Ready to hit up the great outdoors in Cali?
California isn’t just the famous home of Hollywood lights and tech giants. Whether you’re into hiking rugged trails, kayaking clear waters, or camping under the starlit skies, the Golden State has something for every outdoorsy guy craving an adventure.
Buckle up because we’re about to explore some of the best places in California for an outdoorsy vacation. Get ready to get outside and have the time of your life!
Joshua Tree National Park
If you’ve been dreaming of a surreal desert escape, Joshua Tree is where it’s at. This park combines otherworldly landscapes with endless opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re into bouldering giant rock formations or hiking trails like Hidden Valley, you’ll find plenty to feed your adventurous spirit.
If you want to make it a full-blown experience, pitch a tent and camp out under some of the clearest skies you’ll find in California. Bring a telescope or just kick back by the fire and count shooting stars. Don’t forget to snap a few pics with the park’s iconic Joshua trees!
Yosemite National Park
You knew this one was coming—Yosemite is by far one of the best places in California for an outdoorsy vacation. It’s an especially perfect destination for dudes wanting to stay fit with summer activities because the challenging granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome will test your endurance to the max. In this park, you’ll also experience thundering waterfalls and super unique hiking paths, such as the Mist Trail leading up to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
Big Sur
Big Sur is home to dramatic coastal views that just hit different. You’ll never feel freer and more awesome than when driving down Highway 1 with cliffs on one side and crashing waves on the other.
Don’t just stick to the road, though. Big Sur boasts incredible trails, like the Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You’ll hike through towering redwoods while catching ocean views along the way.
If you’re up for some quiet downtime, head to Garrapata State Park. The beach here is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some peace and quiet after a day of exploring.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a paradise for anyone who loves water and wilderness. It’s one of the top fishing destinations with the smoothest waters, so anglers from all over the world come to cast their lines. And fishing isn’t the only great water activity available—swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and honestly whatever else floats your boat are all options in the crystal-clear waters of Tahoe!
Death Valley National Park
If you think deserts are boring, Death Valley will change your mind. This record-holding national park is full of jaw-dropping landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. Catch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point, hike through Mosaic Canyon, or hit the awe-inspiring Dante’s View for panoramic sights that look straight out of a movie.
Don’t miss the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Standing there, surrounded by salt flats as far as the eye can see, is something you’ll never forget.
Conclusion
If you’re craving an outdoorsy vacation, California will treat you right. We’ve gone over some of the best places to explore, but the whole state is a hub for nature and adventure tourism. Whether you head to Joshua Tree, Death Valley, or somewhere else entirely, we know you’ll have a blast in the Golden State!