Pinnacles gives travelers an intriguing and different national park experience in northern California. Here are some of the best things to check out at Pinnacles: Hiking: Make sure you do a little research before you embark on one of the various hikes Pinnacles has to offer. With more than 30 miles of trails in the Pinnacles National Park hiking system, hikers will experience a myriad of trail experiences. Bird Watching: Pinnacles National Park is one of the best parks for those who love bird watchinging. It’s an activity that can be done all year round, but it’s best to plan accordingly if you want to have success. Make sure you have binoculars (7-10 power range), a spotting scope, a field guide, and plenty of patience. Some of the birds you can expect to see are turkey, vultures, California Condors, and various birds of prey such as thrashers, quails, and many more. This park is home to a lot of birds. Best places to bird watch are Bear Gulch Nature Center,  Moss Spring Trail, Bear Gulch Reservoir, Pinnacles Visitor Center, Campground, and the Balconies Trail.  Spelunking at Talus Caves: There are two main caves to check out when visiting the Talus area at Pinnacles. On the east side, you’ll want to adventure the Bear Gulch Cave and on the west side, the Balconies Cave. The National Parks Service has a page dedicated to checking the status of the caves so plan accordingly and be careful. Ranger Programs: Because of the hot weather, ranger programs are only offered in the fall, winter, and spring. There are a variety of ranger programs that the whole family can enjoy.    Best Time of the Year: You will not experience near the crowds at Pinnacle as you would with some of the other parks. Some of the temperatures in the summer can feel extreme and most people who visit enjoy the park from October through May. Some of the best times are early spring and late fall. Since it isn’t a heavily visited park and is lesser-known, you don’t have to worry about avoiding weekends.    Redwood National Park   Home to Northern California’s most northern national park, Redwood is one of those classic, iconic destinations for a national park visit while vacationing in northern California. Everyone at some point in their lives must visit this California gem. One of the most beautiful and scenic national parks in California, Redwood deserves this classification as a must-see. Redwood provides visitors some of the best experiences and views in the entire country: giant redwood trees, tranquil hiking trails, and jaw-dropping overlooks. One of the major hurdles of visiting Redwood is it is located further from a major city compared to other national parks in California. But don’t let that be a hindrance for not visiting. A little bit of planning will go a long way if you are choosing to visit here. Another note about planning is that Redwood National Park, Del Norte State Park, Prairie Creek State Park, and Jedediah Smith State Park are all separate parks but work together to create Redwood National and State Parks. This can be confusing, especially when traveling through this park system. It’s just best to plan on accessing all the parks to get the full effect of the redwoods.    Fern Canyon, Redwood National Park Best Airport to Fly into Redwood National Park: The closest international airports to fly into for your Redwood park destination are San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF). It is about a six hour drive from the airport to each of the locations. There are some smaller airports that are a little bit closer, but when you consider arrival records plus avoiding connecting flights (and potential layovers), your best bet is to choose SMF or SFO airports.    Distance from Major City: Redwood National Park is about 320 miles from San Francisco and about 290 miles from Sacramento.    Cool Things to See: There are so many sights to see, things to do, and places to hike in this tabernacle of nature. Here are some of the best things to check out while visiting Yosemite:    Big Tree: Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Big Tree is a must-see. It’s super easy to access with its less-than-300-foot-stroll and while standing at its base while looking skyward you’ll immediately understand why it received its name. Although it isn’t California’s largest tree, it is still a marvel and humbling icon of the Redwoods. To get a better view of the area, don't hesitate to make the one-third of a mile jaunt on the Circle Trail.  Coastal Scenic Drive: Part of the old Highway 101, this one way scenic drive along a narrow road (so narrow that trailers and RVs aren’t allowed) will give you plenty of those coveted northern California coastal views. Crashing waves, fabulous views, and wildlife provide some memorable experiences. There is a farmhouse (actually an old WWII Radar Station) you have to check out and you’d be foolish not to check out the High Bluff Overlook. Fern Canyon: Located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this area was made famous by being featured in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Majestic canyon walls surrounded with ferns and small waterfalls, you will get the sense that you are indeed off on an adventure to some small remote area thousands of miles from civilization. The featured trail here is about a one mile loop.  