Mojave National Preserve
2701 Barstow Rd. Barstow, CA 92311
760-252-6100
Mojave National Preserve was created to protect natural features such as sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, impressive Joshua tree forests and carpets of wildflowers. Most notable are the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains and the Cima Dome, as well as volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds. A visit to the preserves canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, a ghost town and rock-walled military outposts. A former railroad depot has been restored and is now used as a visitor center. Mojave National Preserve is the third largest park unit in the lower 48 states.
Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Rd. Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-388-2595
Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth coastal redwood forest, one of a few such stands remaining in the San Francisco Bay area and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The forest was named in honor of John Muir (naturalist, author, environmental philosopher and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States) after William and Elizabeth Kent had purchased the land to preserve its beauty and restful wilderness and donated it to the federal government to protect it from destruction.
Pinnacles National Park
5000 California 146 Paicines, CA 95043
831-389-4485
Pinnacles National Park show cases the remains of an extinct volcano with large monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages. The park's namesakes are the eroded leftovers of the western half of this volcano that has moved 150-miles from its original location on the San Andreas Fault. Pinnacles National Park is most popular in the winter months where you can hike, rock climb, and view wildlife and wildflowers.
Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Rd. Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-464-5100
Point Reyes National Seashore was established to protect the Point Reyes Peninsula from development. From its ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its wide open grasslands, brushy hillsides and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. The Point Reyes Peninsula is a well defined area, geologically separated from the local area and almost all of the continental United States by a Rift zone of the San Andreas Fault.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
4202 Alhambra Ave. Martinez, CA 94553
925-228-8860
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a memorial recognizing the dead of the Port Chicago disaster and the critical role played by Port Chicago during World War II. On the evening of July 17, 1944, residents in the San Francisco east bay area were jolted awake by a massive explosion that cracked windows and lit up the night sky.
At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were instantly killed when two ships being loaded with ammunition for the Pacific theater troops blew up. It was WWII's worst home front disaster.
Redwood National Park
1111 Second St. Crescent City, CA 95531
707-465-7335
Redwood National Park in northern California is home to some of the world's tallest trees. The park has old-growth coast redwoods that can grow to over 300-feet tall in their 2,000-year lifespan. Redwood National Park also protects vast grassland prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways and nearly 40-miles of unspoiled coastline. Redwood National Park is administratively combined with California’s Redwood State Park.
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
1414 Harbour Way S #3000 Richmond, CA 94804
510-232-5050
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park preserves and interprets the legacy of the United States home front during World War II. This park commemorates and honors the role and sacrifices of American civilians, including women and African Americans in war industries. This site including the Kaiser Richmond Shipyards, the Victory ship SS Red Oak Victory, a tank factory, housing developments and other facilities built to support America's entry into World War II.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
2 Marina Blvd., Building E, 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94123
415-447-5000
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum and a library/research facility. This park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. The fleet consists of the following vessels: the Balclutha, C. A. Thayer, Eureka, Alma, Hercules, Eppleton Hall, Bay Ark and the Wapama. The park is sometimes referred to as the San Francisco Maritime Museum and also incorporates the Aquatic Park Historic District.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
26876 Mulholland Hwy Calabasas, CA 91302
805-370-2301
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area contains many individual parks and open space preserves, located primarily in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California. The park is rich with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. You will find the famous beaches of Malibu and you can explore more than 500-miles of trails.
Sequoia National Park
47050 Generals Hwy Three Rivers, CA 93271
559-565-3341
Sequoia National Park is in the southern Sierra Nevada’s in central California. The park is famous for its giant Sequoia Trees which are known to be the world's largest trees, including the General Sherman tree. The General Sherman tree is the largest (by volume) tree in the world. The park also features huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons and vast caverns. Sequoia National Park contains the highest point in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney, at over 14,500-feet. It shares boundaries with Kings Canyon National Park.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 188 Whiskeytown, CA 96095
530-246-1225
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area encompasses the area around Whiskeytown Lake. Whiskeytown Lake is surrounded by mountain peaks which offers visitors many opportunities. Recreational opportunities include sailing, swimming, fishing, boating, camping and hiking. The 39,000-acres surrounding the lake hold four waterfalls, pristine mountain creeks, 70-miles of trails and opportunities to explore the history of the California Gold Rush.
The Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is managed by the Forest Service. Combined with the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, they form the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, making this somewhat unique.
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
Newell, CA 96134
530-260-0537