We will be in southern California/Lax/SDiego areas with 2 teens this summer. Anyone been to the national parks there? Any favorites? Any insight where to stay? We were going to the Channel Islands, but are a little leary of the boat ride. It is still a possibility if this is the best choice.

For an area that invented urban sprawl, this area has a surprisingly good collection of natural areas. Which one is "best" depends on what you're looking for.

Since you're coming in the summer, I'd recommend against the desert parks -- Joshua Tree, Anza Borrega -- UNLESS you like to be uncomfortably hot and dry. I've hiked in temps of over 40C, but I don't suggest it for everyone.

This area has some good hiking
www.nps.gov/samo
as does several Orange County state parks.

The Channel Islands are interesting not because of their OMG! views, but because they protect some unique habitat and species. If you like the latter, they'd be a good choice in summer.

A possible first-step would be Santa Catalina. If you get out of Avalon, you can do some nice hiking. If you decide hiking isn't for you, just spend the day in Avalon. And if you find the former is what you want, then visit Channel Islands for even more isolated hiking.

Hi lisa,

I don't know of any National Parks in southern CA. There are Natl Monuments, State Parks, and National Forests to enjoy though.

Northern CA has Yosemite and Sequoia.

You might like to check out the National Park web site. It's very good!

Dayle, Joshua Trees went from a National Monument to a National Park in 1994.

Utahtea

Also, the Channel Islands are a National Park as is Death Valley. You also have the Mojave National Reserve.

But in summer, the Channel Islands are you're best bet.

Thanks for the help...I was nervous about the boat ride to the channel islands as I am not too steady on the seas. I guess I will give it a try!
Thanks again!

Hi Lisa- My husband and I visited Santa Cruz Island in CINP last weekend. We had a great time. The boat ride was very cold in the morning so bring layers, but was a comfortable temperature on the ride home. I'm not prone to sea-sickness, but I think that that you'd probably be okay. When the boat speeds up as it leaves the harbor, it does get a little jumpy, but once your in the channel the roughness of the ride dimenishes. --tigerlilies

Thanks for the update you guys! Although a CA native, I now consider myself a very happy escapee and don't visit the CA parks anymore. I'm glad they have expanded the Natl Parks to include these sites. At least they are doing something right in Congress....

My husband and I went to Joshua Tree last August. We made sure we got there early before it got too hot; we were not all that uncomfortable. I think if you are there in the early morning, it is tolerable.