6 National Parks Perfect for a Day Trip from Los Angeles

Los Angeles is located within a driving distance from 6 national parks, allowing you to visit them during short, often one-day trips.

Last updated: December 18, 2021

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National parks perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles: Yosemite

6 National Parks Perfect for a Day Trip from Los Angeles

Somebody once said that national parks are the most beautiful parts of the USA. Some people might take time to think about it, but I wholeheartedly agree with it. These astounding locations with breathtaking vistas, towering mountains, and splendid lakes attract millions of people from all corners of the world. And while you might not have time to see all of the national parks in the country, venturing to your closest ones should not present any problems.

For those who live in or near Los Angeles, there is not one, but 6 national parks to visit on a day trip. Thanks to the city’s convenient location, you can easily see six out of nine major government protected areas in California. So, do yourself a favor and check out these national parks perfect for a short day trip from Los Angeles.

HERE ARE 6 NATIONAL PARKS PERFECT FOR A DAY TRIP FROM LOS ANGELES

1. Joshua Tree National Park

2 hours 30 minutes from Los Angeles

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular national parks for a day trip from Los Angeles. Such popularity might be due to a relatively short driving distance. I’d like to believe, though, that strange-looking trees that remind of biblical Joshua draw the majority of the visitors.

And why not, aren’t they a good reason to visit Joshua Tree National Park on a day trip from Los Angeles? Where else can you see thousands of trees along with boulders and rock formations in a desert? You got my point.

Indeed, Joshua Tree National Part is a perfect place for any day-trip adventures for visitors from all over the world, not only the Greater Los Angeles Area. It offers plenty of activities suitable for people of all ages. You can put your athleticism to the test and climb the rocks. An abundance of hiking trails, including the Barker Dam Trail, invites you to get deeper into the national park and see how its terrain changes the farther you go.

READ MORE: Weekend in Joshua Tree National Park: Guide and 1 to 2 Day Itinerary

National parks near Los Angeles, www.roadsanddestinations.com

2. Channel Islands National Park

2 hours drive plus 1-4 hours boat ride from Los Angeles

Among all the national parks perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is the only place you can’t reach by car. Instead, you need to get on a helicopter or boat in order to spend one or a few days here.

The park consists of five islands and their ocean environment. It’s home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, 145 of which are unique to the park. If you’re looking for a great place to hike, swim, kayak, or snorkel, Channel Islands National Park is right for you whether you need a one-day escape from Los Angeles or a three-day adventure.

READ MORE: Anacapa Island Photo Diary

Channel Islands, roadsanddestinations.com

3. Sequoia National Park

3 hours 40 minutes from Los Angeles

Sequoia National Park is one of the most interesting national parks that even your kids will approve for a perfect day trip from Los Angeles. The park is located in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and has some of the biggest trees in the world.

Moreover, Sequoia National Park is home to more than 200 caves and a wide range of wildlife. You can hike Moro Rock, bike, camp, and even have a snow fights in winter here. But above all, try to catch a sunset at the park. It’s a view that will stay in your memory for a lifetime.

READ MORE: 2 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Sequoia National Park, roadsanddestinations.com
National parks perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles: Sunset in Sequoia National Park

4. Kings Canyon National Park

4 hours 15 minutes from Los Angeles

Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia National Park. As the latter, it boasts giant sequoia trees, deep canyons, and granite canyon walls on the east side. Furthermore, it’s home to rattlesnakes, bears, and cougars. So make sure to stay safe when exploring this national park during your one-day excursion from Los Angeles.

5. Death Valley National Park

3 hours 40 minutes from Los Angeles

The name of this national park can put you on your guard. And there is a reason for it. One of the most intriguing national parks you can visit on a day trip from Los Angeles, Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest place in the USA. Moreover, its Badwater Basin is considered the lowest elevation in North America.

On top of that, the park includes canyons, dunes, mountains, salt flats, hot and cold spring oases, and badlands. It’s certainly more than you can see in one day. Therefore, you might consider exploring Death Valley National Park over the course of a few day trips from Los Angeles.

National Parks near Los Angeles, www.roadsanddestinations.com

6. Yosemite National Park

4 hours 45 minutes from Los Angeles

It might be a little bit challenging to visit Yosemite National Park on a day trip from Los Ageless. Yet it’s not impossible. So what draws people to Yosemite? As one of the favorite national parks in California, Yosemite entices with its iconic vistas, dramatic waterfalls, and towering granite cliffs.

This place is perfect for a one-day or a few-day adventures from both Southern California, including Los Angeles, and Northern California. You can take a leisurely walk in the Yosemite Valley or hike to the picturesque waterfalls. Experienced hikers tend to test their strengths by climbing Half Dome.

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Favorite national parks for a long day trip from Los Angeles: Yosemite

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