Saddleback Butte State Park, California

Although it is located less than 2 hours outside of the madness of LA, Saddleback Butte State Park might as well be on another planet. Vast expanses of stunning desert landscape stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction, brought to life by waving fields of poppies and sudden bursts of wildflower color, joshua trees and exotic wildlife. Nighttime means an endless sea of stars, and, when the moon hits the sand just right, your journey to this other world will really feel complete. With incredible opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding, you should definitely put Saddleback Butte State Park on your list of “absolute must-see sites”.