Tall Trees Grove: If you are up for a nice hike promising to make you sweat, check out the Tall Trees Grove. It is home to the tallest redwood trees in the world. There are some of the tallest trees in the world located here so it’s well worth the hike. The Tall Trees Trail is about 4 miles and ranges in elevation change up to 700 feet (a permit is also required). Klamath River Overlook: Located in Redwood National Park, some consider this area one of the best places for wildlife viewing. Birds, sea lions, and gray whales are the most sought-after wildlife (March, April, November, and December are the best months). Make sure to bring a spotting scope or binoculars! Even if you don’t see wildlife, the coastline view of the Klamath River emptying into the sea is plenty picture-worthy and one view you’ll remember.  Lady Bird Johnson Grove: Named after the former first lady of the United States, this spectacular forest of the redwoods will inspire and leave you in awe. The entire trail is a 1.5 mile loop with multiple numbered stops along the way. The hiking experience is indeed a peaceful one. There are brochures at the beginning of the hike, so be sure to grab one to add more context and history to your hike.   Best Time of the Year: Don’t worry about avoiding weekends. The best time to visit the park is from May to September. Any time after that and you will experience weather that might not be as comfortable. During this time, temperatures will stay in between 40 and 65 degrees so plan accordingly. Aside from the weather, those times to visit will also allow you to engage in park programs and walks along the tide-pools. You can get an amazing taste of the Redwoods in one day, but to fully capture everything this park has to offer, pacing your trip for two days is not only smart (you’re driving a distance so why not get the most of your travel), but the best way to get the most out of your time.    A Northern California National Park Trip Offers a Little Bit of Everything   As you can see, the national parks in northern California offer a little bit of something for a little bit of everybody. It’s hiking, sight-seeing, bird-watching, rock climbing, spelunking, shopping, swimming, and everything in between. All of these parks are fun and entertaining adventures for those looking for a fun family trip with kids, a romantic getaway, or the traveler just looking for the next national park to check off the bucket list. And on top of that, these national parks deliver the elusive, yet unforgettable and memorable experiences we all expect when traveling in Mother Nature’s backyard.     Do you have an itch to visit the National Parks of Northern California now? Find a great hotel and airfare package using the Southwest Vacations search engine and check out the Low Fare Calendar, to help you see when you can get a great price on your airfare.    Have you ever been to these parks? Leave a comment and help other travelers plan their visit!   Feeling inspired? Our Discussion Forums are a great place to get more travel ideas. Check out the Journeys and Destinations section to get your creative juices flowing!      ... View more

Beaches, resorts, amusement parks, and the like, California has an eclectic feel from the moment you first visit the golden state. Travelers from all over the world come to California for those experiences and rightly so. Disneyland yields about 20 million visitors a year! It’s what people want. But did you know there’s a back-page to some of California’s most amazing features and adventures? Did you know California is home to the most national parks in the country? The national parks in California may not be visited as much as California’s sought-after amusement parks (about half the amount of people visit the nine national parks here combined compared to just Disneyland), but they over-deliver just as much on value. Each of these parks are uniquely Californian, while at the same time maintain the spirit of the national park system in the US. They’re wild, fun, majestic, adventurous, and all but guarantee a journey you’ve most likely never enjoyed before.   When you have decided which park you want to visit, check out Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar, which can help determine when you can get a great price on your airfare to see these beautiful parks. You can also find hotel and airfare packages using the Southwest Vacations search engine.    Happy travels!    How Many US National Parks Are In California? California has more National Parks than any state in the US. There are nine (9) national parks in the state of California. Each national park provides a unique experience. Below is a small snapshot of what each California national park has to offer travelers.   Yosemite: If you’re into majestic views of waterfalls, unique rock structures, and incredible sunsets, Yosemite has it all. Rock climbing, hiking, camping, and sight-seeing are just a handful of activities you will encounter on a journey to Yosemite.   Yosemite National ParkYosemite National Park Joshua Tree: Hiking, biking, star-gazing, bird-watching, bouldering and so much more, Joshua Tree is a mecca for everything outdoors. It’s completely understandable why Joshua Tree is California’s 2nd most visited national park.     