18 Best U.S. National Parks to Visit This Year

With a total of 62 national parks to choose from, the United States is packed with natural wonders worth exploring. 

That’s especially true for nature lovers, keen hikers; or if you’re simply after an unforgettable time in the wilderness.

With so many great ones to choose from, it’s tough to decide which parks to visit. So little time, right? Plus, very few of us have visited them all. To make matters worse, they are all so unique; you’ll never get the same experience twice. 

To help you decide, here is a list of 18 superb U.S. national parks, chosen by our fellow travel bloggers. Hopefully it will help you decide the park that’s right for you. 

1- Acadia National Park

By Margie – DQ Family Travel

Acadia National Park is a picturesque natural area located in the northeastern corner of Maine, about 3 hours away from Portland. It is considered one of the most remote national parks in the country. I give it my vote as my favorite national park in the country because of the mix of coastal and forested hikes and unique granite cliffs.

Some of the best hikes in Acadia are the most popular, which means they have the best photo opportunities. If you’re looking for an easy, scenic ocean stroll, the Ocean Path Trail is my recommended hike. The gentle paved trail takes you right along the water for some beautiful ocean views, granite cliffs, and rock scrambling opportunities. Bubble Rock Trail is a nice easy to moderate hike that takes you pretty high up for some spectacular scenery of Jordan Pond and the forested area. For something a little more challenging, you can attempt the Beehive Trail, which is a narrow steep trail with iron handles that provide hikers with dramatic views of the granite cliffs and rugged coastline once they reach the summit. 

While Acadia does have plenty of hiking opportunities, there are also plenty of non-hiking activities, scenic lookouts, and drives. A drive through the park is a great way to take in some picturesque views. For those that are not much into hiking, then a bike ride or carriage ride down Acadia’s old carriage roads is a unique activity. When visiting Acadia National Park, I would recommend staying at the nearby town of Bar Harbor. It is perfect for those looking for an upscale seaside town with great restaurants and shops.

Where to stay: The Inn on Mount Desert

2- Isle Royale

By Bonnie – Wander-Filled Life

For our favorite US National Park, we choose Isle Royale NP. Isle Royale is a remote island located in Lake Superior off the coast of the upper peninsula of Michigan. It is not easy or cheap to get to but it is worth all the time, effort and money it takes. Indeed, it is the least visited National Park in the continental 48 states but the most revisited. 

What we loved most about Isle Royale is its remote serenity. This is truly where you go to get away. I’ll admit that while the scenery is breathtaking, it’s not nearly as impressive as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. With no cars and very few people, though, it’s a lot easier to enjoy the natural beauty. 

Backpackers will find plenty of trails and campgrounds allowing you to really explore the island. Those who prefer to stay at the lodge can do a few day hikes, rent a canoe or kayak, take a boat tour or just relax and enjoy your surroundings. 

If it’s wildlife you’re looking for, there is a good chance you’ll see a moose or fox. There are also a few wolves on the island but they are much harder to spot, as you might expect.
Isle Royale can be reached by ferry or float plane from the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan or northern Minnesota. A day trip is possible but not nearly enough time to enjoy the park. I’d suggest at least one or two nights. For us, a one night stay at the lodge provided a nice glimpse into one of the most scenic and relaxing parks in the US. We are very much looking forward to returning for a longer visit one day!

Where to stay: Rock Harbor Lodge

3- Yellowstone National Park

By Hannah – Hannah Henderson Lifestyle Travel

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest National Park in the US and the second oldest in the world.  Spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is 3500 square miles of forest, geysers and incredible wildlife.  

If you have never seen geothermal activity or geysers before, Yellowstone is definitely the National Park for you – there is so much to see.  The famous ‘Old Faithful’ geyser explodes every 35-120 minutes like clockwork and is every bit as impressive as photos would have you believe.  Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the USA and is many shades of turquoise; and Mammoth Springs are on a scale that has to be seen to be believed.  

