If you’re dreaming of a road trip packed with beach days, mountain views, desert hikes, and everything in between, this one’s for you.
Southern California has some of the coolest state parks around, and you don’t have to drive far to see totally different landscapes.
One minute you’re climbing to a pine-covered peak, and the next you’re exploring sea caves or wandering through wildflower-covered canyons.
This road trip hits 8 amazing SoCal state parks, each with its own vibe, epic trails, and must-see spots.
1. Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park is in the Mojave Desert, along Highway 14 near Cantil, California, approximately 120 miles north of Los Angeles.
It’s famous for its crazy-cool red and white cliffs, towering rock formations, and dramatic desert scenery that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The 1.2-mile Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is a must if you want to see colorful sandstone shapes and maybe even a roadrunner.
Fun fact: tons of old westerns were filmed here, and you might recognize the landscape from movies like The Mummy or Jurassic Park.
2. Leo Carrillo State Park
Next up, Leo Carrillo State Park is a favorite for locals, located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, less than 30 miles west of Santa Monica.
This spot has sea caves, tide pools, and a 1.5-mile stretch of sandy shoreline perfect for surfing, swimming, or just chilling with your toes in the water.
If you’re into hiking, check out the Nicholas Flat Trail—it’s about 7 miles round-trip with ocean views, wildflowers, and even a hidden pond at the top.
One of the best things about this place is that you can camp just steps from the beach, and dogs are also allowed here (with some restrictions).
3. Malibu Creek State Park
Just a short drive inland, Malibu Creek State Park switches things up with oak-studded valleys, rocky cliffs, and a winding creek that runs right through the middle.
This 8,000-acre park in the Santa Monica Mountains is packed with trails, with the trail to the Malibu Creek Rock Pools being the most popular one.
It’s only around 2 miles round-trip and you can swim in the iconic rock pools at the end while being surrounded by volcanic rocks.
If the scenery looks familiar, it’s because M*A*S*H was filmed here, and you can even hike to the old set area.
Bring water and good shoes as some trails get steep, but the views are totally worth it.
4. Crystal Cove State Park
Now head south to Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, where coastal cliffs meet hidden coves and the ocean views go on forever.
This park has 3.2 miles of beach and 18 miles of backcountry trails.
You have to do the Moro Canyon Loop, which is approximately 5 miles long and winds through coastal sage scrub with spectacular ocean views.
There’s also a super cute Historic District with beach cottages from the 1930s that you can actually rent for an overnight stay!
Don’t miss the tide pools at Reef Point during low tide, where you can spot sea stars, anemones, and tiny hermit crabs doing their thing.
5. Mount San Jacinto State Park
From the coast to the clouds, Mount San Jacinto State Park takes you way up, like 10,834 feet up, to one of the tallest peaks in Southern California.
You can ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to 8,516 feet and start hiking from there.
Explore trails like the Round Valley Loop (4.5 miles) or the super challenging 12-mile round-trip trek to the summit of San Jacinto Peak.
This alpine landscape is full of pine forests, granite peaks, and chilly breezes that feel like a total escape from the desert landscape that surrounds the park.
Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, Steller’s jays, and yes, snow in the winter—this spot feels like a totally different world.
6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
From the mountains, head east into the wild, wide-open space of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California, with over 600,000 acres to explore.
It’s famous for its spring wildflower super blooms, twisty slot canyons, and giant metal sculptures scattered across the desert floor—keep an eye out for a 350-foot-long serpent!
One of the coolest hikes is The Slot, a 2.2-mile round-trip adventure through narrow sandstone walls that feel like a natural maze.
7. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Next, roll into the piney forests and rolling meadows of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, only about an hour east of San Diego.
This park has over 100 miles of trails, and the hike to Stonewall Peak (around 4 miles round-trip) delivers 360-degree views from the top that are definitely worth the climb.
You’ll pass through oak groves, cross creeks, and maybe even spot wild turkeys or deer along the way.
And if you’re up for camping, Paso Picacho Campground is a fan favorite, with shady spots, fire rings, and trailheads right outside your tent.
8. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Wrap up your SoCal park adventure at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, perched on sandstone cliffs just north of La Jolla with ocean views that’ll knock your flip-flops off.
This spot is home to the super rare Torrey pine tree—seriously, it only grows here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara.
Hike the Guy Fleming Trail (around 0.7 miles) for an easy loop with epic photo ops, wildflowers in spring, and a good chance of spotting dolphins offshore.
And yes, there’s beach access too to Torrey Pines State Beach—just head down the Beach Trail and finish your trip with your feet in the sand and salt in your hair.
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