Top Nature Reserves in California

8.8
location icon 1005 Objects
California Region | USA - Rated 8.8

Nature Reserves Places Map

Nature Reserves in California:

1

Muir Woods National Monument rating icon 9.2

Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 248 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 32 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 1936 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Maria October 19, 2024

Hold off on buying souvenirs at the park. I found way better deals in nearby towns and stores that were just a short drive away from the monument.

2

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve rating icon 9.2

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, 12600, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92037, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 276 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 36 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 1792 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Eric November 16, 2024

Bring a refillable water bottle. There are water fountains around, so you can save some cash and stay hydrated without buying overpriced drinks.

3

National Reserve Cabrillo rating icon 8.9

Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 447 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 49 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 3109 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Dorothy November 4, 2024

Make sure to bring a good camera! The views at the tide pools are stunning, especially during sunset around 5:30 PM. You'll want to capture that magic.

4

Marin Headlands rating icon 8.6

Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 562 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 59 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 3633 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Andrew October 29, 2024

If you want the best views, head to Battery Spencer around sunset. The golden light hitting the Golden Gate Bridge was totally worth it!

5

Lands End rating icon 8.3

Lands End Lookout Visitor Center, 680, Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, California, 94121, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 702 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 71 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 4586 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Edward November 26, 2024

I highly recommend hitting Lands End right around sunrise. The views are breathtaking and you’ll avoid the crowds that roll in later in the day. Amazing photo ops too!

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Joshua November 19, 2024

I suggest downloading a trail map on your phone. Wi-Fi can be spotty, so having it ready will help you navigate without getting lost!

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Michael November 2, 2024

Bring a good pair of walking shoes. The trails can get rocky and uneven, and you'll want to explore more without worrying about your feet.

6

Sunset Cliffs Game Reserve rating icon 8.1

PP8V+9W, San Diego, CA 92107, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 764 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 76 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 5049 of 28408
Nature Reserves
7

Devils Postpile National Monument rating icon 5.5

Devils Postpile National Monument, Devils Postpile Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1829 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 182 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 12800 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Paul November 19, 2024

I highly recommend starting your day early like around 8 AM to beat the crowds and grab the best parking spots. It makes a big difference for a peaceful hike.

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Joseph October 14, 2024

Don’t forget to bring layers! The weather can change quickly in the mountains. I was chilly in the morning but hot by noon, so I wish I’d layered more wisely

8

Point Loma Tide Pools rating icon 5

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2003 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 197 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 14050 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Donald November 21, 2024

If you want to save some cash, skip the parking lot fees and park a little further away in residential areas. Just be mindful of street signs so you don't get a ticket!

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Jason November 9, 2024

Bring a good camera! I think the tide pools look even better at sunrise around 6 AM. The lighting is so magical, plus you might get it all to yourself!

9

Point Lobos rating icon 5

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2007 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 196 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 14213 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Margaret November 8, 2024

I think you should wear sturdy shoes. Some trails can get a bit tricky, and I slipped a couple of times in my sneakers! Hiking boots are a win.

10

Scenic Road Walkway rating icon 4.9

Scenic Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2086 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 202 of 390
Popularity Worldwide: 14682 of 28408
Nature Reserves
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Lucas October 26, 2024

I think visiting during the golden hour, around 6 or 7 pm, makes the scenery even more magical. The sunset over the water is breathtaking and perfect for photos!

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