The United States of America contains several of the best national parks, including parks featuring memorable attractions, parks with activities, & landscapes with natural beauty. Which of the national parks is best to visit first? What is considered to be the most stunning and breathtaking national park in the USA.?
What exactly is the prettiest national park in the US? Which of the USA National Parks would you recommend? Listed below are some of the best national parks in the USA, identified for their magnificent landscapes, diversified ecosystems, and recreational opportunities.
Fortunately, you’re searching for the Top 35 best national parks to visit in the US. You really are at the most ideal place, complete with several different national memorials, outdoor spaces, national maintained historic attractions, and more.
These days, most of you are on a journey to visit the best national parks in the United States—they’re not only peaceful havens for outdoor activity but a window to a huge, fascinating history. The National Park Service was founded in 1916 by an act approved by President Woodrow Wilson to safeguard the natural ecosystems, landscapes, animals, and history considered remarkable enough for generations to come.
Top 10 best national parks to visit in the us
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has become known among one of the best national parks to visit in the US because of its extraordinary geothermal features, rich species, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Key Takeaways:
Yellowstone is a top contender among the greatest national parks for its geothermal wonders.
It offers unique opportunities for wildlife observation.
Ideal visiting times are late spring and early fall.
“Yellowstone is not just a park; it’s a living laboratory of nature’s wonders.”
Geothermal features: Yellowstone has over 10,000 hydrothermal sites, including half of the world’s active geysers. The most famous geyser is Old Faithful, which erupts every 60–110 minutes.
Wildlife: Yellowstone is home to a large variety of animals, including:
America’s largest buffalo herd
Grizzly bears
Wolves
Moose
Mountain lions
Beavers
Bobcats
River otters
Mountain goats
Natural beauty: Yellowstone’s natural beauty includes the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, majestic peaks, and open spaces.
Activities: There are many activities to do in Yellowstone, including:
Hiking
Horseback riding
Fishing
Wildlife tours
River rapids
Through hobbies ranging from hiking to wildlife photography, tourists may encounter its stunning landscapes year-round. The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn when the weather is warm and wildlife is most active.
Location: Yellowstone is located across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.
History: Yellowstone was America’s first national park.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is situated on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula throughout the Pacific Northwest. Olympic National Park is most undoubtedly one of the best national parks to visit in the US, believed for its beautiful natural beauty and different ecosystems.
Key Takeaways
Geothermal Features: Hot springs and interesting rocks.
- Wildlife: Home to diverse species, including elk and marmots.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, and exploring various landscapes
Olympic National Park is a top national park to visit in the United States because of its diverse landscape.
Landscape: The park is almost a million acres and includes:
- Rainforests: It of the largest tropical rain forests in all of the country, containing old-growth trees and rich animals. Olympic National Park has been the most beautiful and most popular national park to visit in the United States.
- Mountains: Glaciated peaks and a radiating mountain range.
- Lakes: Large lowland lakes, including Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake with depths of up to 624 feet.
Recreational activities: The park provides several relaxation activities, including:
- Hiking over 600 miles of trails.
- Storm watching on rainy days.
- Paddling in the powerful rivers with rapids.
Cultural heritage: The park protects thousands of years of human history.
The park’s rich history spans over 12,000 years of human occupation, making it a must-see national park. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is ideal for outdoor adventures.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park has become known as one of the best national parks to visit in the US because of its magnificent natural beauty and unique geothermal phenomena. Mount Rainier National Park is a great place to visit for many reasons, including:
Height: Mount Rainier is actually the tallest mountain in Washington State and the highest volcanic peak in the western United States at 14,410 feet.
Glaciers: The park includes the largest glacial system in the lower 48 US states, featuring 25 named glaciers
Volcanic glacier cave system: The top crater of Mount Rainier maintains the world’s largest volcanic ice cave system.
Activities: The park offers many relaxation things, including:
Camping
Hiking
Fishing
Biking
Sightseeing
Animal viewing
Scenic drives
Nature photography
Mountain climbing
Skiing and other winter activities
Views: Some of the best views in the park can be found on trails such as:
Panorama Point via Skyline Trail
Tolmie Peak Trail
Myrtle Falls Viewpoint via Skyline Trail
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot various species, enhancing the park’s appeal among the top national parks in the US.
Location: Mount Rainier dominates the Seattle/Tacoma scenery, rising three miles from the foothills.
History: Mount Rainier developed a National Park in 1899 and is the United State’s fifth National Park.
