National Parks Near San Diego, California

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our complete guide to 53 national parks near San Diego. The closest park is just 5.6 miles away—perfect for a quick day trip.

53
Parks Within Range
2
Within 100 Miles
5.6
Miles to Closest

Closest Parks (Within 100 Miles)

Perfect for day trips from San Diego

⭐ Closest
Cabrillo National Monument
5.6 mi (~7 min)

Cabrillo National Monument

San Diego, California
National Monument
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
80.1 mi (~1 hr 36 min)

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Richmond, Arizona
National Historic Trail

Weekend Getaways (100-200 Miles)

Great for weekend trips from San Diego

Joshua Tree National Park
112.6 mi (~2 hr 15 min)

Joshua Tree National Park

Twentynine Palms, California
National Park
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
133.2 mi (~2 hr 40 min)

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Calabasas, California
National Recreation Area
Channel Islands National Park
181.4 mi (~3 hr 38 min)

Channel Islands National Park

Ventura, California
National Park
César E. Chávez National Monument
191.2 mi (~3 hr 49 min)

César E. Chávez National Monument

Keene, California
National Monument
Mojave National Preserve
191.3 mi (~3 hr 50 min)

Mojave National Preserve

Kelso, California
National Preserve

Extended Adventures (200-300 Miles)

Perfect for long weekend adventures from San Diego

Castle Mountains National Monument
213.8 mi (~4 hr 17 min)

Castle Mountains National Monument

California
National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
255.5 mi (~5 hr 7 min)

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Arizona
National Monument
Death Valley National Park
260.6 mi (~5 hr 13 min)

Death Valley National Park

California
National Park
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
274.6 mi (~5 hr 30 min)

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Nevada
National Monument
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
276.1 mi (~5 hr 31 min)

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Arizona
National Recreation Area
Manzanar National Historic Site
282.8 mi (~5 hr 39 min)

Manzanar National Historic Site

California
National Historic Site
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
287.8 mi (~5 hr 45 min)

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

California
National Parks

Planning Your Visit from San Diego

San Diego is perfectly positioned for exploring national parks across the region. With 2 parks within 100 miles, you can enjoy incredible outdoor adventures without extensive travel. Cabrillo National Monument is your closest option at just 5.6 miles—approximately 7 min by car.

Best practices: Check individual park pages for current conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements. Many parks offer America the Beautiful passes for frequent visitors. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect all park regulations during your visit.

Guided Tours Near San Diego

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