The best national parks in USA sprinkle a little magic on any vacation. Sure, Denali’s snow-capped peaks and Mt. Rainier’s hidden alpine lakes look stunning in photos, but seeing them in person? That’s a whole other level of wow. These landscapes offer jaw-dropping views and some serious shifts in perspective. Pair that with a dreamy place to crash, and you’re all set for a trip that’s nothing short of transformative.
America’s national parks weren’t just created to look pretty; they’re here to protect and boost our quality of life. And let’s face it, the best time to visit the best national parks in USA is pretty much always. But this year, we’ve handpicked some standout parks that are just screaming for a visit, along with top-notch hotels and rentals that’ll make your stay unforgettable. Based on countless trips and a lot of travel know-how, we’ve rounded up the best national parks in USA to visit in 2024—and where to stay near each one. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
Discover the Magic: 5 Best National Parks in USA You’ll Regret Not Seeing!
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Yosemite National Park: A Treasure in the Best National Parks in USA
Who Will Love It: Group getaways, multilevel hikers, landscape photographers
All-Star Attractions: Mist Trail, Glacier Point, Mirror Lake
What Not To Miss: Biking Yosemite Valley
Where To Stay: Firefall Ranch, AutoCamp Yosemite, The Moonstone Retreat
Yosemite National Park isn’t just a pretty face; it’s the OG of protected lands in the USA. President Lincoln himself signed it into preservation back in 1864, making it a legend before the national park system was even a thing. The best national parks in USA list is incomplete without Yosemite’s timeless beauty—think massive granite cliffs with waterfalls galore (thousands, if you’re counting) breaking into roaring rapids.
And unlike some parks that leave you roughing it, Yosemite knows how to pamper. After a day of epic hikes, rafting the Merced River, or chilling at Mirror Lake, you can indulge in a tasty dinner and drinks right within the park. Try the Half Dome pizza at Curry Village’s Pizza Deck—it’s a slice of heaven you won’t forget. Yosemite truly stands out among the best national parks in USA, offering the perfect mix of rugged adventure and creature comforts.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in the USA That Will Amaze You
Glacier National Park
Who Will Love It: Leaf peepers, glacier seekers, binocular owners
All-Star Attractions: Grinnell Glacier Trail, Lake McDonald, Hidden Lake Trail
What Not To Miss: Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road
Where To Stay: Many Glacier Hotel, Après Whitefish, River Haus
Forget the rose-colored glasses—you won’t need them here. At Glacier National Park, a standout among the best national parks in USA, nature paints in vivid hues. Lake McDonald is a natural kaleidoscope, with brightly colored stones reflecting centuries of glacial history through its crystal-clear waters.
Buckle up for an unforgettable drive across the Continental Divide on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, where every turn offers a postcard-worthy view. Brave souls might want to take a dip in one of the glacial lakes along the trails—just don’t forget your swimsuit! Wildlife lovers, grab your binoculars because this park is teeming with bighorn sheep, bald eagles, bears, and moose. Glacier National Park truly shines as one of the best national parks in USA, delivering dramatic vistas, thrilling hikes, and endless opportunities for adventure and awe.
Olympic National Park: A Wonderland in the Best National Parks in USA
Who Will Love It: Rainforest fanatics, sea-to-summit lovers, sunset chasers
All-Star Attractions: Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, Hurricane Ridge
What Not To Miss: A Kalaloch sunset
Where To Stay: Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge, Waterfront Tiny Home
Whether you’re into mountains, oceans, or lakes, Olympic National Park’s nearly one million acres have got you covered. This gem among the best national parks in USA boasts a smorgasbord of ecosystems—from towering mountains and rugged coastlines to lush lowland forests and some of the best-preserved temperate rainforests in North America.
Get lost in the magical tidal pools of Rialto Beach, brimming with colorful sea stars, green anemones, and red sea urchins, or watch waves crash against the dramatic sea stacks and arch rocks. Feeling adventurous? Rent a boat or paddleboard at Lake Crescent, hike up to Hurricane Ridge or Mount Storm King for jaw-dropping views, or wander through the mystical Hall of Mosses rainforest walk. Olympic National Park truly deserves its spot in the best national parks in USA list, offering a buffet of activities and landscapes that promise unforgettable experiences and Instagram-worthy moments.
Yellowstone National Park: The Ultimate Showstopper in the Best National Parks in USA
Who Will Love It: Wildlife watchers, geology buffs, family vacationers
All-Star Attractions: Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Artist’s Point
What Not To Miss: Watching Old Faithful erupt
Where To Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch, Yellowstone Peaks Hotel, Eagles Wings Mountain House
When it comes to the best national parks in USA, Yellowstone National Park is the ultimate showstopper. This geothermal wonderland boasts over 10,000 hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and, of course, the legendary geysers like Old Faithful. It’s like Mother Nature’s version of a fireworks show, but hotter and steamier.
