Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Head to this Southern California high desert state park in the spring to see amazing displays of wildflowers. Check the park's website for directions to the latest blooms (and don't step on the flowers). With 12 wilderness areas to choose from, you'll have plenty to do. Although you may need 4-wheel-drive to get into the Borrego Badlands or some of the other more rugged sections.

Check out the Palms Oasis, a true haven from the desert heat, or sign up for a walk with a naturalist who can point out the sights you might otherwise miss.vWith 147 campsites, this park has plenty of room—though some are primitive campgrounds, and you can expect crowds when a superbloom of wildflowers occurs.

The best part? This is an International Dark Sky Park. The nearby town of Borrego Springs even limits its nighttime lighting so that Milky Way really pops.