California is filled with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, and its national parks and monuments are a huge part of that. With over two dozen federally protected sites across the state, it’s no surprise that millions of travelers head west every year to see what the Golden State has to offer. Using 2023 visitor statistics from the National Park Service, here are the 21 most popular destinations you should add to your California travel list.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area – San Francisco
Visitor Count: 14.95 million
This is the most visited national park site in California. It covers over 80,000 acres, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and the Marin Headlands. With its urban location, scenic views, and historic sites, it continues to attract locals and tourists alike.
Yosemite National Park – Sierra Nevada
Visitor Count: 3.90 million
Yosemite is legendary. From the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome to Yosemite Falls and Mariposa Grove’s ancient sequoias, this park is a masterpiece. Summer months bring the highest crowds, so visiting in late spring or early fall is ideal.
Joshua Tree National Park – Desert East
Visitor Count: 3.27 million
Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, you’ll find a unique blend of rocky terrain, spiny Joshua Trees, and wide-open skies. Ideal for stargazing, rock climbing, and desert hikes, this park is best explored from fall to spring.
Point Reyes National Seashore – Northern California
Visitor Count: 2.34 million
This coastal park features rugged cliffs, meadows, beaches, and the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse. Wildlife is abundant here, from elephant seals to migrating gray whales.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Visitor Count: 3.03 million
Located along the waterfront, this park features a historic fleet of ships, a maritime museum, and scenic bay views. Hyde Street Pier is a highlight, where you can step aboard ships from the 19th century.
Mojave National Preserve
Visitor Count: 1.18 million
This lesser-known desert preserve spans over 1.5 million acres. Visitors explore sand dunes, Joshua Tree forests, and volcanic formations. Kelso Dunes and the lava tubes are must-see features.
Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek
Visitor Count: 1.10 million
Known for being the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley also surprises with its beauty. Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the colorful Artists Palette are highlights. Fall through spring is the safest time to visit due to extreme summer heat.
Sequoia National Park – Central California
Visitor Count: 0.98 million
This park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. Visitors enjoy hiking through the Giant Forest, climbing Moro Rock, and exploring crystal caves.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area – Redding
Visitor Count: 0.92 million
A paradise for water lovers, Whiskeytown offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic hikes. Whiskeytown Falls is a standout, especially during spring runoff.
Fort Point National Historic Site – San Francisco
Visitor Count: 0.95 million
Located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, this Civil War-era fort is a fascinating look at military history. You’ll get great photo ops and a close-up look at the bridge’s structure.
Cabrillo National Monument – San Diego
Visitor Count: 0.81 million
Perched at the tip of Point Loma, this monument honors explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Enjoy panoramic views of San Diego, explore the old lighthouse, and check out tidepools at low tide.
Muir Woods National Monument – Marin County
Visitor Count: 0.80 million
A peaceful escape just north of San Francisco, Muir Woods is famous for its ancient coast redwoods. Easy boardwalk trails wind through towering trees, making it accessible for all ages.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – Southern California
Visitor Count: 0.76 million
This recreation area offers over 500 miles of trails, ocean views, and cultural sites like Paramount Ranch. It’s also one of the few places near Los Angeles where mountain lions roam.
Kings Canyon National Park – Sierra Nevada
Visitor Count: 0.64 million
Often explored alongside Sequoia, Kings Canyon boasts deep valleys, roaring rivers, and giant sequoias. The scenic byway through the park reveals dramatic landscapes and waterfalls.
Lassen Volcanic National Park – Northern California
Visitor Count: 0.42 million
Known for hydrothermal wonders, Lassen is home to boiling springs, mud pots, and one of the world’s largest plug dome volcanoes. Bumpass Hell Trail and Lassen Peak are top hikes.
Redwood National Park – Northern Coast
Visitor Count: 0.41 million
This park is home to the tallest trees on Earth. Hike through Fern Canyon or along Lady Bird Johnson Grove to experience an ancient forest unlike any other.
Pinnacles National Park – Central California
Visitor Count: 0.34 million
Created by volcanic activity, Pinnacles features towering spires and talus caves. It’s also a key site for spotting the endangered California condor.
Channel Islands National Park – Ventura
Visitor Count: 0.33 million
Accessible by boat, this park offers snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing across five unique islands. It’s one of California’s most secluded and untouched destinations.
Lava Beds National Monument – Tulelake
Visitor Count: 0.14 million
With more than 700 caves formed by volcanic activity, this remote monument is great for adventurous explorers. Visit Skull Cave and Petroglyph Point for history and geology in one.
Manzanar National Historic Site – Independence
Visitor Count: 0.10 million
This site preserves the memory of Japanese Americans forcibly interned during World War II. The museum and preserved buildings offer a powerful, educational experience.
Devils Postpile National Monument – Mammoth Lakes
Visitor Count: 0.086 million
A geologic marvel, this monument features column-like basalt formations and the nearby Rainbow Falls, which is particularly stunning in late spring and early summer.
When to Go for the Best Experience
Plan for spring or fall to avoid the hottest and most crowded months, especially in Yosemite and the deserts. Coastal parks are more temperate year-round, while high-elevation sites like Lassen and Kings Canyon may close in winter due to snow.
Why These Visitor Numbers Matter
These stats give travelers a sense of where to expect crowds and help spotlight hidden gems. While places like Yosemite and Golden Gate get most of the attention, parks like Lava Beds and Pinnacles offer unforgettable, less-touristy experiences.
California’s national parks are rich in beauty, history, and variety. Whether you want to see towering trees, red rock deserts, volcanic craters, or coastal cliffs, you’ll find it all in this one incredible state. Let this list inspire your next adventure.
