Visit a National Park This Summer

One of the best things about living in the greater Sacramento area is its proximity to outdoor attractions. From rivers and lakes to mountains and forests, Sacramento is within easy reach of some of the most stunning landscapes in California, if not the nation. 

Much of California’s natural beauty is protected by law. Since the late 1800s, the National Park Service has designated parks, seashores, and other recreational areas from development. The first national park designation, Yellowstone National Park, set the stage for other designations nationwide, including California. In fact, California has nine national parks, more than any other state, and many parks can be easily reached from Sacramento!

So, if you’re looking at an end-of-summer getaway, consider a visit to one of the state’s awe-inspiring national parks. Following is a list of national parks to visit this summer, each within a five-hour drive of Sacramento.

Yosemite National Park

Photo Courtesy of Yosemite National Park | IG: @yosemitenps

Less than three hours from Sacramento, Yosemite is the granddaddy of them all, welcoming more than 4 million visitors each year. And it’s easy to see why. It offers iconic landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome, sweeping landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. Plus, there are ranger-led activities, stargazing, wildlife viewing, and much more.

Live Near Nature in El Dorado County

Yosemite’s popularity makes it challenging to score a spot at one of the many campgrounds within the park during the summer. But there are many places to stay just outside the park’s boundaries. That said, you’ll need a reservation to enter the park during peak hours, which are 6 a.m.–2 p.m. daily through Aug. 15.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Photo Courtesy of Lassen Volcanic National Park | IG: @lassennps

Also, under three hours from Sacramento, Lassen Volcanic National Park is another great park to visit this summer. Filled with geological wonders, the park is known for its namesake peak, a lava dome volcano that last erupted in 1915. Geothermal activity in the area means you can view hydrothermal pools, steaming fumaroles, and boiling lakes. Hiking, camping, fishing, and paddling are all popular activities here.

There are eight campgrounds within the park, including some that offer first-come, first-served reservations. There are also several lodges and B&Bs located just outside the park, as well as in Chester, a small town on Lake Almanor about a half hour away.

Placer County Homes Near Rivers, Lakes & Trails

Pinnacles National Park

Photo Courtesy of Pinnacles National Park | IG: @pinnaclesnps

Located southeast of Monterey, Pinnacles is defined by its towering rock spires, deep canyons, and expansive cave systems. Numerous trails take you past these striking geological formations, through chaparral-covered hillsides and scenic valleys. Naturally, climbing is a popular activity here, and there are options for both beginners and experienced climbers seeking technical challenges. Another popular pastime is bird watching, as Pinnacles is home to the iconic (and endangered) California Condor.

There is a campground on the east side of the park that has both tent and RV sites, as well as rustic canvas tent cabins. Otherwise, there are several options for lodging outside the park, including Bar SZ Ranch, which offers house rentals, camping, and glamping on a working horse ranch.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

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Sequoia And Kings Canyon Park | IG: @visitsekiparks

Further south, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are THE places to go to see the world’s largest trees. Towering granite peaks, rugged forests, and lush meadows define the landscape, as do the groves of ancient giant sequoias. You can hike among the giant trees, spot the endangered Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, or visit Crystal Cave. Rock climbing, horseback riding, and bird watching are also popular here.

Homes Near Outdoor Adventure in Sacramento County

As far as accommodations, there are 14 campsites in the parks. Overnight backpacking is also allowed. Inside Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge is a good bet, but it’s usually booked up through summer. In Kings Canyon, John Muir Lodge is a popular choice, as is Cedar Grove Lodge. There are also rustic cabins available. Outside of the park, there are plenty of lodging options in Three Rivers and Visalia.    

Redwood National and State Parks

Photo Courtesy of Redwood National and State Parks | IG: @redwoodnps

California is known for its majestic coast redwoods, and there’s no better place to see them than at the Redwood National and State Parks, a complex of both federally managed and state-managed parks that stretch along the Northern California coast in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. There are miles and miles of hiking trails within the parks, but you can also do a self-guided driving tour to see some of the highlights, which include towering old-growth redwoods and coastal vistas. Other popular activities include wildlife viewing, especially Roosevelt Elk, tidepooling, and, in the winter, whale watching. There are also guided forest walks, kayaking excursions, and campfire programs in the summer.

Nature-Lover Homes in Yolo County

There are four designated campgrounds within the parks, some with rustic camping cabins, and dispersed camping is allowed in the backcountry. Nearby towns such as Trinidad, Eureka, Ferndale and Crescent City offer a range of accommodations.

Other National Recreation Areas Near Sacramento

Interested in other federally protected spaces in Northern California? The following aren’t technically national parks, but they do offer the same great experiences to visitors.

• Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, this space is a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Highlights include Muir Woods, a grove of redwood trees; the Marin Headlands, which offer great views of San Francisco; and Alcatraz Island, a federal prison closed in 1963. Beaches, lighthouses, military sites, and historic structures also make up the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
• Point Reyes National Seashore. North of San Francisco, the Point Reyes area is made up of rugged coastline and desolate beaches. Highlights include Point Reyes Lighthouse, Alamere Falls, and renowned hiking trails. Wildlife viewing is also a draw, as Point Reyes is home to elephant seals and tule elk.
• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The crystal-clear water of Whiskeytown Lake is the main draw to this popular recreation area, which is just west of Redding. Swimming, paddling, and fishing are popular pastimes here. Hiking is also popular, with miles of trails and several waterfalls.