List of National Parks by Visitors in the US


From North Carolina to California, or maybe Florida? No worries, the United States has national parks in almost every state.

Shall we get started? Below you get to read more about US national parks by visitors.

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National Park List Visitor Numbers: 63 National Parks in the U.S. and Their Number of Visitors

National ParkNumber of Visitors in 2019National ParkNumber of Visitors in 2019National ParkNumber of Visitors in 2019National ParkNumber of Visitors in 2019
Great Smoky Mountains National Park12.5MHawaii Volcanoes National Park1.36MGreat Sand Dunes National Park527KLake Clark National Park17K
Grand Canyon National Park5.9M Sequoia National Park1.24MLassen Volcanic National Park517KKobuk Valley National Park15K
Rocky Mountain National Park4.6MCapitol Reef National Park1.22MRedwood National Park504KGates of the Arctic National Park10K
Zion National Park4.48MNew River Gorge National Park1.19MBig Bend National Park463K
Yosemite National Park4.44MEverglades National Park1.11MCarLsbad Caverns National Park440K
Yellowstone National Park4MSaguaro National Park1.02MBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park432K
Acadia National Park3.43MHaleakala National Park994KChannel Islands National Park409K
Grand Teton National Park3.40MBadlands National Park970KKenai Fjords National Park356K
Olympic National Park3.2MCanyonlands National Park773KVoyageurs National Park232K
Glacier National Park3.0MBiscayne National Park708KGuadalupe Mountains National Park188K
Joshua Tree National Park2.9MCrater Lake National Park704KPinnacles National Park177K
Bryce Canyon National Park2.5MTheodore Roosevelt National Park691KCongaree National Park159K
Cuyahoga Valley National Park2.2MGlacier Bay National Park672KVirgin Islands National Park133K
Indiana Dunes National Park2.1MPetrified Forest National Park643KGreat Basin National Park131K
Gateway Arch National Park2.05MKings Canyon National Park632KKatmai National Park84K
Death Valley National Park1.7MWind Cave National Park615KDry Tortugas National Park79K
Arches National Park1.65MWhite Sands National Park615KWrangell-St. Elias National Park74K
Mount Rainier National Park1.5MDenali National Park601KNational Park of American Samoa60K
Hot Springs National Park1.46MMesa Verde National Park556KNorth Cascades National Park38K
Shenandoah National Park1.46MMammoth Cave National Park551KIsle Royale National Park26K

Top 20 National Parks List [Ranked From Most Visited to Least Visited]

To help you narrow down which national parks you should visit first, here are our top 20 national parks rated by their popularity!

You can read more about all the US national parks in this post: A Complete US National Park List.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: North Carolina, Tennessee

Without a doubt, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is first on the list!

Located on the east coast of the U.S., this park is one to spike your love and interest for ALL the U.S. national parks.

What’s to See in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

With over 800 miles of hiking trails, its abundant wildlife and mountains, campsites, and its FREE ADMISSION, it’s no wonder this is on everyone’s bucket list!

Activities to Do

You could drive the Cades Cove Loop Road for a must-have experience in Tennessee and see all the autumn leaves fall upon you in wonder.

Oh, and who could ever forget about climbing the Clingman’s Dome to see the whole park at the highest point?

The possibilities you could experience in this outrageously beautiful park are just endless.

Related: Do You Need Bug Spray in the Great Smoky Mountains?

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The perfect time is during summer and fall. In June and October, expect it to be the busiest times for this park!

Given the chance, we know we would drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the biggest smile on our faces!

If you want a quiet stay, stay in Townsend but if you enjoy the busy life, Gatlinburg is your best bet!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Located: Arizona

What’s to See in Grand Canyon National Park?

This top national park is open ALL YEAR-ROUND! Never a bad time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park.

To add to that, the historical impression behind the Grand Canyon National Park is beyond nature’s comprehension!

More than just being the Top 2 visited national parks, the Grand Canyon NP is also one of the 7 NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD! No one can deny the beauty of this breathtaking heritage site.

If that’s not enough to get the Grand Canyon on your bucket list, then we don’t know what else is going to.

Activities to Do

More than appreciating the starling beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park, you could get on a float to explore the 277-mile Colorado River!

