National Parks Near Santa Monica, California

51 national parks within 8 hours  ·  4 within 2 hours

4
Within 2 Hours
7
Within 4 Hours
32
Within 8 Hours
51
Total Parks

Santa Monica's prime location on California's coast makes it an excellent base for exploring some of the nation's most spectacular protected lands. With 51 national parks within an eight-hour drive, visitors staying in or near Santa Monica have remarkable access to diverse natural and historical destinations. The closest gem is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, located just 17 miles away, offering stunning hiking trails, coastal vistas, and chaparral ecosystems right in your backyard. For those willing to venture slightly farther, the Channel Islands National Park awaits 82 miles away with its pristine beaches and unique island wildlife, while the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail at 73 miles provides a fascinating journey through California's colonial heritage. Whether you're a seasoned park enthusiast or a casual nature lover, Santa Monica's convenient location opens the door to unforgettable adventures across Southern California's most treasured landscapes.

Planning a national park visit from Santa Monica is refreshingly straightforward, thanks to the region's excellent road network and proximity to these protected areas. For a quick day trip, head to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, where you can enjoy scenic hikes and panoramic overlooks without spending hours on the road. If you're planning a weekend escape, consider combining a visit to Channel Islands National Park with time exploring the local coast, or dedicate a full day to the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail's historical sites and natural beauty. To maximize your experience, check park websites for hours, entrance fees, and any seasonal closures before you depart. Pack plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring a good map or download offline GPS—California's desert and coastal parks demand respect and preparation. Even during peak tourist season, Santa Monica's proximity to these parks means you can escape crowds and experience authentic wilderness within hours of your accommodations.

Map of Parks Near Santa Monica

Browse Parks by Drive Time from Santa Monica

Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Paicines
National Park 229 mi away
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Las Vegas
National Monument 242 mi away
Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
Mammoth Lakes
National Monument 250 mi away
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Boulder City
National Recreation Area 270 mi away
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
National Park 271 mi away
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Saint George
National Monument 318 mi away
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
Danville
National Historic Site 329 mi away
John Muir National Historic Site
John Muir National Historic Site
Martinez
National Historic Site 341 mi away
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
San Francisco
National Historical Park 342 mi away
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Martinez
National Memorial 342 mi away
Presidio of San Francisco
Presidio of San Francisco
San Francisco
343 mi away
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco Bay
343 mi away
Fort Point National Historic Site
Fort Point National Historic Site
San Francisco
National Historic Site 344 mi away
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Richmond
National Historical Park 345 mi away
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco
National Recreation Area 351 mi away
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Mill Valley
National Monument 352 mi away
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Ajo
National Monument 353 mi away
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument
Clarkdale
National Monument 371 mi away
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes Station
National Seashore 371 mi away
Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument
Fredonia
National Monument 378 mi away
Zion National Park
Zion National Park
Springdale
National Park 381 mi away
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Camp Verde
National Monument 383 mi away
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon
National Park 385 mi away
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Brian Head
National Monument 402 mi away
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Flagstaff
National Monument 405 mi away
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Coolidge
National Monument 406 mi away
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Flagstaff
National Monument 407 mi away
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park
Baker
National Park 413 mi away
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Santa Fe
National Historic Trail 415 mi away
Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument
Flagstaff
National Monument 416 mi away
Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument
Roosevelt
National Monument 424 mi away
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce
National Park 430 mi away
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