My favourite thing about Yellowstone is the amount of wildlife – we saw lots of bison, elk and birds of prey; and there were many bear and wolf sightings during our visit.  I would recommend bringing binoculars and a long-range lens for your camera – it is important not to approach the wildlife and to photograph them from a safe distance.  Don’t miss an early morning visit to Hayden or Lamar Valley, to see large herds of bison and wolves hunting in the valley.  

I would recommend at least 4 days in Yellowstone to really see this huge and impressive National Park to its fullest.

Where to stay: Canyon Lodge & Cabins

4- Great Smoky Mountain

By Stacia – Stumble Safari

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, and for good reason! Although it stretches from Tennessee to North Carolina, my favorite area of the park is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here, you can easily drive into the park and either slowly drive the winding roads and admire the scenery from lookout points, or park at the head of a trail and hike! 

My absolute favorite thing about the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the abundant wildlife. Black bears are a common sighting here, as well as birds, deer, elk, and more. The black bears are my favorite! I’ve even seen black bear cubs while hiking the trails. 

Where to stay: Twin Mountain Inn & Suites

5- Sequoia National Park

By Kacie – Go Beyond The Borders

Wildlife, hiking, history. Sequoia National Park has it all! And if that wasn’t enough, it’s home to the world’s largest tree, a Giant Sequoia called the General Sherman. The General Sherman is not the tallest tree on the planet, but it is the world’s largest tree by wood volume.

The ancient Sequoias are absolutely incredible, but since the wood decays slowly, you can see the history of these trees all around. A tree that fell three hundred years ago can still be found lying on the forest floor today, virtually unchanged by time. Stumps that were cut decades earlier can still be seen with the sawdust still on them, and fire scars can be seen on many trees that continue to thrive in the park. A Sequoia wood cabin built by two brothers in 1872, and later used by US Cavalry soldiers, still stands for park visitors to explore. 

We loved Sequoia for its beautiful easy hikes, amazing history, and the wildlife we saw! We even spotted a young black bear just off of the General Sherman trail. And we aren’t the only ones who felt the magic of Sequoia. The National Park Rangers feature the unique (and disproportionately small!) Sequoia seeds on the belt of their uniforms.

Sequoia is about a 45 minute drive from Visalia, California, but there are several opportunities to camp in the area. You can choose to stay in the lodge or one of six in park campsites, but we opted to stay at one in Sequoia National Forest that was free! The park is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park, so it’s really two parks in one! You won’t run out of beautiful places to explore here!

Where to stay: Wuksachi Lodge

6- Haleakala National Park

By Jess – I’m Jess Traveling

Haleakala National Park is a MUST DO when visiting the Hawaiian Island of Maui and one of my favorite US National Parks.  There are several ways that you can explore this diverse National Park.

The first way is by driving up Haleakala to the summit of the crater.  My favorite way to explore the crater is by hiking it.  There are a handful of hikes that take you in, through or around the crater.  My favorite Haleakala Crater hike is the sliding sands trail that takes you down to the crater floor.  You’ll feel like you are hiking on the surface of Mars.  It can get very cold on the summit, so make sure you are dressed appropriately especially if you plan on catching sunrise or sunset on top of the crater. 

Another way to explore Haleakala National Park is on East Maui just past Hana town.  This  part of the National Park is called the Kīpahulu District.  Here you can experience the dramatic coast line, volcanic inlets and hike to one of Maui’s tallest waterfalls!

My favorite hike and one of Maui’s most popular hikes is the Pipiwai Trail which gives you views of several waterfalls along the way, takes you through a whispering bamboo forest and finally ends at the 400 foot Waimoku Falls.  This hike is easily a highlight of anyones vacation to Maui and always makes my heart full.  

However you choose to explore this beautiful National Park there is a little something for everyone and it will only make you fall harder for the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Maui.  

Where to stay: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort 

7- Crater Lake National Park

By Ann – While We Were Wandering

Found within the beautiful state of Oregon is Crater Lake National Park. At over 1,900 feet deep it also home of the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake is the perfect adventure for visitors of all different ages, athletic abilities, and interests. 