Entrance: The Nisqually Entrance is one of the most popular entrances to the park.
This place has amazing scenery that includes lush plains, tall hills, and bright wildflower fields. Wildlife lovers can spot various species, boosting the park’s draw among the top national parks in the US.
The nicest time to visit is around late spring to early fall, when trails are open and plants thrive. Mount Rainier’s rich past, underlined by its volcanic activity and important natural buildings, adds to its draw as one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park has been renowned as one of the best national parks to visit in the US because of its spectacular natural beauty, various species, and rich history. The region provides is known locations like El Capitan and Half Dome. It is Attractive to campers & photographer alike. Visitors have access to a range of activities, especially hiking and rock climbing, so they make area one of the coolest national parks in the US.
Key Takeaways:
- Yosemite’s breathtaking landscapes make it a must-see national park.
- There are some excursions outdoors for those who enjoy adventure.
- Spring and fall are ideal seasons for visiting.
"Yosemite is a place of inspiration, where nature's grandeur meets human creativity."
Waterfalls: Yosemite is well-known because of many different waterfalls, especially Vernal Fall, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls. It is one of the highest waterfalls on the earth.
Granite rock formations: Yosemite is notable for its granite rock formations, including Half Dome and El Capitan, known to be the world’s largest single chunk of granite.
Hiking: Yosemite offers many scenic hiking opportunities, including the challenging hike to Half Dome .
Wildlife: Yosemite is home to a variety of animals, including bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, and peregrine falcons
Giant sequoias: Yosemite is home to ancient giant sequoias.
The best season for visiting Yosemite takes place between spring and October because the weather is enjoyable and crowds are usually fewer. For its geothermal properties, especially hot springs and waterfalls, Yosemite ranks out amongst the most beautiful national parks in the US.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is considered one of the best national parks to visit in the US, identified due to its spectacular natural beauty and variety of wildlife. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a desirable destination for many different reasons, such as:
Key Takeaways
- Location: Northwestern Wyoming, adjacent to Yellowstone National Park.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Different scenery: It offers mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, and sky, with numerous woods, wildflowers, and animals.
Major conduct: The place is an attractive spot for hiking, climbing, fishing, as well as other sorts of recreation.
Jenny Lake: A 2-mile-long, 250-foot-deep lake that’s a great place to start your trip. You can fish, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or motorboat in the lake.
Some top attractions in the park include the Tetons, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Snake River. Grand Teton’s unique geothermal features and rich history further solidify its status as one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally praised as one of the best national parks to visit in the USA because of its spectacular natural beauty, widening species, and rich tradition. This park contains volcanic factors, including warm springs, and is known for its amazing autumn foliage, making it one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Geothermal Features: Hot springs and unique geological formations.
- Wildlife: home to diverse species, including black bears and elk.
- Natural Beauty: Famous for its colorful autumn leaves.
- Location: Straddles North Carolina and Tennessee.
- Activities: hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for optimal weather.
Biodiversity:
The park contains the most ecologically diverse in the National Park System, attracting an estimated 19,000 recognized species and probably as many as 100,000 more.
Natural beauty:
The park is part of the Appalachian Mountains, which are among the oldest in the world.
History:
The park has several historical structures, for example, old homes, barns, and churches. Great Smoky Mountains National Park absolutely stands out among the top national parks in the US.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the USA because of its breathtaking natural beauty and additionally varied animal life. Zion National Park in Utah has been voted one of the best national parks in the United States for many different reasons, including:
Key Takeaways:
- Geothermal Features: Iconic sandstone cliffs and slot canyons.
- Wildlife: home to diverse species, including threatened birds.
- Activities: hiking, climbing, and scenic drives.
- Location: Southwestern Utah, accessible year-round.
Unique geography:
Zion is situated at the confluence of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert areas, which produces a distinct terrain and a diversity of living zones.
Scenic canyon country:
Zion has some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States, including high plateaus, narrow canyons, and the Virgin River.
Natural wonders:
Zion boasts many natural beauties, including the 2,200-foot Great White Throne, the Court of the Patriarchs, Angel’s Landing, and the Watchman. The best time to visit is during spring and fall when temperatures are mild and wildflowers bloom.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park has become known as one of the best national parks to visit in the US mainly because of its amazing natural beauty and special physical features. It has spanning over 277 miles. This famous canyon displays amazing panoramas that attract millions of tourists every year. Thereby ranking it one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA. The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a favorite location for many different reasons, like its natural history, wildlife, and amazing panoramas.
