Co-written by Himani Yalamaddi

Illustrations by Ananya Bhat

Want to get out of the city for the summer? Here are some sites within California to go explore.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Climb Lassen Peak, an active volcano
  
• Explore Bumpass Hell and Sulfur Works, the park’s colorful volcanic
  vents
  
• Camp and swim along Manzanita Lake

Sacramento

• River Raft along the surrounding American River
• Enjoy a local outdoor concert in Downtown Sacramento every Friday night
• Explore the California State Capitol and museum
• Stargaze along the riverfront in Old Sacramento, a historic neighborhood
• Take it easy at the annual California State fair

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Mt. Whitney

• Climb Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous U.S.
• Crawl through Crystal Cave on the Adventure Tour and exploreone of the park’s many marble caverns
• Hike Moro Rock, the famous granite dome that allows for breathtaking views of the Great Western Divide

San Luis Obispo

• Hike or horseback ride to the top of Madonna Mountain
  
• Catch a wave at Avila Beach, a cozy seaside town 
• Ride a Dune Buggy along Pismo beach
• Walk through Bubblegum Alley, California’s version of Seattle’s Gum Wall
• Explore the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Channel Islands National Park

• Kayak into the sea caves on the Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands
• Camp at the Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island or the Water Canyon Camp on Santa Rosa Island.
• Snorkel or dive on Santa Cruz or Santa Barbara Islands (Tip: the latter has limited accessibility and few amenities, but makes for a beautiful dive.)

Los Angeles

• River Raft on the Lower Kern or the Kaweah Rivers
  
• at the Barnsdall Art Park, a sprawling grounds in the center of the city
  
• Throw a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach, (one of the only places to do it legally in L.A.)
• Rock on at one of the free concerts put on at Amoeba Music
• Explore local art on the second Thursday of every month at the Downtown Art Walk