Joshua Tree National ParkJoshua Tree National Park Death Valley: This park is California’s most treacherous and alien-like. Sand dunes, endless valleys, and incredibly colored canyons against a California blue sky make this a must-see destination in the California national parks system. Bird-watching, hiking, climbing, and views! It’s no wonder this majestic, other-world is California’s 3rd most visited national park.   Artists Drive, Death Valley National ParkArtists Drive, Death Valley National Park Sequoia: As the 4th national park in California to rack in over 1 million annual visitors, Sequoia gives park-goers some of the biggest experiences California and this country has to offer. Hiking, backpacking, camping, and bird-watching are really popular activities, but the chance to check out the world’s largest tree (General Sherman Tree) and the Giant Forest will leave you awe-struck.    “Pair a visit to the El Morro Elfin Forest, near Morro Bay with a visit to Sequoia. You get the beach and small trees with mountains and big trees on the same road trip.”  @SWDigits, Southwest Rapid Rewards Member    General Sherman Tree, Sequoia National ParkGeneral Sherman Tree, Sequoia National Park Kings Canyon: Home to one of the best 50-mile routes in all of America, Kings Canyon is the perfect park companion to Sequoia. Did you know they are less than 10 miles apart? Yet...Sequoia has about twice the visitors as Kings Canyon. Simply put, a visit to Sequoia would not complete without spending some time on Highway 180 in Kings Canyon. You won’t regret it.   Kings Canyon National ParkKings Canyon National Park Lassen Volcanic: With mud pots, scenic hikes, bubbling pools, and sulfur smells, it’s no wonder many have dubbed this little gem as California’s mini-version of Yellowstone National Park. If you are looking for another waypoint for your California national parks road trip, Lassen is one to add.     Lassen Volcanic National ParkLassen Volcanic National Park Redwood: Redwood National park provides visitors some of the best experiences and views in the entire country: giant redwood trees, tranquil hiking trails, and jaw-dropping overlooks. One of the major hurdles of visiting Redwood is it is located further from a major city compared to other national parks in California. But don’t let that be a hindrance for not visiting.     Mariposa Grove, Redwood National ParkMariposa Grove, Redwood National Park Channel Islands: Dubbed as the “Galapagos Islands of North America”, Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five islands: San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, and Santa Cruz. Each island you visit is going to give you something different to see and do: hiking, camping, bird watching, sight-seeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing are island favorites.   Potato Harbor, Channel Islands National ParkPotato Harbor, Channel Islands National Park Pinnacles: Pinnacles is located in the center section of California and is easily accessible from multiple major cities (San Jose and San Francisco). Pinnacles National Park is also one of California’s newest members of the national park family (established in 2013). If you like to hike, then Pinnacles is the place for you with its 30+ miles of tricky, but beautiful hiking trails.   Pinnacles National ParkPinnacles National Park What Are The Most Popular National Parks In California? The most popular national park in California is by far Yosemite National Park. With more than 4 million visitors in 2018, Yosemite is the 6th most visited national park in the United States. There are four national parks in California that receive over one million annual visitors: Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Sequoia.   Yosemite: 4,009,436 park visitors Joshua Tree: 2,972,382 park visitors Death Valley: 1,678,660 park visitors Sequoia: 1,229,594 park visitors Kings Canyon: 699,023 park visitors Lassen Volcanic: 499,435 park visitors Redwood: 482,536 park visitors Channel Islands: 366,250 park visitors Pinnacles: 222,152 park visitors   What Is The Least Visited National Park In California? There are four national parks in California that have less than 500,000 annual visitors: Lassen Volcanic (499,000), Redwood (482,000), Channel Islands (366,000), and Pinnacles (222,000). These are the least visited parks, but an even more important question is, “Why are they the least visited?” Sometimes we assume the national park is a better experience based on attendance. Yellowstone and Yosemite garner large crowds of visitors from all over the world. But do the large crowds necessarily mean a better national park experience? This logic couldn’t be further from reality. Convenience and location are major contributing factors for attendance in national parks. California national parks are no exception to this rule.    