Welcome And Series Setup

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Welcome to the See Michaelson Travel Podcast, a ZMAX Radio production presented by Collage Travel Media Network. This is your space for inspiration, confidence in travel, and a little bit of luxury and adventure. So whether you're traveling across the world, rediscovering America, or simply dreaming about your next escape, we hope we can help guide you. Now, here's See.

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Hello everyone, and welcome once again to my miniseries on rediscovering America. I'm your host, Z. Michaelson, and I am delighted that you've chosen to travel with us today. We've been exploring the incredible places that make America one of the world's greatest travel destinations. We journey through breathtaking landscapes, we're discovering fascinating history, and introducing you to remarkable national parks and National Park Service sites that are still waiting to be explored. Now,

Why California Leads In Parks

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today's adventure is gonna take us to one of America's most diverse states. We're gonna be traveling to one of the most spectacular states in America, a place I called home for over 16 years. We're going to California California. From the towering giant sequoias, to waterfalls that plunge thousands of feet, to deserts blooming with wildflowers, a rugged Pacific coastline, ancient volcanoes, and forests where some of the largest living things on earth have stood for thousands of years. California is home to more national parks than any other state. Did you know that? It's a pretty big state, so that did not surprise me any. So whether you're looking for adventure, photography, wildlife, a great family vacation, or simply a place to reconnect with nature, California offers something unforgettable. So grab your hiking boots, charge your camera up, and let's discover why millions of travelers return to California's national parks year after year.

Yosemite Highlights And Smart Timing

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Now, my first stop is Yosemite National Park. Now, like I said, I've lived in the state for over 16 years, and I still hadn't gotten to Yosemite. So no visit to California would be complete without experiencing Yosemite National Park. It's often called America's crown jewel of national parks. Yosemite has inspired photographers, artists, climbers, and outdoor lovers for generations. Now, the park covers nearly 1,200 square miles in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It has massive granite cliffs that tower thousands of feet overhead. It's quite breathtaking. Like I said, I haven't been there, but I've seen plenty of pictures. Crystal clear rivers wind through lush meadows. Ancient giant sequoias stand quietly, having witnessed centuries, centuries of history. Then the moment many visitors remember forever is arriving at a tunnel view. As you emerge from the tunnel, the valley suddenly opens before you. Half Dome rises dramatically in the distance. Bridalveil Fall pours gracefully down these granite cliffs. El Capitan dominates the landscape. Many people simply stop their cars and stare. It truly is one of America's greatest scenic overlooks. Yeah, it's gorgeous. Now some of the highlights, one of the biggest attractions in Yosemite Falls, standing more than two thousand four hundred feet, it ranks among the tallest waterfall in North America. Spring is the perfect time to witness the falls at full power because things are melting. Glacier Point offers panoramic views across the valley. Now at sunset, the granite cliffs glow in brilliant shades of orange and gold. Now Mirror Lake provides beautiful reflections of Half Dome during calm mornings. Families can enjoy walking through Yosemite Valley, where easy trails lead to scenic overlooks. And remember, I said easy trails Adventure seekers come from around the world to climb El Capitan. I'm just happy to see it. I don't think I'd climb it. Even if climbing isn't your style, like me, watching experienced climbers through binoculars is fascinating. It does amaze me, these climbers climbing those peaks. It's just wild. Now, if you're into wildlife, some of the wildlife you'll see here in Yosemite are black bears, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, river otters, golden eagles, and the great gray owl. Visitors should always store food properly inside bear lockers. Yes, the cartoon Yogi Bear is pretty much true to point. If it's out there, they're gonna come and try to get it. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is exciting, but remember to admire animals from a safe distance. I cannot express this enough. This is their turf that you're on. Keep distance. Yeah, they look nice and cuddly, but they really aren't. So keep your distance. That's why binoculars are great. How do you get there? Well, the closest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and other popular gateways include Sacramento International, San Francisco International, Oakland International. If you haven't guessed by now, this is Northern California. Most visitors rent a vehicle and enjoy one of California's most scenic drives into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Driving from San Francisco takes about four hours. Now from LA, or Los Angeles, expect roughly six hours. When is the best time to visit? Well, spring offers the roaring waterfalls because things are melting. Summer brings warm weather and access to nearly every trail Now the fall features colorful landscapes and smaller crowds But winter transforms Yosemite into a snowy wonderland. Each season offers an entirely different experience. Now remember, if you're going into the mountains in the winter in California, some of the roads may be closed. Here's a little bit of a travel tip. Arrive early. Parking fills quickly during busy months. Entering before 8:00 AM can make the difference between a relaxing visit and spending valuable vacation time searching for parking So where am I going to next? Kings

