America is an enormous place and residential to a few of the most various surroundings on this planet. Our nationwide parks, the place you may discover the whole lot from parched deserts with Seussianlike timber to marshy coastal waterways, are the right examples of this.
Whereas the Nationwide Park Service reported barely fewer visits in 2025 — 323 million versus 331.9 million in 2024 — 26 nationwide parks broke all-time visitation data. This consists of heavyweights like California’s Redwood and Sequoia nationwide parks, in addition to lesser-known parks like Dry Tortugas in Florida and the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.
When you’re wanting to avoid crowds, there are a whole bunch of web sites within the Nationwide Park System, together with historic battlefields, monuments, rivers and parkways. The 63 nationwide parks are among the many nation’s most distinctive and delightful centerpieces — and these are 20 of our favorites.
Yellowstone Nationwide Park
- Why go to: It is residence to over half of the world’s hydrothermal options and various wildlife.
- Do not miss: Rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic Spring, the third-largest sizzling spring on this planet.
- Learn how to get there: Wyoming’s Jackson Gap Airport (JAC) and Montana’s Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and Bozeman Yellowstone Worldwide Airport (BZN) are three of the closest airports.
This geologically distinctive panorama is essentially in Wyoming but additionally stretches into Montana and Idaho. The park’s 2.2 million acres are residence to an array of wildlife, together with bison, mountain goats and elk. You may additionally discover lively geysers, steaming sizzling springs and mountains. Campsites can be found, too, for those who’re on the lookout for a really outside weekend.
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Acadia Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Granite cliffs, cobalt waters and mist-shrouded seashores are an ideal illustration of Maine’s magnificence.
- Do not miss: A dawn hike to the highest of 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain — the very best level on the North Atlantic Seaboard.
- Learn how to get there: Maine’s Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is simply across the nook from the park. You need to first fly to Boston Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS) and join onward.
Rocky coastlines and windswept seashores converge with rugged, trail-laced woodlands at Acadia Nationwide Park in Maine. Relying on the time of yr, Cadillac Mountain, the very best level alongside the North Atlantic Seaboard, is usually among the many first locations within the nation to see daylight at dawn.
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Shenandoah Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Time your go to in October or early November to see gorgeous fall foliage.
- Do not miss: The 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, famed for its 75 spectacular overlooks and abundance of leisure actions.
- Learn how to get there: Vacationers can fly into any main Washington, D.C.-area airport, together with Virginia’s Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport (DCA).
Simply accessible from Washington, D.C., this practically 200,000-acre park in Virginia is good for scenic drives (together with the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah with the Nice Smoky Mountains, and Skyline Drive, which bisects the park). Vacationers additionally take pleasure in picturesque hikes, together with alongside the Appalachian Path.
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White Sands Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Really feel such as you’re on one other planet with sculpted wavelike dunes of gypsum sand that sparkle within the solar.
- Do not miss: Sand sledding down towering dunes.
- Learn how to get there: The closest airport is El Paso Worldwide Airport (ELP), which sits about 85 miles south of the park.
This 275-square-mile stretch of desert is punctuated by glistening white gypsum dunes seen from house. Positioned in New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, the towering drifts of sand appeal to vacationers who come to hike and sled on the lunarlike terrain. Close by El Paso is price a go to earlier than or after your trek by means of the park for its unbelievable artwork scene.
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Grand Teton Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Go to this in style Wyoming park for its lovely views and all types of out of doors actions, from mountaineering, mountain climbing and kayaking within the hotter months to cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing through the cooler months.
- Do not miss: Mountain climbing the 7-mile-long Jenny Lake Path.
- Learn how to get there: Wyoming’s Jackson Gap Airport (JAC) is situated inside Grand Teton Nationwide Park, making it the apparent gateway for vacationers from out of state.
