The top U.S. national parks you must experience at least once (or maybe twice)

From arid deserts with quirky, Dr. Seuss-like trees to lush coastal wetlands, the diverse landscapes of our national parks are nothing short of breathtaking.

During the pandemic, as many sought refuge in the great outdoors, we were reminded of the incredible sights we can explore without venturing abroad.

National parks aren’t losing their appeal anytime soon. With flight and hotel prices rising over recent years, travelers are increasingly turning to nature for their getaways closer to home.

In 2023, the National Park Service reported a 4% rise in recreation visits, totaling 325 million. While most parks have dropped advance ticket requirements from the pandemic era, some still maintain entry restrictions, including timed reservations, permits for top trails, and tickets for unique events like Yosemite's iconic 'firefall' optical illusion.

Before finalizing your national park vacation this year, be sure to check for any new entry requirements and confirm that your desired dates are available.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, remember that the National Park System boasts hundreds of diverse sites, including historic battlefields, monuments, rivers, and scenic parkways. But the 63 national parks remain the crown jewels of the system—each a stunningly unique natural wonder. Here are 20 of our absolute favorites.

Yellowstone National Park

Why visit: It’s home to more than half of the planet’s active hydrothermal features.
Must-see: The vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, the world’s third-largest hot spring.
Getting there: The nearest airports are Yellowstone Airport (WYS), Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

The National Park Service’s legacy began in 1872 with the establishment of the country’s first national park.

This geologically fascinating landscape is primarily located in Wyoming, though it also stretches into Montana and Idaho. Spanning 2.2 million acres, the park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, such as bison, mountain goats, and elk. It features bubbling geysers, steamy hot springs, and towering mountains. Roughly 4 million visitors flock to this incredibly popular national park each year to witness its awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Acadia National Park

Why visit: Acadia National Park showcases Maine’s stunning wilderness with its granite cliffs, deep blue waters, and misty beaches.
Must-see: A hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise—the highest point along the North Atlantic coast.
Getting there: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is conveniently close to the park. Alternatively, fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and take a connecting flight on Cape Air or Silver Airways.

Acadia National Park in Maine offers a stunning blend of rocky coastlines, wind-battered beaches, and rugged woodlands interspersed with trails. Depending on the season, Cadillac Mountain—the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard—often becomes one of the first spots in the country to greet the morning sun.

Shenandoah National Park

Why visit: The park is famous for its breathtaking fall foliage, typically reaching its peak in late October or early November.
Must-see: The 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, renowned for its 69 scenic overlooks and numerous recreational opportunities.
How to get there: Fly into any major airport in the Washington, D.C. area, such as Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park spans 200,000 acres in Virginia, offering scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway (connecting the park with the Great Smoky Mountains) and the Skyline Drive, which runs through the heart of the park. Visitors also flock here for its picturesque hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

White Sands National Park

Why visit: The park’s wave-like dunes of gypsum sand shimmer brilliantly under the sun.
Must-do: Try sand sledding down the towering dunes for an unforgettable thrill.
Getting there: The nearest airport is El Paso International Airport (ELP), about 85 miles south of the park.

This 275-square-mile expanse of desert is dominated by sparkling white gypsum dunes visible from space. Situated in New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, these monumental sand dunes draw adventurers eager to hike and slide across the otherworldly landscape.

Grand Teton National Park

Why visit: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from mountaineering and hiking to kayaking, canoeing, and winter snow sports.
Must-do: Hike the 7-mile Jenny Lake Trail for breathtaking views.
How to get there: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located right inside Grand Teton National Park, is the most convenient airport for travelers coming from outside the area.

Wyoming’s Teton Range offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the U.S., often compared to the majestic Dolomites of Italy. The hiking here is world-class, as is the fishing and boating along the Snake River. After a day of outdoor adventure, retreat to the charming Western town of Jackson Hole, where you can redeem points for a stay at The Cloudveil, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, or indulge in luxury at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.

Everglades National Park

Why visit: The Everglades, the largest subtropical wetlands in the U.S., is an ecological gem.
Must-see: The Anhinga Trail, where you're almost guaranteed sightings of the park's native inhabitants, including alligators, turtles, otters, herons, and various exotic birds.
Getting there: Located a short drive southwest of Miami, the best airport to fly into is likely Miami International Airport (MIA).

