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The United States has a total of 63 national parks. These protected areas offer an unforgettable mix of beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Covering over 84 million acres of mountains, forests, deserts, rivers, and coastal shores, the U.S. national parks attract more than 300M visitors each year.
After traveling across the country and visiting many of these iconic parks myself, I’ve narrowed down the 10 best national parks to visit in the US. Whether you love hiking, wildlife spotting, photography, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, this guide will help you find your next favorite destination.
Let’s explore the most breathtaking parks in the country!
1. Yellowstone National Park: Top National Park in US
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Size: 2.2 million acres
Annual Visitors: 3.3 million
Best For: Geysers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes
Yellowstone National Park is for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Established in 1872, it’s not only the first national park in the United States but also the first in the world.
Top Highlights:
- Old Faithful: This famous geyser erupts every 90 mins, shooting boiling hot water up to 180 feet into the air. Watching it feels like a natural fireworks show.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: A colorful place in the park, this hot spring has a rainbow-like appearance with vibrant blue, orange, and green shades.
- Wildlife Watching: Yellowstone is home to bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles. Lamar Valley is the best spot for wildlife spotting, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is another highlight. This massive canyon features dramatic waterfalls and colorful rock formations that make it one of the most scenic spots in the park.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) are the best times to visit for fewer crowds and active wildlife.
Pro Tip: Stay overnight in a lodge or campground to fully experience the park. Early mornings are perfect for spotting wildlife.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
Size: 1.2 million acres
Annual Visitors: 4.7 million
Best For: Hiking, photography, and panoramic views
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It stretches 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep. Standing at the edge and looking out at the colorful layers of rock is truly breathtaking.
Things to Do:
- South Rim: This is the most popular area of the park, offering incredible viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point. The Rim Trail is an easy way to explore multiple viewpoints without intense hiking.
- Bright Angel Trail: If you’re up for an adventure, hike part of this trail to get deeper into the canyon.
- North Rim: The North Rim is perfect for a quiet and peaceful experience as it’s less crowded than the South Rim.
For a once-in-a-lifetime view, book a helicopter tour over the canyon. The aerial perspective is unforgettable!
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss sunrise or sunset – the canyon colors change dramatically, creating magical views.
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3. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
Size: 750,000 acres
Annual Visitors: 3.7 million
Best For: Waterfalls, granite cliffs, and giant sequoia trees
Yosemite National Park is a wonderland of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and peaceful meadows. It’s a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves being surrounded by nature.
Must-See Spots:
- El Capitan: This towering granite cliff is over 3,000 feet tall and a dream destination for rock climbers. Even if you’re not climbing, just seeing it up close is awe-inspiring.
- Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in the park and one of the tallest in North America, dropping a total of 2,425 feet.
- Mariposa Grove: Walk among giant sequoia trees that are thousands of years old.
If you love hiking, try the Mist Trail for a closer look at Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. For a stunning panoramic view, visit Glacier Point.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) for waterfalls or fall (September-October) for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Pro Tip: Book your park entry and accommodations in advance if visiting during summer.
4. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Size: 146,000 acres
Annual Visitors: 4.5 million
Best For: Red cliffs, canyons, and adventurous hikes
Zion National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the US, as it is a paradise of red rock cliffs and deep canyons. Its dramatic landscapes make it one of the most photographed parks in the U.S.
Top Hikes:
- Angels Landing: A challenging hike with narrow paths and chains for support. The view from the top is worth every step.
- The Narrows: Hike through the Virgin River surrounded by towering canyon walls. It’s an unforgettable experience!
- Riverside Walk: An easy, family-friendly trail with great views of the canyon.
For a relaxed visit, hop on the Zion Shuttle to explore the main canyon without needing to drive.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Pro Tip: Start your hikes early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy quieter trails.
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5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Size: 522,000 acres
Annual Visitors: 12 million (most visited national park)
Best For: Scenic drives, wildlife, and lush forests
The Great Smoky Mountains are a nature lover’s dream, filled with misty mountains, rivers, and dense forests.
Highlights:
- Cades Cove Loop: A scenic drive where you can spot black bears, deer, and turkeys.
- Clingmans Dome: The tallest place in the park with panoramic mountain views.
- Wildflower Walks: Visit in spring to see colorful wildflowers in full bloom.
The park is perfect for friends and families, with plenty of short hikes, picnic spots, and easy scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for brilliant autumn foliage or spring for wildflowers.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid traffic on popular scenic drives.
6. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Size: 1 million acres
Annual Visitors: 3 million
Best For: Majestic mountains, lakes, and glaciers
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park offers some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the U.S. This park is a dream for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Highlights of Glacier National Park:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: This 50-mile scenic drive cuts through the park and offers jaw-dropping views of mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, is a must-see stop.
- Lake McDonald: The park’s largest lake, famous for its crystal-clear water and colorful pebbles. You can rent a kayak or just relax by the shore.