And honestly, who could resist a Rim-to-Rim Hike on the Bright Angel Trail?

We certainly know we wouldn’t let an adventure like THAT pass. We HIGHLY encourage first-timers to check the Grand Canyon Skywalk and South Rim portion for one of the best hiking trips in your life!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The best months to go are on:

  • April to May
  • September to October

Want to see the North Rim? Go between mid-May or mid-October since the roads are closed during winter.

As for lodging, you’ll find many beautiful lodges like Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Maswik Lodge. Want something premium? Check-in at the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon!

Related: Closest Airports to Grand Canyon

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Colorado

Looking for a national park that’s slowly becoming a rising star? We HIGHLY recommend the Rocky Mountain National Park!

What’s to See in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Can’t say you don’t want to drive through those aspen trees and rivers, because we know we sure do.

Majestic peaks, tundra wildflowers, and wildlife in every direction? Sign us up, even with the crowded National Park service!

Activities to Do

First, we have to say that driving along Trail Ridge Road is bucket list-worthy!

With 355 miles of hiking trails, hiking is definitely the best activity you could have to experience the wonders of this park.

You could also come and try cycling, rock climbing, and fishing during the summer!

Want to come in winter? They’ve got snowshoe hikes, sledding, and cross-country skiing as well!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

To experience the most of the Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s best to go during the summer!

Unfortunately, there aren’t any overnight accommodations at the park itself. However, if you want to stay near to the park, Estes Park is your best bet!

On the other hand, if you want something cheaper, you could lodge at the Grand Lake! This one’s also great for those who want to have a lazy vacation trip.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Location: Utah

What’s to See in Zion National Park?

Known for its sandstone cliffs and wild array of both plants and animals, the Zion National Park is a remarkably picturesque location for all visitors who are in love with nature.

Moreover, we can’t forget about the 291 different birds you’ll be able to meet by staying a few days at the Zion National Park!

We highly suggest you visit the Kolob Canyons to see the historical significance behind EVERYTHING about the United States geography through spectacular red rocks!

Related: Do You Need Bug Spray in Zion National Park?

Activities to Do

Despite the relatively small size of Zion National Park, no one can deny it’s absolutely packed with adventurous activities all visitors could look forward to!

At the thought of exploring canyons and climbing red rocks and summits, we’re pretty sold and coming over to this land of natural beauty.

Canyoneering, hiking, wading, swimming, and rappelling? Zion has got it all!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

Zion National Park is great at all seasons, but we recommend you visit in April-May or September-October!

Inside Zion, the perfect place to stay would be at the Zion Lodge.

Outside the park, there are TONS of hotels you could choose from! A few of these hotels would be the Cable Mountain Lodge, the Driftwood Lodge, and Quality Inn Springdale.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Location: California

What’s to See in Yosemite National Park?

If you’re one of those visitors who want to see the largest waterfall in North America and the tallest granite monolith, then you’re in for a treat here at Yosemite National Park!

Activities to Do

More than just the sightseeing you’ll be able to experience at one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, visitors could also look forward to a wide variety of activities outdoors!

This park has facilities for art workshops, winery, local historical centers, ghost tours, and even taking an aerial tour! Now, doesn’t that sound like heaven outdoors?

It’s one of the few national parks in the United States you NEED to go to at least once in your life!

On top of all of these activities, visitors can go horseback riding, camping, hiking or rent a bike to see the trails in person!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The peak season of Yosemite is from May-October, while the Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the best hotels you could stay at during your stay! It’s conveniently located in the park, too.

Related:
Can You Sleep in Your Car in Yosemite?
What Is the Closest Airport to Yosemite National Park?
Do You Need Bug Spray in Yosemite?

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Location: Northwestern Wyoming, Southern Montana, Eastern Idaho

What’s to See in Yellowstone National Park?

Ah, the Yellowstone National Park. This is one of the parks for visitors who would love to see one-of-a-kind scenery!

As opposed to most national parks, which feature canyons and mountains, Yellowstone park is famed for its geysers which shoot water OVER A HUNDRED FEET into the air.

Adventures made for visitors who would love a unique adventure visitation surrounded by geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and mud pots!

Flooding with history, the Yellowstone National Park is also the oldest designated national park in the globe!

