Top Parks in California

Grab a park map when you enter, it helped me not get lost! There are a lot of smaller paths and hidden gems, like shady spots perfect for a quick rest.

Check out the free museums on Tuesdays and the other days when there are discount offers. It saved me a ton, plus I got to see more without a big spend!

Wear comfy shoes. I thought I'd be fine in flip flops, but I ended up with sore feet. There’s a lot to explore, so you’ll want to keep moving.

Try to visit on a weekday if you can. It’s way less crowded, and you’ll have a better time wandering around without bumping into too many folks.

Pack a picnic! There are some great scenic spots to chill and enjoy your food without splurging at overpriced cafes.

I recommend downloading an offline map before you head out. The signal can be spotty and you don’t want to get lost out there!

If you're planning to take photos, go early in the morning, around 7 AM. The light is soft and the crowds are way smaller. I wish I had known this before my visit!

Parking is tough around the bridge. I suggest using public transit or rideshare apps to save stress and money. It can get pricey with parking fees!

Dress in layers! The weather changes quickly and I was freezing when I thought it’d be warm. A light jacket can make your experience way more enjoyable

Check out the visitor center to grab a free map & info about trails. I didn’t do this and ended up wandering around aimlessly for awhile.

Don’t forget to download offline maps before your visit. Service is spotty in many areas of Yosemite, and getting lost can be a headache. I did and it helped a ton.

Pack your own snacks and lunch! Food inside the park is pricey and not always great... I saved a ton bringing my own goodies

If you're into ice climbing, consider going mid-week. Rentals and guided services are usually less crowded, and you can snag better prices without the weekend rush.

I recommend starting your day at Tunnel View around 6:30 AM for stunning sunrises and fewer crowds. It’s breathtaking and way less hectic!

Plan your visit around lunchtime! The restaurants get really busy, so if you eat earlier or later, you might snag a table faster.

Check for special events or festivals when you go—those are often posted on their website and can make your visit extra special with unique activities.

Don't forget to bring some water and snacks, especially if you plan on wandering around for a few hours. It can get hot, and food prices can be steep.

I suggest visiting on a weekday if you can. The crowds are way smaller, and you can actually enjoy the shops and restaurants without feeling rushed.

You gotta explore the Hidden Valley trail – it's a must! I wandered here around 8 am, and the light hitting the rocks is just stunning. Get there early for some great pics without the crowd.

I recommend packing snacks and plenty of water before you go; food options inside the park are pretty limited and can get pricey. I wish I had brought my own lunch to enjoy at a viewpoint.

I think you should check the weather before you go, especially in summer. It can get scorching! I found myself melting by noon; a cooler day would have been more pleasant for hiking

If you’re into stargazing, don’t miss it! My advice is to stick around until about 10 pm - the sky comes alive. Just make sure to bring a warm jacket, as temps drop fast!

I think it’s super important to wear good comfy shoes. The trails can be uneven and rocky; I didn’t realize how much my feet would hurt. You’ll thank yourself later.

My advice is to pack food and drinks. The restaurants inside the park can be pricey and have limited options. We saved a ton by munching on our own snacks!

If you're planning to hike, make sure to take the trails off the beaten path; we loved the lesser-known ones around Crescent Meadow. Less foot traffic means a more serene experience!

I recommend checking out the Generals Highway. It's stunning, but watch out for slow-moving vehicles – we got stuck behind an RV for a while. Patience pays off with the views!

Check out the food trucks around the park! I found some awesome tacos for under 10 bucks. Way better than overpriced snacks from a store!

Bring some water and snacks because while there's food around it can get crowded and you might end up waiting a while.

If you're into people-watching, snag a spot near the playground. It's always lively there, lots of fun stuff to see!

I found the best time to visit was around 4 PM. You can catch the sunset and avoid the midday heat - super relaxing!

I think it's smart to wear comfortable shoes... The park is bigger than you expect, and you might end up walking a lot!

If you're planning to explore the Natural History Museum, make sure to book your tickets online ahead of time. I waited in a long line and it ate up a lot of my day.

I suggest checking out the California Science Center first, especially if you're into interactive exhibits. It can get crowded, so I recommend getting there by 10 AM for the best experience.

My tip: Don't miss the Rose Garden, it’s usually quiet and a perfect spot for some great photos. Try to go in the early afternoon when the light is best

I recommend checking if there are any special events or festivals happening during your visit. I stumbled upon a fun live music show that really made my day!

If you’re into the arcade games, make sure you get a reloadable game card. I wasted time fumbling with coins the first time around, and a card just makes everything smoother!

I suggest getting there right when it opens at 11 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy the rides without long lines. Trust me, some rides can get pretty busy later on.

I think it’s smart to bring your own snacks and drinks to save money... Food inside the park can be a bit pricey, and while it's not bad, it's not exactly gourmet either