Historic Sites In California. More Than Just Parks has 15 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I’m going to give you my list of the 15 Historic Sites In California that you’ll want to see.
To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as national parks.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Top 15 Historic Sites In California
15. Griffith Park & Observatory
California is the most populous state in America. Given this fact, we didn’t think that five or even ten historic sites would be enough.
In this article, we’re giving you the Top 15 Historic Sites In The Golden State.
And we’re beginning our countdown at #15 with Griffith Park & Observatory.
We’ll start with the park. And then we’ll give you more than just the park. After all, that’s what we do!
The Largest Urban Wilderness Municipal Park In The U.S.
Let’s begin with the fact that Griffith Park is the largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States.
Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, the Park’s elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level. It contains over 4,210 acres of both natural chapparal-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas.
Regarding things to do when you get there, there are hiking trails, museums, zoos (new and old), the planetarium inside the observatory (more about that below) and even the iconic “Hollywood” sign for you to see.
Now here’s a fun fact: The box office blockbuster film La La Land filmed the “Lovely Night” scene at Griffith Park. It was shot in a single unbroken shot, meaning that the camera was always trained on the dancing couple, and there were no cuts.
Griffith J. Griffith
The park is named after Griffith J. Griffith, who made his fortune from mining. He started an ostrich farm on the land that is now the park.
Griffith donated the 3,015-acre tract of land which became Griffith Park to the city of Los Angeles in 1896.
He also bequeathed the money for the park’s observatory.
Now It’s On To The Observatory
Griffith Observatory was officially dedicated on May 14, 1935.
Its unique architecture and setting, compelling programmatic offerings, and cinematic exposure have made it one of the most famous and visited landmarks in southern California.
It’s Appeared In Numerous Films & Television Shows
Griffith Observatory has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, perhaps most famously in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), starring James Dean and Natalie Wood.
Tens of millions of visitors have come to walk the inside of the building, view the live planetarium shows, or simply gaze out towards the coast and the heavens.
CHECK OUT: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks
Historic Sites In California
14. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Coming in at #14 on our list of the best historic sites in California is the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in San Francisco, California. The park includes a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility.
The park headquarters and Maritime Research Center are located in Fort Mason, some 10 minutes walk to the west of the other sites.
The Beach and Hyde Street terminal of the San Francisco cable car system adjoins the main site, while the Jones Street terminal of the F Market historic streetcar line is some 5 minutes walk to the east.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco
Historic Sites In California
13. Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park
Don’t be superstitious! At #13 we have a wonderful historic site. It’s the Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park.
Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park is located 19 miles from San Francisco. It’s a 40 minute drive along I-80 West.
As a retired history teacher, I love being able to pack up and go off in search of America’s past. The Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park honors the efforts and sacrifices of American civilians on the World War II home front.
At the Visitor Education Center there are a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. It’s a wonderful place to learn about how the contributions of men and women on the home front helped America to win World War Two.
While you’re there, places that you should see include the Ford Assembly Plant, Rosie The Riveter Memorial, Shipyard #3, the SS Red Oak Victory Ship and the Richmond Museum of History.
It was none other than Winston Churchill who said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” Visitors can learn the stories and see the places where the tools which helped to win the war were actually made.
Rosie The Riveter Meets Betty Reid Soskin
Betty Reid Soskin graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland during the World’s Fair at Treasure Island.
Betty worked in a segregated Union hall, Boilermaker’s A-36, during World War Two as a file clerk. In 1945, Betty and her husband, Mel Reid, founded one of the first black-owned music stores — Reid’s Records, which closed in the fall of 2019.
Betty went on to hold positions as staff assistant to a Berkeley city council member and as a field representative serving West Contra Costa County for two members of the California State Assembly: former Assemblywoman Dion Aroner and Senator Loni Hancock.
America’s Oldest Park Ranger
In the early 2000s, Betty participated in meetings with the City of Richmond and the National Park Service to develop the general management plan for Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.
She worked with the NPS on a grant funded by PG&E to uncover untold stories of African-Americans on the Home Front during WWII, which led to a temporary position working with the NPS at the age of 84.
In 2007, Betty became a permanent NPS employee and has been leading public programs and sharing her personal remembrances and observations at the park visitor center.
In early 2019, a film produced by the Rosie the Riveter Trust, “No Time To Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin,” was released.
This documentary tells the story of Betty’s involvement with Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historic Park and the influence she has had on the NPS in telling untold stories, and in sharing her history in ways that inspire and challenge current social norms. (Source: NPS)
RELATED: A Brief (& Informative) History Of America’s National Park Rangers
Historic Sites In California
12. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
At #12 on our list of the best historic sites in California is the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala.
California is renowned for its historic missions. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is known as the “Mother of the Missions.”