Surely, you don’t want to miss your chance, right? Being the oldest of all national parks, it’s no wonder its popularity and visitation numbers compared to most national parks are always high!

Oh, and don’t forget about the wolves and bison!

Activities to Do

While sightseeing is the most common reason for visiting the Yellowstone National Park, one can’t miss the opportunity to drive scenic roads, hike, swim, and of course, GEYSER HUNTING!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The best time to visit the Yellowstone National Park is from mid-June to mid-September.

You could choose from a variety of lodging options inside the park. The best ones include Canyon Lodge and Cabins, Grant Village, and the Lake Lodge Cabins!

Related:
Is It Safe to Go to Yellowstone Alone?
Can You Sleep in Your Car in Yellowstone National Park?

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park

Location: Maine

What’s to See in Acadia National Park?

Located on the northeastern side of the United States, the Acadia National Park is a visitation spot for those who would love to see the breathtaking views of the ocean!

Spot over to the Sand Beach and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you’re out in the summer or the winter.

And if you prefer a bucket list of national parks full of wildlife, the Acadia park offers visitors a wide array of forests, wildlife, and trails at the Cadillac Mountain.

Activities to Do

And don’t forget about going through the Park Loop Road for another wild experience like NEVER before!

Afterward, go hiking, biking, climbing, and kayaking!

You could also take a boat trip and head to the coast during low tide for tidal pools.

When to Go & Where to Stay?

Peak season in Acadia National Park would be around July-mid September.

So if you want to avoid the crowds, it’d be in your best interest to visit either in the summer, late spring, and early autumn!

The most popular hotels around the Acadia park are the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

But in general, there are just a lot of great lodging options in Bar Harbor, so feel free to choose almost anywhere in that area!

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Location: Wyoming

What’s to See in Grand Teton National Park?

Undoubtedly, the Grand Teton National Park is one of the highlights of Wyoming, and rightfully so, too. It’s situated around 13, 775 feet above sea level and is just south of the Yellowstone National Park.

Do you know what that means? Yes, you could come over here to have a “throwback to the Old West” experience right after seeing the geysers!

The Jackson Hole and its vistas aren’t anything like you’ve ever seen before, either!

Activities to Do

We highly encourage you to join the 43-mile scenic loop drive to Moose Village upon visitation!

There are also about 40 different hikes available, all at varying difficulty levels for those who would like a challenge.

It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts begging to visit national parks that come with adventure, thrill, and a hiking sensation overload!

You could also take a boat tour, rent a kayak, or go over to a wildlife safari!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is June-September.

For the best lodging options inside the park, you could simply choose between the Jackson Lake Lodge and the Jenny Lake Lodge!

There are tons of accommodation services nearby Grand Teton National Park, too, so don’t be shy of looking through those either.

Related: Can You Sleep in Your Car in Grand Teton National Park?

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

Location: Washington

What’s to See in Olympic National Park?

Established in 1983, the Olympic Park is one for visitors who love to see the lands of the disappearing primeval forests.

Located in Washington, this is one of those national parks with a wide variety of ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!

From different atmospheres, ecosystems, and weather systems, it’s basically multiple parks for everyone.

Spot the Kalaloch Campground and experience a route adjacent to the Pacific Ocean!

Or maybe be a little bit more simple and just enjoy the sunset!

Activities to Do

Due to how varied this park is, the activities are as endless as the sight spots!

Visit the evergreen forests at the Hoh rainforest, go hiking, canoeing, tide pooling, or even storm watching!

During the winter, you could also experience snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, or even tubing!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

If you want to experience everything this park has to offer, the best time would be to visit during the summer!

Come over in the late spring for the wildflowers, then September for fall colors and wildlife.

Due to the size of this park, there are a ton of lodging options to choose from! A few of these would be the Kalaloch Lodge and the Lake Crescent Lodge.

Sequim Town and Union Town are also great options depending on which side of the park you want to be nearby!

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

Location: Montana

What’s to See in Glacier National Park?

Do you happen to be one of those who believe in seeing the big and the extraordinary?

Glacier National Park is the one for you, then!

Spanning over a million acres of land, Glacier National Park is for the historical buffs who love to see reminiscent sights of the Swiss Alps.