Volcanic background: The canyon’s walls are constructed from up of rare rock layers in the geological history of North America. The canyon is a tribute to 2,000 million years of natural history.
Animal life: The park is home to a range of animals, mainly mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, California condors, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.
Scenic views: The canyon provides spectacular views from the north and south rims. The canyon’s rocks are bathed with orange and crimson tones at dawn and purple and blue colors on overcast days.
Events: Visitors can hike throughout old streets, float along the Colorado River, or take a dory ride.
Photography: There are many places to take photos, including Yaki Point, Ooh Ahh Point, and Desert View Watchtower.
What are some must-see spots in Grand Canyon National Park?
Key viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Watchtower.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer ideal weather conditions.
Acadia National Park
Key Takeaways
- Location: Maine’s rugged coast.
- Activities: Hiking, biking, wildlife watching.
- Wildlife: Over 300 bird species and diverse marine life.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage; summer for activities.
Acadia National Park stands out as one of the best national parks to visit in the US due to its stunning natural beauty and different ecosystems. Acadia National Park in Maine is called one of America’s best national parks for many reasons, including:
Diverse landscapes: Academia features the largest mountains on the eastern shore, a stony beachfront, rivers, lakes, marshes, woods, and fields.
Plant and animal life: Academia is home to a number of plants and animals, including species that are at the edge of their geographic area. The park is also an attraction and eating place for passing birds and bats.
Dark sky park: Acadia is a recognized dark sky park owing to its northern position, limited light pollution, and large, open landscapes. The best time to visit is during the fall for stunning foliage or summer for outdoor adventures. Acadia is undoubtedly among the most beautiful national parks in the USA, making it a must-see national park for nature enthusiasts.
What are the top attractions in Acadia?
Cadillac Mountain, especially the beautiful Park Loop Road, are features.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Key Takeaways
- Geothermal Features: Unique hoodoos and geological formations.
- Wildlife: Diverse species inhabit the park.
- Activities: Hiking, stargazing, photography.
- Location: Easily accessible from major cities.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for optimal conditions.
Bryce Canyon National Park is among the best national parks to visit in the US due to its stunning geothermal features, unique wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty. This combination of natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and historical significance makes it one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA. Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a top destination for its unique landscape, outdoor activities, and scenic views. For additional reading on national parks, try connecting to articles about other must-see national parks and looking into particular hiking paths inside Bryce Canyon.
Hoodoos: Bryce Canyon is well-known for beautiful hoodoos. It is distinctive rock formations that create a stunning landscape.
Hiking trails: The park has a large network of interconnected hiking trails.
Canyon views: The park’s canyon views and vistas are mesmerizing.
Activities: The park features many things for all ages and levels of excitement, which include hikes, camping, and horseback riding.
Dark night sky: It has a dark night sky.
Wildlife: It is the reason home to more than 170 bird species and 59 species of animals, like mule deer and prairie dogs.
History: Archaeological surveys show that people have been in the area for at least 10,000 years.This provide of natural beauty, wildlife variety, and history importance ranks it one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA.
Some of the best national parks in the United States include:
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is among the best national parks to visit in the United States of America, because of its amazing natural beauty, geothermal features, and rich history. The crater Lake Crater National Park in Oregon is a must-see location for many reasons, including:
Deepest lake in the United States: At 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country and the seventh deepest in the world.
Clearest and cleanest lake: The lake’s purity comes from rain and snow, and its deep blue color is a result of its depth.
Stunning setting: It is situated in the Cascade Mountain Range and features beautiful views.
Other attractions: We’ll see waterfalls, rivers, as and the view.
Best Time to Visit: The summer months provide the perfect conditions for discovering the park’s stunning landscapes. Crater Lake National Park exemplifies some of the most beautiful national parks in the USA, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park ranks among the best national parks to visit in the US simply because of its amazing natural beauty. The park provides many kinds of duties, including hikes, animal watching, and climbing, thus making it a must-see national park. The best time to visit is during summer when wildlife is most busy and the weather is warm.Denali National Park in Alaska is a top location for many reasons, including:
Denali: Denali, also known and additionally known as Mount McKinley, is the largest mountain in North America and an important part of North America in the world.
Wildlife: You can see a variety of wildlife, including moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves.
Wonder Lake: This glacier-created lake is commonly nicknamed the Crown Jewel of Alaska and provides amazing views of the Alaska Mountains.
