Closest first
Straight-line miles from the city center; drive times are rough estimates. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.
- 1 Joshua Tree · California · 190+ trails · $30 / vehicle108 mi · ~2.5 hr drive
- 2 Channel Islands · California · 35+ trails · Free158 mi · ferry or flight required
- 3 Death Valley · California · 785+ trails · $30 / vehicle244 mi · ~5 hr drive
- 4 Sequoia · California · 800+ trails · $35 / vehicle271 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 5 Kings Canyon · California · 800+ trails · $35 / vehicle298 mi · ~6 hr drive
- 6 Pinnacles · California · 30+ trails · $30 / vehicle346 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 7 Grand Canyon · Arizona · 800+ trails · $35 / vehicle368 mi · ~7.5 hr drive
- 8 Yosemite · California · 800+ trails · $35 / vehicle380 mi · ~8 hr drive
- 9 Saguaro · Arizona · 165+ trails · $25 / vehicle389 mi · ~8 hr drive
- 10 Zion · Utah · 90+ trails · $35 / vehicle394 mi · ~8 hr drive
Planning a trip from San Diego
Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon are realistic for a long weekend. Leave early Friday, and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.
Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.
Common questions
What is the closest national park to San Diego?
Joshua Tree National Park, about 108 miles away (~2.5 hr drive).
Which national parks near San Diego work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of San Diego?
10 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of San Diego.