Red Rock Canyon State Park, California

Not to be confused with the kajillion other “Red Rock” parks that are scattered across the US, the geological freakshow that is Red Rock Canyon State Park covers a modest 27,000 acres with less-than-modest, grandiose, and dramatically sculpted and colored cliffs and rock formations. Complete with two nature preserves, as well as beautiful stargazing, hiking, and climbing opportunities, Red Rock Canyon State Park is a gem at the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevadas. If the majestic and resplendent natural architecture isn’t enough to woo you, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to step on the same ground as Beyoncé from Destiny Child’s 2005 filming of Cater 2 U or Jeff Goldblum from Jurassic Park...but hey, the nature is pretty cool too.