Kings Canyon Scenic Drives And Sequoias

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Canyon National Park. Only a short drive south of Yosemite, and it lies on one of California's most underrated treasures, Kings Canyon National Park. Often overlooked because of its famous neighbor, Kings Canyon rewards travelers with breathtaking scenery and far fewer crowds Granite cliffs nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon, wild rivers, towering waterfalls, dense forests, and peaceful hiking trails. The centerpiece is Kings Canyon itself. Carved by glaciers and rivers, It stretches dramatically through the Sierra Nevada. Many visitors compare portions of the drive to traveling through the Alps. California is known for their mountains Now, where am I gonna take you next? Here is something that I never heard of the name, but it's called Grant Grove. Here you'll discover the General Grant Tree, known as the nation's Christmas tree. It's estimated to be over 1,600 years old. 1,600 years old. Standing beneath this giant sequoia reminds visitors how incredibly small we really are. Nearby walking trails make this an easy stop for every age. Remember, if you're not into a lot of the hiking, talk to the park rangers. They will let you know which hiking trails are best suited for your capabilities Now it's a scenic drive on Highway 180. Every few miles you'll discover another breathtaking overlook. Waterfalls appear around nearly every bend. The Kings River rushes beside the road creating spectacular photo opportunities. Now here are some of the popular stops. You have Zumwalt Meadow, you have Roaring River Falls, you have Cedar Grove, you have Boyden Cavern, and scenic overlooks throughout Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Photographers especially enjoy early morning when the sunlight reaches the canyon walls If you're into the wildlife, well, keep your eyes open for these guys. Again, black bear. Bighorn sheep. They do like to be in the mountains. Marmots. Yes, mountain lions. Bald eagles and hawks How are you gonna get there? Well, most travelers fly into Fresno Yosemite. The drive takes about 90 minutes, and many of the visitors combine Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park into one unforgettable vacation California truly is breathtaking. So far we've visited Yosemite and Kings Canyon. Now our journey is gonna continue through ancient forests, desert landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth, and even a land shaped by volcanoes. Okay, so where are we heading?

Sequoia National Park Giant Trees

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We're heading to Sequoia National Park. So imagine standing beside the largest living tree on Earth. Not the tallest, not the oldest. Largest by volume. That's exactly what you'll experience at Sequoia National Park. Now, it was established in 1890 as America's second national park. Sequoia protects some of the world's most magnificent giant sequoia groves. These ancient giants have stood for more than 2,000 years. More than 2,000 years. It's survived wildfires, storms, droughts, and countless generations of visitors. Now, walking through the giant forest is quite humbling. The towering trees seem to stretch endlessly toward the sky, their massive trunks reminding us of nature's incredible power and resilience. It's amazing. Now, General Sherman tree, which is the park's most famous resident, is the General Sherman tree. Whoa, say that three times fast, General Sherman tree. It stands nearly 275 feet tall with a trunk that's more than 36 feet in diameter. It's considered the largest tree on Earth by volume, and photos simply don't capture its true scale. If you're standing at its base, something every traveler should experience at least once. So go ahead, go stand at its base It's amazing. Now also, there's something called Moro Rock. And for panoramic views, climb the 350 plus stone steps to the top of Moro Rock. The climb is short, but it is steep, so if you don't have the capabilities, don't do it. At the summit, you'll enjoy breathtaking views across the Sierra Nevada mountains and deep valleys below. Visit early in the morning or near sunset. It's for the best lighting and cooler temperatures Now here's one that everybody usually sees, Tunnel Log. One of the park's most photographed attractions is Tunnel Log. It's a fallen giant sequoia with a tunnel carved through it so vehicles can drive underneath. It really is a fun stop for a lot of families, and of course, a classic California photo op All right, you're into the wildlife. There's a pattern here. In this park you'll see black bears. See a pattern? Mule deer, gray foxes, marmots, Steller jays, and mountain chickadees. And again, don't feed the wildlife. No, no, no. No feeding the wildlife. How do you get there? Well, Fresno Yosemite International Airport is about a 90-minute drive away And of course, if you're on a road trip, you can drive. Many travelers combine Sequoia and Kings Canyon into one vacation since the parks share a boundary. And the best time to visit? Late spring through early fall offers the easiest access. Now again, winter, wintertime, the snow blankets the forest and creates a peaceful wonderland that's perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. So you have to be into the winter Okay, now here's something I have gone to. I've