Believe it or not, but Crater Lake was once a volcano. Over 7,000 years ago it caved in on itself creating the crater we see today. Unlike most lakes, it is fed with rainwater and snowmelt, not from an upstream river or spring. This factor is the reason behind its stunning blue and shockingly clear waters. On a sunny day, you can even see the bottom of the lake from way up on the Rim Drive! 

The Rim Drive is a scenic loop around the lake. This beautiful 33-mile circle has several different viewpoints and parking areas for you to get out and explore the beauty this park has to offer. Most of these stops are very easy to explore making it a great choice for families with small children or those who have limited mobility. This road is rather narrow and can be a challenge to drive if in larger vehicles. If you want to partake in the sights along the Rim Drive, but do not want to actually drive it yourself, you can take the park’s trolly tour. For a small fee, you can enjoy the sights around the lake on a hop on hop off style trolly. 

For those wanting a little bit more adventure, there are several hiking trails along the lake and one that even takes you down to the lake. Here you can fish, take a boat tour, or if you are brave enough jump in the cold water. 
Whether you are looking for a relaxing drive with awe-inspiring scenery or have your sights on something a little bit more adventurous, Crater Lake is the place for you. For more information, make sure to check out our complete guide here.

Where to stay: Crater Lake Resort

8- Arches National Park 

By Daria – The Discovery Nut

One of five Utah’s National Parks, Arches is a real treasure. Located just outside of Moab, Arches National Park attracts travelers from all over the world year round because of its otherworldly landscape and countless recreational opportunities. The park is a home to the largest collection of natural arches in the world that were carved out by wind, rain and snow over millions of years. 

Most people know Moab as a home to the world-famous Delicate Arch, an iconic feature whose image graces the license plates of many Utah cars and welcome signs along the state’s highways. However, there’s a lot more to this national park than the Delicate Arch. Other prominent features of the park include Balanced Rock, Devil Garden’s Trail, Fiery Furnace and the Windows Loop. Many of the trails and overlooks are located off Arches Scenic Drive, the main road that snakes through the drive, however, there are two side roads, the Window Road and Delicate Arch Road that also lead to amazing overlooks. 

The park experiences the highest visitation from late April through mid-October when scores of travelers depend on trails and overlooks, however, Moab is also incredible during winter when its bright orange rocks gets dusted with white powdery snow.

Top activities at the Arches National Park include hiking, bicycling and backpacking. Canyoneering, climbing and accessing Fiery Furnace requires permits. The Devils Garden Campground, the only campground in the Arches has RV and tent spots, however, it tends to be full during the peak visitation months in summer. You can reserve a spot ahead of your visit from March 1 through October 31 through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. However, if the campground is full, your best bet is one of the hotels in Moab, the gateway to the Arches National Park. 

Where to stay: Red Cliffs Lodge

9- The Grand Canyon

Nicole – American SW Obsessed

The Grand Canyon sees over 6 million visitors a year.  And for good reason! The Grand Canyon is my favorite National Park as there is so much to do and see there and it also changes throughout the seasons.

My first tip for visiting the Grand Canyon is to go early.  I think sunrise at the Grand Canyon is one of the most magical things to see and my favorite viewpoint is Mathers Point for sunrise.

The Grand Canyon has some amazing viewpoint, great hikes, and you can even go white water rafting in the park.  Did you know that it is 10-20 degrees warmer down in the canyon than at the viewpoints? You really need to get in the canyon to see the beauty.  I highly recommend doing the Rim to Rim Trail which goes from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on a 23 mile hike.

If hiking is not your thing you can see a lot of the Grand Canyon by taking a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour.  You can fly over the Canyon and see the Colorado River.  You can also land down in the Canyon to get a completely different perspective of the Canyon.

The entrance gates to the Grand Canyon are busiest between 10am and 4pm so I suggest arriving before 10am.  The entrance costs $35 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. You can purchase a National Park Pass which gives you access to all of the National Parks for one year starting at $70.  You will need to purchase an “America the Beautiful” Pass before your trip.