Wyoming’s Teton Vary is without doubt one of the most placing landscapes within the nation, with alpine surroundings. The mountain climbing right here is phenomenal, and the Snake River is a must-see for those who’re into fishing. You’ll be able to keep within the consolation of the Western mountain city of Jackson Gap and use Marriott Bonvoy factors for a keep at The Cloudveil, Autograph Assortment or splurge on the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.
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Everglades Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Take within the U.S.’s largest subtropical wetland.
- Do not miss: The Anhinga Path, residence to alligators, turtles, otters, herons and unique birds.
- Learn how to get there: Everglades Nationwide Park is a simple drive southwest of Miami, so take into account flying into Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL).
The Florida Everglades are residence to a uncommon ecosystem that helps elusive and endangered species like Florida panthers, American crocodiles, West Indian manatees and leatherback turtles. It covers a staggering 1.5 million acres and is basically a slow-moving river blanketed in sawgrass. Be certain that to guide an airboat tour to rise up near the whole lot the park has to supply.
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Yosemite Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Gorgeous landscapes and epic mountain climbing alternatives make it a dream for the outdoorsy.
- Do not miss: The granite monoliths of Half Dome and El Capitan, the 650-foot Bridalveil waterfall and North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls.
- Learn how to get there: Count on to spend an hour or extra within the automotive to get to Yosemite. The closest main airports are Fresno Yosemite Worldwide (FAT), Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) and Sacramento Worldwide Airport (SMF), all in California.
Well-known for its imposing granite monoliths, unbelievable waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys, Yosemite Nationwide Park in California is without doubt one of the most well-known and immediately recognizable nationwide parks within the nation. Keep away from the crodenwds by heading into the excessive nation or visiting the extra in style recreation areas through the week. It’s also possible to guide organized backpacking journeys by means of REI Adventures, which covers the allowing course of for you.
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Denali Nationwide Park & Protect
- Why go to: Denali has a few of the finest wilderness hikes, wildlife encounters, and dramatic landscapes within the nation.
- Do not miss: Off-trail hike by means of the Toklat East Department and preserve look ahead to caribou and bears.
- Learn how to get there: Fairbanks Worldwide Airport (FAI) is the gateway to Denali Nationwide Park.
Denali Nationwide Park & Protect is residence to one of the untamed stretches of wilderness left within the nation and the tallest peak in North America. This historical land in Alaska is the place vacationers go to see moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Hold a watch out for shimmers of the aurora borealis, and expertise a world that’s nonetheless distant sufficient to really feel undiscovered.
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Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
- Why go to: See sculpted rock formations and evocative remnants that stand as a testomony to five,000 years of human historical past.
- Do not miss: Unbelievable stargazing and, for climbers, colossal boulders to scale.
- Learn how to get there: California’s Palm Springs Worldwide Airport (PSP) is the closest airport to Joshua Tree, although most individuals go to from Los Angeles or San Diego.
On the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts in Southern California, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is finest identified for its huge boulders and fanciful yucca crops — the namesake Joshua timber. Vacationers ought to do not forget that temperatures on this arid park can soar through the summertime, so pack loads of water on your go to. When you’re there, ensure to see the enduring Cranium Rock and Arch Rock, two of essentially the most iconic geological formations on this planet.
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Redwood Nationwide and State Parks
- Why go to: See nearly half of the world’s tallest timber alongside this 37-mile stretch of California’s northernmost coast.
- Do not miss: Tall Bushes Grove, which is residence to a slew of majestic redwoods.
- Learn how to get there: The closest airport to Redwood Nationwide Park is California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV), which has direct flights from San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO), Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Denver Worldwide Airport (DEN). You’ll be able to sit up for a lovely drive from bigger airports, too.
One other spectacular cross-section of California, the redwood forests are residence to a few of the tallest timber on Earth. Vacationers collect right here to see record-setting conifers, such because the 380-foot-tall Hyperion. The forests are full of mountain climbing trails, so you’ll be able to lose your self among the many monumental timber. Belief us, images do not really seize the enormity of those timber.
