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National park week celebration, featured stories.

Get out and get active on Park Rx Day, join rangers for physical activities or create your own adventure.

During National Volunteer Week and all year, we'd like to say thank you to our amazing volunteers helping to care for national parks.

It's all connected. Find ways to get involved in protecting the planet—and parks—in celebration of Earth Day on April 22.

Kids of all ages are invited to national parks on April 15th for a National Junior Ranger Day. Come earn your badge!

Use a trip planning guide to help prepare for your next adventure in a national park before, during, and after your excursion.

We are sharing our stories of personal connections with "park" places. What is yours?

Follow, share, and be a part of the conversation on official National Park Service social media channels.

Explore the national parks through multimedia. Search for photos, videos, webcams, and audio files on any topic.

The national park community welcomes you! Together we can celebrate these special places and ensure they exist forever.

Discover America's Story: The National Parks

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Last updated: April 15, 2024

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Let's explore.

National parks contain many of our nation's most treasured landscapes, from the majestic mountain ranges of Alaska to the vast prairies of the Everglades. Learn about the natural resources in parks, from the rocks under our feet to the sky overhead and everything in between. Discover the issues that affect our parks and how we join with neighbors and partners to address them. Meet the people who protect our parks and learn how you can help preserve these treasures for generations to come.

Do you want to help protect the natural areas we all love? Find a citizen science opportunity.

Join the celebration of International Dark Sky Week and learn more about night skies in parks.

Part citizen science, part education, this video series highlights the many ways young people are getting involved in science in parks.

We asked National Park Service employees to share some of their favorite views. Discover how to enjoy the view like us!

Protecting our parks is a job for us all, but there's no way for everyone to be an expert in everything. Learn something new!

Learn how you can help conserve parks and other protected areas by taking simple actions at home.

Browse through a list of engaging topics related to nature and science, and learn about our stewardship efforts.

Discover stories of science in parks! It's filled with stories showing how important science is for managing public lands.

Last updated: April 3, 2024

U.S. National Parks

Currently, there are 63 national parks in America, spread across the entire country. Thirty states have one or more national parks, from Maine to Minnesota, from Alaska to Hawaii, and from California to Florida.

Additionally, there is also a national park in two U.S. territories: the Virgin Islands and American Samoa both have their own national park.

The entire National Park Service (NPS) system encompasses more than 420 units with no fewer than 19 different designations.

Those include national battlefields, national monuments, national historic sites, national lakeshores and the major national parks. You can see the full list of U.S. National Park Service units here .

Explore The National Parks With Us

Here at The National Parks Experience , we’re on a quest to visit all national parks in the United States, and as many other NPS units as we can.

Below is an overview of all the individual national parks currently covered on this website. This list is updated on a regular basis as we visit more parks and publish additional parks-related content.

Acadia National Park

The oldest national park on the East Coast, Acadia National Park is home to wild coastlines, mountains, lakes, wildlife, and many miles of hiking trails and historic carriage roads.

Arches National Park

Home to the world’s largest concentration of natural rock arches, Arches National Park is a geological wonderland and offers great hiking, rock climbing and camping.

BADLANDS National Park

South Dakota

Situated in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park encompasses an extraordinarily wild landscape of buttes, razor-edged ridges and colorful eroded hills, as well as sprawling mixed-grass prairie.

Biscayne National Park

One of America’s largest marine preserves, Biscayne National Park is 95% water. Besides a few small islands and mangrove swamps, its main attractions are underwater, including coral reefs, shipwrecks and abundant marine life.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its thousands of hoodoos—striking red-rock spires and pillars. A network of trails offers excellent hiking and horseback riding.

Canyonlands National Park

Encompassing four different “districts”, Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness of canyons, cliffs, mesas and amazing rock formations. The park is also known for its breathtaking night skies.

Capitol Reef National Park

The middle of Utah’s five national parks, Capitol Reef National Park features Native American and Mormon sites, spectacular rock formations and a 100-mile geological “wrinkle” known as the Waterpocket Fold.

Channel Islands National Park

Also known as the “Galapagos of North America”, California’s Channel Islands are a biodiversity hotspot, home to seals, whales, sharks, dolphins and unique land animals.

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park protects the deepest, clearest and bluest lake in America, created after the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Set between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a verdant oasis surrounded by urban development. The park has historic farms, waterfalls and wildlife, a covered bridge and a scenic railroad.

Death Valley National Park

Home to the lowest point in North America, Death Valley National Park is also the continent’s hottest and driest place. Visitors can enjoy camping, stargazing and hiking in diverse landscapes such as badlands, sand dunes and salt flats.

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the remotest U.S. national parks, Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west of Key West and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It encompasses mesmerizing coral reefs, magnificent beaches and massive Fort Jefferson.

Everglades National Park

Also known as the “river of grass”, Everglades National Park is a vast expanse of marshes, swamps and islands at the southern tip of Florida. It is famous around the world for its wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees and countless birds.

Glacier National Park

You can’t describe Glacier National Park without using words like ‘spectacular’ and ‘awe-inspiring’. Home to the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier also features spectacular trails, turquoise lakes and excellent wildlife viewing.

Grand Canyon National Park

One of America’s most famous national parks, spectacular Grand Canyon National Park offers world-class hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and stargazing opportunities.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park encompasses both the Jackson Hole valley and the majestic Teton Range. A series of pristine glacial lakes runs along the foot of the mountains, while the valley is dotted with historic ranches, homesteads and overlooks.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Home to mountains, prairie, creeks and North America’s biggest sand dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is an outdoor playground for kids and adults alike, offering everything from camping and stargazing to hiking and sand boarding.

Haleakalā National Park

Encompassing much of the east side of Maui, Haleakalā National Park protects high-elevation volcanic landscapes, as well as tropical rain forests, waterfalls, coastline and native Hawaiian fauna and flora.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Encompassing two of the largest and most active volcanoes on Earth, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers world-class hiking, bird watching, scenic drives and lava viewing.

Hot Springs National Park

The oldest federally protected park in the United States, Hot Springs National Park has dozens of natural hot springs and preserves the beautiful historic Gilded Age-era bathing houses on Bathhouse Row.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Protecting a series of extraordinary sand dunes, beaches, oak forests and wetlands, Indiana Dunes National Park is natural oasis on the urbanized and industrialized south shore of Lake Michigan.

Joshua Tree National Park

The meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Joshua Tree National Park comprises diverse landscapes, home to abundant wildlife and offering a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Home to all four volcano types in the world, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wilderness wonderland of volcanoes, boiling mud pots, fumaroles, forests, waterfalls and pristine lakes.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Boasting over 400 miles of explored passageways and subterranean halls, Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system on Earth and one of America’s oldest tourist attractions.

Mesa Verde National Park

Created mainly to protect the area’s Native American heritage, Mesa Verde National Park features almost 5,000 archaeological sites, including no fewer than 600 cliff dwellings such as the famous Balcony House and Cliff Palace.

Mount Rainier National Park

Centered on majestic Mount Rainier, this is one of the most popular and oldest national parks in America. Attractions include thundering waterfalls, summer wildflowers, fall foliage, abundant wildlife and massive glaciers.

North Cascades National Park

At North Cascades National Park, visitors can explore unspoiled mountain wilderness areas, see glaciers and wildlife, go kayaking on turquoise lakes, and truly get away from the stress of the urban world.

Olympic National Park

Sometimes called “three parks in one”, spectacular Olympic National Park has three distinct regions—the Olympic Mountains, pristine temperate rain forests, and dozens of miles of wilderness coastline.

Petrified Forest National Park

Characterized by its colorful petrified wood deposits, Petrified Forest National Park is also home to the breathtaking Painted Desert and Native American sites. It is the only U.S. national park that’s crossed by Route 66.

Pinnacles National Park

Preserving an ancient volcanic landscape, Pinnacles National Park offers great hiking, camping and rock climbing. It’s also home to lots of wildlife, most notably California condors.

Redwood National Park

You can walk among some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees at the Redwood National and State Parks complex, which also features sand beaches and coastal cliffs, prairies and rivers.

Saguaro National Park

Created primarily to protect a single plant species, Saguaro National Park is home to huge forests of tree-like saguaro cacti, America’s tallest and most iconic cactus species.

Shenandoah National Park

In Shenandoah National Park, 105-mile-long Skyline Drive winds its way past 70+ overlooks, dozens of trailheads, campgrounds and two historic mountain lodges. Wildlife abounds in the park, including deer, black bears and raccoons.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Dakota

The only national park named after an American president, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to bison and prairie dogs, badlands and rivers, and historic sites like Roosevelt’s own Maltese Cross Cabin.

Virgin Islands National Park

U.S. Virgin Islands

One of the most paradisiacal national parks, Virgin Islands National Park is home to fascinating historic sugar plantation ruins, as well as forested hills, stunning turquoise beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Wind Cave National Park

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park preserves one of the world’s largest and most remarkable caves, as well as intact mixed-grass prairie, Native American heritage and abundant wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, Montana & Idaho

The world’s oldest national park, Yellowstone National Park is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, from geysers to hot springs. The park is also a refuge for lots of megafauna, including bison, grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, elk and wolves.

Zion National Park

One of the most visited U.S. national parks, Zion National Park is filled with natural highlights, from Angels Landing and The Narrows to Weeping Rock and the scenic Virgin River. Popular activities include camping, hiking and sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the National Parks

Who manages america’s national parks.

The national parks are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) , which also oversees numerous national monuments, historic sites, memorials, historical parks, lakeshores and seashores.

The National Park Service itself is a bureau of the Department of the Interior (DOI) .

Charles F. “Chuck” Sams is the current NPS Director, the first Native American Director of the National Park Service.

On the ground, each park has its own superintendent, as well as park rangers who manage practical things like wildlife, visitors, traffic and a variety of park resources.

What Is a National Park?