Two of the least visited national parks in California are Redwood (482,000 annual visitors) and the Channel Islands (366,000 annual visitors). This isn’t because these two parks have less to offer travelers. The major reason for a less-than-average number of visitors deals with where the parks are located. For example, visitors cannot travel by car to Channel Islands National Park; either a ferry by boat or a private flight can get you there. Some would view this as an inconvenience. In regards to the Redwoods, the park is the most northern national park and about 300 miles from either San Francisco or Sacramento. Redwood is also part of a state park system, which can also muddy the waters with access and extra fees. This added travel distance and potential itinerary confusion can be a deterrent for some. But what these national parks (Lassen and Pinnacles included) lack in terms of location and convenience are easily made up in the incredible adventures you’re likely to enjoy if you take the time to plan and fully absorb what each park has to offer.     What Is The Oldest National Park In California? There are three national parks in California that have hit the century mark: Sequoia, Yosemite, and Lassen Volcanic are all more than 100 years old. Even though they were both established as national parks in the same year, Sequoia National Park gained recognition one week before Yosemite making it the oldest. For all the national parks in the United States, Sequoia and Yosemite are the 2nd and 3rd oldest right after Yellowstone which was set apart as a national park in 1872. Below are the dates each national park in California was established.   Yosemite: Established on October 1, 1890   Joshua Tree: Established on October 31, 1994  Death Valley: Established on October 31, 1994 Sequoia: Established on September 25, 1890 Kings Canyon: Established on March 4, 1940 Lassen Volcanic: Established on August 9, 1916 Redwood: Established on October 2, 1968 Channel Islands: Established on March 5, 1980 Pinnacles: Established on January 10, 2013   What Airport Should I Use To Fly To California’s National Parks The airports listed below are recommended as the best airports to fly to and from each national park. California is home to the most national parks in the country. This state is also home to a lot of airports (about 20+). Keep in mind, there are a couple of national parks where there are smaller, more obscure airports which will save you a little time on travel distance; however, the airports listed below have much better arrival records and airfare is significantly lower with these larger, more established airports.   Yosemite: The two best airports to fly into for a Yosemite National Park visit are Oakland (OAK) and San Francisco (SFO).    Joshua Tree: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park is Ontario International (ONT) which will put you about an hour and a half from the park entrance. Los Angeles (LAX) and Long Beach (LGB) are also really good alternative airport options and only put you about 2-3 hours away.    Death Valley: The best airport to fly into for Death Valley National Park is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (about 130 miles distance). The best airport in southern California for a visit to Death Valley is Los Angeles (LAX), which would put you around 260 miles from the park.    Sequoia: The best airport to fly into Sequoia National Park is San Jose (SJC). Depending on the traffic, it’s about a three to four-hour drive from that airport. There are some smaller airports (FAT and BFL) that are a little bit closer, but when you consider arrival records plus avoiding connecting flights, your best bet is to choose the SJC airport.    Kings Canyon: The best airport to fly into Kings Canyon National Park is San Jose (SJC). Depending on the traffic, it’s about a three to four-hour drive from that airport.    Lassen Volcanic: The best airport to fly into for a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park is Sacramento (SMF). This will put you a three hours drive from that airport to the park entrance.   Redwood: The closest international airports to fly into for Redwood National Park are San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF). There are some smaller airports that are a little bit closer, but when you consider arrival records plus avoiding connecting flights (and potential layovers), your best bet is to choose SMF or SFO airports. You’ll also get significantly better airfare by using one of these larger international airports.    Channel Islands: The best airport to fly into if you’re wanting to get to the Channel Islands National Park is Los Angeles (LAX).   Pinnacles: The best airport to fly into for Pinnacles National Park is San Jose (SJC), which will put you about an hour and a half from the park’s east entrance. You can also fly into San Francisco (SFO) which is about a two-hour drive from to the park.    We have a complete summary of every national park in southern and northern California breaking it down into which airport to use, distance from major cities, cool things to see, and the best times throughout the year to visit each park.   Which National Park is on your dream travel list? (We can’t pick just one and neither should you.) Tell us in the comments!    Looking for more advice and inspiration for your next trip? Visit our Discussion Forum to talk to other travelers like you—our Travel section is packed with great answers and ideas. ... View more