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Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Head right here for snowcapped peaks, glacier-carved meadows and cascading waterfalls you’ll be able to’t discover anyplace else.
- Do not miss: The awe-inspiring surroundings of Path Ridge Highway.
- Learn how to get there: Denver Worldwide Airport (DEN) is the closest main airport to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, offering vacationers with many flight choices.
The jagged ridges and alpine terrain of the Rocky Mountains are the focal factors of this nationwide park in Colorado. The pristine lands are crisscrossed by greater than 350 miles of mountain climbing trails but stay accessible through scenic roads. It is easy to see why many take into account it one of the lovely and humbling locations within the nation. A wide range of totally different hikes can be found, so there’s one thing for each ability (and luxury) degree.
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Olympic Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Olympic Nationwide Park boasts rugged coasts, glaciated peaks and emerald-green rainforests which can be comparatively untouched by people.
- Do not miss: Hurricane Ridge for elegant mountain vistas and the paved, 1.6-mile Hurricane Hill path for 360-degree views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Learn how to get there: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) and drive roughly 140 miles to the park.
Washington state’s Olympic Nationwide Park spans practically 1 million acres and encompasses the whole lot from old-growth rainforests to craggy, windswept shoreline with ample seashores and scenic overlooks. There are mountains and highly effective rivers with rapids that lure assured paddlers, however this sacred land is simply as famend for its cultural heritage, too.
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Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Soak up a few of the largest old-growth forests and cascading waterfalls.
- Do not miss: The synchronous fireflies flashing throughout the park each summer season, which is a really surreal expertise (however requires snagging a spot within the lottery).
- Learn how to get there: On the Tennessee aspect, vacationers can fly into Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), although Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport (CLT) provides essentially the most connectivity.
Sprawling throughout the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this is without doubt one of the most-visited nationwide parks within the nation. Its fog-shrouded mountains are a household favourite and among the many oldest on Earth. Attempt to go to within the fall, when the rambling panorama is very picturesque with cozy fall foliage.
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Zion Nationwide Park
- Why go to: The park’s surreal red-rock landscapes and epic mountain climbing and bike trails will make you’re feeling such as you’re on Mars.
- Do not miss: Angels Touchdown, one of the scenic mountain climbing trails within the nation.
- Learn how to get there: Fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) in Arizona or Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Worldwide Airport (LAS), then lease a automotive for the scenic drive to Zion.
Slender slot canyons and sandstone cliffs are a trademark of Utah’s first nationwide park. Although Zion is a mecca for canyoneering, climbing and mountain climbing, accessible trails and footpaths make it acceptable for the entire household. The panorama is actually otherworldly in elements.
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Glacier Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Glacier is known for its sculpted glaciers, crystalline alpine lakes, majestic forests and considerable wildlife.
- Do not miss: The spectacular views alongside the enduring 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Solar Highway.
- Learn how to get there: Glacier Park Worldwide Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, is the principle gateway to Glacier. Vacationers may also fly into Bozeman Yellowstone Worldwide Airport (BZN) or Missoula Montana Airport (MSO).
In Montana, vacationers will uncover one of many solely locations within the continental U.S. to see the planet’s disappearing glaciers (there are 26 named glaciers within the park) and admire tens of millions of stars on the world’s first Darkish Sky Park to span a world border. Glacier Nationwide Park can be well-known for its unbelievable wildlife. Close by Kalispell, Montana, can be price a go to, with quaint retailers and eating places within the downtown district.
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Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park
- Why go to: The park is residence to 2 of the Huge Island’s lively volcanoes, together with the customarily snowcapped Mauna Loa.
- Do not miss: The sulphuric pit of Halemaumau crater and the world’s longest lava tube, Kazumura.
- Learn how to get there: It is easy to drive to the park from Ellison Onizuka Kona Worldwide Airport at Keahole (KOA) and Hilo Worldwide Airport (ITO).
Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park occupies a nook of the Huge Island and remains to be very a lot below the dominion of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fireplace. In 2018, she reshaped the park with Kilauea’s eruption. When it reopened after months of seismic exercise, the molten cauldron of lava had disappeared. Fortunately, the panorama is simply as gorgeous as ever, with a brand new black sand seaside and an much more imposing crater.
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Arches Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Come for the park’s delicate sandstone arches, deep gorges, rock catacombs and open valleys, amongst different pure wonders.
- Do not miss: The 18-mile Scenic Drive and the park’s 2,000 fantastical formations.
- Learn how to get there: Fly into Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport (SLC) and drive about 4 hours. Alternatively, fly into Colorado’s Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), which is roughly two hours away from the park.
One other instance of Utah’s geographic splendor, this nationwide park is a Marslike dreamscape full of red-rock arches, fins and pinnacles that appear like a whimsical playground. To avoid the crowds, go to neighboring Canyonlands Nationwide Park, which has lots of the similar options however fewer guests. Both approach, you may be greeted with a few of the finest examples of sandstone arches on this planet.
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Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
- Why go to: Clear waters, pristine seashores and North America’s finest snorkeling and diving make this a can’t-miss park within the Sunshine State.
- Do not miss: The formidable Nineteenth-century Fort Jefferson, which seems prefer it’s adrift in the midst of the ocean.
- Learn how to get there: Fly into Key West Worldwide Airport (EYW), then hop aboard the high-speed Yankee Freedom III ferry. Or, fly to Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) and drive to the ferry port.
Composed of seven islands roughly 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, this nationwide park is accessible solely by seaplane or ferry. Regardless of its title, the park itself is greater than 99% open water. Shipwrecks and reefs make this park a dream for divers and snorkelers, although landlubbers can camp on the seaside and discover Fort Jefferson, a large, unfinished Nineteenth-century fort guarding the harbor. In different phrases, for those who like snorkeling, that is the nationwide park for you.
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Huge Bend Nationwide Park
- Why go to: This stargazing mecca provides an array of various ecosystems spanning desert, mountain and river areas.
- Do not miss: A strenuous hike to the highest of Emory Peak for gorgeous 360-degree views of the Chisos Mountains.
- Learn how to get there: Huge Bend is not near any main airport, so you may be committing to no less than a little bit of a highway journey. It is a few five-hour drive from El Paso and 6 hours from San Antonio.
Darkish, star-filled skies, seemingly infinite areas and sun-beaten desert are signature options of this West Texas park. Huge Bend Nationwide Park is taken into account the most effective nationwide parks within the Decrease 48 for stargazing, although the Rio Grande River can be a boon for adventurous kayakers and canoers. One other profit? It has the least gentle air pollution of any nationwide park within the contiguous U.S., and in 2022, the encircling area was licensed because the world’s largest Worldwide Darkish Sky Reserve.
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New River Gorge Nationwide Park & Protect
- Why go to: Take a look at this West Virginia park for its adrenaline-infused actions like white water rafting, mountain biking and the singular Bridge Stroll.
- Do not miss: Mountain climbing the greater than 2-mile Countless Wall Path, ideally at sundown for the very best views.
- Learn how to get there: When you’re flying to West Virginia, you may almost definitely come by means of West Virginia Worldwide Yeager Airport (CRW), close to the capital of Charleston. From there, it is a few two-hour drive to the New River Gorge.
Generally known as “The New,” this West Virginia parkland is finest identified for its distinctive white water rafting alternatives, superior mountain climbing routes alongside the sandstone cliffs and the greater than 3,000-foot-long metal bridge that arches over the gorge. If rafting is within the plans, there’s one thing for everybody. The Decrease New serves up large, warm-water Class 3, 4 and 5 rapids — a few of the East’s finest big-water runs — whereas the Higher New provides gentler Class 1, 2 and three floats that work for households.
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