View Breathtaking Landscapes At These Top 20 National Parks In The US

 

From mountain ranges, geysers, and fields of wildflowers to diverse wildlife, desert landscapes, and swamp lands, the national parks in the United States have something for every type of terrain lover. After all, there is a collection of over 85 million miles of National Parks to explore! 

Our family has loved traveling to many of these top 20 national parks in the US. We spent an entire month one summer traveling between our favorites. Many parks have onsite or nearby camping! My boys still talk about that trip. My oldest loves reminiscing about the airboat ride we took through Everglades National Park, and my youngest recounts the time he saw black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Every national park offers a unique experience. The hardest part is deciding which to visit! To make this easier, we’ve visited and researched them to compile a list of our favorite 20, what each park offers, and where families can stay while visiting.

[lwptoc]

 

NO TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!

 

Texas

Big Bend National Park 

This serene desert refuge is one of the least visited national parks, perfect for finding solitude. While “desert” might conjure images of a beige, barren landscape, Big Bend National Park is filled with colorful desert flowers, birds, and diverse wildlife. 

 

 

Far from city lights, Big Bend National Park has incredible stargazing, hot springs, towering canyons, and views of the Chisos Mountains. Trek ridgeline trails and spot white-tailed deer, gray foxes, mountain lions, and Mexican jays in the valleys below, or get a different perspective kayaking the Rio Grande. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Big Bend National Park

There are campsites for every adventuring style, from solitary areas at the end of hikes to designated camping areas. It’s only $10 to stay per night, and getting a permit is easy. 

Families who like their park stays with a little lux can check out the Lajitas Golf Resort with its award-winning golf course, zip line course, SUP on the Rio Grande, and onsite restaurant.

 

Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is known for deep, narrow waterways called fjords, ice fields, and glaciers, offering a peek inside the ice age. Visitors can see the 700-square mile Harding Icefield, formed 23,000 years ago. 

See the icefield in its full glory from the 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail or visit the less intense Glacier Overlook Trail and Glacier View Loop. Guided hikes are available. Kayak and boat tours are also popular from May to September. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Kenai Fjords National Park

The Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge is open May to September and is perfect for families that enjoy excursions and amenities. Stay in bungalow-style lodgings with private porches and enjoy fishing, an onsite restaurant, and excursions like guided hikes and kayak tours. 

 

Denali National Park

Spanning 6 million miles of undeveloped Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park is home to Mount Denali, the tallest peak in America, towering at 20,310 feet. With tons of unmarked trails, this national park is perfect for experienced hikers and explorers who appreciate an icy landscape. 

 

 

Denali National Park also offers free seasonal ranger-led hikes, plus scenic drives of the 92-mile-long Denali Park Road, perfect for views of Wonder Lake and Savage River. Families can also explore by ATV, by Fat Truck, or by white water!  

 

Where to Stay Near Denali National Park

The Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge has a breathtaking mountain backdrop, onsite restaurants offering the best Alaskan cuisine, and staff knowledgeable about local hiking trails and activities, including four-wheeling, rafting, ziplining, and glacier treks. 

 

DON’T MISS! 7 Essential Things You Must Know Before a National Park Vacation

 

Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Find diverse wildlife and ever-changing foliage at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Made up of the Appalachian mountain range, the Smoky Mountains are filled with colorful wildflowers from early spring to early summer and fall foliage from mid-October to mid-November. 

Take the 11-mile loop around Cade’s Cove for wildflower views or hike to rivers and waterfalls in the heavily forested Greenbrier area. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Buckhorn Inn is set on 25 acres with views of the Smoky Mountains. Watch the fog roll over mountain peaks while enjoying morning coffee in one of the upgraded suites with balconies, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. 

 

California

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the best national parks in California, visited more than any other park in its state because of its forested land, glacier-made rock formations, and impressive waterfalls best viewed in the spring, including Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. 

 

 

Yosemite National Park can be visited year-round for diverse activities, including rock climbing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, swimming, and fishing when it’s warm and snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding when it’s cold. 

Not big on hiking? Stop by Tunnel View Overlook for panoramic views of Yosemite with no hiking required. 

 

Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park

The best place for waterfall lovers to stay is Yosemite Valley Lodge. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant, and views of Yosemite Falls. A shuttle also stops at the Lodge on its way to and from Yosemite Park. 

 

Sequoia National Park

In the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, visitors will find the General Sherman Tree. At 275 feet tall and 36 feet across, this is the largest tree in America. Appreciate this and other towering Sequoias, meadows, rivers, and wildlife on hiking trails in the area. Climb Moro Rock for views of the wilderness of San Joaquin Valley, horseback ride through designated trails, or go fishing or kayaking on Hume Lake. 