Furthermore, it’s a National Historic Landmark.
This site was the first of 21 Spanish missions established, in part, by Father Junipero Serra. The mission was founded in 1769.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour where you will learn about the history. You’ll be impressed with both the architecture and the items contained within this amazing place.
Historic Sites In California
11. Muir Woods National Monument
At #11 on our Top 15 list we have Muir Woods National Monument.
Muir Woods National Monument is located 16 miles from San Francisco. It’s a driving time of approximately 45 minutes along U.S. Highway 101.
If you like the great Redwoods of California then you’ll love exploring Muir Woods. The park contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Situated just off California’s coastline and named for the legendary conservationist, Muir Woods National Monument is home to some of the most beautiful stands of old-growth redwoods on the planet.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
-John Muir
Top 10 Historic Sites In California
10. Lassen Volcanic National Park
We’re counting down to the Top 10 Historic Sites in California. At #10 we have Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is approximately 235 miles from San Francisco. It you take the I-5 South it’s an estimated drive time of three hours and 51 minutes. It’s well worth the trip, however, especially if you enjoy examining the effects of volcanoes from roiling fumaroles to dramatic jagged peaks.
Visitors to the park can find all four types of volcanoes (shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome) within the boundaries of the more than 100,000-acre park.
While you’re there be sure to check out Boiling Springs Lake. It’s one of the largest hot water lakes in the world. The sea green lake is heated to a hot 125 degrees by steam vents so don’t get too close.
Enjoy The Scenery Without Leaving Your Car
If you’re more comfortable travelling by car than by foot than there’s a 30-mile park highway known as Lassen Volcanic National Highway. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery without ever having to leave your vehicle.
If you prefer walking to driving Lassen boasts 150 miles of trails. Hikers can see waterfalls, a bubbling lake, and lava beds. There’s something for everyone.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the half-mile Devastated Area Interpretive Trail or, if you’re looking for more of a challenge, take the Brokeoff Mountain Trail. It’s a 7.4-mile strenuous that leads to fabulous views at the top of the mountain.
RELATED: 25 BEST West Coast National Parks
Historic Sites In California
9. Alcatraz
At #9 we have one of the most iconic former prisons in the world.
Located on a lonely island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz (a.k.a. “The Rock”) held captives since the Civil War.
In 1934, Alcatraz was re-fortified into the world’s most secure prison.
As the National Park Service notes, Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary.
While You’re There Check Out the Big Lockup, Alcatraz
The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States, is an exciting new exhibit which examines Alcatraz Island as a military prison and federal penitentiary within the context of incarceration in the U.S. where currently 2.3 million people are behind bars, more than any other country in the world.
The exhibit takes a look at the disproportionate number of people of color, low literacy and those born into poverty that are in jail and prison.
It looks at who is harmed, who bears the costs and how we can deter and prevent people from being put back into the system. Finally, The Big Lockup asks: Is there a better way? (Source: NPS)
Escape From Alcatraz?
From 1934 until the prison was closed in 1963, 36 men tried 14 separate escapes. Nearly all were caught or didn’t survive the attempt. All, that is, except for three. Perhaps.
On June 12, 1962, John Anglin, his brother Clarence, and Frank Morris were not in their cells for the morning prison check. In their beds were cleverly built dummy heads made of plaster, flesh-tone paint, and real human hair that apparently fooled the night guards.
Using crude tools the three men each loosened the air vents at the back of their cells by painstakingly drilling closely spaced holes around the cover so the entire section of the wall could be removed. Once through, they hid the holes with whatever they could—a suitcase, a piece of cardboard, etc.
Behind the cells was a common, unguarded utility corridor. They made their way down this corridor and climbed to the roof of their cell block inside the building, where they set up a secret workshop.
The Simply Disappeared
They used a variety of stolen and donated materials to build and hide what they needed to escape. More than 50 raincoats that they stole or gathered were turned into makeshift life preservers and a 6×14 foot rubber raft, the seams carefully stitched together and “vulcanized” by the hot steam pipes in the prison.
They also built wooden paddles and converted a musical instrument into a tool to inflate the raft. (Source: F.B.I.)
The FBI officially closed its case on December 31, 1979. While no credible evidence was found that the three men were still alive no credible evidence was found regarding what could have happened to them.
They simply disappeared!
Historic Sites In California
8. USS Midway Museum
At #8 on our list of the best historic sites in California is the USS Midway Museum.
The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century.
The ship was named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942. This was the climatic battle which turned the tide of victory in the Pacific away from the Empire of Japan and towards the United States of America.
The Midway was built in only 17 months, but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on September 10, 1945.
It was the first in a three-ship class of large carriers that featured an armored flight deck and a powerful air group of 120 planes.
