Mountains, beaches, deserts, hills, and prairies. California is one of the few states in the U.S. that has all of it within less than a day’s drive. Featuring the Coast Range in the west, the Sierra Nevada in the east, and nine national parks, there are a handful of epic destinations to visit in The Golden State. StorQuest is bringing you an incredible list of absolute must-see CA hotspots from north to south in this adventure guide.
Redwood National and State Parks
Sitting right on the Pacific coastline, this absolutely jaw-dropping destination is kicking off our list of must-see destinations. The James Irvine Trail offers hiking along one of the longest wilderness journeys in the park with a 12-mile loop taking you from the redwoods, through spruce forests, to the ocean, and back for a four- to eight-hour trek. If you’ve got an off-road-ready rig, the 10-mile dirt journey along Howland Hill Road is perfect for up-close-and-personal redwood viewings.
Pro Tip: No reservations are required to visit. While pets are allowed in developed campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, and roads throughout the park, they are not allowed on any of the wilderness trails or undeveloped paths.
Yosemite National Park
If you’ve never been to Yosemite, then you’ve been missing out on seeing one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Half Dome towers in the distance, offering a one-of-a-kind backdrop, while flower-filled meadows, giant-ancient sequoias, valleys, and a vast forested wilderness can be seen in almost every direction. Backpacking, hiking, camping, climbing, rafting, kayaking, exploring – anything you want to do – Yosemite has it. 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness, and you’ll find over 750 miles of trails to explore.
Pro Tip: Camping reservations often book months out, so you’ll want to plan accordingly when mapping out your itinerary. Pets are allowed in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths but not in any of the wilderness areas. It may be better to leave your canine companion in the best care back at home while you’re visiting this national park.
Sequoia National Forest
With a visit to the Sequoia National Forest, you’ll have 1,150 miles of trails, with 47 routes on the PCT, 52 developed campground areas, 222 miles of water across 2,600-plus rivers and streams, over 250 ponds and lakes, and a whopping 314,448 acres of wilderness. Take your pick from fishing at Lake Isabella, hiking the backcountry into the Golden Trout Wilderness, and so much more like camping, boating, biking, and horseback riding.
Pro Tip: Always check weather conditions before planning your itinerary, before leaving for your destination, and again before starting your trek through the wilderness. Some of the routes are located at an elevation above 2,500 feet, and abrupt or severe weather changes can occur.
Sea-Doo From Long Beach to Catalina Island
Forget basic sea-doo rides around lakes and rivers this summer season – it’s time to go BIG or go home! Uncharted Society’s Jetski2Catalina takes you on an unforgettable sea-doo ride across the Pacific Ocean from Long Beach to Catalina Island. Your day starts at 7:30 AM for a group gear-up before departing from Long Beach at 8 AM for a 2.5-hour ride with guides to Catalina. Along your route, expect to stop for potential sea lion, dolphin, whale, and sunfish viewings, as well as a refreshing swim at Blue Cavern Point. Upon arrival at Catalina, you’ll take a break for lunch, hiking, and snorkeling before hopping back on your sea-doo for the 2.5-hour journey back to end the day.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
You’ll start your journey up to the 8,516-foot elevation by way of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a 2.5-mile ride up the cliffs of Chino Canyon and into the Mount San Jacinto wilderness with the purchase of a tram ticket. The panoramic views of the valley floor during this 10-minute ascent up to Mountain Station are beyond anything you’ve ever seen before. Once arriving at the top of the route, choose from countless activities like grabbing a bite to eat at one of their two restaurants, checking out their observation deck, visiting the natural history museum, heading over to gear up at your designated campsite, or trekking any of the 50-plus miles of hiking trails around the mountain.
Pro Tip: Both for the day and overnight camping, everyone entering the Mount San Jacinto State Park is required to have a permit. Dogs are also not permitted in any wilderness areas, so be sure to leave your canine companions in good hands while you’re visiting this destination.
Cheers to Your CA Adventures!
With over 90 StorQuest locations in California, you have plenty of options for accessible self storage spaces across the state. Whether you want a place to keep your hiking, backpacking, and camping gear or need the ideal spot to park your RV during the winter season, we have it all. Just pick a location close to you and be on your way to the next adventure. It’s time to make plans, get organized, and make it happen.