Covering an impressive 1.5 million acres, the Florida Everglades is a unique ecosystem that shelters rare and endangered species such as the Florida panther, American crocodile, West Indian manatee, and leatherback turtles. This wetland area is essentially a gentle, slow-moving river teeming with sawgrass, best explored via a flat-bottomed airboat that glides across the surface.

Yosemite National Park

Why visit: Experience breathtaking scenery, a wealth of wildlife, and amazing hiking trails.
Must-see: The iconic granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan, the stunning Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in North America.
Getting there: Be prepared for a drive of an hour or more to reach Yosemite. The nearest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

Yosemite National Park in California is renowned for its striking granite monoliths, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking glacier-carved valleys, making it one of the country's most iconic national parks. To avoid the crowds, head to the high country or visit the popular recreation areas during weekdays.

Denali National Park

Why visit: For adventure enthusiasts, Denali offers some of the country’s finest wilderness hikes, wildlife sightings, and dramatic landscapes.
Must-do: Go off-trail along the Toklat East Branch and keep an eye out for caribou and bears.
How to get there: Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is the main gateway to Denali National Park.

Head to one of the most pristine and rugged stretches of wilderness left in the U.S., crowned by Denali, North America's tallest peak. In Alaska’s Denali National Park, travelers can encounter moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves, witness the northern lights, and immerse themselves in a remote world that still feels untamed and undiscovered.

Joshua Tree National Park

Why visit: A fascinating desert ecosystem, Joshua Tree is home to a stunning variety of plant life, uniquely shaped rock formations, and remnants of 5,000 years of human history.
Must-see: Amazing stargazing opportunities and, for climbers, giant boulders to conquer.
Getting there: The nearest airport to Joshua Tree is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), but many visitors travel from Los Angeles or San Diego.

Situated at the crossroads of the Mojave and Colorado deserts in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is famed for its towering boulders and the quirky yucca trees that give the park its name. Be mindful that temperatures in this desert landscape can rise significantly in the summer, so always bring plenty of water.

Redwood National Park

Why visit: This 37-mile stretch along California’s northern coast is home to nearly half of the tallest trees on the planet.
Don’t miss: Tall Trees Grove, where some of the tallest and most awe-inspiring redwoods reside.
How to get there: The closest airport is Humboldt County Airport (ACV), with direct flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. Larger airports like San Francisco International (SFO) also offer scenic drives to the park.

California's redwood forests are a true natural wonder, housing some of the tallest trees on Earth. Here, you can encounter the record-breaking Hyperion tree, which soars to 380 feet. With trails winding through the towering giants, the park offers countless opportunities to wander beneath these colossal trees.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Why visit: Majestic snow-covered peaks, lush meadows sculpted by glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers in the spring.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views along Trail Ridge Road.
How to get there: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the nearest major airport to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering numerous flight options.

In Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, jagged peaks and alpine terrain define the landscape. Over 300 miles of hiking trails wind through this pristine wilderness, yet scenic roads ensure the park is easily accessible. It's easy to see why this park is regarded as one of the most awe-inspiring places in the country.

Olympic National Park

Why visit: One of the least explored regions in the U.S., Olympic National Park features dramatic coastlines, towering glaciated peaks, and lush, emerald-green rainforests.
Don’t miss: Drive to Hurricane Ridge for sweeping mountain views, and hike the 1.6-mile Hurricane Hill trail for panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
How to get there: Most visitors fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) before heading to Olympic National Park.

Olympic National Park covers nearly 1 million acres, offering a diverse landscape that ranges from ancient rainforests to rugged coastlines with scenic beaches and dramatic cliffs. The park also features mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers, perfect for adventurous paddlers. Beyond its natural beauty, this sacred place is rich in cultural significance as well.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Why visit: A haven for biodiversity, this park is filled with ancient hemlocks, lush old-growth forests, stunning waterfalls, and the iconic mist-covered peaks that give it its name.
Don’t miss: The Cove Hardwoods Trail is a must-see between March and June when wildflowers blanket the landscape against the backdrop of soaring mountains. Alternatively, enter the lottery for the chance to see the mesmerizing synchronous fireflies lighting up the park each summer.
How to get there: The closest airport on the Tennessee side is Knoxville's McGee Tyson Airport (TYS), but Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers more flight options.