Things To Do At The Museum
At the Midway Museum you can experience over 60 exhibits throughout the historic aircraft carrier as well as 29 restored aircraft.
While you’re there, you can watch the stories of six heroes in Midway’s new docuseries, United Stories of America. Or, you can go below deck to see the tight living quarters sailors had to endure on the U.S.S. Midway.
There’s also a 90-seat theater, featuring a riveting multimedia movie about the Battle of Midway titled “Voices of Midway”.
And, if you’re feeling brave, you can enter the state-of-the-art simulator for a heart-pounding aerial combat ride where you control all the action.
Air Combat 360 pilots can roll, somersault, spin and loop as they fly missions. You can see if you have what it takes to be a Top Gun.
CHECK OUT: 6 AMAZING National Parks Near San Diego You’ll Love
Historic Sites In California
7. America’s Third Oldest National Park–Yosemite National Park
America’s third oldest national park, Yosemite, is approximately 280 miles from Los Angeles.
In 2020, Yosemite had 2.27 million visitors.
Yosemite is not America’s oldest national park though it was first protected eight years before the creation of Yellowstone-America’s oldest national park.
Why isn’t it America’s oldest national park you might ask? Because it was a California state park at the time of its federal protection, which took place when Abraham Lincoln was in office.
Things To See & Do
John Muir’s “grandest of all temples of nature” is a true marvel and one of the most spectacular places on earth. Here you’ll find the epic grandeur of Yosemite Valley, the ancient wonders of the Mariposa Grove, towering waterfalls like Yosemite Falls, and so much more.
Once there you’ll realize just why the park is one of the most popular in the U.S. Despite the summer crowds, the valley and the park are truly one of the natural wonders of the world.
The immense beauty found here is overwhelming and has a tendency to make one feel small in the most humbling way.
We recommend visiting in the off-season for the best experience.
RELATED: 10 SHOCKING Facts That Will Change How You View The Park
Historic Sites In California
6. John Muir National Historic Site
At #6 on our list of the best historic sites in California is the John Muir National Historic Site.
John Muir National Historic Site is located in the Alhambra Valley, just 2 miles south of Martinez, California.
As the National Park Service notes, John Muir is America’s most famous naturalist and conservationist. During his storied lifetime, he fought to protect the wild places he loved.
His writings convinced the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as national parks. John Muir is appropriately known as the “Father of America’s National Parks.”
There is no entrance fee and you can tour the Muir’s historic home seven days a week. I recommend beginning your exploration of John Muir’s life and legacy at the visitor center, which is located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez, California.
To learn more about John Muir check out 10+ GREAT John Muir Facts.
Top 5 Historic Sites In California
5. Redwood National Park
We’re counting down to our Top 5 Historic Sites In California. At #5 we have Redwood National Park.
Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world, the mighty Redwood, which can reach staggering heights of over 360 foot and weigh more than 500 tons.
At Redwood, you’ll experience magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and one of the largest herds of Roosevelt elk on the planet.
People travel from all over the world to experience the magic that takes place in this park every single day.
Watch Our Award-Winning Redwood Video
This magical park features magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and the largest herd of Roosevelt elk on the planet.
Our film was shot entirely in 4K.
CHECK OUT: The Best Maps Of Redwood National Park
Historic Sites In California
4. Golden Gate Bridge/National Recreation Area
We’re on to the Final Four with Golden Gate Bridge/National Recreation Area.
This national park site is located within sight of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate National Recreation Area chronicles two hundred years of history.
From the Native American culture to the Spanish Empire and the Mexican Republic to maritime history and the California Gold Rush, you’ll learn about the historical forces which fueled the growth of urban San Francisco.
As a retired history teacher who attended college in the great state of California, I’m thrilled to report that the history you’ll experience at this fascinating place includes California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, U.S. military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. It’s all there!
Not only that, but this amazing place also supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. While you’re there, you can go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history.
Historic Sites In California
3. Joshua Tree National Park
At #3 on our list of the best historic sites in California is Joshua Tree National Park.
It’s a 127 miles distance between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree National Park taking Hwy 10 East to Hwy 62 to Joshua Tree.
Why go? Because Joshua Tree National Park is a world famous American destination known for it’s wacky namesake, the Joshua Tree. It’s the iconic southwestern desert park that you’ve heard so much about and probably seen featured in countless movies, television shows, and yes, of course music videos.
Named for the one-of-a-kind trees that call the area home, Joshua Tree National Park is a true desert wonderland.
Watercolor sunsets and night skies teeming with stars, fairy tale trees and giant boulder piles, warm desert air and endless vistas, these are the hallmarks of this iconic southwestern destination.