Activities to Do

With 734 miles of hiking trails, this one’s a popular spot for, well, hiking!

On top of that, whitewater rafting and scenic floating are also popular must-try experiences!

They also provide some bike tours to guide you in exploring a park a little bit deeper. However, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, biking on your own is also a SPLENDID idea!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

Looking for the best time to visit Glacier National Park? That’s in the short season in July and August.

There are many accommodation options at Glacier National Park, but you’re going to have to book a year early to get in.

If ever you do though, stay at St. Mary or the East Glacier if you want to be around the eastern side.

Otherwise, we recommend staying at the West Glacier!

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Location: California

What’s to See in Joshua Tree National Park?

Want to go for an easy escape out of the city and explore the desert landscapes?

The Joshua Tree National Park is located near the Coachella Valley in California and is only a 2-3 HOUR drive east of Los Angeles.

Nobody’s really that fond of the heat, but would anyone pass on the experience of seeing the Coachella Valley Preserve and the Cholla Cactus Garden?

Activities to Do

In a span of a few hours, you could experience over 100 miles of hiking and horse trails!

Stargazing, rock climbing, and birding are also extremely popular activities here at the Joshua Tree National Park!

And don’t forget about seeing the Skull Rock and ancient palm groves, too.

When to Go & Where to Stay?

Joshua Tree is a year-rounder park. However, we don’t really recommend you visit during the summer, as it may get a tad bit too hot for any activities.

Unless you go camping, the best place to stay would be 29 Psalms, located just right outside the north entrance. And yes, there aren’t any lodging accommodations inside the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Utah

What’s to See in Bryce Canyon National Park?

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience with surreal canyons, Bryce Canyon park is the place you should be heading to!

Regardless of its much smaller size compared to the other national parks on this list, the artistically yet naturally formed canyons at this park are incomparable.

Activities to Do

As the Bryce Canyon National Park is quite a small park, there aren’t that many activities to do.

However, they make up for the quality of the experiences they provide!

So if you’re feeling a little tired or need a break from your grand national parks tour, Bryce Canyon is a great place to recharge your energy, have some activity in between, then head back to all the national parks in your itinerary!

Don’t miss the sunrise, sunset, Bryce, and Inspiration points when you come over.

You could also take a scenic drive to Rainbow Point, hike, and come to a horseback riding tour!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The best time to visit the Bryce Canyon NP is in the late spring to early summer, as well as September-mid October.

There’s only one lodge inside the park, namely The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. But there are also hotels nearby!

The most popular of these nearby hotels is the Best Western’s PLUS Ruby’s Inn, while the Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel comes pretty close.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Location: Ohio

What’s to See in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

Located about 33000 acres along the Cuyahoga River banks between Cleveland and Akron, the Cuyahoga Valley Park is a sight everyone needs to see.

With the incorporation of cultural, historical, and natural resources for all visitors, this park is filled with top-rated attractions!

Just can’t get enough of those hiking trails in the United States?

Like every other spectacular park in the United States, the Cuyahoga Valley offers hiking and biking trails that will lead you to wetlands, forests, and waterfalls!

Don’t miss the Brandywine Falls and Ski Areas, too!

Activities to Do

There are accessible trail paths, such as the Towpath Trail, for those who want to take a long and easy walk or for those who want to bike around the park!

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park also now offers historic houses as visitor centers! The Boston Mill Visitor Center would be a great place to start your journey to the past.

Kayaking, horseback riding, and scenic train rides are also extremely popular activities to experience at this park!

In the winter, it also makes a great area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

When to Go & Where to Stay?

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit would be April and October. However, in terms of just being the best times to visit, then that would be May-September!

There are two lodges inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park, namely the Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls, for places you could stay.

If you don’t like the idea of staying inside the park itself, there are also major hotel chains and campgrounds nearby!

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Location: Indiana

What’s to See in Indiana Dunes National Park?

Perfect if you prefer a chill ride, the Indiana Dunes National Park is home to unique sandy dunes, beaches, and rare bird species.

If you were looking for more of an adventure, the Indiana Dunes National Park also has over 50 miles of trails that go through wetlands, prairies, forests, and dunes!

On top of that, there’s also the Deep River Waterpark, the Old Lighthouse Museum, and the Majestic Star Casino!