We loved our private tour through Sequoia National Park where we got to see the highlights and learn a few things too! 

 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Sequoia National Park

Silver City Mountain Resort offers lodgings, including historic 1930s cabins and chic chalets. Located just 4 miles from Mineral King Valley, it’s perfect for catching glimpses of the park. 

 

Kings Canyon National Park

Sitting next to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon holds the largest grove of Sequoia trees in the world! Be sure to take the 50-mile drive through the park down Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. There are stops along the way, including a panoramic view of the South and Middle Forks of Kings Canyon at Junction View. Or, hike to the thunderous Roarin’ Falls or The General Grant Tree, affectionately known as “America’s Christmas Tree.” 

 

 

Families can take a private day tour of both Kings Canyon and Sequoia with a pick up in Los Angeles! Kids (and adults) can nap while their family travels and someone else drives.

 

Where to Stay Near Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon is a great place for camping, with fourteen parks throughout the national park. Two of them are open year-round!

 

Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks is known for its towering redwoods, with many of these trees standing 300+ feet tall. However, guests will also see prairies, rivers, and 40 miles of the Pacific Coast shoreline.

 

 

Watch for birds, elk, and sea lions while exploring! And for families just passing through, consider scenic drives like Enderts Beach Road and Howland Hill to take in some of the landscape. 

 

Where to Stay Near Redwood National and State Parks

Nearby, stay in the lakeside Historic Requa Inn. Some rooms have claw-foot tubs, fireplaces, or views of the lake from the balcony. 

 

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an easy day trip from Denver, but it would take days to appreciate all 350 miles of scenic trails, 10,000-foot mountains, and gorgeous lakes. One of the more popular, easier treks with views of the park’s beauty is the 5-mile Emerald Lake Trail loop, but Trail Ridge Road also offers scenic drives. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Something about riverside cabins sounds so cozy! It’s even better when the views and sounds of the river can be enjoyed from an outdoor hot tub at the Inn on Fall River. 

 

Florida

Everglades National Park

The 1.5 million acres of Everglades National Park are the largest subtropical area in the United States and home to critters like manatees, the Florida Panther, the American Alligator, and countless species of birds. 

 

 

There are several hiking trails through the park, but visitors who don’t want to get too close to wildlife can take a swamp boat or airboat tour. Our boys loved the airboat! And for visitors who hike the trails, don’t forget the bug spray!

 

Where to Stay Near Everglades National Park 

Everglades Chickadee Cottages are perfect for a glamping experience for families traveling without camping gear. Plus, there are beautiful views of the swamp and prairie land from the decks of these charming cottages!

 

Montana

Yellowstone National Park

The expansive Yellowstone National Park stretches across Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Explore mountains and watch bison roam the valleys or trek to geysers, hot springs, and lakes. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the first national park.

 

 

To enjoy the trails without the crowds, visit in April, May, or October. The weather is great then, too!

 

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

SpringHill Suites Island Park Yellowstone is a 30-minute drive from the Western entrance of the park with an indoor pool and hot tub, plus free breakfast!

 

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is home to more than 700 of Montana’s lakes and two separate mountain ranges. Visitors will appreciate views from the Trail of the Cedars and Iceberg Lake Trail. As a bonus, frequent free, ranger-led activities from June to September include star gazing, historical tours, and guided hikes. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park

For families who enjoy skiing, Snow Bear Chalets has ski-in/out treehouse lodgings right by the slope! These luxurious lodgings even have hot tubs and gas fireplaces surrounded by gorgeous Montana Moss Stone. 

 

[ctt template=”3″ link=”Vbwu3″ via=”no” ]Mountain ranges, geysers, wildflowers, wildlife, desert landscapes, and swamps make national parks in the United States all worth a visit![/ctt]

 

Washington State

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park spans nearly 1 million acres, home to the Hoh Rainforest and 70 miles of Northwest Coast. 

Aviary enthusiasts will love birdwatching in Ruby Beach and Kalaloch, with more than 250 bird species in the area. View the impressive mountains while canoeing across Lake Crescent, or catch views of the lake from Mount Storm King. Or, take the 0.5-mile Moments-in-Time Hiking Trail through old forest growth, wildflower meadows, moss, and fungi to views of Pyramid Mountain and Lake Crescent. A self-guided driving tour can help get the best of it all.

 

 

Fans of the Twilight series can visit Bella’s hometown of a Twilight Forks tour. See props from the movies, Bella’s truck, and get a map of the town.

