From the moment I set foot in the state, I knew that nature in California was something beyond exceptional.
I’ve spent years exploring its landscapes, from towering mountains to sunbaked deserts, and every trip surprises me with new hidden gems.
The best part about living in my state is that there are so many cool nature places near me.
Through conversations with fellow travelers and countless road trips, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide to California’s must-see natural wonders.
If you love the outdoors, this list is for you.
My Favorite Wonders in California
- Borrego Springs’ Night Sky: See the Milky Way in true darkness.
- Zabriskie Point: A surreal, Mars-like landscape.
- The Lava Tube: A hidden Mojave cave.
- Amboy Crater: Volcanic cone off Route 66.
- Mount Shasta: A mystical, snow-capped volcano.
- Yosemite Valley: Iconic waterfalls and endless beauty.
- Slot Canyon: A narrow, twisting Anza-Borrego wonder.
- Cima Dome: Joshua tree-covered dome.
- Crystal Cave: Shimmering underground world of stalactites.
- Devils Postpile: A perfect wall of hexagonal lava columns.
- Algodones Dunes: Golden desert waves ideal for sandboarding.
- Badwater Basin Salt Flats: A glistening white expanse at Badwater Basin.
- Mobius Arch: A stunning rock arch.
- Big Sur Coastline: Towering cliffs and breathtaking ocean views.
Borrego Springs’ Night Sky
There’s nothing quite like looking up at a truly dark sky.
This is why the stars seem to multiply by the second in Borrego Springs, while surrounded by the vast Anza-Borrego Desert.
My first time here, I found myself lying on the hood of my car, watching the Milky Way stretch across the night. It reminded me how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
Astronomer Dennis Mammana’s night sky tours are also a great way to reveal constellations and planets with stunning clarity.
If you’ve never experienced true darkness, this is the place to do it.
Zabriskie Point
If Mars had a scenic overlook, it would look like Zabriskie Point. The rolling badlands, shaped by millions of years of erosion, take on a surreal glow at sunrise.
I woke up at 4:30 a.m. one morning to catch the first light hitting the Panamint Mountains, and it was worth every second of lost sleep.
Afterward, I laced up my hiking boots and descended into the maze of canyons below, where every turn revealed a new geological masterpiece.
Death Valley may be known for its extreme temperatures, but it felt like another world in the early morning.
The Lava Tube
One of California’s best-kept secrets lies in the Mojave National Preserve: a hidden lava tube where sunlight filters through in mesmerizing beams. Timing is everything here – the light show only happens when the sun is at just the right angle.
Stepping into the cavernous space, I watched in awe as golden light poured through an opening in the ceiling, illuminating swirling dust motes like something out of an ancient temple.
It’s very reminiscent of the underground cisterns you can find in Istanbul, where shafts of light illuminate columns and water in a similarly breathtaking way.
Amboy Crater
Driving along the historic Route 66, it’s easy to miss Amboy Crater, but trust me – you don’t want to. This perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, rising from the desert floor, is a geological wonder.
Hiking to the top felt like walking on another planet. The blackened lava fields stretched for miles, and standing on the rim, I could see the iconic Route 66 cutting through the landscape like a ribbon.
It was a moment of solitude, just me and the vastness of the Mojave. If you ever dreamed of standing at the edge of Mount Etna’s craters in Sicily, you can feel the same sense of geological power beneath your feet here!
Mount Shasta
Few places in California have the mystical allure of Mount Shasta. Rising 14,179 feet above Siskiyou County, this dormant volcano is a magnet for both adventurers and spiritual seekers.
Standing at the mountain’s base, surrounded by towering pines and crisp mountain air, I understood why so many people claim this place has a special kind of magic.
The hiking trails range from gentle forest strolls to strenuous summit climbs, and the reward is always a breathtaking view.
Yosemite Valley
Cast your gaze from any viewpoint in Yosemite Valley, and you’ll see more iconic landmarks in 10 seconds than you would in 10 hours almost anywhere else.
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet high.
El Capitan is the earth’s largest granite monolith.
Half Dome’s sheared-off face and bald pate, carved by glaciers, is one of the most stunning mountain faces I’ve seen.
Yosemite is the definition of California nature, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn.
Slot Canyon
As one of the best desert slot canyons in Southern California, this short hike in Anza Borrego will take you into a narrow canyon that you must turn sideways to get through at some points.
The walls are painted with rich reds, purples, and oranges, and they seem to close in as you venture deeper.
There’s a sense of awe as you squeeze through the twisting corridors, and every corner reveals yet another dramatic rock formation.
Cima Dome
Cima Dome is a rare natural feature, a 70-square-mile dome that rises out of the northeast side of the Mojave Desert.
The desert around it is sparse and rocky, yet the dome itself is covered in forests of Joshua trees, one of the most iconic symbols of California’s desert landscape.
The landscape’s quiet solitude reminds me of the vast, isolated beauty I experienced while hiking in remote regions of the Australian Outback.
