America’s National Parks are a source of pride and joy for citizens all across the country. From the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the sun-drenched beaches of California, our National Parks offer something for everyone. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, or simply want to enjoy some beautiful natural scenery, then be sure to check out at least one of these West Coast National Parks.
What is a National Park?
Before we dive into our list of National Parks, it’s important to understand exactly what they are. National Parks are lands set aside by the federal government for protection and preservation. These areas are typically home to unique geographical features and/or rare plant and animal species. This article is going to focus on West Coast National Parks. I’m including parks that are in the 13 westernmost states in the US.
In addition to National Parks, the National Park Service also oversees numerous other protected sites such as National Historic Trails, National Historic Sites, National Historic Parks, and National Monuments. All of the sites together add up to 423, only 63 have the National Park designation.
Why do people visit West Coast National Parks?
People visit National Parks on the West Coast for a variety of reasons. Some come for hiking and camping, others come to enjoy the unique landscapes, and still others come to learn about the history and culture of the area. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’re sure to find something memorable at one of these beautiful National Parks.
1. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Redwood National and State Parks are composed of several state and national parks located in the US state of California. Together, they protect almost half of all remaining “coastal redwood old-growth forests”, and they total at least 38,982 acres. These trees are very tall and one of the biggest tree species in the universe.
In addition to the redwood forests, the park protects blinking grassland prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways, and nearly 40 miles of beautiful coastline. Redwood has been called “the jewel of California’s state park system” for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. It’s been one of our favorite spots to visit on our west coast road trip.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and picnicking in the parks. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the Redwood National and State Parks attract over 1.5 million visitors each year.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park spans over 760,000 acres and is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s well known for its granite rock formations, including the famous Half Dome and El Capitan.
Yosemite is also home to many wildlife species, including black bears, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks. Visitors to the park can enjoy various activities, such as hiking, camping, and rafting. Yosemite is one of the most popular West Coast National Parks, so if possible the best time to visit is in the shoulder season.
3. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California. The park is named for the Joshua trees that are native to the area. The park covers more than 790,000 acres and includes two deserts: the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.
Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and bird watching. The park also has several interesting geological features, including the world’s largest concentration of petrified wood. Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park can enjoy a variety of activities year-round.
4. Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most popular national preserves in California, although technically it’s a national seashore, not a national park. It is located on the Point Reyes Peninsula, just north of San Francisco.
The park was established in 1962 to protect the peninsula’s unique environment, which includes coastline, beaches, dunes, marshes, and grasslands. Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
There are also several ranger-led programs and activities, such as nature walks and talks, Junior Ranger programs, and ranger-led kayak tours. Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the natural world. There’s also a famous Cypress tree tunnel that many visitors love to see.
5. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Death Valley National Park is a sprawling reserve located in the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada. The park is home to some of the hottest temperatures on earth, as well as record-setting levels of humidity and sunshine. Despite its hostile environment, Death Valley is surprisingly diverse, with plant and animal life that has adapted to the extreme conditions.
The park also contains a number of unique geological features, including salt flats, sand dunes, and canyons carved by rivers that no longer exist. Death Valley National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural history of the American West.
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to one of the world’s largest volcanoes, Lassen Peak. The park is located in northeastern California and covers an area of 106 square miles. The volcano last erupted in 1914 and is currently dormant. The park also includes the World War II-era Cinder Cone National Monument, and various geothermal vents and pools.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. There are over 150 miles of trails in the park, including the summit trail to the top of Lassen Peak. The peak is 10,457 feet tall and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. There are also a few waterfall hikes in the park including Mill Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in the park with a drop of 75 feet.
Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are recommended during peak season. Popular activities in the park include hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The two parks are adjacent to each other and share a common visitor center. Both parks are home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as many geological features. Sequoia National Park is best known for its giant sequoia trees, which are the largest living things on Earth.
The park also contains Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Kings Canyon National Park is home to several large glaciers, as well as General Sherman, the largest tree in the world by volume. The parks offer a variety of activities for visitors, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
8. Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park covers more than 250,000 acres, Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of California and includes five of the eight Channel Islands. The islands are home to a variety of unique plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Together, the islands provide a habitat for over 2,000 species of plants and animals. Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and much more. Channel Islands National Park is a truly unique place and well worth a visit, but visiting does take some planning.
You’ll need to book a boat transfer to the islands, although you can visit the Channel Islands Visitor’s Center on the mainland in Ventura, California. It’s interesting to note that Catalina Island is one of the eight Channel Islands, but is not included in the national park.
9. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state and the only national park in Oregon. The park is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. The lake is located in a crater that was formed when a volcano erupted more than 7,000 years ago.
Today, the crater is filled with water that is so blue it looks like a painting. Visitors to the park can take boat tours of the lake, hike through the forests, and visit the historic lodge that was built in 1915. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Crater Lake National Park is sure to please.
10. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is located in the northwestern corner of the state of Washington in the United States and is one of my favorite places in the US. There are plenty of things to do and it’s fairly easy to get from Seattle to Olympic National Park. Check out my 3-day Olympic National Park itinerary.
The park encompasses nearly a million acres of land, including mountains, rainforests, and coastline. Mount Olympus, the tallest mountain in the park, towers over the landscape at over 9,000 feet and is home to one of the largest glaciers in the contiguous United States. The park’s forests are some of the densest and most bio-diverse in North America.
The coastline of Olympic National Park is equally varied, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools all waiting to be explored. In short, Olympic National Park is one of the most scenic and diverse national parks in the United States.
11. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is a United States National Park located in the state of Washington. The park was established on March 2, 1899, as the fifth national park in the country. Mount Rainier is the centerpiece of the park and is the most prominent mountain in the Cascade Range. It’s known as Mount Taquoma, or Tahoma, by the original native tribes in the region.
The mountain is an active stratovolcano and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in North America. The park also contains abundant old-growth forests and subalpine meadows which are popular with hikers and campers.
In addition, the park is home to wildlife including black bears, cougars, elk, and deer. Mt. Rainier National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and receives over two million visitors each year.
12. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park is located in the northwest corner of Washington state, in the heart of the Cascade Mountain range. With more than 300 glaciers and 400 miles of hiking trails, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including bears, cougars, and elk. In addition to its natural beauty, North Cascades National Park also has a rich history. Native Americans have lived in the area for thousands of years, and the park was once home to one of the largest copper mines in the world.
Today, the park is a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to experience some of the best that nature has to offer. North Cascades National Park also has NO entry fee, a rarity for national parks. Many visitors love to road trip around the park, and I’ve really enjoyed the Lake Chelan ferry to Stehekin.
13. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, and it is well known for its majestic mountains, large glaciers, and abundant wildlife. The park covers an area of 1,583 square miles, and it includes two mountain ranges: the Lewis Range and the Livingston Range.
Glacier National Park is home to more than 130 glaciers, including the largest glacier in the contiguous United States: the Powel Glacier. The park also contains more than 700 lakes, and it is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park also has a rich history. The park was established in 1910, and it has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Check out my post on how we spent our time in Glacier National Park. One of the most popular things to do in the park is to drive the Going to the Sun Road between West and East Glacier, however, it’s only open during the summer season.
14. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park, which spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking trails, geysers, and hot springs. Yellowstone is also one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and scientists believe that an eruption could occur within the next century.
While this may seem like a reason to avoid the park, scientists believe that an eruption would actually be good for the environment, as it would release nutrients into the soil and create new vegetation. In short, Yellowstone is a place of great beauty and scientific interest, and it is definitely worth a visit.
15. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a 3,000-square-mile preserve located in northwest Wyoming. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. In addition to its plentiful animal life, the park also features towering mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and rushing rivers.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing escape from the city, Grand Teton National Park is sure to offer something for everyone.
16. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of North Dakota. The park consists of three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Theodore Roosevelt first visited the Badlands in 1883, and he was so taken with the landscape that he subsequently established a ranch there. The park was established in 1947 to preserve Roosevelt’s legacy.
Today, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching in the park. Bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep are just some of the animals that can be seen in the park. In addition, there are more than 200 species of birds that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home. Here are some reasons that make Theodore Roosevelt National Park worth a visit!
17. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and consists of almost 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, badlands, and Lakota Sioux history. The area now known as the park was first inhabited by Indigenous people over 11,000 years ago.
The Lakota Sioux made their home in the area for centuries before they were forcibly removed by the United States government in the late 1800s. In 1916, the area was designated as a national site, and in 1939 it became a national park.
Today, Badlands National Park is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from all over the world to see its unique landscape and wildlife. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and black-footed ferrets.
18. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park is a United States national park 10 miles north of the town of Hot Springs in western South Dakota. Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the seventh national park and the first caves to be designated as a national park.
The park covers 33,890 acres and is home to one of the world’s longest caves, Wind Cave. Guided tours of the cave are available to book in person; you cannot go into the cave on your own. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife watching, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and white-tailed deer.
19. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a U.S. National Park that features the Rocky Mountains. The park is located in north-central Colorado, northwest of Boulder. It has diverse wildlife including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. There are also more than 60 lakes, and the park has four distinct ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding. In the winter months, the park is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place to explore all year round.
20. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in the southern Colorado Rockies, about four hours from Denver. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which rise up to 750 feet high. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking, sledding, or even sandboarding.
The park also features a variety of other landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Wildlife is abundant in the park, and visitors may see bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, elk, and mule deer. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Colorado, especially on a San Luis Valley road trip.
21. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park is an American national park located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. Mesa Verde (Spanish for “green table”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The park was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt and is home to more than 4,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These dwellings were built by the Ancestral Puebloans between the 6th and 12th centuries. The Mesa Verde Cliff dwellings are some of the most notable and best-preserved sites in the park. Visitors can explore these dwellings and learn about the daily life of the people who lived there. The Mesa Verde Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit and learn more about the park’s history and culture.
22. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada, near the border with California. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and deserts. The most notable feature of the park is the Great Basin, a large area of land that is drained by rivers but has no outlet to the sea.
The park also contains several caves, including Lehman Caves, which are open to visitors. Great Basin National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. In addition, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs throughout the year.
23. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is located in Utah, just a few hours’ drive from Salt Lake City. The park is known for its red rock formations, which have been sculpted by millennia of erosion. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
There are also a number of ranger-led programs available, which provide insights into the park’s geology and history. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Arches National Park is an ideal destination.
24. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States and covers over 1 million acres. The park is known for its stunning red rocks, as well as its array of hiking trails, canyoneering adventures, and scenic drives. Zion is also a Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal place for stargazing.
Visitors will want to bring binoculars when they visit Zion as it’s home to over 200 species of birds, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Zion is open year-round, and winter in Zion offers a chance to enjoy the scenery with sunshine and lower crowds, although it does snow in Zion.
25. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the Big 5 national parks in Utah. It is known for its unique landscape, which is full of colorful rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and mule deer.
Visitors can explore the park by hiking, camping, or horseback riding. Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in geology or natural history.
26. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including canyons, rivers, and desert terrain. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Canyonlands is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rabbits. The park is open year-round, and its hours vary depending on the season. Admission to the park is free for all visitors.
27. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning geological area located in southern Utah. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including canyons, valleys, and mountains. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Capitol Gorge, which features a narrow canyon with towering cliffs. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in the park.
In addition, the park is home to a variety of historical sites, such as the Gifford House Ranger Station and the Fruita Rural Historic District. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a chance to relax, Capitol Reef National Park is sure to offer something for everyone.
28. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a national park in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. The primary feature of the park is Carlsbad Cavern, a large cave system with more than 119 caves. The park also includes the Chihuahuan Desert and various hiking trails. Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established as a national park on May 14, 1930.
It is one of the largest and most visited National Parks in the United States, with more than 400,000 visitors annually. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular destination for spelunkers and touring groups. The caves are open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily, and tours are available year-round.
29. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park was declared a national monument in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover and gained status as a national park in 2019. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune, which is more than 620 feet high and covers more than 5,000 acres.
Visitors love to drive the eight-mile Dunes Drive which takes them into the center of the gypsum dune as well as offers stops for hiking and wayside exhibits. Cycling the Dunes Drive is also extremely popular and allows visitors a unique immersive experience with nature. And of course, most visitors can’t pass up the chance to try sledding down the giant snow-like gypsum dunes.
30. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona, close to the border with New Mexico. The park covers an area of around 93,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The most famous feature of the park is the petrified wood. Over millions of years, the wood has been turned to stone by the process of fossilization.
Today, the petrified wood is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can see it up close by hiking on one of the park’s many trails. In addition to the petrified wood, the park also contains a number of Native American archaeological sites.
These sites provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the area’s original inhabitants. Petrified Forest National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place, and is well worth a visit. You can plan an epic Southwest National Park road trip to visit 11 different parks.
31. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park is a beautiful and unique place, located in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. The park is home to the largest cacti in the United States, the mighty saguaro. These massive plants can grow up to 50 feet tall and live for over 200 years. In addition to its towering cacti, the park is also home to a variety of other desert plants and animals.
Visitors can take advantage of the many hiking trails, viewing areas, and ranger-led programs available year-round. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or simply enjoy the beauty of the desert, Saguaro National Park is a great place to visit.
32. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park, which is located in Arizona, receives over four million visitors each year. The Grand Canyon is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
The canyon, which is over a mile deep and ten miles wide, was formed over millions of years by the Colorado River. Today, the Grand Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and rafting. Visitors can also take helicopter tours or ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the canyon, Grand Canyon National Park is sure to exceed your expectations.
33. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park covers 6 million acres of wild land in the heart of Alaska’s interior. It’s bisected by a single road that takes travelers across the varying landscapes of lowland forests to snowy mountains. The main feature of Denali National Park is North America’s tallest peak, Denali, coming in at 20,310 feet tall.
Most visitors come to the park in the summer, when the single road is clear and open to visitors on tour buses. Private cars can access the first 15 miles of this road during the summer, with a good view of Denali around mile nine.
Most visitors come to Denali to see the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness as well as hoping to glimpse some of the famed Alaskan wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, wolves, and moose. Visiting Denali is one of the most popular things to do in Alaska.
34. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park is quite special as it is also a living laboratory, a marine park, and a world heritage site. The park stretches over 3.3 million acres and has beautiful mountains, glaciers, temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and deep fjords. Glacier Bay is located west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by boat or plane. Most visitors arrive at the park via the Inside Passage on an Alaska Cruise.
Cruisers typically associate Glacier Bay with the view of the famous Margerie Glacier at the northwestern end of the bay. Its abrupt edge allows cruise ships and tour boats to get up close to the glacier and witness ice calving, which is when parts of ice break away from the glacier into the water. Glacier Bay is truly a gem of west coast national parks and is worth trying to see at least once. Especially since we don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to view these glaciers.
35. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park is also an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique insight into volcanic geothermal activity.
There are day hikes in the park that allow visitors to get an up-close view of the terrain. One of the most popular activities for the park is to drive along the Crater Rim and Chain of Craters. Many visitors will get a very early start in order to make it up the Crater Rim Drive in time for sunrise. You can also visit at night to see the lava glow.
In addition to viewing the geology of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can also learn about how the First Native Hawaiians viewed the volcanoes as sacred land.
National Park FAQs
How many national parks are in the United States?
There are 63 national parks in the United States and 423 national park sites.
What is the oldest national park?
The oldest national park is Yellowstone National Park, which was established in 1872.
What is the largest national park?
The largest national park is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which covers 13.2 million acres.
What is the most visited national park?
The most visited national park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which receives over 11 million visitors each year.
What are the top 10 most visited national parks?
The top 10 most visited national parks are Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Olympic National Park, Glacier National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.
What are the most popular activities in West Coast national parks?
The most popular activities in West Coast National Parks are hiking, road trips, camping, and wildlife watching.
How to Pack for Visiting a National Park
When packing for a trip to a national park, it is important to pack items that will be useful for the activities you plan on doing.
Hiking
When you plan on doing any hiking, be sure to pack sturdy shoes, a map of the area, and plenty of water. If you are hiking in a remote area, it is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit and a compass. The NPS service recommends packing 10 essential items when hiking.
Camping
If you plan on camping, be sure to pack a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, and any other supplies you need to be completely self-supported. Practice packing and setting up everything you need before you leave so that you are prepared when you get to your campsite. Be sure to know any rules for wildlife protection and burning for your visit.
Wildlife Watching
If you want to spend time observing the wildlife in a national park, be sure to bring a camera. You might also want to pack a field guide so that you can identify the different animals you see. I 100% recommend that you bring binoculars so that you can see what’s going on around you. Bring a pair for every person in your group!
Top Beaches to See on the West Coast National Parks
There are many beautiful beaches to see while in West Coast National Parks, with a variety of sandy beaches as well as the rocky coastline. Here are some of the top beaches to visit:
Olympic National Park (Rialto Beach)
Located in Washington, this beach is a great place to see tide pools and sea stacks. Rialto Beach is also a popular spot for whale watching.
Point Reyes National Seashore (Drakes Beach)
Drakes Beach is located in California and is known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and wildlife.
Redwood National and State Parks (Fern Canyon)
Fern Canyon is located in California and is known for its lush vegetation and tranquil setting. This beach is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Channel Islands National Park (Scorpion Beach)
Scorpion Beach is located in Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California and is known for its views and exploring opportunities.
Cabrillo National Monument (Cabrillo Beach)
Located in California, Cabrillo Beach is a great place to see tide pools and sea stacks. Cabrillo Beach is also a popular spot for whale watching.
These 35 West Coast National Parks are worth checking out. You won’t believe how many different places you can visit that are completely natural! Mountains, beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, and everything in between can be seen right here in the United States of America!