I’ve been to every national park in California. Skip crowded Yosemite and check out these hidden gems instead.

• Since moving to California in 2016, I’ve been to every national park in the state.
• Although Yosemite is California’s most popular national park, I’ve found some great hidden gems.
• A few of my favorite parks include Channel Islands, Pinnacles, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

California is home to more national parks than any other state in the country, covering over 7 million acres of desert, volcanic peaks, seashore, and mountain ranges. Since moving to the Golden State in 2016, I’ve seen them all — a few more than once.

Out of the state’s nine national parks, Yosemite is the oldest and by far the most popular, attracting nearly 4 million visitors in 2023.