Already planning your 2028 Olympics Trip? Don't miss these national parks
Planning your trip to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics? The Games will be held July 14–July 30, 2028, with the Paralympic Games occurring August 15–August 27, 2028. As you’re looking to secure tickets to this historic event, keep in mind that your California vacation, with its warm temperatures and summer weather, is a great excuse to visit some of the Golden State’s beautiful national parks.
Check out our recommendations for California national parks to visit as you enjoy the Olympic Games. These parks are located on the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples. Please visit with respect.
Within two hours of Los Angeles
The first park on our list is a best-kept secret—Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a hidden gem close to Los Angeles. With over 150,000 acres, including the 67-mile Backbone Trail along the mountains’ ridgelines, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking. And if you want to sleep under the stars, you can camp and even backpack this trail.
Want to enjoy a day at the beach? Deer Creek Beach is undeveloped and perfect for those looking for a coastal adventure off the beaten path. The national recreation area also has access to the popular Malibu Beach.
If you want a truly ocean-centered experience, you don’t want to miss Channel Islands National Park. Accessible via a ferry ride from the nearby cities of Ventura or Oxnard, California, this national park has five islands, unique opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing (including the island fox, a species that is found nowhere else on Earth), and offers primitive camping. You can also scuba dive, snorkel, and go sea kayaking at this remote and wild park. But even if you just make a day trip to the islands, these awe-inspiring landscapes are sure to be a highlight of your Los Angeles trip.
Within a day's drive of Los Angeles
The Olympic Games lasts two weeks, and if you’re planning to be in Los Angeles the entire time, why not make a longer vacation? Add a few days to the beginning or end of your trip, or plan an excursion in between events so you can experience even more national parks.
Pinnacles National Park, home to endangered California condors and a notable rock climbing destination, is within a five-hour drive of Los Angeles. The park is also a notable stargazing destination. As summer temperatures in Pinnacles can be quite hot, it’s important that you prioritize sun protection, start your hikes early, and hydrate well if you visit this park.
Looking to head north and get away from the heat? The city of San Francisco has several national parks within its limits. If you’re looking to explore the city, be sure to visit these unique historical sites.
John Muir National Historic Site
John Muir National Historic Site protects the home of this important conservationist and has several hiking trails.
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site preserves Tao House, the home of America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright.
San Franciso Maritime National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers a bay side park, a maritime museum, and multiple preserved historic ships.
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If you’re wanting to experience cooler temperatures with mountain views, a trip up to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, around nine hours from Los Angeles, is the way to go. The park’s namesake lake is perfect for paddling and swimming during the hot summer months, and the recreation area offers plenty of hiking trails to waterfalls. If you’re looking for even more adventure, Whiskeytown is situated close to several national forests and high peaks, including Mount Shasta.
Parks to visit near Oklahoma City
No, this isn’t a typo—Oklahoma City will be the home base of the LA Olympics softball games and canoe slalom events. If you’re planning to make the trek east for these events, why not stop at some national parks along the way?
Within a two-hour drive of OKC is Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a notably kid-friendly and pet-friendly park that is perfect for paddling, hiking, or swimming during the hot summer months. You can also see bison at the park, as a small herd is kept here.
Finally, within a two-and-a-half-hour drive of OKC is Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, which preserves the site where Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer attacked the winter encampment of Peace Chief Black Kettle. Today, this park is a place of remembrance and a reminder of the resilience of Indigenous peoples. This important place is well worth a visit during your trip.
Although the Olympic Games in Los Angeles are nearly two years away, lodging, campsites, and other amenities will likely fill up fast. Start planning your national park trips today.
By Nikki Stavile