Where to stay: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn

10- Zion National Park

By Ash – Dashin’ Ash

Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is truly one of the best parks I’ve ever been to. There are two unique hikes within the park, Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. 

Angel’s Landing is an uphill hike, that eventually brings you to Scout’s Lookout. From there you can continue on to Angel’s Landing, named such because it was once thought that only angels could fly to the peak. If you choose not to continue to Angel’s Landing, Scout’s Lookout is still a very satisfying overlook. A lot of people struggle with Angel’s Landing because it is very steep, if you’re uncomfortable with it, you’ll still be well rewarded if you choose to stop at Scout’s Lookout. 

The Narrows is almost the polar opposite of Angel’s Landing. On that hike you’ll find yourself within Zion Canyon. As you continue onward the the canyon walls will start closing in on you. Depending on how you choose to do this hike, you may need a permit. There is also a risk of flash floods, so know the warning signs and be prepared to respond appropriately. 

If neither of these two hikes are appealing to you, there are many others, ranging from mild to difficult. Most bring you to a canyon overlook, while some have other gems waiting for you at the finish. 

Zion is my favorite National Park because of the magical time I was there. I went in February, and that year they had a record snowfall. There is something truly spectacular about untouched snow blanketing the red rocks. Another added benefit of visiting during that time of year is that there aren’t a lot of visitors. Not only does that help you avoid the crowds, but also you can drive yourself through the depths of the park. In the busier months there is a free shuttle, and no cars are allowed. If you are there in the summer months, the shuttle is very reliable, but there is a little bit of joy that comes from driving through the canyon yourself.

The final part of Zion National Park that I love is Kolob Canyons. The most popular things to do in Zion are within the main park, but they do have an auxiliary park with unique sights and hikes there. Kolob Canyons is much less popular, so it almost feels like you have the place to yourself. 

Where to stay: Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites

11- Denali National Park

By Hannah & Adam – Getting Stamped

Located about halfway between Anchorage and Fairs, Denali is one of the most overlooked national parks in the United States. Denali National Park and Preserve is centered around the giant Denali mountain and boasts unbelievable views. Unlike a lot of national parks around the country, Denali has remained relatively untouched, except for one road and a few service facilities. 

Depending on where you are coming from and how long of a road trip you’re willing to make, you can reach Denali via the Parks Highway, via plane into the McKinley National Park Airport or via train by the Denali Star. We drove all the way to Alaska from Wisconsin, driving the Alcan Highway was a bucket list trip for us.

Besides being home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali is known for its adventure experiences and wildlife. There are plenty of exhilarating hikes to venture out on for scenic views too. But if you’re feeling adventurous, check out ziplining or book a dog sledding adventure. 

There’s also plenty of bus tours and trekking adventures you can sign up for that offer day trips to guided backpacking camping trips that can be for one or two weeks. 

One of our favorite parks about Denali is that it’s never really crowded compared to other big-name national parks. It’s truly an amazing escape and worth the trip out! 

Where to stay: Aurora Denali Lodge

12- Everglades National Park

By Riley – Riley’s Roves

Everglades National Park is different from any other park in America, which is precisely what makes it so special. The first national park preserved for conservation rather than scenery, the park protects a vital ecosystem that allows the surrounding area to thrive. From the smallest marine life to the largest parties in Miami, none of it would be possible without the Everglades.

With four districts, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Everglades. On the Gulf Coast, boat tours take you into the Gulf of Mexico and allow for potential dolphin and manatee viewing. On the eastern side, Shark Valley hosts a large observation tower at the center of a 15-mile paved road. Biking or taking the tram along the route provides amazing opportunities for spying wildlife, including alligators, and climbing the tower offers expansive views. Farther south, the main visitor center near Homestead dives into the park’s history while the original visitor center at Royal Palm serves as a starting point for the popular Anhinga Trail, another great place to see wildlife. Drive the road to Flamingo and you’ll have the opportunity to stop at various ponds to see hundreds of wading birds, residential and migratory. Once you arrive at Flamingo, search for saltwater-dwelling crocodiles and manatees near the marina.