Whether it’s hiking in a national park, swimming and soaking the sun on a world-famous beach, a romantic weekend tasting wine in Napa Valley, or relaxing poolside in one of its many eclectic cities, California offers an array of choices for those wishing to vacation there. Whatever the reason, sometimes organizing and planning a California trip can feel overwhelming and downright impossible, so we’ve created these six incredibly simple, effective tips to help you find the best California vacation packages.   Coronado Beach, Coronado Island in San Diego Plan Ahead (Timing is a Big Deal) One of the most widely known tidbits about booking your travel packages is: the earlier the better. With California vacation packages it is no different. Occasionally, you will get lucky and score a nice deal at the last minute (these are some of the best, but are rare and can be super inconvenient in terms of a quick time crunch). But general travel package wisdom tells you that planning months in advance will not only score you a nice price on the travel package, but it will open up opportunities for other travel package add-ons like activities and interests.   Airfare is the most expensive during that crucial window between 0 to 13 days before a flight. Typically, California airfare can range on average of $100 to $200 more compared to the prime-booking window of 21 to 100 days out. Proper planning of a vacation, especially dealing with a California travel package can save you hundreds of dollars. The best time to book a domestic flight is between one and four months before your planned trip. Saving a couple of hundred dollars on your airfare is one of the easiest and best tips for California vacation packages. That extra cash means you can add a wine tasting session at next to nothing.   “If you plan on traveling the last third of the year or the first six weeks of the new year, watch out for system-wide fare sales. There are only one or two per year and typically occur in July and/or August. They last for three days each, so you have to act fast, but they offer the lowest fares across most destinations.” @dfwskier Southwest Rapid Rewards Member    Decide On A Vacation Package Theme Knowing the purpose of your California vacation as well as who is going to be with you can make all the difference. Are you looking for a romantic getaway with that special person? Maybe the perfect, relaxing California beach weekend rife with yoga on the beach? Perhaps you want to take the kids on a family-friendly California national park excursion? Choosing a theme for your California vacation package helps simplify the process.   Southwest Vacations has multiple California vacation package themes to choose from.   Beach Vacation Packages  Turn your beach dreams into a vacation where you can soak in the sun, play on the beach, or swim in the ocean’s surf. There are many wonderful sandy destinations up and down California’s beautiful coastline. Family Vacation Packages California vacation packages include many various options for family travel. Whether it’s beaches, amusement parks, or national parks, California has the vacation theme and amenities designed for optimal family fun. In fact, check out the crazy packages planned for Disneyland.   Romantic Vacation Packages San Francisco, San Diego, or Napa Valley, all of these have romance written all over them. California provides some of the top romantic vacation destinations through scenic coasts, relaxing beaches, and an array of dining choices for your significant other.   Spending a Little Extra to Upgrade to Have a Better Experience Can Be Worth It With most California vacation packages (and especially through Southwest Vacations – more on that below), you’ll have the ability to find the cheapest options for the package. You’ll also have the opportunity to select the most expensive and top picks which usually will give you a better hotel, better air travel time, and a better location. They are priced differently for a reason. Pay attention to reviews and travel guides when comparing different packages. In some cases, an extra $50 to $100 can be the difference between an average resort vs one of the top resorts in California. The rule of thumb is this: Upgrades and spending a little more are going to give you a better experience. Don’t let pinching a few pennies be the difference in a vacation package you remember for the wrong reasons.   Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Plan for Inevitable Fees Except when you fly on Southwest. We’re a fee-free zone. But when it comes to hotels, resorts, car rentals, they are everywhere! They’re a nuisance. Sometimes they’re a lot. Sometimes they aren’t. You used to be able to avoid them (oftentimes negotiate out of paying them) and they used to be tied only to extra amenities, but it seems like they are becoming more prevalent and mandatory. Fees. They come in the form of taxes, hidden surcharges, resort and hotel fees (we’ve even seen fees added to activities) and fees are here to stay. They range from WiFi, parking, fitness center use, pool access, use of pool towels, and a bottle of water. They are everywhere and a lot of them are ridiculous. What makes fees even worse—yes … worse than paying $10 to $60 extra per day on fees (sometimes as much as $100)—is being blind-sided by small print and surprise charges.    