Near a City

National Parks Near Los Angeles, CA

6 national parks within driving distance of Los Angeles, CA -- from quick day trips to extended road-trip destinations.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

Yellow flowers in foreground extending out along a rocky coastline to a natural arch.

Channel Islands

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

124 mi -- about 2.3 hr drive

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky

Joshua Tree

CA

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

179 mi -- about 3.3 hr drive
Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.

Death Valley

CA, NV

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

233 mi -- about 4.2 hr drive
A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape

Sequoia & Kings Canyons

CA

Comfortable

240 mi -- about 4.4 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

Light falling on tree

Pinnacles

CA

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

307 mi -- about 5.6 hr drive
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring

Yosemite

CA

Comfortable

354 mi -- about 6.4 hr drive