Looking for a nice weekend getaway? Here are a few national parks close to Orange County that we recommend visiting.

National Park #1: Sequoia National Park

Have you ever wanted to see some of the biggest trees in the world? They’re bigger than you can possibly imagine. They’re so big that tunnels have been built through them, allowing you to drive a car through. These trees are truly humbling.

Sequoia has a lot to offer. For one thing, you can start by just walking through the park and seeing the sights. Several lodges are available including Wuksachi Lodge, John Muir Lodge, Cedar Grove Lodge, and Grant Grove Cabins. You can also go camping if you are looking to get closer to nature.

Just make sure you plan your trip in advance. You’re more likely to enjoy yourself and get the most out of our time in the forest of giants. For more information, check out their website at https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm. 

National Park #2: Joshua Tree

What do you think of the Mojave desert? How about the Colorado desert? How would you like to visit a place that incorporates the beauty of both ecosystems at the same time?  

“What do you do in the desert?” Good question. There are actually a lot of things to do, just check out their website at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm for a few ideas. Take a look at the hiking trails, or you can plan on climbing and bouldering. More of a cyclist? No problem – they have bike trails too. Or you can hop on the back of a horse and enjoy the landscape that way. 

Plan on having a few picnics in the park. They have eight picnic areas, so you will always have one close by and convenient. There aren’t exactly restaurants inside the park, but you have a lot of options in nearby towns. 

National Park Close to Orange County #3: Los Padres National Forest

Have you ever been over to Los Padres? This park is huge and has a lot to offer. Horseback riding, hiking, camping, kayaking, and backpacking are just a few things you can do in this diverse park. 

One of the most interesting things about Los Padres is its biodiversity. You have forests, the sea coastline, grasslands, semi-desert, and more ecosystems all within a relatively small area. 

Check out their website at https://lpfw.org/our-region/los-padres-national-forest/ to help you plan your trip.

These are just a few of our favorite spots, but we recommend doing a quick Google search to find other places nearby to visit. Do you have favorite local spots for a weekend getaway? We would love to hear about them!