The best tip when it comes to fees related to vacation packages is: Plan for them. This does two things. First, when you plan for fees they’re not a shock to you when you have to pay them. And secondly, planning for the eventual fee prevents you from having to play musical chairs down the road on activities or dining schedules during your vacation. How much should you plan on paying? A really good rule of thumb is to plan on paying 10 percent of your vacation package budget on fees.   The one place you can count on not having fees is on your Southwest flight!    Be Flexible With Time and Money There are two ways to really squeeze the most out of your California vacation package: Time and Money. When it comes to time, vacation packages usually have the dates and the number of days locked down. For example, a weekend package to San Diego which includes a trip to SeaWorld and another day planned for the beach will have you flying on Friday and coming home on a Monday. However, you don’t have to feel obligated to a Friday to Monday travel arrangement. Many California vacation packages will allow you to extend the dates for only a handful of dollars. When it comes to Southwest Vacations, you can plan on having an extended weekend in California by flying home on a Tuesday and most likely will save money on that extra day and by flying home on a Tuesday.   Most of the time, vacation packages are going to include a hotel and flights. But many of them (almost all) will have the option to include a rental car, passes to attractions, and all-inclusive amenities like meals and dining. Your goal with a vacation package is to get the best experience for the best value. Sometimes travelers confuse cheap vacations with memorable ones. Be flexible with your cash. A lot of times it is worth it. Don’t be afraid to opt-in to these amenities, especially when it can enhance the overall enjoyment of your vacation.   “A flexible travel schedule may save serious money! With Southwest, it's easy to use the Low Fare Calendar to find the least expensive day to travel to your destination.”  @SWDigits Southwest Rapid Rewards Member   Use Southwest Vacations to Find the Best California Vacation Packages   Finding the best vacation package deal using Southwest Vacations is more than easy. We’ve provided some simple, yet effective tips for getting everything you need to begin planning your California Vacation. Through a simple process of plugging in your departure and arrival locations and dates, then select the hotel or resort, you can begin to plan and prepare for that ultimate California vacation.    One of the best features of the vacation package tool is the search filters. Users can drill down by hotel, price, rating, hotel amenities, the type of experience, and geographically-centered points of interest which means you can select intriguing points of interest in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego.  Inside each of these filters are a plethora of options. Simply put, you can create one of the most customized California vacation packages without all the hassles or complex organizing. And even if you don’t have your theme selected or know what you want to do, experiment with plugging in a California location and discover all the entertaining and enlightening things there are to do in this diverse haven.   Where is your favorite place to stay in California? Leave a comment below! You can also visit our Discussion Forum for other advice and answers from travelers like you—start with the Travel section if you’re looking for more great ideas for your next great vacation.   ... View more

Even though California is a large state and typically has the tendency to be more expensive to travel than most states around the country, there are still plenty of incredible places to see and plenty of things to do even if you are pinching pennies and have a tight budget. Finding or creating an affordable California vacation is easier than ever if you have the right tools and right approach. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when getting ready for that California vacation.     Planning an Affordable California Vacation Properly and effectively planning a vacation by far will have the most impact on your budget. Follow the old travel adage for booking flights, hotels, and reservations: The earlier the better. Airfare and hotels are going to give you the best opportunity for an affordable California vacation. Planning months in advance (even weeks) can save you around $100 to $200 on just California airfare alone. You can expect similar savings when booking hotels and resorts. The best time to plan your trip is between one and four months. Not only will planning ahead of time give you the convenience of being flexible with what you do, but it’s going to impact your budget which in effect will give you more options.   Sometimes we only think about “affordable” in terms of money. When on vacation in California (especially the cheap, budget-friendly type where minutes are valuable), you have to think about the importance and cost of your time. You don’t want to spend hours in a long layover flight or worse caught up in that famous California freeway traffic. Planning where to go and when to do it are vital components of traveling to California on a budget.   