Sometimes after living in a place for so long, you forget what’s around you. California is home to numerous state parks and natural wonders can be found right in your backyard! Depending on where you call home, you can make a day trip or even a weekend trip out of visiting one of these “natural wonders” California has to offer. In-Shape has selected our top five picks of go-to destinations for those who are up for an adventure.

 

Joshua Tree National Park

City: Twentynine Palms, CA

Nearest In-Shape: In-Shape: Cathedral City (56.4 miles)

What to Do: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Stargazing, and more

Did You Know: 750 various species of vascular plants live in this National Park.

 


Dumont Dunes

City: Mojave Desert, CA

Nearest In-Shape: In-Shape: Victorville North (149 miles)

What to Do: Off-Road Vehicle Sports, hiking, camping, rock collecting and more

Did You Know: The elevation reaches 1200 ft. on Competition Hill of the dunes.



Pfeiffer Beach

City: Big Sur, CA

Nearest In-Shape: In-Shape: Carmel (24.6 miles)

What to Do: Hiking, Climbing, Camping

Did You Know: “This is a place where the land, the sea, and forests of giant redwoods adjoin in a rugged landscape jigsaw puzzle.”

 


Vernal Falls

City: Yosemite National Park, CA

Nearest In-Shape: In-Shape: Merced Yosemite Ave (70.3 miles)

What to Do: Climbing, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, and More

Did You Know: Nature’s “giant staircase” surrounds this powerful waterfall.

 


Heavenly South Lake Tahoe

City: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Nearest In-Shape: In-Shape: El Dorado (75.5 miles)

What to Do: Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Gondola Rides, Zip Line, and Biking

Did You Know: “The water is 99.994% pure, making it one of the purest large lakes in the world. For comparison, commercially distilled water is 99.998% pure.”



 

Add these to your bucket list if you haven’t already explored these scenic beauties. While you are out exploring your In-Shape attitude, be sure to take lots of pictures and share them with In-Shape by using the #inshapeattitude on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Enjoy what California has to offer, because after all, West Coast is the best coast right?