Closest Airports To Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is a stunning park located in central California that attracts visitors from all over the world. While it’s a relatively small park (and not as popular as the other big California parks, like Yosemite), it’s a great destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching.

If you’ve been planning a trip to Pinnacles National Park, you may be wondering if there’s an airport nearby. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the airports closest to Pinnacles National Park and provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip.

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Closest Airports To Pinnacles National Park

The two closest airports to Pinnacles National Park are San Jose International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

San Jose International Airport is located about 85 miles from Pinnacles National Park.

Distance From Pinnacles National Park: 85 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and more.

San Francisco International Airport is located about 120 miles from Pinnacles National Park.

Distance From Pinnacles National Park: 120 miles

Driving Time: 2 hours
Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and more.

While these airports are the closest to Pinnacles National Park, there are other airports in the area that are further away. It’s important to note that while San Jose International Airport is the closer option, San Francisco International Airport is a larger airport with more flight options. Additionally, if you don’t want to rent a car (although I always suggest it for park trips), there are shuttle services available from both airports to take you to Pinnacles National Park.

How To Get To Pinnacles National Park From San Jose and San Francisco Airport

Pinnacles National Park is located in the central coast of California, making it accessible from both San Jose and San Francisco airports.

From San Jose Airport, the drive to Pinnacles National Park takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. You will take US-101 South to CA-25 South, which will take you directly to the park. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful agricultural landscapes and rolling hills, and you may even spot some wildlife like deer or wild turkeys. As you get closer to the park, you will see the rocky peaks of the Pinnacles rising up in the distance.

From San Francisco Airport, the drive to Pinnacles National Park takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You will take US-101 South to CA-156 East, and then CA-25 South to reach the park. Along the way, you will pass through the scenic countryside of the San Francisco Bay Area, with views of vineyards, orchards, and ranches. As you near the park, the landscape will become more rugged, and you will start to see the distinct rock formations of the Pinnacles in the distance.

Both drives to Pinnacles National Park from San Jose and San Francisco airports are scenic and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beautiful landscapes along the way. However, it is important to note that the roads leading to the park are narrow and winding, so it is recommended to drive slowly and carefully – especially if you haven’t experienced California roads before.

Additionally, there are limited gas stations and services in the area, so it is a good idea to fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies before heading out.

Where To Stay

We recommend a stay in Courtyard by Marriot, out in Salinas. It’s one of the highest-rated hotels in the area, offers close access to the park, and comes with all the amazing amenities you’d expect at a hotel like this. It’s also pretty close to other cool spots too, like Fisherman’s Wharf (just be careful – this can be a tourist trap) and the Monterey Peninsula Dunes Golf Course.

What Is the Closest City to Pinnacles National Park?

The closest city to Pinnacles National Park is Soledad, California. Soledad is a small city located in the Salinas Valley, about 20 miles west of the park.

Although Soledad is a small city, there are still plenty of things to see and do. The area is known for its agricultural heritage, and visitors can explore local farms and wineries to sample some of the region’s produce. Soledad is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, which was founded in 1791.

If you’re looking for more options for things to do, the larger city of Salinas is located about 40 miles north of Pinnacles National Park. Salinas is the birthplace of author John Steinbeck and has several museums and historic sites dedicated to his life and work. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Steinbeck Festival, which celebrates the author’s legacy. You can learn more about it here.