Joshua Tree Desert Views And Night Skies

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actually been here. Joshua Tree National Park Where is it located? It's located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Now, I lived in the Mojave Desert. I also lived in LA, and I lived in the Valley, but my last adventure in California was in the Mojave Desert. Joshua Tree is famous for its twisted Joshua trees. Okay, I'm going to explain a Joshua tree to you. It's going to be very difficult to explain. They are trees, but they are very sharp. They have pointed edges. They are magnificent to look at, but don't touch them. They hurt. They also have giant granite boulders here, and it's really great for stargazing and unforgettable sunsets. The park feels almost otherworldly. Its dramatic rock formations have made it a favorite for hikers, photographers, climbers, musicians, and artists. One of the key views here is one of the park's most spectacular overlooks is Keys View. For more than 5,000 feet above sea level, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and St. Andrews Fault, Palm Springs, and especially on clear days, you can even see Mexico I personally did not see Mexico when I was at the Joshua Tree National Park but I did see quite a bit. Now, Skull Rock, one of Joshua Tree's most recognizable landmarks is Skull Rock. Why is it called Skull Rock? It kinda looks like a skull, plain and simple. Wind and rain have carved the granite into the shape of this giant skull. It's pretty neat. You really wanna see it. It's easily accessible from the main road and perfect for families Cholla Cactus Garden. Well, if you're in a desert, you're gonna see a lot of cactus, that's for sure. Thousands of teddy bear Cholla cacti blanket the desert floor. Sunrise and sunset transforms this garden into a glowing sea of golden light. Now, despite their fuzzy appearance, these cacti are covered with sharp spines, so admire them from the trail. Yes, cactus are sharp. And again, we're back to stargazing. Joshua Tree is an international dark sky park, so on moonless nights, the Milky Way stretches brilliantly across the sky. Many visitors plan their trip specifically around the new moon phases for the darkest skies. It's quite amazing. And again, we're right here in our own backyard. We're in the United States. We're rediscovering America All right. You want more Okay. You got the desert bighorn sheep, of course. Now you got coyotes and roadrunners. Gee, I wonder where that cartoon came from. However, when I first saw my first roadrunner in real life, I'll tell you, it doesn't look anything like the cartoon. It's not even as tall as the roadrunner on the cartoon. And they do run on the road. Jackrabbits, desert tortoises, and of course, lizards right there in Joshua Tree Park. Now how do you get there? Well, the closest airports probably would be Palm Springs International, Ontario, or Los Angeles International Airports. Palm Springs is only about an hour away, making Joshua Tree an easy weekend getaway. By the way, I love Palm Springs. I really do enjoy the high heat with no humidity, but it does get hot, so the best time to visit is October through April 'cause it offers the most comfortable temperatures. The summer months can often exceed 100 degrees, making early morning hikes essential. Don't try to hike in that, that heat. It's too hot. And again, here's your tip. Bring far more water than you think you'll need. Very important to stay hydrated. The desert climate is extremely dry, and dehydration can happen quickly without you even realizing. So keep that bottle of water nearby. And again, go out early in the day or the best time, October through April Oh boy, where have we been so far? There's a lot to California. Giant sequoias, desert adventures, scenic drives. There's so much