The National Park Service defines “national parks” as follows: “Generally, a national park contains a variety of resources and encompasses large land or water areas to help provide adequate protection of the resources.”

Generally speaking, national parks protect and preserve landscapes, ecosystems, plants and/or wildlife.

With very few exceptions, they’re created to protect and preserve one or more natural features , rather than cultural, architectural, archaeological or historical resources.

How Old Is America’s National Park System?

Officially, the National Park System dates from August 25, 1916 , which is the day President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service.

However, many national parks were designated years, if not decades, before that.

The first national park in the United States (and the world) was Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872 , by President Ulysses S. Grant.

No fewer than ten other national parks were also established before the NPS was created.

Those are, in this order, Sequoia (1890), Yosemite (1890), Mount Rainier (1899), Crater Lake (1902), Wind Cave (1903), Mesa Verde (1906), Glacier (1910), Rocky Mountain (1915), Hawaiʻi Volcanoes (1916) and Lassen Volcanic (1916).

How Many National Parks Are There?

Currently, there are 63 national parks in the United States.

You can see a full list and map of the national parks here .

How Many National Park Service Sites Are There?

National parks are just one of many designations in the National Park System. In total, there are 425 National Park Service units .

These various units, ranging from monuments and memorials to battlefields and historic sites, are often referred to simply as “parks.”

You can see the complete list of NPS units here .

What Does the National Park Service Logo Mean?

The logo of the National Park Service represents the different aspects of America’s National Park System .

For example, the bison symbolizes all wildlife in the parks, while the sequoia tree and grassland represent vegetation. The mountains stand for natural scenery and the lake represents water (quality).

The logo’s very shape also has significant meaning. Its stone arrowhead shape represents America’s rich history, archaeology and culture.

You can read more about the history and meaning of the NPS Arrowhead logo here .

How Many People Visit America’s National Parks Every Year?

In 2022, the total number of recreation visitors in the entire National Park System was 311,985,998 . The NPS website has much more information about visitation across the parks.

What Is the Most Visited National Park?

The most visited national park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, which welcomed 12.9 million visitors in 2022.

On the other hand, the most visited NPS unit is the Blue Ridge Parkway with 15.7 million visitors in 2022.

What Is the Least Visited National Park?

The least visited national park is the National Park of American Samoa . Only 1,887 people journeyed there in 2022.

The least visited NPS unit, on the other hand, is Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Utah. It was visited by a meager 81 people in 2022.

You can see a complete overview of National Park Service units and their most recent visitation statistics here .

What Is the Largest National Park?

The largest national park in America is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in southeastern Alaska.

Encompassing 13.2 million acres (20,625 square miles), this enormous park is bigger than Denali, Death Valley, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite and Great Smoky Mountains combined .

You can see the full list of all national parks ranked by size here .

FIND THE ANSWERS TO MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED NATIONAL PARK QUESTIONS HERE

U.S. National Parks Map

Click/tap on this map of the national parks to enlarge it.

When the U.S. Congress created the first national park in the United States in 1872, which was Yellowstone National Park, a brand new concept of conservation areas was born.

These U.S. national parks were the very first public parks in the world that both protected a valuable landscape, habitat or ecosystem and allowed people to enjoy nature to its fullest.

Designed to protect and preserve a certain area’s wildlife, ecosystems and landscapes, as well as historic sites, national parks also give visitors the opportunity to get to know and explore that particular area up close.

All the national parks in America are open to the public. Although a couple of them are quite a challenge to get to, most are within half a day’s drive from a major city .

This includes the most iconic parks of all, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and Mount Rainier. They offer a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching and rock climbing.

Some parks, especially Mesa Verde, Gateway Arch and Hot Springs, also (primarily) protect valuable archaeological, cultural and historical sites.

Recommended National Park Books

(The links to these national park books are affiliated links. This means we earn a small commission if you purchase something after clicking on the link, without any extra costs to you.)

Travel Guides and Reference

• USA National Parks: Complete Guide to All National Parks – Moon / Becky Lomax
• The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West – Fodor’s Travel Guides
• Atlas of the National Parks – National Geographic / Jon Waterman
• USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder – DK Eyewitness
• The National Parks: America’s Best Idea – Dayton Duncan & Ken Burns
• Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges – David Scott

National Park Memoirs

• That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present and Future of America’s Public Lands – Mark Kenyon
• Ranger Confidential: Living, Working and Dying in the National Parks – Andrea Lankford
• Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America’s National Parks – Mark Woods
• Bear in the Back Seat: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Kim DeLozier & Carolyn Jourdan
• The Hour of Land: A Personal Topography of America’s National Parks – Terry Tempest Williams
• Open Road: A Midlife Memoir of Travel and the National Parks – TW Neal
• Deep Into Yellowstone: A Year’s Immersion in Grandeur & Controversy – Rick Lamplugh
• Yellowstone Ranger: Stories From a Life Spent With Bears, Backcountry, Horses and Mules, From Yosemite to Yellowstone – Jerry Mernin

U.S. National Parks List

This U.S. national parks list includes all 63 national parks in America.

It provides a clear overview of each park and its location, annual visitors, size, the year it was established, and whether or not it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Data used in this U.S. national parks list was sourced from the  National Park Service website  and  Wikipedia .

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12 Most Stunning National Parks in the U.S.

From the Great Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone, explore the best of America's natural wonders.

Peter Jiang/Getty Images

The breathtaking views and brilliant landscapes of America’s national parks are enough to leave you captivated and awestruck well after you've left their boundaries. Every year, according to the National Park Service , millions of visitors drive, hike, camp, and bike through the 63 national parks in the U.S., and this magnetic draw to the wilderness is only increasing over time. Each park boasts a variety of unique landmarks, scenic lookouts, and wildlife, so you're sure to find something to pique your interest no matter which one you visit.

From cascading waterfalls to snowcapped mountains to dense forests, these naturally occurring wonders cause visitors to stop in their tracks year-round. Their beauty is inarguably apparent, thanks to the diversity of the protected lands and efforts made to keep them in pristine condition. Visits to these recreational havens provide the ideal escape for anyone seeking more peaceful surroundings.

Here are 12 of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.

Sequoia National Park, California

Quan Yuan/Getty Images

Home to the world’s largest tree, the 275-foot General Sherman tree, Sequoia National Park is teeming with sequoia groves on the western side of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The towering sequoia trees that comprise its Giant Forest stand hundreds of feet tall and are a mighty sight to behold. The splendor of this park shines through the extraordinary views from the many hiking trails and granite domes, including Moro Rock. Be sure to visit neighboring Kings Canyon National Park — both parks are operated in tandem and connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

John Hudson Photography/Getty Images

As the most-visited national park in the U.S. , Great Smoky Mountains National Park , named for the ubiquitous fog covering its mountains, spans across North Carolina and Tennessee. The majesty of its miles of rivers and streams is only amplified by its lush forests and plentiful wildlife. This verdant park is open year-round, but is at its colorful peak come October, when fall transforms the leaves to the brightest hues of red, orange, and yellow. Visit Cataloochee Valley during dawn or dusk for a chance to catch elk roaming the area, and drive through Cades Cove to scope out black bears, waterfalls, and historic cabins.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Alaska’s Denali National Park consists of an enormous 6.1 million acres and is named after North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. Although it's one of only three Alaskan national parks that are reachable by car, some visitors opt instead to take the National Park Service’s bus tours to traverse deeper into the park with a trusted guide. Bursting at the seams with impressive wildlife, sparkling rivers and lakes, and distinctive tundra vegetation, Denali National Park’s rugged terrain is best appreciated in the summertime .

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Wirestock/Getty Images

Across approximately 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado encompasses everything from flowering meadows to breathtaking mountains to alpine lakes, in addition to more than 300 miles of hiking trails. The park is also home to a vast array of wildlife — including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears — and forested areas. Spend some time fishing in one of the many designated lakes, like Sprague Lake, or simply take in the magnificence of a sunrise at Bear Lake.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Josh Metheny/Getty Images

Situated in Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is named for the Cascade Range’s tallest volcano. With 25 named glaciers, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. This national park is an enchanting place with more than 275 miles of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflower meadows. Take in the panoramic views of Mount Rainier at Sunrise, the highest point in the park that's accessible by car.

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

Westend61/Getty Images

No list of stunning national parks would be complete without Hawaii’s Haleakalā National Park . This tropical paradise consists of a massive shield volcano, which covers a great portion of the island of Maui, and also includes abundant waterfalls and rain forests. Drive to the summit of the Haleakalā crater for the most picturesque sunrise above the clouds. Remember to make a reservation in advance, as spaces are limited, and plan to stick around after the sunrise to spend time exploring some of the dozens of hiking trails.

Yosemite National Park, California

Andy Kennelly/Getty Images

Best known for its multitude of waterfalls and famous granite formations, Yosemite National Park in California is one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks. Prepare to be mesmerized by Yosemite’s renowned landmarks — El Capitan and Half Dome — as well as Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Many visitors plan their stay around camping in Yosemite Valley , which is the best way to experience all of the natural beauty this park has to offer.