The Everglades is one of America’s most accessible parks, located just minutes from the lively Miami. Nearby, you can also visit Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks to cross off all three national parks in Florida from your list. 

While it may not be the most beautiful place in the world, there is nowhere else like it. If you’re looking for a unique park to visit in the winter, visit Everglades National Park as soon as you can.

Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead 

13- Big Bend National Park

By Paige – from The Love Of Wanderlust

Big Bend National Park is located in Western Texas right along the Rio Grande. Big Bend is my favorite national park because of the wide variety of landscapes you can experience all in one park.

As an avid hiker, I loved hitting the trails to see all the beautiful things this park has to offer. There are a few mountain trails that get you way up in the mountains for some truly scenic overlooks of the Chihuahua desert and the Chisos mountains. There are also desert hikes that get you up-close-and-personal with a large variety of cacti species, beautiful rock formations and even some Native American petroglyphs.

However, my favorite experiences were the ones I had along the Rio Grande itself. This river is the lifeblood of Big Bend. It has cut deep canyons that have some hiking trails. You can get out on the river to float and kayak along. Plus, it’s worth bringing your passport to cross over into Mexico for lunch or another hike!

If you prefer to enjoy the national parks with a little less exertion, there are options like that for you as well. Check out the ghost town of Terlingua or the ghost resort of Hot Springs – don’t worry the natural hot spring itself is still there and you can take a soak to sooth your muscles. Plus, it’s a beautiful park to simply drive through as well. No matter if you’re looking to drive through and enjoy nature or to get out and soak it up on the trails, the sheer wonder of this park will leave you awe-inspired.

Where to stay: Lajitas Golf Resort

14- Joshua Tree

By Helena – Through an Aussie’s Eyes

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most diverse and beautiful national parks that the US has to offer. Joshua Tree is where two really distinct eco systems meet each other, the Colorado and the Mojave. So this means that there is an awesome variety of flora and fauna throughout the park. You may have even heard or have seen pictures of the really distinct joshua tree. They are scattered throughout the park so make sure you get a photo with one but don’t touch them as they are prickly!

If you love to hike or climb rocks than this is the place for you. Joshua Tree has a lot of large boulder collections throughout the park that are perfect for any rock climber to test their skills. Hikes are also abundant through the park. They range from easy to hard so you can definitely take the kids out exploring.

There are camping and RV spots throughout the park so you can spend your night out under the stars and see what the desert is like in the middle of the night. If you are going to camp over the weekend, you need to get your spot early as they fill up really quickly. Just remember that there is no food or drink purchasing facilities in the park so you must be prepared.

Where to stay: Joshua Tree Ranch House 

15- Canyonlands National Park

By Rosie – Popcuria

Canyonlands National Park is one of my favorite national parks. It’s located in Southeast Utah’s high desert outside Moab, and across from Arches National Park, and is a great addition to any Utah trip.

Canyonlands is expansive, covering more than 330,000 acres, and filled with multiple canyon-filled vistas, as well as landscapes full of spires, mesas, buttes, and arches. I spent most of my time at Canyonlands National Park visiting the park’s Island in the Sky. The Island in the Sky is the most accessible part of the park with numerous scenic overlooks and day hikes.

Most Moab visitors will spend their time at Arches National Park but I found Canyonlands to be equally impressive and a nice compliment to any trip to Arches. I loved Canyonlands’ colors, from red to purple hues, and found them to be more impressive and varied than Arches’ copper hue.

Each of Canyonlands’ numerous vistas seemed to contain a different landscape or view. Canyonlands also doesn’t have an issue with overcrowding like many other popular National Parks do. The park is huge, with things to do for all activity levels. From scenic drives and views that can be enjoyed from your car, to adventures in Canyonlands’ expansive backcountry, there’s something for everyone.

