# 10 Amazing Natural Places You Must Visit in California *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated July 2023* California is an amazing state with astonishing natural beauty that is sometimes overshadowed by the urban centers of San Francisco, LA, and San Diego. To experience the true majesty of California though you need to pack up the car and go exploring!  The following are a few of our favorite natural places that you MUST visit ...   ## Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park contains a multitude of amazing natural wonders, so it was challenging to pick just one for this article, but [Mirror Lake](https://www.yosemitehikes.com/yosemite-valley/mirror-lake/mirror-lake.htm) is a short 2.4 mile hike that offers spectacular views of Half Dome reflected in the idyllic still waters of the lake. Guys Trip Destinations and Getaway Ideas MANTRIPPING [Ten Reasons Why Guys Love a Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Freasons-why-guys-will-love-a-viking-cruise.html&id=1476&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Freasons-why-guys-will-love-a-viking-cruise.html&id=1476&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [12 Epic Ideas for an Awesome Dubai Guys Trip](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fepic-ideas-for-the-ultimate-guys-trip-to-dubai.html&id=1099&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fepic-ideas-for-the-ultimate-guys-trip-to-dubai.html&id=1099&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [Beyond Detroit: Best Places In Michigan For A Guys Trip](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbeyond-detroit-best-places-in-michigan-for-a-guys-trip.html&id=349&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbeyond-detroit-best-places-in-michigan-for-a-guys-trip.html&id=349&type=blog&site=mantripping) We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. ## Lavender Fields on Mt Shasta Lavender fields grow across the state but they are especially common in Northern California. This is a great place to take a hike in the summer. [Mount Shasta's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Shasta) unique shape is because it is actually a the dormant volcano who's last eruption was in in 1786 - so you are probably pretty safe taking a hike here and enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of the mountains and fields of wild flowers.   ## Crystal Clear Water at Lake Tahoe Located on the California / Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a pristine mountain lake surrounded by some of the best ski resorts in the world. While it would be easy to assume this is just a "Winter Paradise" the lake's spectacular crystal clear water beckons visitors in the summer as well for kyaking, fishing, and other water sports. ## Redwoods National Park [Redwoods National Park](https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm) contains some of the most scenic hiking trails in the entire world and a lush carpet of lush green vegetation towered over by the tallest trees on Earth. While most people associate it with the forest, the park also contains 40 miles of pristine coastline supporting a diverse collection of wildlife. ## Death Valley Located just over the border from Nevada, [Death Valley](https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm) is part of the Mojave Desert and contains the lowest elevation in North America - 282 feet below sea level! It also holds numerous temperature records including the highest air temperature - recorded at 134 F on July 10, 1913. This harsh climate creates an amazing opportunity to witness barren wide open lands as well as natural wonders such as the "Racetrack Playa" where stones seem to be moving by themselves across the desert floor. ## Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic Park The [Bumpass Hell trail](https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm) located in Lassen Volcanic National Park takes visitors to the largest hydrothermal area in the park with features including boiling mud pots, steaming ground, and fumaroles. It is named after an early settler who burned his leg after falling into a boiling pool of water - so be careful here and stay on the trail! ## Tufa Towers at Mono Lake Geologists refer to these[towers of limestone](https://www.monolake.org/) as "tufa", a series of formations that occurred originally underwater over hundreds of years as calcium mixed with carbonates in the lake around springs in the lake bed. Over the years, the water levels in Mono Lake have dropped and exposed these formations as water began to be diverted for irrigation starting in 1941.   ## Vineyards in Napa Valley [Napa Valley](https://napavalley.com/) is known world wide as the home of some of the finest wines in the world, but it is also an amazing natural wonder featuring rolling hills and amazing vineyards touched by the sun and rustled by gentle breezes. (Photo credit Traci Thomas) California is an absolutely amazing place to visit but there's more than just the natural wonders, so don't forget to check out some other[great things to do](https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-california/) too! Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 22 July 2023 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### HUSH Pro Clippers Are Strong and Silent - Perfect For Touch-ups On The Road And Full Cuts At Home Aug 20, 2026 [HUSH Pro Clippers Are Strong and Silent - Perfect For Touch-ups On The Road And Full Cuts At Home](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/hush-pro-clipper-review.html) #### FRESKO New V8 Advanced Vacuum Sealer Review Aug 19, 2026 [FRESKO New V8 Advanced Vacuum Sealer Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-new-v8-advanced-vacuum-sealer-review.html) #### The Weber Kettle Smart Ring Works So Well It Almost Feels Like Cheating Aug 19, 2026 [The Weber Kettle Smart Ring Works So Well It Almost Feels Like Cheating](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/weber-kettle-smart-ring-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### What Guys Should Know About Hunter Valley Australia Wine Country Oct 09, 2024 [What Guys Should Know About Hunter Valley Australia Wine Country](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/what-guys-should-know-about-hunter-valley-australia-wine-country.html) #### Honkey Tonks, Southern Cookin' and Drinking On A Nashville Guys Weekend Jul 25, 2024 [Honkey Tonks, Southern Cookin' and Drinking On A Nashville Guys Weekend](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/grand-ole-opry-and-nashville-music-scene.html) #### Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review Jan 25, 2016 [Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/carnival-sunshine-cruise-review.html) ### Related Articles #### Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip [Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/metaphysical-guys-trip-destinations.html) #### How Do You Compare Quotes for Adventure Tours? [How Do You Compare Quotes for Adventure Tours?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/compare-quotes-adventure-tours.html) #### Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit [Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/thc-drinks-outdoor-adventure-kit.html) #### The 7 Best Water-Resistant Hats for Boating and Fishing in 2026 [The 7 Best Water-Resistant Hats for Boating and Fishing in 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/best-water-resistant-hats-boating-fishing.html) #### The Off-Road Trip You Didn't Know You Needed - Craters, Volcanoes, and Dead Sea Cliffs in Israel [The Off-Road Trip You Didn't Know You Needed - Craters, Volcanoes, and Dead Sea Cliffs in Israel](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/offroad-mancation-jeep-tours-israel.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [10 Amazing Natural Places You Must Visit in California](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/10-amazing-natural-places-you-must-visit-in-california.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)