- Hiking Trails: With 700+ miles of trails, there’s something for everyone:
- Highline Trail: A popular hike with panoramic views of the mountains.
- Hidden Lake Trail: An easier hike that leads to beautiful views of Hidden Lake and wildflowers.
- Wildlife Watching: You can see mountain goats, grizzly bears, moose, and bighorn sheep.
The park is named for its glaciers, though many have shrunk due to climate change. However, it’s still a stunning place to explore and witness nature’s beauty.
Best Time to Visit: July to September when all roads are open and snow has melted from the higher elevations.
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning to secure parking at popular trailheads and viewpoints.
7. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Size: 49,000 acres
Annual Visitors: 4 million
Best For: Coastal views, hiking, and scenic drives
Acadia National Park is a gem on the East Coast, known for its rugged coastline, dense forests, and panoramic ocean views. It’s the perfect place to explore both land and sea.
Must-See Places in Acadia:
- Cadillac Mountain: The tallest mountain on the U.S. East Coast. Visitors love watching the sunrise here, as it’s the first place in the U.S. to see the sun in certain seasons.
- Park Loop Road: This 27-mile scenic drive takes you through the best parts of the park, including stunning coastline views and forested areas.
- Ocean Path Trail: An easy hike that follows the coastline, offering gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Stop at Thunder Hole to hear waves crash into a rocky cave, creating a loud, thunder-like sound.
- Sand Beach: A small, sandy beach perfect for relaxing or taking a cold dip in the ocean.
Biking is also a big attraction in Acadia, thanks to its carriage roads – car-free pathways that wind through the park’s beautiful scenery.
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-October) for cooler weather and stunning autumn foliage, or summer for perfect coastal conditions.
Pro Tip: Book a sunrise trip to Cadillac Mountain early – spots fill up quickly.
8. Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Size: 76,000 acres
Annual Visitors: 1.6 million
Best For: Unique rock formations and stargazing
Arches National Park feels like stepping onto another planet. Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the park is filled with otherworldly rock formations and landscapes. It’s a photographer’s paradise.
Top Things to See and Do:
- Delicate Arch: The most famous arch in the park and a symbol of Utah. The hike to reach it is about 3 miles roundtrip and offers stunning views, especially at sunset.
- Landscape Arch: Stretching over 300 feet, it is one of the longest natural arches in the world. It’s accessible via a short, easy hike.
- Double Arch: A unique formation where two arches share the same foundation. It’s a great spot for photos.
- Stargazing: Arches National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to see the Milky Way.
The red rock landscapes look especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the light brings out their rich colors.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (around Apr-May) and fall (around Sep-Oct) for mild weather. Summers can get extremely hot.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially if you’re planning to hike Delicate Arch in this one of the best national parks to visit in the US.
9. Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
Size: 265,000 acres
Annual Visitors: 4.3 million
Best For: Mountain views, hiking, and wildlife spotting
Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and vast meadows, it’s one of the most stunning parks in the country.
Highlights of the Park:
- Trail Ridge Road: Known as the “Highway to the Sky,” this scenic road takes you to elevations of over 12,000 feet.
- Bear Lake: An easy, family-friendly hike that leads to a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by tall trees.
- Emerald Lake Trail: A beautiful hike that passes by Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching Emerald Lake, with incredible mountain views.
- Wildlife Watching: Elk, moose, black bears and marmots can be easily seen here. In fall, you can witness the elk rut (mating season) when male elk bugle to attract mates.
The park is stunning in all seasons, but winter offers activities like snowshoeing and sledding.
Best Time to Visit: June through September when roads and trails are accessible.
Pro Tip: Pack layers – even in summer, it can get cold at high elevations.
10. Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
Size: 1.5 million acres
Annual Visitors: 1 million
Best For: Wildlife, boating, and unique wetlands
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, known for its wetlands, slow-moving rivers, and diverse wildlife.
Best Experiences in the Everglades:
- Airboat Tour: Take a thrilling airboat ride to explore the park’s vast wetlands. Keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, and wading birds like herons and egrets.
- Wildlife Spotting: The Everglades are home to rare species like the American crocodile, manatees, and even the endangered Florida panther.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through mangroves and calm waters to spot manatees and dolphins.
- Anhinga Trail: A short boardwalk trail where you can see alligators and birds up close. It’s a great spot for photography.
The Everglades are essential to Florida’s ecosystem, acting as a natural filter for water and a home for hundreds of species.
Best Time to Visit: December to April during the dry season when wildlife is more active and mosquitoes are less of a problem.
Pro Tip: Wear insect repellent and sun protection – the Florida sun can be intense.
Conclusion: Best National Parks to Visit in the US
From the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite to the wetlands of the Everglades, the U.S. national parks are filled with beauty, adventure, and wonder. Whether you’re looking to hike through rugged mountains, photograph stunning landscapes, or relax by crystal-clear lakes, there’s a national park perfect for you.
These 10 national parks are just a glimpse of the natural treasures America has to offer. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and start exploring!