6 BEST NATIONAL PARKS NEAR OAKLAND (Guide + Photos)

oakland cemetery, cemetery, statue-323143.jpg — Oakland, California | National Parks Near Oakland

National Parks Near Oakland

National Parks near Oakland. There’s so much more to this beautiful state than Oracle Arena. In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible national park sites that are within a six hour drive of Oakland.

There are 6 national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Golden State.

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!

To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as full-fledged national parks. To learn more about the difference between the various National Park Service designations check out our article that explains everything!

Now let’s go ahead with 6 reasons why you’ll want to make a drive of six hours (or less) from Oakland to one of these amazing places.

Why Trust Us About National Parks Near Oakland?
Meet The Parks Brothers
John Muir National Historic Site
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Muir Woods National Monument
Point Reyes National Sea Shore
Redwood National Park
Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park
Map Of National Parks Near Oakland
Further Reading

Why Trust Us About National Parks Near Oakland?

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.

will jim tony pattiz — Me (Tony) in the middle with my two sons Jim (left) & Will (right)

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!

Best National Park Sites Near Oakland

1. John Muir National Historic Site

Distance From Oakland: 26 minutes via CA-24 E.

I retired as a teacher so that I could join my two sons on an incredible adventure bringing America’s national treasures to life.

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.

You can also hike and explore Mount Wanda. It’s 326 acres of oak woods and grasslands that was named after John Muir’s daughter.

You can also visit the gravesite where John Muir is buried along with family members.

To learn more about John Muir check out 10+ GREAT John Muir Facts.

2. Lassen Volcanic National Park | National Parks Near Oakland

Distance From Oakland: Three hours & 38 minutes via I-5 N.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is well worth the trip 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.

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.

Lassen Volcanic National Park | National Parks Near Oakland

3. Muir Woods National Monument

Distance From Oakland: 42 minutes via I-580 W.

If you like the great Redwoods of California then you’ll love exploring Muir Woods National Monument. 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.

Please note: Pets, bicycles, smoking, horseback riding and camping are not permitted within the park. Picnics are not permitted in the forest. (Source: NPS)

While you’re there you should also check out Muir Beach. It’s a quiet cove, beach and lagoon located on the Pacific Coast three miles west of Muir Woods, Muir Beach is accessed over a 450-foot long pedestrian bridge that connects the parking lot to the beach, the Coastal Trail, and Kaashi Way, which is multi-use and accessible.

Muir Woods National Monument | National Parks Near Oakland

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.“
-John Muir

4. Point Reyes National Seashore | National Parks Near Oakland

Distance From Oakland: One hour via I-580 W & Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

When it comes to national seashores, there are few places in the world which compare to California and what it has to offer. Point Reyes National Seashore is a case in point.

Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. You’ll also experience ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges.

I recommend beginning your visit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center where you’ll be treated to several ecological and historical museum exhibits, along with a weather station.

You should also check out the Point Reyes Lighthouse. And don’t forget to take a stroll along the Woodpecker Trail where you’ll experience beautiful local forest and meadows.

5. Redwood National Park

Distance From Oakland: Five hours & eighteen minutes via US-101 N.

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.

Redwood National Park | National Parks Near Oakland

Watch Our Redwood Video (it’s only 3 minutes!)

MTJP | Redwood is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Redwood National and State Parks.

If you’re visiting the park be sure to check out our full Guide!

6. Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park | National Parks Near Oakland

Distance From Oakland: 18 minutes via I-580W/I-80 E & I-580 W.

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 honor 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. This National Park was established in 2000.

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 National Historical Park | National Parks Near San Francisco — The entrance to the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park visitor center in Richmond, California. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Map Of National Parks Near Oakland

List Of National Parks Near Oakland

John Muir National Historic Site
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Muir Woods National Monument
Point Reyes National Sea Shore
Redwood National Park
Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park

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National Parks Near Oakland

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