 

Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park

Emerald Valley Inn has rooms, suites, and guest houses for every budget. The peaceful lodgings sit on a farm with views of Olympic National Park, being just 4 miles from Mount Storm King. 

 

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is home to the 14,410-foot tall Mount Rainier, the tallest volcano in the contiguous United States and the highest peak in the Cascade Range. 

Take scenic drives up to Sunrise, the highest point accessible by car in the area, for panoramic views of Emmons Glacier and the Cascade Range. Hikes through Mount Rainier will take you to appreciate the forests of Ohanapcosh, rainforests in Carbon River, and wildflower meadows at Paradise.

 

 

Where to Stay Near Rainier National Park

Guests will love staying at the charming, craftsman-style lodging at Mountain Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast. Bonus – the hot breakfast is free and fuels your body before exploring Mount Rainier!

 

Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

Visitors will find Grand Teton National Park in the backcountry of Jackson Hole, previously home to fur trappers, ranchers, and those who appreciate a more rugged lifestyle. Be sure to stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center for maps, information, and a video about the park. 

 

 

Then, set out on Jenny Lake for views of the snow-capped Grand Teton mountain range, glacier-carved canyons, and impressive waterfalls. The Cascade Canyon Trail offers some of the most popular views! Rent an e-bike to ride along the protected highway trails bordering the Tetons!

 

Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

Why not sleep under the stars in Grand Teton National Park? Overnight campers can reserve a site here – but it’s best to book months in advance because of the high demand. Those who prefer to stay in nearby Jackson Hole, can try the hip Anvil Hotel. It’s centrally located and family friendly.

 

Utah

Arches National Park

Stretching across 77,000 acres, Arches National Park is known for the 2,000+ sandstone arches found throughout the park. The unique landscape is loved by hikers, backpackers, rock climbers, and photographers. 

 

 

Visitors will find tons of useful information about the geology and history of the area at the travel center. Be sure to stop by the favorite arches – Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. 

 

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park

The Aarchway Inn is located just 3 miles from Arches National Park and has tons of amenities, including a free hot breakfast, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and a local shuttle. 

 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoos, which are pillars of rock left standing after erosion. In addition to the biggest collection of hoodoos in the world, the 36,000-acre park has hiking trails for all skill levels. Popular activities include guided horseback riding tours in the warmer months and snowshoeing in the winter, a time when the orange-red rocks are beautiful with white accents from the snow. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Get close to the park staying at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. It runs along the Rim Trail and offers breathtaking views from the lodge’s porches and balconies. 

 

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is best for adventurous hikers and thrill seekers. Get an online permit to hike the 1,500-foot natural staircase to Angel’s Landing. The hike is known as one of the most dangerous, but the views of Zion Canyon are unmatched! Another more intense hike is the 10-mile-long Narrows trek that takes hikers upstream the Virgin River and through the thinnest part of the park. Families who want someone to hold their hand can opt for a guided hike.

 

 

Not into intense hikes? Experience the beauty of Zion National Park on a jeep tour, showcasing the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. As a bonus, hands are free to take pictures!

 

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

For a glamping experience, stay at Zion Wildflower National Resort in tents, covered wagons, or bungalows. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities and amenities, a seasonal pool, and a complimentary S’mores kit on the first night. 

 

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

No list of national parks would be complete without the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is packed with activities, including trail lengths of varying difficulties, bike trails, helicopter tours, and whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. 

 

 

We loved our Pink Jeep Tour when we got to see and hear about the area and get out to snap photos and take in the majestic never-ending views.

For less crowds, be sure to check out the North Rim. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the side of the cliffs!

 

DON’T MISS! How to Make Unforgettable Memories at the Grand Canyon with Kids

 

Where to Stay Near Grand Canyon National Park

Stay in in the park at the Grand Canyon Western Ranch. Families can choose between a horseback riding and campout adventure or a helicopter ride and hotel stay. There are also several developed campgrounds on the North and South Rim.  Rugged families can get a Backcountry Permit for more hardy lodgings in Grand Canyon National Park. 

 

Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to see the two most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Watch Kilauea’s frequent eruptions from Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive. Don’t miss Kealakomo Overlook to visit the ancient village of Kealakomo and views of the Pacific Ocean that seem like they will never stop. 

 

 

Where to Stay Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Worried about missing volcanic eruptions? Stay at Volcano House on Crater Rim Drive – guests can see erupting volcanoes from the hotel!

 

Families can take advantage of the days in 2024 where these gorgeous national parks will be open with no admission fees. Here are the dates when national parks are free:

 

• Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
• Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
• Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day

 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!