If you prefer taking in stunning landscapes via scenic driving routes, there’s no California national park better than Redwood National Park (and the surrounding state parks, which are typically lumped into one: Redwood National and State Parks). California’s famous Highway 101 snakes through this region, nicknamed the “Redwood Highway.” From coastal scenes to ancient forests, everywhere is spectacular, even through a windshield.

The hottest, driest, and lowest spot on the planet naturally lends itself to incomparable photos. Be ready to snap shots of incredible landscapes like mountains, sand dunes, and badlands at Death Valley National Park. Head to spots like Badwater Basin, 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, for wide-angle views of the Earth cracking into salty hexagons. Racetrack Playa, Zabriskie Point, and the rainbow-hued Artists Drive are also extremely photogenic spots.

Set between Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, Joshua Tree National Park offers easy access to nature, where the weather is almost always warm. And with some 500 campsites, there’s no shortage of spots to pitch that tent, pull up the RV, or roll out that sleeping bag). Pair your overnight adventure with a guided hike or rock-climbing adventure, and you’ve got an easy recipe for an off-grid weekend.

The newest California national park on this list, Pinnacles is a quirky wonderland of caves, canyons, and ancient volcanoes. It also serves as home to many critters and creatures, such as mountain lions and the rare California condor. In fact, this is the only national park where you can spot this massive, critically endangered bird. Get to the High Peaks area in the early morning or early evening for your best chance at spotting this elusive creature.

John Muir deemed Yosemite National Park “nature’s cathedral.” Teddy Roosevelt saw it and was convinced to protect the country’s wildest, most beautiful spaces. Ansel Adams also fell in love with—and photographed—Yosemite’s granite wonders, waterfalls, and meadows. However, Yosemite does have its fair share of crowds. You can leave them behind in a few ways. Go beyond Yosemite Valley; get out early, (around sunrise); or visit in winter with a guide who knows the lay of the land.

If you're excited for snowy conditions, there’s nowhere better to experience a California winter than Sequoia National Park. You may need tire chains for certain areas, but lower-lying spots like the Giant Forest are often accessible without them. Get out of the car, and you can play underneath some of the biggest trees on the planet, draped in a veil of white. To really make an adventure of it, venture beyond the frontcountry on a snowshoe tour.

Kings Canyon rivals Yosemite—according to John Muir—but with fewer roads, more snow, and the highest peak in the lower 48. This is a park for those with worn-in hiking shoes: You could traverse the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or any of the many trails that course through the park under massive sequoias or up mountains. Of course, this spot feels wild, so if you’re not used to backcountry hiking, book a pro guide to make your hike worry-free.

Channel Islands National Park sits off the coast of California near Ventura. There are five explorable islands in total, each offering a surprisingly distinct set of activities. But one thing’s for certain—they all offer great access to the water. Along with the journey there itself (it takes one to three hours by ferry), plan to go snorkeling, or book a sea cave kayaking tour to enjoy some of the park’s best views.

With a mix of lakes, cinder cones, volcanoes, and meadows, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a little something beautiful for everyone but without the crowds. The Manzanita Lake Loop is a solid option for those with small kiddos, a 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) trek with plenty of volcano views and birdlife. Older kids will love the hike up Cinder Cone Trail, a steep 200-foot (61-meter) dash across moving cinder.