Arches National Park, Utah

Steele Burrow/Getty Images

Whether you prefer to hike moderate trails or enjoy a scenic drive, Arches National Park will leave you breathless while you take in the vast red rock landforms and natural arches. With its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, this park is mostly known for its Windows Section and Delicate Arch viewing points. Plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a less crowded environment, and stick around after sunset for the ultimate stargazing under crystal-clear night skies.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

The soaring Teton Range of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is just one of the astonishing features that make this park so widely frequented. Located in Jackson Hole, this serene landscape is home to glistening lakes, jagged terrain, and beautiful moose, mule deer, bison, and elk. Spend your time here climbing or hiking in the Teton Range, fishing for trout, and cruising around the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Daniel A. Leifheit/Getty Images

Located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park covers more than 600,000 acres of glacial paradise. This remote park is known predominantly for the grandiose Harding Icefield — the largest in the U.S. — as well as the many coastal fjords. Follow the Exit Glacier View Loop trail for a closer look at the glacier and Harding Icefield. Check out the tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife by taking a boat tour from nearby Seward, or spend the day fishing on a charter boat as you explore the park’s waters.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Laurie Ambrose/Getty Images

As America’s first established national park , Yellowstone stretches across more than 2.2 million acres and is known for its iconic geysers and hot springs, most notably Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Seeking to preserve the grandeur of its wilderness, Yellowstone ensures its visitors maintain their viewing distance from the native animals, including bison, black bears, elk, and moose. Not to worry — if you spend time driving through the park, hiking the many trails, and sightseeing at Yellowstone Lake and Lamar Valley, you're sure to catch an array of wildlife safely from a distance.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Shawn Dechant/Getty Images

With its gorgeous mountains, pristine lakes, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails, Glacier National Park in Montana is affectionately known as the "Crown of the Continent," and for good reason. As a favorite park for adventurous travelers, there is no end to the amount of outdoor recreational excursions available: hiking, camping, biking, fishing, and boating, to name a few. For the quintessential Glacier National Park visit, take the Going-to-the-Sun Road for 50 miles of stunning vistas, bisecting the east and west sides of the park.

The 7 Best National Park Trips to Take This Summer

Get recommendations from several outdoor enthusiasts for a park trip during the sunny season..

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Denali National Park and North Cascades National Park are just two of the best national parks to visit in the summer.

Photos by Bailey Berg and Chloe Arrojado

Some of the United States’s 63 national parks certainly shine in the winter —Yellowstone is particularly gorgeous and Bryce Canyon even hosts a three-day winter festival —but in general, summer brings a sense of vibrancy and life unseen during other periods of the year. During a season full of camping and road trips , quite a few parks, both well-loved and lesser-known, stand out across the country.

But don’t just take it from one AFAR editor. Here’s a curated list of seven national parks to visit in the summer, with input from outdoor adventurers including the National Parks Service and AFAR’s contributors and staff.

Acadia National Park covers about 50,000 acres of land.

Photo by Eric Urquhart/Shutterstock

1. Acadia National Park

After leaving New York City for greener pastures at age 39, E.B. White once said he “would rather feel bad in Maine, than feel good anywhere else.” In the heart of the most forested state, where the mountains meet the country’s longest coastline and break into its highest concentration of islands, not far from E.B. White’s old Brooklin seaside farm, is the state’s only national park (which also made AFAR’s Where to Go list in 2022 ).

Maine’s Wabanaki nation came in birch bark canoes and stayed (today, calling for tribal sovereignty ) on Mount Desert Island thousands of years before it became Acadia National Park in the early 20th century . Visitors can’t get these ever-changing seascapes off their pages and palettes and out of their hearts—just look at the works of the Hudson River School artists. For me, the sounds of the crashing waves on Ocean Path past Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole have been a part of personal history since childhood, going back to a time before I could remember my first sighting.

Whether you are rock hopping by Hadlock Falls or catching the first sunrise from the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,530 feet on Cadillac Mountain , there’s just something about Acadia.

How to visit

• Book now: Claremont Hotel

Via Interstate 95 (or Interstate 295 if you’re coming from the Portland airport), follow Route 1A to Route 3. Once there, get comfortable on the waterfront at the luxe Claremont Hotel . Guests can access boat tours, beach cruisers, yoga on the lawn, and live music on the porch. If you prefer a chic take on the classic Maine beach cottage, consider Salt Cottages for a picnic, s’mores by the fire, and lawn games. —Anna Fiorentino

Crater Lake’s famous body of water is deeper than any other lake in the United States.

Photo by Bill45/Shutterstock

2. Crater Lake National Park

Climbing the Watchman Peak , part of a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with panoramic views of Crater Lake, my family stopped to figure out where the long cawing sound was coming from. It was a Clark’s nutcracker perched on a tree branch above. Named for Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the pale gray bird with black wings buries tens of thousands of pine seeds during the summer to survive the colder months.

From black bears and elk to some 84 species of songbirds and raptors, Crater Lake National Park is teeming with wildlife. At the Watchman Trail summit, take in stunning cobalt blue Crater Lake and Wizard Island in the center. (Visitors can reach the island on a boat tour, but in order to do so, it’s necessary to descend the steep mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to the dock and ascend back up at the end of the day.)

Formed by a volcano that erupted and collapsed, the 1,943-feet deep lake eventually filled with snow and rain. A favorite for its vistas and overlooks, Rim Drive , a 33-mile loop around the caldera is a must-do, but use caution, as it’s narrow and winding with tight curves.

• Book now: Crater Lake Lodge

Though many take a day trip to the park from Eugene or Bend, spending the night at the Crater Lake Lodge , overlooking the pristine and sparkling water, is well worth the time and money. —Tanvi Chheda

Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive can be accessed through points including Front Royal and Thornton Gap.

Photo by Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

3. Shenandoah National Park

Perched high above Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah National Park became the state’s first national park in 1936. Its nearly 200,000 acres are home to wildlife, including black bears, brook trout, and the Shenandoah salamander. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views from some 105 miles of the park’s scenic Skyline Drive, and active visitors can explore nature with 500 miles of hiking trails.

There are plenty of popular hikes, like Old Rag , Dark Hollow Falls , and Mary’s Rock . However, there are also numerous lesser-known hikes, like the Sugarloaf Loop , where the showy white flowers of mountain laurel bloom in abundance during the summer, and the Hazel River Falls hike, which takes visitors on a five-hour journey to a scenic waterfall in the forest.

If you choose to stargaze with a camping trip, you can do so at the Mathews Arm hilly campground, Big Meadows Campground and lodge, the centrally located Lewis Mountain, or Loft Mountain, the only campground in the South District.

With the park being only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., you can make it a day trip or stay overnight in designated campgrounds. Shenandoah also makes for a great national parks road trip , as the park serves as the northern endpoint of the Blue Ridge Parkway . —Adrienne Jordan

Even during the summer, Denali has been known to have snow—so it’d be wise to bring layers.

Photo by Bailey Berg

4. Denali National Park

Spanning 6 million acres of wilderness and containing polychromatic ridgelines, boreal forest, and the tallest mountain in North America at 20,237 feet, Denali National Park inspires awe like nowhere else.

Dubbed “The Great One” by Indigenous Athabascans, the mountain for which the protected land is named seems so tall it could poke a hole in the sky. For decades, it has lured alpinists brave enough to scale the hulking mass of granite and glacier. However, you don’t have to be a mountaineer to appreciate Denali. The national park is perhaps Alaska’s most egalitarian—there are opportunities to get outside at all activity levels.

For those who want to get close to the summit without committing to a month of climbing, there are flightseeing companies like Denali Air . Another popular and lower-elevation option for first-time visitors is to take a National Park Service school bus–style shuttle into the park. (After mile 12.5 of the Park Road, it’s the only way to access the park unless you’re hiking or on a bicycle.) There are two types of buses: the more flexible hop-on, hop-off option or the narrated one, where the driver crafts an itinerary for you.

Denali National Park is roughly four hours north of Anchorage and two hours south of Fairbanks by car. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else (the views are distracting), another option is taking the Alaska Railroad , a train that is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. It adds a couple of hours to the transit time, but the locomotive offers knowledgeable guides and viewing-dome cars that make it easy to take photos of the mountains and valleys you pass. —Bailey Berg

NPS reports more than 1,600 species of plants can be found in North Cascades National Park.

Photo by Chloe Arrojado

5. North Cascades National Park

A walk through North Cascades National Park reveals Wizard of Oz –like landscapes, full of pink wildflowers, dark evergreens, and turquoise lakes. The lakes’ specific shade of blue can be attributed to its glaciers—a third of all of the glaciers in the lower 48 United States are located within this park. While hiking trails like the Diablo Lake Trail and Cascade Pass Trail are the most popular way to explore the 505,000-acre park, activities like whitewater rafting and horseback riding are other ways you can explore.

North Cascades received fewer than 40,000 annual visits in 2022, making it one of the least-visited national parks in the United States. Part of these low numbers can be attributed to its seasonal operation: The park is only open from late May to late September, so the warmer part of the year is the only time visitors can enjoy this underrated national park .

• Book now: Sun Mountain Lodge

Located near the Canadian border, the park is about 100 miles northeast of Seattle. The camping options within North Cascades National Park include boat-in and backcountry . For those seeking a more comfortable accommodation option, Sun Mountain Lodge is about 1.5 hours away in Winthrop. The 50-room hotel is based on a 3,000-foot-high mountain top with panoramic views of mountains, wilderness, and valleys below. —Chloe Arrojado

The Gunnison River has shaped the rock of this national park for about two million years.

Photo by T.Schofield/Shutterstock

6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The history of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park goes back many years, when a small area of land was raised 60 million years ago to form the Gunnison Uplift . For Ivan Levin, director of strategic partnerships and communications at nonprofit National Park Trust, visiting the nearly 31,000-acre piece of land is a great summer alternative to a well-known park.

“Once you arrive at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the hard part is deciding what outdoor activity to do first—take in the views, try out a beginner rock climbing route, or hit the trails. I personally love hiking and checking out the local flora and fauna, so if you share the same passion and hobby as me then you’ll love Black Canyon of the Gunnison,” he shared with AFAR over email.

Another recommendation from Levin: Take a night visit to the park, which was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

• Book now: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

From Denver, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is about a 260-mile drive southwest. When it comes to the most accessible, family-friendly accommodation option, AFAR recommends the South Rim Campground. The campground is near both the Night Sky Viewing and Telescope site as well as the amphitheater. But for a more remote stay, go for East Portal or the North Rim, where according to AFAR editors, campsites are spread out among piñon and juniper trees. —C.A.