Activities to Do

Most come over to spend a little bit more time with loved ones and friends to fly kites and have picnic baskets!

There’s also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and beach activities for those who want something more adventurous.

In the summer, the Indiana Dunes Park also makes way for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on the lake.

With the features of having activities for all your moods during your visit, it’s no wonder the Indiana Dunes park has tons of annual visitors and sits as one of the top national parks worth visiting!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The best time to visit Indiana Dunes is between May and September.

As for lodging, there’s the option of staying at the nearby Michigan City Inn. Or stay in the city altogether and just visit the park for a day!

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

Location: Missouri

Just can’t get enough of history? Oh boy, does this park have a treat for you!

The Gateway Arch Park is located in lovely Missouri as a symbol of the city’s involvement and role in the Westward Expansion during the 19th CENTURY.

Before it was noted as one of the most visited national parks, this was formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial; it was built around the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

What’s to See in Gateway Arch National Park?

Within just 91 acres of land, you will be able to see museums, greenery, and even a Riverboat Cruise!

Now, now. Although that doesn’t seem like much compared to most national parks we mentioned here, there’s a REASON WHY it was crowned as one of the most visited national parks.

Keep reading to see why!

Activities to Do

If visiting national parks, which are almost like museums, is one of your dreams, we HIGHLY recommend giving this one a visit!

You could take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for a splendid view of the St. Louis downtowns, or explore the museum under the Gateway Arch!

There’s also the option of visiting the Old Courthouse for a more history-packed adventure!

AS you can see, museums and its historical richness are what give Gateway Arch its popularity today.

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The best times to visit the Gateway Arch are April-May and September-October.

As for where to stay, there are a ton of hotel options downtown! Looking for a hotel that will give you views overlooking the arch, though? Then we highly recommend staying at the Hyatt Regency.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park

Location: California

Craving for a desert-like adventure?

Noted as one of the hottest, driest, and lowest national parks of the United States, the Death Valley National Park isn’t popular for being visited during the summer.

But we can’t say the same for the rest of the year!

What’s to See in Death Valley National Park?

Go from salt-flats to sand dunes, badlands, canyons, and everything BEYOND!

There’s the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Dantes, View, and the Keane Wonder Mine.

You could also enjoy the views from Zabriskie Point!

Activities to Do

Oh, and how could anyone forget the Death Valley is also designated as a dark sky park by the International Dark-Sky Association.

We hope you’re ready for some world-class stargazing activities! Need a relaxing nightcap? Among all the national parks mentioned, Death Valley is your best option!

On top of stargazing, you should also look forward to the Devils Golf Course and touring the scenic Artists Drive.

When to Go & Where to Stay?

For mild temperatures and opportunities to explore the park at its best, visit between October and April!

There’s also the possibility of seeing the valleys filled with wildflowers if you decide to visit sometime between March and April.

Inside the park, you have the option to stay at The Ranch at Death Valley and The Inn at Death Valley.

But most tourists prefer to stay in Las Vegas, then visit Death Valley and some other national parks with a day tour. The choice is all yours!

Arches National Park

Arches National Park

Location: Utah

What’s to See in Arches National Park?

The Arches National Park is home to over 2, 000 natural sandstone arches.

In turn, it has the highest density of natural arches in the world!

Moreover, you’ll find a wide variety of pinnacles, balanced rocks, fins, and basically all the geological formations you could think of!

Activities to Do

If we got the chance to climb these rock formations, we would take that chance without a second thought!

Don’t forget to get a rock climbing PERMIT, though! The park was designated in 1971 after 40 years of being a national monument.

The rock formations are pretty fragile, but we suppose that’s what makes Arches National Park so notable in itself!

Of course, visitors could also treat themselves to the experience of hiking, biking, and camping at the world’s favorite park located in Utah.

When to Go & Where to Stay?

March-April and October-November are the best times to visit the Arches park, as you’ll be able to get the best weather possible.

If you want somewhere close to the entrance of the park, your best options include the Fairfield Inn & Suites, the Springhill Suites, as well as the Archway Inn!

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Location: Washington

What’s to See in Mount Rainier National Park?

Screaming at the name, this national park’s top attraction is Mount Rainier itself.