Where to stay: Red Cliffs Lodge

16- Bryce Canyon

By Genie – Gallivanting Bean

Bryce Canyon must be one of the most unique and breathtaking places in the US. The national park is located in Utah, a state well-known for its other stunning red rock parks. Bryce is special because the entire national park is filled with hoodoos, rocks shaped by years of weathering and erosion. The eye-catching rock formations fill the amphitheater park and glow red as the sun rises and sets. The best time to visit is definitely sunrise and sunset. Popular viewpoints include Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Rainbow Point, and Natural Bridge. At least those are definitely my favorites. 

If you’re looking for an even more shocking image, Bryce Canyon looks beautiful during a winter snowfall. The contrast between the red hoodoos and the white snow create a fabulous visual that you won’t soon forget. But, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading over. There is a possibility that you can get stuck there if a snow storm is passing through. 

Getting to Bryce Canyon is simple, all you need is a car. The physical address is Bryce Canyon National Park UT-63 Bryce, Utah 84764. Depending on what side you’re coming from, you can reach Bryce Canyon via the I-15 North or the I-15 South. For lodging there are many hotel, motel, and camping options. They’re all located in the town of Bryce, which sits right next to the park. 

The entire park can be visited in about half a day. But if you’re there for more than a night, I highly recommend going on a hike inside the park. You’ll be able to see the hoodoos from the ground, a very humbling experience. Ask the park rangers on the way in for a map or visit the visitor’s center to get more information on the open trails for that day.

Where to stay: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

17- Grand Teton National Park

By Jenny – Global Game Plan

Grand Teton is high on my list of favorite National Parks for its stunning scenery at every turn, convenient location, manageable size, variety of activities and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.  

If you’re a photography fan, you will recognize the Mormon Row farm houses and the picturesque Oxbow Bend made famous by Ansel Adams, but there are gorgeous photo ops to be had all throughout the park. Use the GyPSy narrated driving app, a helpful and family-friendly way to learn about what you’re seeing as you drive through the park and then make a stop at the Dornans Trading Post and Deli to pack a picnic lunch for your hike to beautiful Taggart Lake.

With plenty of activities (hiking, biking, water activities on the lakes, scenic drives, camping, searching for wildlife and more) you won’t be bored on a long vacation, but don’t feel like you have to spend an entire week in the park.  Grand Teton is easy to explore and you can accomplish a lot of sightseeing in a few short days (or even one if that’s all you have).  It’s open year-round so you can visit in the winter too (but check the official website for specific road closures and weather-related info). 

While staying in nearby Jackson Hole, Wyoming we had ample time to explore the western-themed mountain town, take an exciting white-water rafting trip down the Snake River and revel in the star-filled Teton night sky with a stargazing experience provided by Wyoming Stargazing.   

Visiting Yellowstone National Park before or after your trip is also a must-do (Grand Teton is closest to Yellowstone’s south entrance), as both of them offer a unique National Park experience. 

Where to stay: The Wort Hotel

18- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 

By Cindy – Free Two Roam

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and, as its name suggests, it’s all about the volcanoes! Home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a truly unique park and very different from any national park you will find on the mainland.

There is plenty to do in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Our favourite activity was the Kīlauea Iki Trail. This moderate hike passes through a rain forest, before descending onto the floor of the solidified Kīlauea Iki Crater lava lake. Once there, you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet, as you pass by steam vents, cinder cones, spatter cones and lava-adapted flora.

If hiking is not your thing, drive the Chain of Craters Road where you’ll still be able to see old craters and lava flows. It’s only a short drive but there are many cool stops along the way. You’ll experience epic views of the ocean, short walks on solidified lava and there are even ancient petroglyphs to check out. This drive will give you a real sense of the scale and magnitude of the volcano and its past eruptions.

But before you do anything, stop by the Kīlauea Visitor Center and speak to a ranger. They know all about the volcano’s latest activities and they’ll help you plan your time in the park.

After Kīlauea’s huge eruption in 2018, which caused a lot of damage to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s been quieter lava-wise there. But, flowing lava or not, this national park is worth your time.

Where to stay: Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant 

Do you have a favorite U.S. national park? Let us know in the comments below.