There are four different types of volcanoes that exist, and all can be found in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Photo by H Peter Ji Photographer/Shutterstock

7. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Around 3.3 million people visited Yellowstone in 2022, many in search of panoramic landscapes, dramatic mountains, gorgeous lakes, and hiking opportunities. But what if you could get that experience without the crowds? According to Donald Leadbetter, tourism program manager of the National Park Service, that’s what makes Lassen Volcanic National Park so special in the summer—the ability to have an experience as grand as Yellowstone with only a fraction of the people. (Around 450,000 people visited in 2022, 13.6 percent of Yellowstone’s annual visitors.)

“What I love about Lassen Volcanic is it’s a high-elevation park, so you’re at the convergence of three different ecosystems: You’re in the northern Sierra Nevada, you’re at the southern end of the Cascade Mountains, and you’re at the western edge of the elevated desert that is most of Nevada,” Leadbetter says. “So you’ve got this park where three pretty distinct ecosystems kind of come together.”

Leadbetter recommends taking around two days to explore the park: One day to check out the visitor center and orient yourself in the 165-square-mile park , and the second to take a long hike like the Lassen Peak Trail or Brokeoff Mountain Trail .

The closest large airports to Lassen Volcanic National Park are in Reno (about a 130-mile drive) and Sacramento (about a 190-mile drive). Leadbetter recommends combining a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park with experiences in the area like Reno and Lake Tahoe . While he can’t recommend any particular private stays on behalf of the National Park Service, he recommends checking out the plentiful cabin stays in the area. —C.A.

13 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Visit All the National Parks

Jennifer melroy.

• Last Modified May 13, 2022
• First Published on May 28, 2021

Post Summary: Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Visit All the National Parks

It was a cold dreary May morning in 2010. It was just after sunrise and I was standing beside Yellowstone’s Old Faithful. I was waiting for Old Faithful to erupt when I met an older couple who would change my life. They were celebrating finishing visiting the National Park with a visit to their first National Park. I knew of the big-name parks but I’d never heard of the National Park of American Samoa . I decided right there that I wanted to visit them all. I was 19 and had just finished my first year of college. I don’t think I very really ever expected to actually finish (or to be as close to being done as I am right now).

Over the last 11 years, I have explored 54 individual National Parks (some multiple times), and had a certain little global pandemic not happened I’d have been to all 63 National Parks . It’s just a matter of time before I get all the parks. Here 13 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Visit All the National Parks.

It’s a moving target.

Set your own rules, there is no right or wrong way to visit, make the most of your time, winging it doesn’t all ways work, you can visit a park more than once, how much money it would cost, you shouldn’t track you costs, sort of., start saving for the expensive parks, live in the moment, take pictures with the park signs, decide what you are collecting before you start (or as early in your journey as possible), sort and back-up your photos immediately after the trip, final thoughts on things i wish i knew before trying to visit all the national parks.

• Save of Later: 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Visit All the National Parks

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It never occurred to me when I started this quest that the goal post would move on. The day I decided to visit all the National Parks. There were 58 of them. Three years later, I had just visited my 27th National Park. I was officially visited 50% done and had plans to hit a few more parks over the summer.

Little did I know that Congress would give me a little surprise in January 2013. On January 10, 2013, Pinnacles National Monument was elevated to National Park. Suddenly, there are 59 National Parks and I went from being 50% done to 46% done. I wasn’t happy a happy camper. I liked being 50% done and then I wasn’t.

As of May 21, 2021, there are 63. That means for every roughly two years, I have been on a quest to visit all the National Parks, one National Park has been added. At this point, I just kind of laugh it off. I’m mostly disappointed that the more recently created parks (excluding New River Gorge ) have all been small parks that I’d have trouble finding 3-5 days’ worth of things to do.

Visiting all the National Parks is a purely personal goal. There is no cash prize at the end of the journey. There is no massive crowd of screaming fans watching you cross the finish line. Most likely there is a small crowd of friends and family and a bottle of champagne.

There are no rules for this adventure (other than the laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the National Park Service). You get to define what a National Park visit is to you. Personally, I don’t count it as a park visit unless I hike or kayak four miles (or do a major activity if the park doesn’t have hiking). From the discussions, we have had in the National Park Obsessed Facebook group , some people are like me a good long hike counts. Others just want to stand the park but pretty much everyone agrees that if you want your visit to count, it counts.

I have met a lot of people during my time exploring the parks. They have come from all walks of life. From old to young. They are exploring the parks for a thousand different reasons. Everyone’s visit is a little different. Some people are into the long day hike. Other people want to spend the day wildlife watching. Others still come for the scenic drives. Everyone’s goals and desires are a little bit different and their park visits reflect that.

Exploring the parks is a personal thing. You do you. There are features of every park that people call must-sees and I do suggest taking time to visit these features but everyone should focus on what makes them the most excited about the parks.

If you are in Yellowstone and want to meet some really interesting people head to either Lamar Valley or the Norris Geyser Basin or the Upper Geyser Basin. In Lamar Valley, there is a group of people called the Wolf Watchers. The Wolf Watches are a group of people who regularly come to Yellowstone and they spend just about their entire trip sitting at the side of a road watching wolf packs in Lamar Valley.

In either Geyser Basin, you will find a small group of people sitting beside a geyser waiting for it to erupt. This group is known as the Geyser Gazers and like the wolf watchers, they spend most of their Yellowstone trip sitting beside a geyser waiting for it to erupt. If you meet them in Norris Geyser Basin, they will likely be camped out by Steamboat Geyser and will spend days sitting there waiting for it to erupt. I know this because I spent 3 days with them waiting to see Steamboat erupt.

For the first 48 National Parks on my journey, I was either a college student or a full-time field engineer for a tech company. I had school breaks, weekends, holidays, and 10 days of vacation time. My time to visit the parks was often limited. I might have a long weekend and I could either visit one park or two.

Sometimes, I would pick the longer visit in one park. Other times, I would visit two different parks. It would just depend on the parks and what I wanted to do in those parks. The key was I was doing WHAT I WANTED to do and making the most of my time in the park(s). I would make a list of everything I wanted to do in the parks and then make a priority list. Depending on how that how much time I had versus what is at the top of the priority list would dictate what parks I visited.

I’m a last-minute planner at heart. I don’t like planning in advance if I don’t have too and I’m usually solo traveling so it’s a lot easier to work things out on the fly when you are solo. But sometimes things don’t work out as you planned. I was living in Colorado and had accepted a job in Virginia. The first thing I did after accepting that job offer was head to Africa for a two-week safari. Then I did a two-week road trip as I moved from Colorado to Virginia which included stops in California . I made my first visit to Yosemite as an adult.

It was October and I figured the crowds in Yosemite National Park would be small enough that I could score a first-come, first-serve camping site . Yea, I was wrong. I ended up camping outside the park because everything was full mid-week in October. It was one of the first times I really learned to adjust things on the fly and to always have a Plan B.

Unless you have unlimited time and unlimited money, odds are you are not going to get to see everything you want on your first visit. Most parks need multiple visits to really knock everything off your bucket list. As this is your adventure through the National Park, there is no reason you can’t visit a park more than once on your journey.

I have revisited several parks during my National Park adventures. I have been to Theodore Roosevelt National Park twice. The first time, I hit the North and South Unit and did most of the major shorter hikes. The second visit was planned to hit the third unit and then do two of the park’s longer hikes. I got injured in Isle Royale National Park so the plans changed.

Another park I have visited multiple times is Yellowstone. I’m on my sixth trip since I started this journey through the National Parks. I just can’t help but stop when I’m in the area. Trips ranged from a short day trip to a two-week trip. I visited Kings Canyon National Park twice. My first visit was in late spring and the main section of Kings was still closed due to winter weather. The second time was a late summer visit so I could see the main canyon in Kings and do some hiking.

Technically, I met my visit requirement in Wrangell – St. Elias National Park . I hiked four miles and spent a day and a half in this massive 12 million-acre National Park. I knew when I made the last-minute decision to stop in Wrangell that I would be making it a point to visit again.

Be Flexible, Things Beyond Your Control Will Happen

No matter how well-laid your plans are, SHIT HAPPENS and it will be beyond your control. COVID is a prime example of this. I had a solid plan for hitting my remaining 8 parks in 2020 and ending my journey with sunrise mimosas in Haleakala on my 30th birthday. I was going to finish my goal and then COVID showed up.

I tried to salvage as much of the plan as I could and to that end, I ended up spending 2.5 weeks in Alaska. Most of that in quarantine in a hotel room in Juneau due to someone on the small boat cruise getting a false positive on their COVID test. My 2021 plans hit a roadblock when I didn’t get manage to snag a Katmai National Park camping reservation. A friend of a friend of a friend heard of my plight and offered me a space in their Brooks Lodge room (woot!!!!!!).

The journey through the National Parks is a wild ride. You are going to run into plenty of things you can’t control and could ruin your trip. Don’t let it. Just be flexible and be ready to adjust and be creative to solve problems.

You might need a vehicle in Alaska that is allowed on a gravel road so you can participate in the Denali Road Lottery and 3 months before that you meet a random girl in a banana suit hiking in Crater Lake who happens to be moving to Alaska and things this thing she has never heard of sounds fun. So she agrees to meet you in Denali to drive 92 miles into the wilderness with you, a total stranger she met for about 30 mins.

When I decided to visit all the National Parks, I was 19 and a college student. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I figured it would be a fun way to explore the United States and gave me a goal to work towards. I wasn’t thinking about how much this little goal was going to cost.

On the surface visiting the National Parks is a moderately priced hobby. As hobbies go it is can be a little pricey but there are plenty of ways to keep the costs from being excessive. You can camp instead of staying in hotel rooms. You can plan road trips where you drive your own vehicle. You can buy your outdoor gear on sale. You can travel in the shoulder seasons. You can take advantage of credit card miles.

