Best known for the glamor of Hollywood and Los Angeles, California is often overlooked when considering destinations to get more in touch with Mother Nature. California is one of the largest states in the United States and is home to many wonderful places to observe what Mother Nature has given us. Discover the best places to view wildlife in California, from Yosemite National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, to Burney Falls State Park, which surrounds serene Lake Britton .
yosemite national park
Two deer in a meadow in Yosemite National Park, California.
Yosemite National Park needs little introduction. He is one of the most popular and most visited national parks in the United States. Located in Northern California, just west of the Nevada state line, the park is visited by nearly 3.5 million people annually.
Strolling the park’s trails is a surefire way to encounter the wildlife that calls Yosemite home. Bighorn sheep and mule deer aren’t too difficult to spot. Various types of birds also nest in the park’s tall pine trees.
channel islands national park
Island fox (Urocyon littoralis) in Channel Islands National Park.
Surprisingly close to the Los Angeles metro area, the Channel Islands are located west of Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. These islands are relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat. Although somewhat difficult to access, the untouched nature of these islands is certainly a product of their isolation.
The islands are home to many small mammals, such as foxes and deer mice, which live in the tall grass that covers much of the region. However, the island is best known for its abundance of nesting birds. Eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey are known to nest on this island, making it a great place to watch birds raise their young. The island scrub jay is also endemic to this island.
lake tahoe
The crystal clear blue water of Lake Tahoe.
Another staple of California’s outdoor scene is the famous Lake Tahoe. This giant lake in Eastern California extends across the state line into Nevada. No matter which side of the lake you visit, a unique experience awaits.
While the lake itself is beautiful, there is so much more to do and see in the surrounding area. Visitors may catch glimpses of rare mountain beavers, as well as porcupines and American martens in nearby streams and streams.
Cowells Beach
Two surfers leaving early in the morning near Santa Cruz.
Cowells Beach is a great spot in Santa Cruz that locals and tourists alike visit if they want to relax, enjoy the nice weather, and swim in the ocean. It’s also a great place to watch birds and other wildlife.
Typical seagulls are all over the beach, but that’s nothing special. Of note is the appearance of birds such as pelicans and cranes. If you’re really lucky and in a good vantage point, you might even get a chance to see a pod of dolphins swimming by.
elwood butterfly gloves
Thousands of monarch butterflies flock to Elwood.
Just a short drive from Los Angeles is the charming Elwood Butterfly Grove. This is the perfect place if you want to see species that escape even the most avid wildlife enthusiasts.
Elwood Butterfly Grove is one of the best spots on earth to watch monarch butterfly migration. When you visit this beautiful reserve, you can see tens of thousands of butterflies at once. It will certainly be an experience unlike any other.
Morro Bay
Sea lions in Morro Bay, California.
Morro Bay is a truly tranquil natural harbor located along the California coastline. This town is as nice as any California beach town. What makes this island truly special are the huge cliffs overlooking Morro Bay from the coastline.
Finding animals here is easy. Due to its coastal location, waterfowl such as pelicans, bullheads, and loons are often seen. Sea otters have also been known to enter harbors to feed on nearby crabs.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
View of Lassen Peak overlooking a tranquil lake.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of Northern California’s major tourist attractions. The park is famous for its vast thermal pools, consisting of both water and mud. The water in the hydrothermal area is too acidic to swim in, but there are several lakes within the park where you can swim.
This area is home to all kinds of wildlife and animals. The black bear population is fairly healthy. As long as you’re careful not to get too close, there’s no reason not to enjoy these amazing creatures as much as you would any other creature (while keeping a safe distance). Common birds include black-billed ducks, hazel grebes, and spotted sandpipers.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Towering redwood trees are a staple of the Northern California landscape.
Just an hour’s drive south of the Oregon border lies the majestic Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Another feather in the cap of Northern California, this state park is often less crowded than the major national parks of Yosemite and Lassen.
Prairie Creek is home to an incredibly diverse range of habitats. The streams and ponds within the park are teeming with lizards and other reptiles. Keep an eye out for coastal giant salamanders and Pacific chorus frogs.
MacArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Burney Falls is an iconic landmark within the park.
Surrounding pristine Britton Lake, MacArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park offers nearly endless stunning scenery and natural wonders for guests to brag about. Another Northern California gem, Burney Falls State Park is a great place to view wildlife.
Birds such as woodpeckers and brown jays can be seen nesting in the tall trees around the park. The distinctive thud noise that woodpeckers make when digging for food is not uncommon. In addition to deer, the park is also home to small animals such as foxes and muskrats. Watch out for black bears and the elusive mountain lion.
California is one of the most beautiful states in the commonwealth, and a great place to go if you want to get up close and personal with wildlife. Whether you love birds, reptiles, or woodland creatures, California offers no shortage of options for nature lovers.
