Top 4 national parks near Los Angeles, CA

In this article, I will let you know top 4 national parks near Los Angeles. I also add national parks near Las Los Angeles map on Google map at the end of the article.

Top 4 national parks near Los Angeles, CA

  1. Channel Islands National Park ~70 miles (1 hour 10 minutes drive)
  2. Joshua Tree National Park ~130 miles (~2.5 hours drive)
  3. Sequoia National Park ~200 miles (~4 hours drive)
  4. Death Valley National Park ~220 miles (~4.5 hours drive)

(You can click the image below to see national parks near Los Angeles map in full size)

Top 4 national parks near Los Angeles

1. Channel Islands National Park

Distance: ~70 miles to Ventura Harbor (1.5 hours by car + boat ride to the islands)

Highlights:

  • Diverse marine life and seabirds
  • Kayaking through sea caves
  • Hiking trails with coastal views
  • Snorkeling in kelp forests

Best Time to Visit:

  • Summer to early fall (July–September) for water activities
  • Spring (March–May) for wildflowers and wildlife sightings

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: ~130 miles (2–2.5 hours by car)

Highlights:

  • Unique Joshua trees
  • Stunning rock formations (e.g., Skull Rock)
  • Hiking trails like Hidden Valley
  • World-class stargazing

Best Time to Visit:

  • Fall to spring (October–April) for mild temperatures
  • Avoid summer due to extreme heat

3. Sequoia National Park

Distance: ~200 miles (4–5 hours by car)

Highlights:

  • Giant sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree
  • Panoramic mountain views
  • Crystal Cave tours
  • Hikes in Kings Canyon (e.g., Mist Falls Trail)

Best Time to Visit:

  • Summer (June–September) for full park access
  • Winter (December–March) for snow activities

4. Death Valley National Park

Distance: ~190 miles (4 hours by car)

Highlights:

  • Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America)
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
  • Artist’s Palette and Zabriskie Point
  • Extreme desert landscapes

Best Time to Visit:

  • Fall to spring (October–April) for cooler weather
  • Avoid summer due to extreme heat (120°F+)

Top 4 national parks near Los Angeles, CA map on Google map

Tag: best national parks near Los Angeles, Los Angeles national parks near, national parks near Los Angeles CA, national parks near LA

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