Bus trips: You can take a bus trip into the park to see Denali. Buses only operate during the summer, from May 20 until mid-September.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the US, noted for its spectacular natural beauty and unique geothermal phenomena. Joshua Tree National Park in California is a great national park to visit for a multitude of reasons, like its diverse landscape, rare flora and animals, and possibilities for stargazing.
“Joshua Tree is a must-see national park that showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in the USA.”
Amongst interesting places in the park are the Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley, Keys View, Barker Dam Trail, Ryan Mountain, Arch Rock Nature Trail, and Skull Rock. The park’s location in Southern California makes it conveniently accessible year-round; however, the ideal time to visit is between spring and autumn, when conditions are comfortable.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is virtually recognized and regarded as one of the best national parks in the USA. Thanks to its magnificent natural beauty, varied animal species, and rich history. It National Park in Montana is a superb location for various reasons, such as: the park has been home to over 70 kinds of animals and almost 300 types of birds, for example, bears, goats, and eagles, proactively making it one of the most beautiful national parks in the Us. The park’s sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers expansive views of the park’s scenery. Glacier is undoubtedly one of the top national parks in the US that should be on every nature lover’s list.
Arches National Park
The park’s natural features and diverse wildlife add to its charm, so it’s a must-see national park for nature lovers. Arches National Park in Utah is a top location for its natural wonders, including but not limited to The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, like the world’s most famous natural arch.
A tangle of rock tunnels that can only be visited on a ranger-led walk or with a ticket. The park’s paths offer a relaxing experience. The park’s evenings are amazing. The park also has hundreds of pinnacles, huge rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. The park is home to more than 700 plant and animal types. Arches National Park is definitely one of the coolest national parks in the US and a top spot for outdoor adventure seekers.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is considered one of the top national parks to visit in the US because of its wildlife, unique environments and adventures in nature. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, including the Great Egret, Covered in Snow Egret, and Great Blue Heron. It’s also home to endangered and uncommon species like the American crocodile, Florida panther and West Indian manatee. The park has 9 separate areas and many ocean habitats.
It is a World Heritage Site, a United Nations Nature Sanctuary, and a swamp of global importance. The park is located between Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the biggest tropical marshes in the world. The Ernest Coe Visitors Center is open year-round and has educational displays, the addition of films, and a shop. For those looking to visit the top national parks in the US, the Everglades are a must-see place and one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a top national park to visit in the US for many reasons, including: The park offers stunning mountains, beautiful lakes, and 450 miles of rivers. Visitors can see abundant wildlife. The park provide many activities, including hikes, horseback rides, rock climbing, beautiful drives, and wildlife watching. The park has been used by people for thousands of years, from ancient big game runs to guy farming.
The park has 355 miles of managed trails for hiking, sledding, and horseback rides. The Rocky Mountains are the highest area of North America and hold the sources for many major river systems. it one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA. The best time to come is from June to September, when roads are clear and temperatures are mild. For those wanting excitement and nature beauty, Rocky Mountain National Park comes among the top national parks in the US and is considered one of the coolest national parks for outdoor exploring.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in West Texas is a top national park to visit for many reasons, including: The Big Bend is home to a wide range of plants and animals, including unique species, especially is home to more kinds of birds, bats, butterflies, ants, and scorpions compared to any other national park. Big Bend’s complicated natural past includes evidence for old seas, volcanoes, weathering, and more.
Some of you can see sea fossils, dinosaur bones, and volcanic dikes in the park. Big Bend’s distance is what makes it one of the best places in the United States to watch the night sky. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive provides a paved path with a range of environments, rocks, and short walks. so it’s one of the coolest national parks in the US. The best time to come is during spring or fall, when temperatures are lower. due to its rich past and stunning scenery, Big Bend stands out among the top national parks in the US.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is actually a must-see national park found on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park ranks as one of the best national parks in the US to visit because of its: The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kalauea and Mauna Loa, and offers views of dramatic volcanic scenery. The park’s range of elevation from sea level to the peak of Mauna Loa provides a variety of scenery and ecosystems, including jungles, lava fields, and waters where lava rock meets the water.
Hawai’i has more unique species than almost any other place on Earth, especially the park, which is home to many of them. Everything to know about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, but the busiest times are during the summer and holiday seasons. To avoid crowds, you can arrive early in the morning. it one of the top national parks in the US. Visitors can engage in activities like hikes, camping, and discovering volcanic sites. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October, providing excellent weather for outdoor activities.