Where Can I Go On a Budget In California? We’ve seen it all too often: people missing the ferry to an island, paying way too much at a hotel or resort, getting trapped in the California traffic, or being that person stuck standing in line ride after a ride at Disneyland. What’s worse, most of the time people are over-spending to do all those fun California-y things. One key to going to California on a budget is to get an insider’s opinion on fun things to do in California, yet still readily affordable. Some very popular cheap California destinations include Carlsbad, Joshua Tree National Park, Big Bear Lake, Eureka, Pismo Beach, and Big Sur. All of these feature relatively low hotel prices and are close to major airports.   With that said, you don’t have to travel outside San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to have an affordable, budget-friendly California vacation. Each of these California hallmarks features plenty to do without breaking the bank.   San Diego First things first, visit the San Diego Visitors Bureau website for some of the best deals to explore, plan, and stay in San Diego. Don’t be surprised if you find every entertaining need for your vacation in just this one spot. This site is a very valuable tool if you want to visit San Diego.   San Diego is known for its beaches and luckily for budget-friendly travel goers, most of its beaches are free with no admission fees and many have free parking. Other free (or inexpensive) things to do in San Diego include:   Mission Beach Most of the activities at Mission Beach center around Belmont Park where you can enjoy roller coasters, bike rides, or engage in some beach games. A walk down the Mission Bay jetty will give you that traditional California vibe you might be striving for. Swimming (don’t worry, there are plenty of lifeguards), walking the beach, fishing, or biking … Mission Beach is somewhere you can easily spend a little cash and have a lot of fun.   La Jolla This small seaside town offers the nostalgic sunset beach views for a small parking fee. Explore the tidepools, walk to the cove, or visit the small shops in town. You can easily spend a wholesome afternoon in this small San Diego jewel.   Balboa Park Home to nearly 30 attractions and museums ranging from art to astronomical. There are a handful of free things to do such as visit the Timken Museum of Art or take part in a free guided tour.   “The San Diego Airport is located at the edge of downtown San Diego—it’s a smaller airport that is easy to navigate through. Within minutes after you get off the plane, you are on the curb. Lots of transportation choices (rental cars, hotel shuttles, Uber, etc.) If you go directly to downtown, it’s a quick 10-minute trip. The San Diego Zoo (which is also on the edge of downtown, but on the opposite side of the airport) is about a 15-20 minute Uber. If your hotel is north of downtown, the nearby attractions are Old Town San Diego and SeaWorld. If you head even further north, you hit Carlsbad which is where LEGOLAND is located.”                                                             @Passenger1C Southwest Rapid Rewards Member    San Francisco Let’s start with the free stuff. At the top of that list is a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge. Aside from transportation to get there, walking along one of the most iconic spots in California (and the U.S. for that matter) is a no brainer. Other free options include visiting Chinatown, the Cable Car Museum, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a walk down Lombard street (the most crooked street in the world).   San Francisco may be a small town in area in relation to Los Angeles and San Diego, but don’t let that fool you. There is plenty to do here and at reasonable prices.    Rose Garden at Golden Gate Bridge Park We put this near the top because it is free. This garden features over 50 rose beds and can be the perfect way to capitalize your walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. This garden is part of the Golden Gate Park which has more attractions than you’ll have time for. The San Francisco CityPASS Essentially this is a San Francisco discount card on popular attractions. Depending on what attractions and museums you want to see, the CityPASS can save you money and is good for up to 9 consecutive days. The admission includes Aquarium of the Bay, Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, 3 Day Cable Car and Muni Bus Passport, California Academy of Sciences, and either the Exploratorium or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The CityPASS is definitely not free, but if you take advantage of everything you have admissions to, you will save quite a bit and stay within your budget.   Another tip with airfare travel to San Francisco: Check out Southwest’s low fare calendar when you’re planning your trip to get the best prices on airfare. If you use airfare comparison sites you will not see fares from Southwest in the comparison matrix because Southwest doesn’t make flights available through those websites. And you may want to consider flying into Oakland airport because aside from their arrival record (better than SFO’s) it is just as close to downtown San Francisco.   Los Angeles This bears repeating: You do not have to give up fun and entertainment to travel to California on a budget. Los Angeles is no different. There are ample free things to do in Los Angeles: a walk down Hollywood Boulevard, a visit to the Griffith Observatory, or a walk through one of Los Angeles’ relaxing beaches are just a few of the more notable cheap (free) traditions in Southern California.   