Death Valley Iconic Stops And Heat Safety

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to California adventure. Now Death Valley National Park. Everybody's heard of Death Valley. I've been there too. It's the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in North America. But don't let that name fool you. This extraordinary landscape is full of life, color, and unforgettable scenery. It stretches across more than three million acres. Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States. The largest, and I've been there. Now Badwater Basin. At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Dazzling white salt flats stretching to the horizon, creating one of the park's most iconic landscapes. Walking onto the salt flats feel like stepping into another planet. It really does look that way. I've seen it. It's really strange Now, Zabriskie Point. This overlook is especially beautiful at sunrise. The colorful badlands glow with shades of gold, orange, and brown as the first light reaches the hills, and it's one of the most photographed locations in the park. Now, yes, I did say badlands, and yes, there are badlands here as well as in South Dakota, but we're talking California Now there's a thing called Artist Drive. Now, this is a scenic one-way drive that winds through the hills painted in shades of pink, green, yellow, and purple by naturally occurring minerals. The colors are especially vibrant during the late afternoon You also have the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Rolling sand dunes create endless opportunities for photography. Visit really early in the morning before footprints cover the sand. The changing light constantly transforms the landscape. It really is wild and crazy, isn't it? And speaking of wild and crazy, how about wildlife? Now, despite the harsh climate, Death Valley supports kit foxes, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, kangaroo rats, and numerous reptiles. Yeah, kangaroo rats. They kinda look like a kangaroo and a rat kinda merged together. How do you get there? Well, the nearest airport is Las Vegas Harry Reid International. It's about two hours away, or Palm Springs International, or LA, LAX. Las Vegas is the most popular gateway. Now, again, if you're doing drives, you can drive to these locations. Now, the best time to visit, November through March, provides pleasant temperatures. Summer temperatures frequently exceed... Are you sitting down? They frequently exceed 120 degrees and require careful planning. Yes, it gets hot, hence the name. So always, always, always plenty of

Lassen Volcanic Wonders And Seasons

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water. now you also have Lassen Volcanic National Park. California's volcanic side comes alive at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here you'll discover bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, crystal clear lakes, alpine meadows, and one of the world's largest plug dome volcanoes It's often called a smaller version of Yellowstone, but with far fewer crowds. What do you think of that? Lassen Peak, the park's centerpiece, rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The challenging hike, now you hear that word, challenging hike, rewards visitors with panoramic views of Northern California. Again Park rangers can tell you what hikes are available for your capabilities. Listen to them. They can give you some really valuable information Now this one cracks me up. This one is Bumpass Hell, or Bumpass Hell. B-U-M-P-A-S-S. Despite its unusual name, this hydrothermal area is one of the park's biggest attractions. Now boardwalks lead visitors past steaming vents, colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and boiling pools. The smell of sulfur is a reminder that volcanic activity still exists beneath your feet. Now again, I have not gone to these because I'm extremely allergic to sulfur. I get a whiff of it and my eyes slam shut because I swell. So I would love to see these, so if you go, take pictures and send them to me. Now we have Manzanita Lake. It's perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing. On calm mornings, Lassen Peak reflects beautifully across the water. It also is one of the park's favorite wildlife viewing areas. And speaking of wildlife, hmm, what do we have? Black bears. Lot of black bears in California, can you tell? We have mule deer, bald eagles, ospreys, marmots, and river otters. Now I was lucky enough to see a bald eagle in the wild, and I was amazed at the size of this bird. It was tremendous. I was driving along in my little Hyundai and the eagle was standing on top of a dead deer carcass. The eagle itself stood higher than my car. I thought it could have flown off with my vehicle. It's an amazing, amazing bird. Okay, how do you get there? Well, the nearest major airport is Sacramento International. Of course, you can drive. Redding Regional Airport is even closer for travelers arriving from within California. And the best time to visit? Most park roads open between June and October. Why is that? Heavy snowfall. It often closes sections during the winter, so keep that in mind. What time are you going? Are you driving there? The seasons. Seasons can be a deterrent on some of your road trips, particularly in some of these parks because like I said, in the winter months some of those snowfalls are pretty heavy Oh, wow. And I'm still not done with California yet. And again, these are only the national parks. I'm not even hitting the state parks, which there are so much more. So now we've explored Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Now, where are we going? We're gonna adventure towards the coastal redwoods, a chain of pristine islands, dramatic Pacific shorelines, and some remarkable hidden gems that many travelers do overlook. So let's continue our journey, shall we?

