Graduate International Connection Program

Outdoor Recreational Activities – Camping Areas and Beaches -Written by Shreya Kumar

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What do you do when you have a long weekend? Well, your options can be: sleeping, Netflix, go to the mall, play a game of basketball, but the best can be CAMPING! It’s perfect, leave on Friday after classes, reach your destination by evening or the next morning, spend a day or two there, have fun, rejuvenate and return to Irvine! California is home to some of the best camping spots in the country, and it’s a lot of fun staying overnight at such places. Check these out:

  1. Yosemite National Park

Located in central California, Yosemite is famous for its waterfalls. It has 13 campgrounds, beautiful deep valleys, huge sequoias, and much more! You can hike up to the waterfalls, or choose a small campsite at night. It is a very popular destination, a must-visit!

  1. Death Valley

Two words: HUGE and HOT. Although the name suggests something morbid, this national park is home to a variety of animals including Desert Bighorn Sheep, Kangaroo rats, Desert tortoise, and some nocturnal animals. Make sure to check out Badwater Basin and Glacial Lake Manly.

  1. Joshua Tree National Park

Any star gazers out here? Look no more. Joshua Tree National Park boasts of the perfect spot to lay on your back and stare at the sky (dreamily). From Irvine, it takes about 3 hours by car. There are several camping spots you can try. Apart from star gazing, there are 2-3 hiking trails as well!

Other than these, one can check out Sequoia National Park, Lake Tahoe, Redwood National and State Parks, Big Sur, and Crystal Cover Park!

If you are looking for other outdoor adventures, apart from camping, you can visit the beaches in SoCal!

Check out Newport beach, Crystal Cove, Corona del Mar among a few. The more popular beaches to visit that have piers are Huntington Beach and Balboa Pier!

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Comments

  1. According to my experience, if you want to go for beaches at night, check the timing of that beach (for example. Corona del Mar is until 10 pm and you cannot make a fire after that).

  2. Bommer Canyon in Irvine is only 2 miles away from the ARC (recreation center). Its a great place to go for a hike if you are unable to go very far from campus.

  3. If people are interested in a closer option for camping and hiking, Chino Hills State Park is a good one. It’s under an hour from campus (35 minutes without traffic).

  4. According to my experience, if you want to go for beaches at night, check the timing of that beach (for example. Corona del Mar is until 10pm and you cannot make a fire after that). Also, if you want to fly a drone, register it beforehand, otherwise you will get a ticket.

  5. I also recommend Chino Hills State Park. It’s less than an hour driving distance (30 min without traffic) from campus and great for hiking!

  6. Great tips! Don’t forget to buy a national park pass if you plan to visit more than 2, you’ll save money!
    And go visit Laguna Beach (and eat gelato! it’s my personal favorite 🙂