Los Angeles has so much to offer all types of travelers. But if you’re hitting up Southern California on a budget, you’re going to want to check out a few of these budget-friendly recommendations.   Free Museums There are over 20 free museums in Los Angeles. Some of these will charge you for parking and some of them still require a ticket (plan in advance…but it’s still free), but there are copious museums to satiate your taste of Southern California. Here are some of the top free museums: The Broad Museum, Getty Museum and Getty Villa, the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and the UCLA Hammer Museum in Westwood.   Southern California CityPASS Just like the San Francisco CityPASS, the Southern California CityPASS is a multi-attraction. It’s best to plan ahead and buy the pass online, so you can avoid having to buy it in person. Essentially the pass allows you entry into each attraction, so you can buy one pass for several attractions at a discounted price. Once you initially use it, you’ll then have up to 14 days to enjoy the other attractions before the CityPASS expires. Just like the San Francisco CityPASS, you will save money if you plan on using the pass at multiple attractions. The attractions include Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, Disneyland, Sea World, and San Diego and the option for a ticket upgrade to the San Diego Zoo. But check the website for more information and potential deals depending on the season. Those who get the deepest discounts are those who have children (ages 3 to 9) and are planning on visiting at least two of these attractions listed above.    Go Los Angeles Go LA is much like the Southern California CityPASS and claims it can save you up to 60 percent vs. buying tickets separately. It’s like the popular “bundle and save” options we see, but with attractions in the Los Angeles area. With this pass, you can gain access to over 35 Los Angeles attractions. Go Los Angeles’ website has a full list of attractions: Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Six Flags Magic Mountain are just a few of the top-notch Southern California destinations you can expect to visit should you opt-in for the Go LA pass. For even deeper discounts, the service also allows you to “Build Your Own” pass which saves you up to 20 percent on pass vs. buying them separately. The best part of the Go LA option is their Free Guidebook they offer to the public to help plan a trip. Take advantage of this! Don’t be surprised if you use this to plan your whole vacation to Los Angeles.   Want even better airfare rates if you plan on visiting Los Angeles? Try booking your flight through Southwest to Southern California through Orange County (SNA), Burbank (BUR), or Long Beach (LGB) airports.       Use Southwest Vacations Search Engine To Find the Best Deals For Affordable California Vacations   Finding the best affordable California vacation is simple using Southwest Vacations. We’ve provided some simple, yet effective tips for getting everything you need to begin planning your affordable California vacation. Through a simple process of plugging in your departure and arrival locations and dates (remember what we mentioned above about alternative airports), then selecting the hotel or resort, you can begin to plan and prepare for that budget-friendly California vacation.    One of the best budget-friendly features of this vacation tool is the search filters. Users can drill down by hotel, price, rating, hotel amenities, the type of experience, and geographically-centered points of interest which means you can select intriguing points of interest in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. Inside each of these filters is a plethora of options. To really make your California vacation super affordable yet still packed with fun and entertaining activities, when choosing “Things To Do” (either by selecting “Activities” on the tool on the homepage or after selecting your flight and/or hotel), try sorting your options by “Price – Lowest to Highest”. There are intriguing things to do in California ranging from as high as $400 (not so affordable) to as low as $4!    Just to give you an idea of what kind of affordable Californian activities you could engage in, we put together a shortlist (they are in no particular order). Here are a handful of things we found for under $30!   Electric Bike Ride on the Gold Coast An Art Tour in Los Angeles A Street Art Tour Hollywood Walking and Hiking Tour $5 Golden Gate Bridge Walking Tour San Francisco Scavenger Hunt Ferry to Angel Island (San Francisco) San Diego Harbor Cruise and Sea Lion Adventure An Axe Throwing Adventure   With minimal effort, you can create a customized, affordable California vacation without the hassle of organizing your trip by puzzling together separate (and oftentimes confusing) itineraries.    What’s your favorite vacation spot in California? Tell us in the comments! (We’re always looking for our next favorite place!) You can also visit our Discussion Forums and get advice and answers on all things travel related. Check out our sections on visiting Los Angeles and San Diego for more California travel information. ... View more