Standing on top of the dome, I felt a deep connection to the land, its timelessness, and its power.
Crystal Cave
Famous for its stunning formations, Crystal Cave is one of California’s best caves to explore. The tour takes you through several massive rooms, each filled with sparkling calcite formations that shine in the soft light.
It’s like stepping into another world, one shaped by water over thousands of years. I remember the first time I stepped inside – I was mesmerized by the glowing stalactites hanging above me.
This is the place to go for a truly unique Southern California nature experience.
Devils Postpile National Monument
Forged by fire and ice nearly 100,000 years ago, this straight wall of 60-foot basalt columns known as Devil’s Postpile formed when hot lava flowed into the valley. As it cooled, the lava cracked into perfect hexagonal columns.
Walking to the base of the columns, I was struck by how perfectly symmetrical they appeared.
It felt like stepping into an ancient geological marvel, similar to those in Iceland, where similar basalt formations line the shores of its rugged coastline.
Algodones Dunes
The Algodones Dunes are a popular destination for off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts, including ATV riding and sandboarding.
The vast, undulating sands stretch for miles, and the experience of traversing them on a dune buggy is like nothing else.
As I stood on a high ridge, watching the golden sands ripple below me, I thought of a past trip to Morocco’s Sahara Desert, where the dunes carried a similar magic.
The Bad Water Basin Salt Flats
The salt flats in Badwater Basin cover nearly 200 square miles and are among the world’s most extensively protected salt flats. Formed by the evaporation of ancient Lake Manly, the flats create an almost alien landscape.
I visited during the late afternoon when the sunlight made the salt crystals sparkle like diamonds.
The vast emptiness felt both eerie and exhilarating. Visiting them will give you the sense of standing on the edge of the world.
Mobius Arch
Mobius Arch is a natural arch in the Alabama Hills range in Inyo County, California. Its name comes from its resemblance to a Möbius Strip, a surface with only one side.
The arch frames views of Mount Whitney in the distance, creating one of the most stunning desert vistas I’ve ever seen.
I hiked the short trail to reach it, and the sight of the arch against the vast desert and rugged mountain backdrop was unforgettable.
The Big Sur Coastline
Driving the Big Sur coastline is a rite of passage for any nature lover. With every twist and turn of Highway 1, cliffs plunge into the Pacific, waves crash against jagged rocks, and redwoods tower overhead.
I’ll never forget my first trip here – I had just finished college, and a road trip down the coast felt like the perfect way to celebrate newfound freedom.
I stopped at every scenic pullout, hiked through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and watched sea otters bob in the waves at McWay Falls.
Big Sur isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling of endless adventure and wild, untamed beauty.
What I Learned From Exploring California’s Natural Wonders
Spending so much time crisscrossing California’s diverse landscapes taught me something simple but profound: nature has a way of putting things in perspective.
Every place I visited – from the eerie stillness of the salt flats to the celestial drama of Borrego Springs’ night sky – reconnected me with something much deeper.
So here’s some advice:
- Plan for spontaneity: Some of the best moments happened when I veered off the main road or stayed just a bit longer to catch the changing light. Flexibility is your best travel companion.
- Timing matters: Light beams in the lava tube or a sunrise at Zabriskie Point don’t just happen all day. Do your research and be willing to get up early or wait patiently – it’s always worth it.
- Respect the land: Many of these places are fragile and remote. Pack in, pack out. Stay on trails. Be mindful of wildlife and fellow travelers.
- Talk to locals and fellow wanderers: I learned about several of these hidden gems through casual conversations on the road. People love sharing what they’ve discovered, and you’ll find your journey enriched by their stories.
As for how I feel about these experiences?
Honestly, every destination etched itself into my memory in a different way – some for their grandeur, others for the quiet, meditative space they offered.
There were moments I laughed out loud in pure joy, others where I just stood in silence, stunned by the beauty in front of me.
Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.
Best Nature Places in California – FAQ
What is the most beautiful part of California?
Big Sur is often considered the most beautiful part of California. With its dramatic cliffs, crashing Pacific waves, and towering redwoods, the scenic Highway 1 drive feels like nature’s greatest hits playing out in real time.
What is the number one attraction in California?
Yosemite National Park is widely seen as California’s top attraction. Its iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and valleys offer unmatched natural beauty, drawing millions each year to experience hiking, rock climbing, and unforgettable panoramic views.
Are there any wonders of the world in California?
While California doesn’t host an official world wonder, natural marvels like Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoias of Sequoia National Park are often described as wonders due to their size, beauty, and global significance.
The Call of California’s Natural Features and Wilderness
Every time I explore California’s natural wonders, I fall in love with the state all over again.
Whether it’s the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, or the towering majesty of Yosemite, there’s always something new to discover.
If you haven’t yet embarked on a journey through these breathtaking places, now is the time.
Pack your bags, hit the road, and experience California’s must-see wonders for yourself. The landscapes may be different, but the feeling of awe and adventure is universal.