Redwood Forests And Pacific Coast Road Trip

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Redwood National and State Parks. There are places that make you feel small, then there are places that leave you speechless. Redwood National and State Parks protect the tallest trees on Earth. Some rise more than 370 feet, making them taller than a 35-story building. Many of these giants have stood for nearly 2,000 years. Crazy, right? Walking beneath these ancient forests is almost like entering a cathedral created by nature itself. It really is wild. The cool coastal air, filtered sunlight, and quiet surroundings create one of the most peaceful experiences you'll find anywhere in America. What are the must-sees? Well, Tall Trees Grove, one of the park's most famous locations, and is home to the towering old-growth redwoods. Also, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a spectacular 10-mile drive through the towering forest that is worth every minute. Fern Canyon. Walls covered in lush green ferns rise nearly 50 feet high. Movie fans may recognize Fern Canyon from Jurassic Park: The Lost World. Yep. So if you're a Jurassic Park fan, Fern Canyon, that was in the movie. Now you also have Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Like I said, I haven't really gone into state parks because between the national parks and the state parks, there's so much to do and see in the United States. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a wonderful place to spot Roosevelt elk grazing peacefully in open meadows. Now, the first time I seen an elk, I'm a city girl. First time I seen an elk, I was surprised at its size. And then the first time I heard an elk, I was hysterical laughing. It sounds like a high-pitched squeak. But if you're looking into wildlife, Roosevelt elk, black bears, banana slugs, gray whales, but that's seasonal, keep that in mind, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Now, I was traveling with a roommate of mine, and we were going towards Carmel. And we got there extremely late at night, and we found a hotel right by the water. And it was dark, so we really didn't see anything, and we settled into our room. And all night long, we just kept hearing this barking and barking and barking. We thought it was a dog. In the morning, we kept hearing the barking. So we thought, "What's wrong with that dog? What, wh- you know, are there... How many dogs are here?" When we finally walked out of our hotel room and seen the little island, there were all the seals on a little rock island right outside Carmel where we were staying. And it was the seals that were doing all the barking. So yes, seals do sound like dogs at 3:00 in the morning. And of course, there are bald eagles there. Now, how do you get to this place? Well, closest airport is Arcata/Eureka Airport, Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford, Oregon, so you're further north. Okay, many travelers include the park as part of a scenic Pacific Coast Highway road trip. If you haven't done a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, I strongly recommend it. It is so beautiful driving up and down either way. But don't think you're gonna get that road trip done in a day. You have to take your time and do it Okay, we're gonna go to the Channel Islands National Park next. It's

Channel Islands Nature Only Adventure

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often called California's Galapagos. The Channel Islands National Park protects five remarkable islands just off Southern California's coast. All right. Surprisingly, many California visitors never make the trip. Why? Because there's no bridges, there's no hotels, there's no restaurants. It's only nature. Only nature. Visitors reach the island by boat or ferry, and the reward is one of America's least crowded national parks. Doesn't that sound like fun? I love the water, and I love going on boats. Now, the highlights are Anacapa Island, which is famous for dramatic sea cliffs, nesting seabirds, and its historic lighthouse. It has a historic lighthouse there. You also have Santa Cruz Island. It's excellent for hiking, sea cave kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. You have Scorpion Anchorage, which is one of the most popular landing areas.... It offers beautiful hiking trails immediately from the dock. Now, the wildlife on these islands are famous for some things: island foxes, sea lions. You can see dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, but again, seasonal, and bald eagles. Kayakers can explore some of the largest sea caves in North America. I would love to do that. I'll have to put that one on my bucket list. What do you think? Now, how do you get there? Well, you can fly into LAX, which is Los Angeles International, or Santa Barbara Airport. Ferries depart primarily from Ventura Harbor, which is a little further north in LA. Reservations should be made well in advance during summer months because it is very popular. Now, if you're going in different seasons, always make sure that the boat will be available, that the ferries will be available.

Pinnacles Spires Caves And Condors

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You also have Pinnacles National Park. California's newest national park is also one of its most fascinating. Pinnacles was formed by ancient volcanic activity millions of years ago. Today, towering rock spires, caves, and dramatic cliffs attract hikers and rock climbers from around the world. Again, know what you're capable of doing. Don't overdo it if you're not capable. Now, the highlights are High Peaks Trail, an unforgettable hike featuring narrow passages, stairways, and panoramic views. You also have Bear Gulch Cave. Boy, bear, I wonder why. Depending on seasonal condition, visitors can explore these caves created by massive boulders. Now the wildlife. Pinnacle is one of the best places to see the magnificent California condor. It is a magnificent bird. However, it's ugly, but it is magnificent. With a wingspan approaching 10 feet, these rare birds are an unforgettable sight soaring that's overhead. So you really don't see them unless you look up. But they are big, and they are magnificent. Now, you can also watch for golden eagles, prairie falcons, bobcats, and mule deer. Now how do you get there? Well, you got San Jose International Airport and Monterey Regional Airport. Most visitors arrive by rental car. Like I said, road trips are great. California is a great place to do a road trip, but it's not a road trip that you would do over a weekend I would spend a couple of weeks at least. Now, you also have Devils Postpile National Monument.