I have no real idea what I spent visiting the National Parks. I didn’t track my spending. I’m not even sure I would be able to calculate it. I took advantage that I was a traveling field engineer. My work took me all across the US. When I could, I planned my trips such that I would have the weekend on location and could spend the weekend in a National Park. I used points to by airline tickets and used my several cross-country moves to do road trips and visit the parks.

If I had to guess, I suspect my total cost is in the range of $40,000 to $60,000. Which as I’m writing this, I’m thing HOLY CRAP. Did I really spend that? When I break it down and consider there are 63 National Parks in 30 states and 2 territories. That’s about $600 to $1,000 per park visit. That makes sense given I have been based in the Eastern US for most of my park adventures and either had to fly or drive 800 plus miles for the majority of park visits.

Between 32% and 45% of my cost is the 8 National Parks in Alaska . I am doing a lot of BIG high-cost trips to these parks. I am backpacking for a week in Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley . I’m spending 4 days at Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park . I did an expensive custom tour of Lake Clark National Park and I’m doing a small boat cruise to Glacier Bay National Park .

When I broke down the cost of visiting the Alaskan National Parks in an article on this site, I asked a number of my friends if they’d share what they spent. I got a lot of “I didn’t track,” “I didn’t want to know,” and “here is a rough guestimate.” One answer that stands out was “I didn’t want to know. “

That’s me. I didn’t want to know the big picture of what I was spending visiting the National Parks. So I didn’t track it.

At the start of every year, I make a budget based on my expected income for the year. I have most of the traditional line items such as housing and food, but one special thing my budget has is a specific amount set aside for travel. The money is specifically set aside for funding my travels in that year.

I never thought about the costs of my National Park Adventure as a whole. I didn’t want to or feel the need to. I was spending money I had set aside for travel on travel. I focused on that year’s trips and used my budget for those trips.

Of the 63 National Parks, there are few parks that are significantly MORE expensive to visit than the rest. These are the parks in American Samoa , Alaska, Hawaii , United States Virgin Islands . There is just no way around it. These parks are going to be the most expensive part of your journey through the 63 National Parks.

If you are serious about visiting all the National Parks, you should start saving for those expensive parks. I suggest getting a separate saving account and starting to save some amount every month for those parks. It doesn’t take much but it will add up.

If you start saving $20 a month for your visit to these parks. In 5 years, you will have $5,200. It is doable. Look at your budget. How much do you eat out? Try eating at home one extra night a month. Do you go out drinking with friends? Have a beer instead of a cocktail. Have one beer instead of two. Consider bringing you lunch rather than eating out. Get a separate savings account and set up an automatic transfer for the day after payday and just let the money build.

If you can up it to $100 a month, you are looking at $26,000. If you are saving more than $100 a month, you might look into conservatively investing that money with a company like Betterment . Betterment is a low-cost investing platform that allows you to set goals and will automatically deposit and invest your money based on your specific goals. I use Betterment to invest the money I’d like to keep easily accessible but don’t need immediately.

No matter what amount you save it will add up. Then when you finish visiting the easier to get to parks, you will have a small war-chest of funds ready and waiting to tackle these parks.

It is easy to get bogged down on the big picture and get so focused on visiting ALL 63 National Park that you forget to be in the moment. You don’t always need to be focusing on the next national park. Live in the moment. Enjoy the park you are standing in. Don’t let your goal of visiting all the national parks become a journey about ticking boxes on a checklist .

Live that moment. Stop and enjoy the sunrise. Sit by the geyser and wait for it to erupt. Spend an extra day so you can hike that amazing trail you hear about from other hikers. This adventure is about seeing the amazing sights of the United States. You don’t want to get to the end of this journey and realize you never really stopped and looked at the amazing places you have seen.

I hate to admit this but I didn’t really make a point of taking photos with the park signs until I was more than halfway through the parks. I have no idea why but I just didn’t feel like it. Now looking back, I regret that decision. So even if you don’t think you don’t want them, TAKE PICTURES with the damn sign. It take a couple minutes and you have them if you ever decide you want them.

Just about every National Park has a gift shop. Some have a decent-sized room full of an entire range of options. Other are just two bookshelves in a corner of the visitor center. No matter what kind of gift shop it is, you will find a range of collectible items this can include books, stickers, patches, mugs, shot glass, t-shirts, and a lot of other collectible items.

I started out collecting t-shirt but then realized between the parks and college I had about 75 different t-shirts and I was only a sophomore in college. So I gave up on t-shirts and switched to postcards, iron-on patches, and stickers. I framed a few of the postcards and they sit in my office. The stickers occasionally end up on things like my walking boot or my water bottle. I STILL haven’t decided what I want with the patches but they live in my desk drawer for now.

I suggest keeping the collectibles small and lightweight and under $20. I’d save the more expensive collectibles for special parks or items focused on the goal as a whole. The National Park of American Samoa is a pain to get to. When you get there it’s a special thing, this is one of those parks that is t-shirt and hat worthy in my book. I also have a National Park Wall Map I use to park off the parks I visit.

My suggested collectibles

• National Park Passport Stamps (Learn more about the National Park Passport Program )
• Iron-on Patches
• Christmas Ornaments
• Shotglasses

Even the most casual photographer will find themselves with a couple of hundred photos from their national park adventures. Organize your photos as soon as you get back from your trip. You will thank me later. There are a lot of ways to sort your photos. It has taken me a lot of time to refine my photo organization system.

The first thing I do is pull my photos off the SD card onto the computer. After that, I rename the files. My files are named YEAR_Month #_Date Taken (number). I then sort the photos into their respective folders. My folder system is Continent -> Country -> State -> General Location (such as the Park or City) -> Subfolders as needed. My subfolders depend on the park. For Pinnacles National Park , I have my photos divided by trail. For Yellowstone, I have general landscape photos broken out by region then by specific area. My wildlife photos are sorted into folders by animal species then sort by location.

I’m neurotic about my photo back-ups. I got burnt a few years back and completely changed my system. I back my photos up in three different places. Two hard drives and online backup software . Once I get my photos sorted, I upload them to my two photo hard drives. The first hard drive is 6 TB Hard Drive that is my day-to-day easy access hard drive. It lives on my desk and is pretty much always hooked up to my laptop. My second hard drive is a 5 TB portable hard drive that I store in my gun safe. This hard drive only comes out when I’m uploading photos. This one is just in case something happens to my home and the desk hard drive is damaged.

I then use a backup software called BackBlaze to back up my computer and the day-to-day hard drive. BackBlaze is a cloud-based backup program that for $6.00 a month backs up an unlimited amount of data automatically. Every day between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am, BackBlaze automatically backs up all the files on my computer and hard drives. If something ever happens to my computer, all my files are on BackBlaze. I can log on and restore my files any time I need them. BackBlaze isn’t meant to provide day-to-day access to your files, it is simply a backup program.

I hope my experiences can help you avoid a few of my mistakes and help you have an amazing journey through the National Parks. If you have been to all 63 National Parks, what would you add to this list?

Save of Later: 13 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Visit All the National Parks

Chris Henrich

I love this- thank you!! My latest problem is I love Katmai National Park so much I keep going back (which eats up my budget for continuing to explore additional NPs). I’m thinking this is a pretty great problem to have. 🙂

I can see how Katmai can make that happen.

MIKE BUSCHEL,DVM

I really enjoyed reading your article! Much of your wisdom I have pieced together over my own trips. I have 42 of 63 so far, still so many to go. most are the big trips ( HAWAII, another 2 visits to ALASKA, SAMOA) I like to inform family and friends about planned trips and surprisingly many choose to come along. once they do one they get hooked. i collect hat pins , you are correct about sign photos, luckily most of mine i am in the shot. GOOD LUCK ON THE FINAL LEGS OF YOUR QUEST. SAFE TRAVELS!

Best of luck with your last parks. It’s been a huge adventure.

Hi, I'm Jennifer!

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Parks. I'm here to help you plan your NEXT amazing adventure through the United States National Parks and beyond. I want the national parks to be accessible to all.

I live in Tennessee, and when I'm home, you can find me hiking in the Smokies and the Cumberland Plateau.

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Visit Every US National Park on this Epic Road Trip

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Visiting every single National Park in the United States is no small task. Currently, there are 63 recognized National Parks including American Samoa & the Virgin Islands. Even if you only look at the contiguous U.S., there are 48 National Parks spread across the country. For this National Park road trip, we will be focusing on the parks you can reach overland without hopping a plane, boat, or crossing a border.

When we were planning our ultimate national park road trip we were surprised to find very little route information when you’re looking at exploring the entire United States. Most National park guides instead focus on a single region of the U.S.

But with vanlife surging in popularity, more travelers than ever will be exploring the United States on long term cross country trips . There really is no wrong way to reach the parks, but this is the optimal route we decided on when planning our road trip to every national park.

How to Plan a National Park Road Trip

How do you plan a road trip of this magnitude? One state at a time.

We converted a 1994 Dodge Ram Van before hitting the road. So for us, it was important to keep the mileage as low as possible. This old tank isn’t gonna last forever. We didn’t want to have to double back or go way out of our way if at all possible.

First, we made a map of all the national parks across the United States. Including a few that sit on small islands just offshore (like Key Biscayne & the Channel Islands).

Then we played connect the dots.

& the zig-zag map we provided below was born.

But now you have to ask yourself… when do you plan on leaving? Well, it all depends on where you’re starting.

I’ll cover this more in-depth at the end of the blog post but in general, you’ll want to avoid harsh winter weather during your national park road trip.

Best Way to see the National Parks? Van Life.

Okay. I might be biased. But van life has changed the road trip game. It’s made it cheaper. More comfortable & helped me to travel more off-the-beaten-path. & that’s just a few benefits of the van life . But van life isn’t always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. & if you’re on the fence you should test out van/RV travel before you invest in your own rig.

My favorite RV rental company is RVShare. They have rentals all over the U.S. & are a very affordable option. Another perk…they are locally owned RVs which means they are cozier than a generic rental and you’re supporting small businesses.