Stretching across the North Carolina and Tennessee border, the Great Smoky Mountains is the nation's most visited national park—and for good reason. Known for its misty mountains and being a family favorite, it’s especially beautiful in the fall when vibrant foliage lights up the landscape. These ancient mountains are among the oldest on the planet.

Zion National Park

Why visit: Famous for its striking red rock formations, breathtaking hiking and biking trails, diverse wildlife, and a charming nearby town.
Don’t miss: The Angels Landing trail — regarded as one of the most picturesque hikes in the world.
How to get there: Fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) or Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), then take a scenic drive to Zion.

Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park, is known for its dramatic slot canyons and towering sandstone cliffs. While it’s a hotspot for canyoneering, hiking, and climbing, there are also plenty of accessible trails perfect for families.

Glacier National Park

Why visit: Known for its awe-inspiring glaciers, crystal-clear alpine lakes, towering forests, and diverse wildlife.
Don’t miss: Drive the iconic 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road for some of the most breathtaking vistas.
How to get there: The main gateway to Glacier is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. Alternatively, you can fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or Missoula Montana Airport (MSO).

In Montana, Glacier National Park offers one of the last places in the U.S. to witness the vanishing glaciers (35 named glaciers), and it's home to the world's first Dark Sky Park spanning an international border. The park is also a prime spot for seeing incredible wildlife.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Why visit: A land of fire and ice, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the Big Island’s most active volcanoes: the lava-spewing Kilauea and the often snow-capped Mauna Loa.
Don’t miss: A hike through otherworldly landscapes, including the sulfurous pit of Halemaumau Crater and the longest lava tube in the world, Kazumura.
How to get there: The park is easily accessible by car from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island, still very much influenced by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. In 2018, Pele dramatically reshaped the park with the eruption of Kilauea. After months of seismic activity, the park reopened, revealing new black sand beaches and an even more impressive crater, all set against a constantly evolving volcanic landscape.

Arches National Park

Why visit: Home to delicate sandstone arches, deep gorges, intricate rock formations, and expansive valleys, Arches National Park offers a landscape like no other.
Don’t miss: A scenic 18-mile drive through the park that showcases over 2,000 of the park’s incredible natural structures.
How to get there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and take a four-hour drive to the park, or fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) which is about two hours away.

Another stunning example of Utah’s natural beauty, this park offers a surreal landscape of red rock arches, fins, and spires that look straight out of a Dali painting. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting the nearby Canyonlands National Park, which features similar geology but attracts fewer crowds.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Why visit: Crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in North America.
Don’t miss: The imposing Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century structure rising out of the ocean.
How to get there: Fly into Key West International Airport (EYW), then take the high-speed Yankee Freedom III ferry to the park.

Located about 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. Despite its name, the park is predominantly water, with shipwrecks and vibrant reefs perfect for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also camp on the beach and explore Fort Jefferson, a massive, unfinished fort from the 19th century.

Big Bend National Park

Why visit: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with varied landscapes ranging from deserts and mountains to rivers.
Don't miss: The challenging trek to Emory Peak offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Chisos Mountains.
How to get there: Big Bend is remote, requiring a scenic road trip of about five hours from El Paso or six hours from San Antonio to reach this hidden gem.

With its dark, starry skies, vast desert vistas, and rugged terrain, Big Bend National Park in West Texas is a stargazing haven. The park is also a great destination for adventure seekers, offering thrilling experiences for kayakers and canoers on the Rio Grande River.

New River Gorge National Park

Why visit: This park is a hub for thrill-seekers, offering exciting activities like white-water rafting, mountain biking, and the unique Bridge Walk.
Don't miss: The 2-mile Endless Wall Trail, which is especially stunning during sunset.
How to get there: West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is the main gateway for air travelers, with a two-hour drive to New River Gorge from Charleston.

Known locally as 'The New,' this West Virginia park is famed for its wild white-water rapids, challenging rock climbing routes on the towering sandstone cliffs, and the iconic 3,000-foot steel bridge that spans the gorge.