Yellowstone isn’t just about boiling water; it’s also a wildlife paradise. This June, a white buffalo calf was born here, fulfilling a Lakota prophecy and reminding us to take better care of our planet and its creatures. Expect to see American Bison casually strolling across Lamar Valley roads, wolves and foxes frolicking in the fields, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the elusive wolverines and lynx. Whether you’re a geology geek or just love watching animals in their natural habitat, Yellowstone promises an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your binoculars and camera, and get ready to experience one of the best national parks in USA!
Denali National Park: Alaska’s Crown Jewel in the Best National Parks in USA
Who Will Love It: Animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurous travelers
All-Star Attractions: Horseshoe Lake Trail, Denali National Park Kennels, Mount Denali
What Not To Miss: An aerial view of the park by helicopter, plane, or zipline
Where To Stay: Denali Backcountry Lodge, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Denali Bear Cabin
Welcome to Denali National Park, one of the best national parks in USA where six million acres of snowy splendor and wildlife await. For those seeking thrills or a zen retreat, Denali’s got it all. Imagine standing at the base of North America’s tallest peak, feeling like a tiny speck in the universe, or experiencing the adrenaline rush of dog sledding demos. And if you’re there from August to April, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights—a celestial show you don’t want to miss.
Driving? Nah, that’s for other parks. Here, only the first 15 miles of the 92-mile park road are open to private vehicles (and FYI, the road’s currently closed at Mile 43). Instead, go wild with alternative transportation: buses, bikes, rafts, ATVs, Jeeps, helicopters—you name it. Keep those peepers peeled for grizzlies, wolves, and elk roaming around. Denali National Park is truly a standout in the best national parks in USA, offering a mix of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty that’s second to none.
Big Bend National Park: Texas’ Hidden Gem in the Best National Parks in USA
Who Will Love It: Desert dwellers, hot springs enthusiasts, fossil seekers
All-Star Attractions: Langford Hot Springs, Lost Mine Trail, Fossil Discovery Exhibit
What Not To Miss: A dip in the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon
Where To Stay: Summit Big Bend, El Cosmico, The Perch
If you’ve ever dreamt of Zion’s jaw-dropping canyons and iconic Narrows hike but cringe at the thought of crowds, Big Bend National Park is your Texas-sized answer. This remote park offers all the drama without the masses. Imagine wild horses grazing as you soak in natural hot springs next to the Rio Grande, or spotting shooting stars in one of the darkest skies in the continental USA. Oh, and did we mention fossils? Over 90 dinosaur species have been discovered here, making it a fossil hunter’s paradise.
Big Bend truly embodies the Wild West in the Chihuahuan Desert. Picture tumbleweeds, javelina pigs, and roadrunners as you drive from the desert ghost town of Terlingua to this hidden wonder. For anyone compiling a list of the best national parks in USA, Big Bend is a must-visit, blending solitude, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking the Lost Mine Trail, exploring the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, or taking a dip in the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend promises an unforgettable adventure.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoo Heaven in the Best National Parks in USA
Who Will Love It: Family roadtrippers, stargazers, rock lovers
All-Star Attractions: Inspiration Point, Fairyland Loop, Queens Garden/Navajo Loop
What Not To Miss: A sunrise at Sunrise Point
Where To Stay: Bryce Canyon Inn, Stone Canyon Inn, Dry Valley Ranch
Utah may be full of surreal landscapes, but Bryce Canyon National Park steals the show with its jaw-dropping hoodoos. These spire-shaped rock formations, painted in vibrant hues of red, orange, and white, set the stage for some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see. An extensive trail network and panoramic vistas showcase nature’s incredible artistry, making it a top contender among the best national parks in USA.
Whether you’re trekking through the Fairyland Loop or marveling at the amphitheaters from Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon promises unforgettable moments. Enjoy its beauty under a blanket of snow or sunshine—it’s a year-round spectacle that should be on everyone’s list of the best national parks in USA.
White Sands National Park
Who Will Love It: Sand sledders, lucid dreamers, moonrise catchers
All-Star Attractions: Dunes Drive, Dune Life Nature Trail, Interdune Boardwalk
What Not To Miss: A sled down the dunes at sunset
Where To Stay: Hotel Encanto, Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat, The Desert Dome
Buckle up for White Sands National Park, one of the best national parks in USA, where endless stretches of sparkling gypsum dunes create a surreal playground. Picture this: the sun sets behind the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, casting dramatic shadows and painting the sands in shades of gold and pink. Grab a freshly waxed sled and channel your inner child as you zip down the dunes at sunset—pure magic!
Wander barefoot through a landscape that holds the most Ice Age-era fossilized footprints on earth. The kids will go wild, and the whole family will be mesmerized by the ever-changing patterns of light and shadow. Sure, you’ll need to drive an hour or so to get here from your cozy retreat, but rekindling a sense of wonder makes it all worthwhile. White Sands is truly a standout among the best national parks in USA, offering a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.