If you’re looking for more of an adventure van experience I would check out Travellers Autobarn (my favorite van rental company) or Escape van rentals.

Before you hit the road make sure you’re well-stocked with all the vanlife essentials that make living in your vehicle a piece of cake.

Ultimate USA National Park Road Trip Map

Here’s our google map with rough driving routes to every single national park in the United States included.

Disclaimer: These are the routes recommended by Google. We took slightly different driving routes to add small towns we were interested in stopping in. I would recommend creating your own driving route to add things that may interest you along the way.

Complete National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Because Google Maps can be a bit hard to read sometimes, let’s break it down.

Here is a USA National Park road trip map that starts & ends in Washington State. As you can see the route is a circle, which means you can start anywhere that is convenient for you.

Here’s a list of all the National Parks in order by this route.

• North Cascades National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Badlands National Park
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Cuyahoga National Park
• Acadia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• New River Gorge National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Congaree National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Hot Springs National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• White Sands National Park
• Saguaro National Park
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Great Basin National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Redwoods National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Olympic National Park

How Long Would it Take to Visit All the National Parks?

In-depth? Years.

But obviously, most travelers don’t have that kind of time. Our road trip lasted about 3 and a half months . I wouldn’t recommend any less than this amount of time. If you plan on visiting just national parks in the US 3-4 months is ample time to see the highlights. But if you’re planning on enjoying the other sights and cities that America has to offer ( & you should ) I would recommend 6 months to a year.

Side Note: As you can see from our many maps there are a few national parks that are way out of the way. Like Great Basin National Park in Nevada . Or the Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri . We kept Great Basin on the route but decided NOT to include Gateway Arch as it’s really more of a national monument. Who decided that got to be a National Park anyways??

If you wanted to include Gateway Arch I would recommend adding it after Isle Royale and before you hit the Indiana Dunes National Park.

If you’re willing to charter a boat you can also add in Key Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, & the Channel Islands without changing the route drastically.

What about Alaska & Hawaii? Virgin Islands? American Samoa?

This is where the additional 12 National Parks come in. Alaska has a whopping 8 National Parks that you absolutely should visit in the Spring . Hawaii has two & there is one on both the Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

I did not include them here because it’s unlikely they will be included on a cross-country road trip.

Best Time to Start Your National Park Road Trip

We’ve covered the where but what about when? It’s time to look at the best time to start your cross-country road trip.

The truth is there really is no perfect route. You’ll have to make sacrifices with temperature and crowds along the way. Some parks will have to be visited off-season. It’s just the way it is. The United States is such a diverse and vast country that it’s impossible to get “perfect” conditions in every state along the way.

Weather to Consider on Your Road Trip

Northern U.S. : The Northern U.S. gets winter. Cold, snowy, horrible winter. Unless you’re an avid skier and experienced snow driver you’ll probably be wanting to avoid the North during the Late Nov-Feb months.

Southern U.S .: National Parks like Death Valley reach temps of over 130 degrees in the summer months. While states like Florida have a hurricane season that stretches from summer to fall.

Our Ideal Weather Route

Knowing we wanted to see the changing of the colors in New England in the fall we decided to begin in Washington State in late summer. If you have an entire year I would spend August-Oct crossing from Washington to Maine. Oct-Nov down the East Coast. Dec-Jan crossing the South to Arizona. Feb-April zig-zagging across the southwest to Death Valley & then enjoy a lovely summertime on the West coast from May onward.

For those with less time, I would just make sure to check national parks where extreme weather is common. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado , Glacier National Park in Montana, Voygeaurs & Isle Royale in the North . & of course the desert National Parks like Death Valley in California and the parks in Utah.

Our Top 5 Can’t-Miss National Parks

In no particular order, these are the parks that we LOVED and you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your cross-country road trip.

• Yosemite National Park . This is my favorite national park. Climbing, hiking, dramatic landscapes, stargazing, I’ll go back to Yosemite again & again.
• Glacier National Park . With tons of hiking over varied terrain and rugged Montana landscapes, it landed easily in my top 3.
• Death Valley National Park . Who would have thought a massive empty dust bowl could be so pretty? Some of the best sunsets, sunrises, & stargazing you’ll find anywhere.
• Yellowstone National Park . Wildlife, geysers, and mars-like landscape. It lives up to the hype.
• Acadia National Park . Stunning fall foliage, beautiful coastline, and truly unique hikes. I recommend the Iron wrung trails.

Our 5 Least Favorite National Parks

These parks on the other hand…if you want to cut them out you won’t be missing much.

• Indiana Dunes National Park. There are far better dunes in the United States.
• Cuyahoga National Park. Essentially it’s one small hike with some neatly stacked rocks.
• Congaree National Park. Again. Just a flooded walkway and only a few trails.
• Wind Cave National Park. The least impressive of the caverns.
• Hot Springs National Park. You can’t even soak in the outdoor springs. Big disappointment.

Cross Country Road Trip Stops to Add

If you’re embarking on this adventure you’ll likely want to stop at more than JUST National Parks. We thoroughly explored each state we visited. We drove through the Black Hills of South Dakota , ate our way through cities like Chicago & NYC, and enjoyed a few weeks on the beaches of Florida .

I compiled a massive 400+ stop Google Map of all our destinations across the United States for truly the biggest & most epic USA road trip of all time. It includes state parks, hiking trailheads, budget-friendly food stops, & more. Everywhere you could possibly want to see on a cross-country road trip is included.

Join our E-Mail list below & I’ll send you my monster Google map with all our USA road trip destinations .

No planning necessary, all you’ll need to do is hit the road.

I promise I won’t spam you with emails or try to sell you anything. Currently, I send at most 1-2 emails a month. & if that’s too much for your inbox you can always unsubscribe. Thanks in advance for supporting my blog.

Alternative National Park Road Trips

Don’t have 4 months to a year to roam about? Here are some smaller National Park road trips that can be done in a month or less.

Pacific Northwest National Park Road Trip Map

Home sweet home. Being from Washington State I’ve got a soft spot for the mountains. This circuit is packed with wildlife, hiking, and dramatic landscapes. You could see it all in as little as 2 weeks, but I would avoid the cold winter months. This is a late spring-early fall road trip .

West Coast National Park Road Trip Map

If you’ve got a little longer you can take a trip down the West coast . These are some of the most impressive national parks in the United States and the climate will be diverse. This road trip will take you from the lush Olympic mountains to the tallest redwood forests to the jaw-dropping mountains of Yosemite to the arid deserts of Joshua Tree all in one go.

Southwest National Parks Road Trip

The Southwest is such a unique region of the U.S. The landscape is warm wide-open deserts marked with orange otherworldly rock formations , deep underground caverns, and stunning Colorado peaks . It’s a weird chunk of the United States and worth a short getaway.

Trying to Pick Which National Park to Visit?

Just planning a short trip? I wrote a blog post for each season in the United States to help you choose where to go when.

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is one of the most underrated national parks on the west coast. Here’s…

12 Stunning National Parks to Visit in the Summer

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12 Outstanding US National Parks to Visit in Spring

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National Parks Road Trip Resources

A road trip of this size can’t be done on a whim (unless you sign-up for my complete Google map route). It takes some careful planning and research. Here are some resources we found useful on our cross-country road trip to every National Park.

America the Beautiful Pass

Most National Parks charge a fee to enter. It ranges from $10-$30 for a week-long pass. Or if you’re planning on visiting multiple parks the America the Beautiful Pass is $80 and gives you unlimited access to National Parks & Monuments for a year.

We used our pass to access all 47 National Parks above as well as Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, and more. You can buy them online through the link above or at the entrance station to any National Park.

AAA Membership

Even if you’re not driving a 30-year old self converted van across the country it’s important to have a backup plan. Especially when you’ll be spending time out in the wilderness. You don’t want to break down in Death Valley & end up paying hundreds of dollars for a tow.

Road Trip Essentials Packing List

Here are a few things you might find yourself needing on the road. Visiting National Parks involves a lot of outdoor exploring.

• Lifestraw Water Bottle .
• Hiking Boots.
• Rain Jacket & Heavy Coat for unexpected weather.
• Comfy hiking pack.
• Thick socks.
• Mosquito repellant.

For a full list of road, trip gear be sure to check out my van life essentials blog post. It covers everything you could possibly need on your cross-country National Park road trip.

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Further Reading...

The Ultimate American Foodie Road Trip (Map Included)

26 Epic Destinations for Your Oregon Coast Vanlife Road Trip

Why van journey is the good selection for a cross nation highway journey - yepmode news.

[…] 2020 from Seattle, Washington. After numerous hours spent pouring over street maps, we formed our route, connecting the dots between bucket record locations in probably the most scenic approach […]

Why Van Travel Is the Perfect Choice for a Cross Country Road Trip - Daily Best Deal Travel

[…] 2020 from Seattle, Washington. After numerous hours spent pouring over highway maps, we formed our route, connecting the dots between bucket record locations in probably the most scenic means […]

Ursula Mueller

Great info. Please send me your map. Thank you.

Why Van Travel Is the Perfect Choice for a Cross Country Road Trip – Thetraveldealspro

[…] 2020 from Seattle, Washington. After countless hours spent pouring over road maps, we shaped our route, connecting the dots between bucket list destinations in the most scenic way […]

Why Van Travel Is the Perfect Choice for a Cross Country Road Trip – Advancedsafaris

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Florida Scenic Drives: Stunning Road Trips in the Sunshine State

How to survive living the van life with your partner, beyond_the_bucketlist.

Snow-capped peaks, scenic grandeur: What to expect at Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is no hidden gem. 

Over 4.1 million people visited the park last year, making it the fifth most visited national park in America, according to National Park Service statistics. 

It’s so busy in the summer that timed entry reservations are required for a good chunk of each day.

