Perhaps the most well-known of California’s national parks, Yosemite is famed for its awe-inspiring landscapes, towering peaks and breathtaking waterfalls. Often combined with a stay in San Francisco, Yosemite is one of the world’s greatest national parks, dazzling visitors with unforgettable natural beauty – from the wildflower filled Stoneman Meadow and the cascading waters of Bridalveil Fall to the spectacular vistas from Glacier Point.

Stay inside the park for immediate access to the area’s delights, alternatively, find great value accommodation in the surrounding towns. A visit to Yosemite offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, including hiking, mountain biking and climbing its iconic rock formations. Wildlife enthusiasts are also in for a treat as Yosemite Valley is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer and black bears.

One of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the area, Lake Tahoe is famed for its crystal clear waters, pine-covered mountains, endless recreational activities and year round alpine perfection.

Stay on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, dotted with small towns and villages for a charming, laidback feel. This area offers outdoor adventure year-round, with kayaking, hiking and horseback riding during the summer and world-class skiing in the winter. South Lake Tahoe is a great base for those seeking a livelier atmosphere with trendy bars, restaurants, chic boutiques and the stunning Emerald Bay State Park just a short drive away.

At over a mile and a half deep, the dramatic glaciated valley of Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the USA. Boasting picturesque rivers, cascading waterfalls, skyscraping Sequoia trees and miles of hiking trails, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a visit to Kings Canyon National Park.

During the summer months, make sure to take the scenic drive along Generals Highway, meandering through meadows and mountain overlooks. This road allows you to travel between Sequoia and Kings Canyon and is filed with wildflowers, some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the Sierra Nevada and the occasional black bear sighting.

Situated south of Kings Canyon National Park and connected by the winding General’s Highways is magnificent Sequoia. The national park is home to stunning views, cascading waterfalls and, of course, gargantuan sequoia trees including General Sherman, the world’s largest living tree.

For those in search of an active adventure, one of the park’s most popular hikes takes you up around 400 stone steps to the top of Moro Rock. This dramatic staircase leads to a massive granite dome, offering incredible views across the Giant Forest and the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape. Another highlight of the park is the chance to drive through the famous Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia along Crescent Meadow Road. It’s a great way to appreciate the immense scale of these remarkable trees, some of which have stood for thousands of years.

Despite being the hottest place in the USA, Death Valley is home to a surprising variety of flora and fauna, including the native roadrunner. This huge national park, the largest in the USA outside Alaska, encompasses an amazing array of landscapes, from vast shimmering salt flats to rugged mountains and dramatic desert valleys. It is also home to the lowest point in North America, making Death Valley a remarkable destination of extremes.

Often included on itineraries travelling between California and Nevada’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas, Death Valley makes for an interesting stop with its rustic accommodation and unique desert scenery.

Named after the park’s distinctive Joshua Trees, this varied national park is known for its rugged rock formations and stark desert scenery. Sitting where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts meet, this delicate ecosystem is home to diverse flora and fauna including the elusive desert tortoise.

Venture out on the many hiking trails by day and enjoy mesmerising star-gazing at night - Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the darkest skies in southern California. With an eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and dining options, the nearby town of Palm Springs offers the perfect base to discover the park’s otherworldly charm.

For a remote retreat in stunning surroundings, head to the beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes. Nestled in the shadow of the mighty Mammoth Mountain, this town makes the perfect jumping off point for exploring the Ansel Adams Wilderness area with its intriguing rock formations and abundance of local wildlife. Explore this great outdoors by bike, on foot or delve into the region’s gold rush heritage at nearby Bodie Ghost Town.

During the warmer months Yosemite National Park is only a 45 minute drive away (2 hours to the valley floor), via the scenic Tioga Pass, making it an ideal day trip.