Devils Postpile Lava Columns And Falls

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It's hidden near Mammoth Lakes. It's one of California's geological wonders. Thousands of perfectly formed basalt columns, they stand like giant stone pipes. It's really wild. Created by cooling lava nearly 100,000 years ago, Devils Postpile is one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. So they have these columns, they're really, really crazy. Near Rainbow Falls drops over 100 feet into the San Joaquin River. On sunny afternoons, rainbows frequently appear in the mist. Sounds very pretty, and very archaic. Wow. How do you get there? Well, you can fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport, but it is seasonal. Notice I keep saying that word seasonal. I can't say it enough. You got Reno Tahoe International Airport. Now, I have to tell you this. I was flying in December. I had to land at Reno, and guess what? My plane was diverted because of a blizzard, so we had to land somewhere else. So remember, the winter months can be a little snowy. Now, most visitors combine this stop with Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes Now you also have Muir Woods National

Muir Woods And Cabrillo Easy Add Ons

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Monument. It's just north of San Francisco, and here lies another incredible redwood forest. So there's a lot of redwoods. Unlike the massive parks that are farther north, Muir Woods offers easy walking trails that make it ideal for visitors of every age. So they have easy walking trails. Wooden boardwalks follow Redwood Creek beneath soaring coastal redwoods. The peaceful atmosphere feels worlds away despite being less than an hour from downtown San Francisco. And how do you get there? Because I said San Francisco. Hey, you got San Francisco International, and you also have Oakland International. Advanced parking reservations are highly recommended. Again, you can check all of these things out with your travel advisor. They can help you. Now you also have Cabrillo National Monument. It's located on Point Loma in San Diego. Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. Now San Diego is gorgeous, and here it's known for its spectacular Pacific Ocean views. This monument is unbelievable. Visitors can enjoy tide pools, the historic lighthouse, whale watching in the winter. Now you shouldn't run into any blizzards in San Diego. but you also have panoramic views of the San Diego Harbor. Nearby restaurants and beaches make it an easy addition to any Southern California vacation. And of course, the closest airport would be the San Diego International Airport. It's only about 20 minutes away Wow.

Point Reyes Coastline Wildlife And Photos

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Well, Point Reyes National Seashore is the last on my list And it's one of California's most beautiful coastal destination. Point Reyes National Seashore offers rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, historic lighthouses, and incredible wildlife viewing. During the winter, visitors often see migrating gray whales from the famous lighthouse overlook Tule elk roam freely across protected grasslands. Elephant seals gather on nearby beaches. And if you're a photographer, this is pure paradise. The park is about 90 minutes from San Francisco. So again, this one is up north. San Francisco. So we've been bouncing all over the state. We've been up north, we've been down south, we've been right outside of Los Angeles. So there's so much to do and see in California. If you're taking a road trip, definitely travel the shoreline. It's amazing. But again, it's not something you would do in an overnight trip.

Final Takeaways And Travel Advisor Tip

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So we're coming to the end of our California journey. California is very near and dear to my heart because I lived there 16 years. It really is easy to understand why the Golden State is home to more national parks than any other in the country. From the granite cliffs of Yosemite to the towering sequoias, from the colorful deserts of the Death Valley and Joshua Tree, to the misty redwood forests along the Pacific Coast, California showcases nature, and it's absolute beautiful. It is the finest of nature. Every park tells a different story. Ancient landscapes, incredible wildlife, a lot of bear, and unforgettable adventures waiting for those willing to explore. Well, I hope this episode really inspired you to travel in your own backyard and rediscover America. So if today's episode has inspired you for your next vacation, I really do hope so, and call your travel advisor. They'll be able to help you with these trips. Thank you for joining me today on Rediscovering America's National Parks. I am Zee Michaelson reminding you that America's greatest treasures aren't found in museums. They're waiting beneath open skies, along winding trails, beside roaring waterfalls, and under towering trees that have watched over this land for thousands of years. And remember what I always say, shoot for those stars, and if you only make it to the moon, at least you made the trip. So until next time, keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep making memories that will last a lifetime. See you on your next adventure