Here’s what draws so many people to Rocky Mountain and what travelers should know about the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

What is so special about Rocky Mountain National Park?

If you close your eyes and think of the southern Rockies, “Rocky Mountain National Park captures all of that,” said the park’s Public Affairs Officer Kyle Patterson.

“Snow-capped peaks, amazing recreational opportunities for 12 months out of the year, watchable wildlife , and scenic grandeur,” she said that’s what visitors always extol. 

She added that the Continental Divide runs right through the park, and the park is the headwaters for numerous major rivers.

What is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?

The answer depends on your interests.

“Do you want to see snow and ice, or do you want to see wildflowers and more greenery?” Patterson asked. “Are you interested in hiking? Are you interested in snowshoeing?” The park has more than 350 miles of hiking trails .

The busy season is late May through mid-October when temperatures are milder, all roads are open, and entry reservations are required during certain times of the day. 

“My favorite part about Rocky is just how different it is depending upon what season you visit the park,” Patterson said.

What city is closest to Rocky Mountain National Park? What town should I stay in?

“We have two wonderful communities that are right at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park,” Patterson said. “Estes Park on the east side and Grand Lake on the west side.”

She added that about 80% of visitors enter through Estes Park, which is also closer to Denver and its international airport. However, she said visitors enjoy both gateway communities. 

“Estes Park and Grand Lake both have wonderful amenities from lodging to restaurants to other activities that people can do when they're visiting this area,” she said. 

Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park without a reservation?

Yes, but it depends on when you visit.

Timed entry reservations are required to access most of the park between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from May 24 through Oct. 14. 

However, if you want to access the park’s busy Bear Lake Road, you’ll need a different type of reservation called Timed Entry+. That reservation grants access to all the parks' roads but is specifically required for Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 24 through Oct. 20.

If you enter outside of those hours or dates, you won’t need a reservation, but it’s important to note that the park’s popular Trail Ridge Road , which connects the east and west sides of the park, is closed through the winter.

How long does it take to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?

“If somebody's coming when Trail Ridge Road is open, we recommend people to give themselves at least three hours to drop over the top of the park,” Patterson said. 

That also allows time to stop and take in views and shorter hikes along the way. 

“You never know what you might see as you drive along the road, and you want to give yourself plenty of time,” she said. “Also, the speeds of travel on the road should be slow … It’s not like you’re driving a highway.”

How much time do I need to see Rocky Mountain National Park?

“Because we're so close to a large population in Colorado we have people that will come up here for two hours,” Patterson said. Locals can visit any time, but she said it would be “a bummer” to only spend a few hours in the park on a first visit. 

She said the average visit is around two days, though you can stay longer to experience more. 

Which Native tribes are tied to Rocky Mountain National Park?

“Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. Rocky was established in 1915,” Patterson said, but she and the park point out that Native Americans have stewarded the land for thousands of years.

 “What is now Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the traditional homeland and territory of many present-day Tribal nations including, the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma; Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming; Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming; Northern Cheyenne Tribe of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Montana; Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado; Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation, Utah; and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of the Ute Mountain Reservation, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah,” the park acknowledges on its website.

What else should travelers know about Rocky Mountain?

It can feel like winter into May at the park, and winter can also creep into fall. 

Weather can also change rapidly and differ dramatically, depending on the elevation. The high altitude can also affect travelers who aren’t used to it.

“Just giving yourself some time to acclimate and taking care of yourself, like drinking lots of water, is really crucial because you can get dehydrated here really quickly,” she said. “Being prepared for traveling to a place like Rocky will make all the difference in the world.”

7 National Parks You Can See In 48 Hours Or Less

• Visitors can easily see many popular US national parks in two days, from Joshua Tree to Olympic National Park.
• Easily accessible scenic drives and short hikes are best for a 48-hour visit.
• National park entrance fees usually allow for a week of exploration and should be checked in advance.

Short on time but still hoping to enjoy the great outdoors? The various national parks around the US may be the perfect way to quickly enjoy some spectacular scenery. There are 63 national parks in the US, many of which can be explored in two days or less. The locations are particularly popular for those taking one of the many bucket-list-worthy national park road trips in the US , which leave little time to stay in one place for long.

The best way to find out which national parks to see in such a short timeframe is to stick to parks with relatively small acreage and easily accessible scenic drives. Short, high-impact hikes and well-paved roads make it much easier to hit all the major attractions without having to commit to a full week of exploration.

Of course, many of these park locations can easily fill a longer itinerary, but these are some of the best national parks to visit in just 48 hours, and suggested itineraries to help visitors plan those two precious days.

For the most part, national park entrance fees allow admission for seven consecutive days. This is true for all national parks that charge by vehicle. Other fees, like timed entry fees and per-person entrance fees, are more likely to be day-specific. Visitors can search for entrance fees in advance at recreation.gov or check the Fees and Passes tab of the relevant park's specific National Park Service webpage .

7 National Park Escapes For Less Than $1,000 A Week

Arches national park , utah, entrance fee: $30/vehicle and $2/day timed-entry fee.

Utah is home to the Mighty Five, including Zion National Park, one of the most-visited national parks in the US. On the eastern side of the state lies the smallest of Utah's national parks, Arches National Park. The park's small acreage and easy hiking trails make it ideal for those with less than 48 hours.

With over 2,000 national arches and bridges in the park, many of the top attractions can be seen right from the road. There are also only two more strenuous hikes, Delicate Arch and Devil's Garden.

Having just visited Arches National Park ourselves, spreading the strenuous hikes over two days is especially important, even in milder weather. Even the three-mile Delicate Arch hike is time-consuming and intensive, taking an average of three hours (including time at the arch itself), climbing over 500 feet in the first mile and a half, and offering almost no shade along the way.

Located just a few minutes from the city of Moab, Arches National Park is one of the more accessible national parks in the US. By completing one each day and spreading the short, easy hikes across the rest of the time, Arches National Park can easily be enjoyed in just 48 hours.

While the Arches National Park entry fee covers two (and up to seven) consecutive days of visits, the park is one of many national parks requiring reservations in 2024 . Separate timed entry reservations will be required for each day of the visit.

Joshua Tree National Park , California

Entrance fee: $30/vehicle.

California has nine national parks, more than any other in the country. There are plenty of unique California road trips, including one for each of its national parks , but those short on time might have to be more selective with their stops.

As one of the more driveable national parks in California, Joshua Tree National Park is easily visited in less than 48 hours. The park is also just two and a half hours from Los Angeles, making it easy even for those traveling from out of town.

Once in Joshua Tree National Park, a combination of scenic driving and simple hikes easily fill a day or two before returning home.

Another benefit that makes Joshua Tree National Park one of the best national parks to see in 48 hours or less is the presence of several first-come, first-serve campgrounds in the park ( Hidden Valley Campground and White Tank Campground ), which makes it even easier to save time during a short visit.

Shenandoah National Park , Virginia

Many of the most popular national parks in the US protect huge forests along major mountain ranges. Some, like Yosemite National Park, require multiple days to properly enjoy, thanks to high visitation and long, intensive hiking trails. On the opposite coast, however, Shenandoah National Park is an accessible, easily driven destination that can be enjoyed in one or two days.

Of course, even for those with only two days, there are plenty of things to do in Shenandoah National Park . One of the highlights of Shenandoah is the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which winds through many of the most scenic parts of the park. With over 75 overlooks, the Skyline Drive can easily fill the entire first day's visit.

Those hoping to fill more time can opt to hop on one of the many hiking trails throughout the park, including the Bearfence Viewpoint Hike , Dark Hollow Falls Trail , and Lower Whiteoak Falls Trail . At less than three miles each, these easy-to-moderate hikes are easy to add either to the scenic drive or as a second day of exploration.

The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails In Shenandoah National Park

Petrified forest national park , arizona, entrance fee: $25/vehicle.

Arizona has three national parks, and although Grand Canyon National Park is certainly the most famous, all three are well worth a visit. For those visiting the Grand Canyon, or Arizona in general, Petrified Forest National Park makes an excellent day (or two) trip. As the name suggests, Petrified Forest National Forest is full of giant pieces of petrified wood, many lying like fallen trees in plain view.

All of Petrified Forest's 14 hiking trails are ranked easy on AllTrails , which helps those short on time hit more than one in a single day. Additionally, the 28-mile Petrified Forest Scenic Drive offers quick, scenic views right from the car window.

Even stopping at the visitor's center and museum on the park grounds, Petrified Forest National Park can easily be visited in a day, with true ancient history lovers able to take a little more time to explore every corner of this underrated park.

Crater Lake National Park , Oregon

Entrance fee: $20-$30/vehicle.

Unlike many of the national parks on this list, Crater Lake National Park is not a particularly convenient national park location to reach. Hidden in one of the many remote corners of Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US, the remains of a collapsed volcano from long ago.

What makes Crater Lake National Park one of the best national parks to see in less than 48 hours is that, once there, the views are immediate. Travelers can drive right up to scenic overlooks and stare down at the majesty of the lake and at the unique Wizard Island in the middle.

Forest hikes around the lake are numerous, and ferries to Wizard Island, which can also be hiked, leave the shore regularly. Even with a relatively long drive from most major cities, a day or two enjoying Crater Lake is plenty to check this national park off the bucket list.

7 National Parks To Visit For Each Type Of Traveler

Mesa verde national park , colorado.

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the lesser-known yet underrated national parks in the US , so much so that many people don't even know it exists. Living in the shadows of Colorado's popular Rocky Mountains National Park, Mesa Verde preserves the history and dwellings of the Puebloan people of Colorado.

The most famous attraction in the park is the cliff dwellings, which can be explored either on a guided or self-guided tour. Guided tours take an average of 45 minutes , leaving plenty of time for independent exploration in a single day.

13 Islands You Can Visit Without Leaving The United States

Olympic national park , washington.