If you’re visiting the park be sure to check out our full Joshua Tree National Park Guide.
Check Out Our Joshua Tree Video
Joshua Tree is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring Joshua Tree National Park. We chose Joshua Tree because of its unique landscape. Its immense boulder piles, colorful cactus fields, endless desert expanses, and one-of-a-kind Joshua trees make for a spectacular setting. This film was shot entirely in 4K.
We decided to capture this film during the winter months to spare ourselves from the extreme temperatures of Summer. Joshua Tree is home to some of the darkest skies in the United States and as such we chose to feature the stars heavily.
Filming locations include: Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Keys View, Wall Street Mill, Cholla Cactus Garden, Jumbo Rocks, Cottonwood Springs, & more.
Historic Sites In California
2. Death Valley National Park
We’re down to the final 2! At #2 on our list of the best historic sites in California is Death Valley National Park.
Death Valley is situated on California’s southeastern border with Nevada, Death Valley National Park spans over 5,000 square miles of otherworldly vistas. The largest national park in the continental United States, Death Valley is a park for superlatives.
It’s the hottest place on earth, the lowest place in North America, and the driest place in the United States. It is also the largest national park outside of Alaska.
While you’re there, check out the massive slanted valleys that go on forever and seem to lack only the crashed spaceship in the distance, snow-capped mountains, a year round waterfall (insane, right?), expansive forests, abandoned mines, conifer groves, and some of the most stunning dune fields in North America comprise the park with the most morbid name.
Check Out Our Death Valley Video
In the remote far reaches of the Mojave Desert lies the largest national park in the continental United States. Hidden here in the hottest place on earth is another world full of diverse life and colorful landscapes. Join us as we take life to the extreme and explore Death Valley.
Filmed primarily in 8K. To make this film we spent weeks in California’s (& Nevada’s) Death Valley National Park, mostly in February and March when the temperatures are more manageable. We traversed hundreds of miles hiking most of the parks trails to capture the park like never before.
As the largest park in the contiguous United States, Death Valley is massive – over 3 million acres! We visited destinations like: Eureka Dunes, The Racetrack Playa, Mesquite Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Charcoal Kilns, Aguereberry Point, Badwater Basin, Darwin Falls, and more.
Death Valley Featured Its Own Television Series
How many national parks have their own television series? Death Valley did! Death Valley Days was first a series on the radio. Later, it was adapted for television. It was an anthology series featuring true accounts of the Old American West.
Death Valley Days was originally created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman. The original inspiration for the show was the group of prospectors who perished in Death Valley.
Little did anyone know that the show would prove to be one of the most popular westerns on television.
RELATED: Look Familiar? 10+ CLASSIC Television Shows Filmed In The National Parks
The #1 Historic Site In California
1. Disneyland
We go from the “hottest place on earth” to the “happiest place on earth.” As our #1 Historic Site In California, we have chosen Disneyland.
Believe it or not, we’ve come full circle because Walt Disney claimed that the idea of Disneyland came to him while he was watching his two daughters ride the carousel in L.A.’s Griffith Park.
It was there that he began to imagine a clean, safe, friendly place where parents and children could have fun together!
Disneyland is a collection of adventures, rides, and shows symbolized by the Disney characters.
It’s divided into nine subareas, or “lands,” arranged around a central hub.
As you enter the park, the first place you’ll encounter is Main Street, U.S.A., which connects the Disneyland entrance with the central hub.
Check Out The Hall Of Presidents & Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln
If you’re a stickler when it comes to historic sites than have no fear because this a place which combines fact and fantasy.
And for those of you who prefer fact to fantasy, check out The Hall of Presidents while at Disneyland.
It’s goal is to bring to life the heritage of the United States and share the symbolic importance and uniqueness of the office of the President with all of its visitors.
There’s also Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln.
The show starts with a moving film about President Lincoln’s life, from the humble log cabin of his birth all the way to the White House.
Then watch in wonder as he takes center stage to deliver highlights from his greatest speeches.
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
-Walt Disney
Go Inside The Walt Disney Archives
And if you love history as much as I do then you might be interested in an exhibit, which features 50 years of the Walt Disney Archives. It’s at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.
It’s called “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic.”
It features 465 items ranging from important memos to books to surveying tools used to plan the first Disneyland in Anaheim to concept art for theme rides.
It covers the history of the company to date, with 218 original props and nine pieces of vintage merchandise, including early hand-sewn Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls.
Map Of Historic Sites In California
List Of Historic Sites In California
- Disneyland
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge/National Recreation Area
- Redwood National Park
- John Muir National Historic Site
- Yosemite National Park
- USS Midway Museum
- Alcatraz
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
- Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Griffith Park & Observatory
About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
Leave a Reply