Now, this might be a controversial choice, because there is no denying that guests can spend more than two days in Olympic National Park. Just a couple of hours from Seattle, however, Olympic National Park is one of the easiest national parks to visit, so travelers can hit the ground running.

Olympic National Park has both temperate rainforests and scenic northwestern beaches, and both landscapes have short hikes to explore. One of the most scenic Olympic National Park hikes, Marymere Falls , takes less than an hour to complete and leads to a 90-foot waterfall, just one of the dramatic formations in this popular park.

A number of other scenic hikes in Olympic National Park have easy ratings, so travelers can enjoy them back to back or spread them over two days to get the full Washington experience.

Weather along the Washington coast is unpredictable, no matter the season. Hikers in particular should be prepared for slippery conditions and keep alternates in mind should their preferred trail be inaccessible.

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in may 2024.

With its pleasantly warm weather and thinned crowds, May is the perfect time to take a trip before the expensive summer season. Considering sights, weather, traveler sentiment and annual events (among other factors), U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in May. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure in a national park, a quick Memorial Day getaway or a leisurely beach vacation , you can't go wrong with these destinations. Vote for your favorite locales below to help determine next year's list.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Laguna beach, st. vincent & the grenadines, victoria & vancouver island, yellowstone national park.

When May comes around in Bryce Canyon National Park, the snow is nearly gone, which means the park's main road and popular trails are likely to be open. Highs are typically in the 60s during the day, too – ideal conditions for hiking and biking this Utah park's paths. Visitor numbers start to ramp up this month, but it's still early enough in the season that you're unlikely to have to jostle for a view at the popular Bryce Point, which overlooks Bryce Amphitheater, a landscape of otherworldly rock spires (called hoodoos).

This Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic Ocean offers a little bit of everything for active travelers, from geoparks and waterfall hikes to paragliding. Though the weather here is always a bit unpredictable, the chances of wind and rain are lower in May. The water temperature also begins to warm up for must-do activities like snorkeling or swimming with dolphins, and with fewer swells than the winter months, beginner surfers will feel more comfortable trying to hang ten. As an added bonus, the biggest festival in the Azores – the Feasts of Santo Cristo dos Milagres – typically occurs in May.

Travelers looking for a vacation filled with unique and heart-pumping activities should set their sights on Cappadocia. This mountainous region in central Turkey is home to a UNESCO-listed national park, centuries-old underground cities, ancient cave dwellings, magnificent rock formations and more. Plus, thanks to average temperatures in the 60s and 70s in May, activities like soaring high above the Göreme Valley on a hot air balloon tour and driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle past fairy chimneys couldn't be more pleasant.

As one of the warmest and driest times of year in Palawan, May welcomes travelers with open arms. Take advantage of the minimal rainfall by experiencing all of the outdoor activities and attractions that this Philippine island has to offer –spoiler alert, there are a lot. Spend time relaxing on Palawan's white sand beaches, island-hopping or even swimming with gentle whale sharks. Water sports are popular in this destination as well, from diving Tubbataha Reef to kayaking El Nido's Big Lagoon.  

Visiting Granada, Spain, in May is a no-brainer. Average temperatures in the mid-70s, blooming flower displays (at Generalife Gardens) and a full roster of events make this Andalusian city a must-visit in the spring. Día de la Cruz and Feria del Corpus Christi, two of the city's most popular celebrations, are both held in May, and travelers won't want to miss seeing Granada come alive with music, flamenco dancers and more. Save time during your trip for a guided tour of the Alhambra and strolling through the Albaicín neighborhood.

May falls within this Peruvian city's winter season, though you probably wouldn't notice thanks to its consistently mild temperatures (highs hover in the 60s). This month rarely sees rain showers, and you'll encounter fewer tourists at archaeological wonders like La Catedral – which sits in the restaurant- and coffee shop-filled Plaza de Armas – and Machu Picchu – a bucket list destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. If you're up for a challenge, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This difficult trek through the area's towering mountains takes about four days to complete.

With 33 beaches, this eastern Caribbean island is a sun worshipper's dream, and May temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s are perfect for basking on its white sands . Spend warm days venturing to offshore cays, exploring fishing villages and watching yacht races during the Anguilla Regatta, typically held every May. Since this is the start of the island's rainy season, the weather can be wetter and more humid than the winter months, but visitors will be rewarded with cheaper accommodations. 

May is a great time for a trip to this seaside Spanish city before the heat and humidity become unbearable. Can't-miss architectural marvels to check out include Antoni Gaudí's whimsical Park Güell and the Gothic-style Sagrada Família. Budget time for visiting some of Barcelona's highly regarded museums, such as the Picasso Museum, and relax at Barceloneta beach before stopping at a nearby seafood restaurant for some of the best paella in the city. What's more, the city plays host to a number of events come May, including film and music festivals

Craggy coastline views, a world-famous aquarium and a superb farm-to-table dining scene draw tourists of all types to Monterey, California. Though temperatures here remain in the 60s for most of the year, rainfall drops significantly in May. Popular festivals also make this a great time of the year to visit. Come early in the month for the Pacific Grove Good Old Days Street Festival, which showcases local artisans and craft vendors, plus a variety of food booths. And near the end of the month, the three-day California Roots Music & Arts Festival celebrates reggae artists.

Visit Laguna Beach for a perfect sunny-and-70, laid-back beach vacation. May is part of this Southern California town's spring shoulder season, so you'll find fewer people on popular stretches of sand like Main Beach and Crescent Bay Beach. Plus, the quieter month is ideal for relaxation-focused activities, such as outdoor yoga and hiking. When travelers need a break from reconnecting with themselves or nature, they can check out Laguna Beach's thriving art scene, which includes hundreds of galleries, studios and public works of art.

Bright turquoise water, gorgeous white sand and lush green vegetation await vacationers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Composed of 32 islands and cays, this Caribbean archipelago is perfect for a tropical getaway. May falls between the country's peak winter season and its hurricane-prone low season, making it an ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, swimming and soaking up some rays at Canouan's beaches and hiking to beautiful waterfalls like Dark View Falls. Travelers will also want to check out the country's 20-acre Botanical Gardens, the oldest available in the Western Hemisphere.

Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, sits on the southern portion of Vancouver Island. Not only does this Canadian destination boast comfortable highs in the low 60s in May, it is just a short ferry ride from Seattle (less than three hours), making it perfect for a quick weekend getaway . Spend your visit strolling through the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, which are bursting with colorful tulips and cherry blossoms come May, then get out on the water on a whale watching tour. Before heading home, don't forget to shop for souvenirs along Government Street.

Considered the birthplace of democracy and drama, Athens boasts a historical legacy that is hard to top. The main reason to visit is to see the ancient city's impressive ruins, which you'll find at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. For an additional look at Athens' past, check out the incredible Greek artifacts on display at the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. May vacations are especially enjoyable thanks to comfortable daytime temps hovering in the mid-70s.

By late May, most of Yellowstone's trails and must-see attractions are open, welcoming eager nature enthusiasts seeking a breath of fresh air. The average 50-degree temperatures provide a brisk but comfortable atmosphere for a hike on one of the Old Faithful area's trails or a kayaking excursion on Yellowstone Lake. For a glimpse of wildlife, head to Lamar Valley to view wolf pups emerging from their dens. Keep in mind that if you visit during Memorial Day weekend, you'll likely run into crowds.

With warm weather year-round (average temperatures sit in the 80s), there's never a bad time to visit Singapore. But in May, this Asian city-state on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula welcomes events such as the Singapore Cocktail Festival, the Singapore International Festival of Arts and the Singapore HeritageFest. When you're not enjoying your time at one of Singapore's cultural events, check out top attractions like Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic nature park that is home to the Supertree Observatory and the Cloud Forest.  

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Kruger National Park

Mont-Tremblant

Miami Beach

Newport, RI

Mexico City

Indianapolis

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Things To Do | Free National Park Day is coming on Saturday,…

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Things to do | oakland police kill homicide suspect after coming to aid of sacramento police, things to do | free national park day is coming on saturday, april 20, all national parks and monuments are free to visit..

Do you like the Great Outdoors?

For the kickoff of the annual National Park Week, which for 2024 will be held April 20-28, the park service is offering free admission to its parks and monuments on Saturday, April 20.

This can save you $50 or even more, but here’s what you need to know, from someone who’s taken advantage of it in the past.

Show up at dawn. Seriously. I know, I know. Don’t hurt me. But then you get there before the thundering hordes arrive. As you might guess, free passes are a huge draw.

You don’t need to sign up or register. Just show up and go.

Here are the nine national parks in California: Channel Islands (the boat ride won’t be free), Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia, Yosemite. You can also drive to Zion National Park in Utah — one of my faves — in about eight hours.

Personally, I suggest Joshua Tree National Park, which is my favorite local place. I even bought a place there. Here’s how I do it:

Get on the road before dawn with snacks, sandwiches, water, a swimsuit and a towel. Watch the pink sun rise over Mt. San Jacinto, which is a truly beautiful sight. At this hour, there won’t be any traffic, so you should make it to the west park entrance in 90 minutes or so, depending obviously on where you start.

Head directly to the Wonderland of Rocks area from the town of Joshua Tree where there are several interesting trails. That’s my favorite part of the park. Alternately, you could keep driving to 29 Palms, and visit the park headquarters where there’s also a trail. We typically hike around until the crowds arrive around 11 a.m. Then we leave, stopping in town for early lunch, and head to Desert Hot Springs and buy a cheap day pass for the pools at the Desert Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. Yeah, it’s very ’70s and less than fancy. But the hot water feels great. You can also get a massage if you’ve booked it in advance.

Then, head home refreshed and with your head screwed on straight.

If you’ve never been to Yosemite, what the heck? Maybe April 20 is your day. Just be aware that there will still be snow up there, so dress warmly and check for road closures.

Note that there will be special national park events all week long, so take a look online to see what’s available. And enjoy!

Learn more: nps.gov

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