Mount Rainer is a 14411-foot high stratovolcano. It’s highly known for being the highest point in the Cascade Range and is surrounded by subalpine meadows, valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests!

An adventure of a lifetime, really. Even if you aren’t so fond of rocks, there are over 25 GLACIERS on the volcano for one to explore!

Activities to Do

There are tons of hiking trails worth trying at Mount Rainier National Park, so much you don’t know if you could take them all on!

If we had to recommend one for you to absolutely try though, it’d be the Skyline Trail!

Those visitors who like to stay safe but still see the wonders of the world also have a Wonderland Trail where you could see everything it has to offer at a safe distance!

The Mount Rainier National Park also offers ranger-led walks, hiking, snowshoeing, and even sledding in the winter.

Mount Rainier is one of the few national parks that have THIS MANY activities you can do! It’s not only for your average outdoor junkie, but anyone would have a memorable stay here!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

September would be the best time to visit if you’re looking for nice weather and more distance between visitors.

However, July and August are really the best times to go! Take note, though; these are also the busiest time of the year, so you have to consider this.

There are two lodges inside Mount Rainier National Park, namely the National Park Inn and the Paradise Inn; the former is open all year long, while the Paradise Inn is only open from mid-May to October.

If you decide not to reside at these two lodges, however, there are also many accommodation services in the surrounding areas.

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park

Location: Arkansas

What’s to See in Hot Springs National Park?

It is the only one of the national parks in the U.S. which combines lithology, geological structure, and water sources.

If visitors are out for different, this park is as unusual as one can be!

The Hot Springs National Park is naturally designated with ancient thermal springs, forested hiking trails, and mountain views.

In fact, they also have a Hot Springs Secret Cave. Now, who can resist that? We dare to say you HAVE TO INCLUDE Hot Springs Park in your National Parks itinerary!

Activities to Do

Ever heard of high-quality non-volcanic geothermal springs? We sure didn’t until we heard of the Hot Springs National Park!

Without a doubt, the best activity to have at the Hot Springs National Park is to have a nice bath at a few of the historic bathhouses lined up at the Bathhouse Row.

On that note, we also recommend you give the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and the Buckstaff Bathhouse a visit!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

The Hot Springs park can be visited any time of the year, actually. However, we don’t recommend visiting during the summer as it can get warm and humid in the area.

Located in Hot Springs Town, there’s no need to look for a specific lodging location when you visit. It’s all right there, with accommodation services for all visitors!

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Location: Virginia

What’s to See in Shenandoah National Park?

Dreamed of seeing deer, rare birds, and black bears in a park?

The Shenandoah National Park has it all for you!

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, the Shenandoah National Park is a long park that sprawls up to 200000 acres of land!

Shenandoah brings that beauty of nature to another level when you’re able to see all of the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow while it’s all surrounded by waterfalls and wildflowers!

Yes, spot all of it during the fall!

Activities to Do

While its hiking trails and the vistas along Skyline Drive are highly notable, no visitors have visited without mentioning Shenandoah during the fall.

Truly, fall is a GORGEOUS season in itself.

There are over 500 miles of hiking trails available at Shenandoah National Park, and each one will be able to give you a good look at the beauty of nature it offers!

In fact, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world passes through Shenandoah park.

And really, would anyone pass up that choice?

If you want something a bit more active, a lot of tourists also tend to opt to bike the Skyline Drive!

When to Go & Where to Stay?

April or May would be the time to visit if you want to see the blossoms and wildflowers at their best.

On the other hand, if you want to see the fall colors for yourself, October would be your best bet!

As for lodging, we recommend you stay at either the Big Meadows Lodge or the Skyland Lodge. Both of these are just situated along Skyline Drive. 

Want to stay in a bigger town? Charlottesville and Harrisonburg are also spectacular choices!

Other National Parks Worth Mentioning

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Snorkeling, whale-watching, and the Kilauea volcano are just some of the most incredible sights and experiences you can do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

What we love most about this park are the lava fields that make it both photo-op worthy and an experience you’d regret if you didn’t go to.

Did we also forget to mention the smell of sulfur gas and steam vents near the Kilauea volcano’s crater?!

Based on the recent data of NPS, it’s still at an impressive 1.1 million count of visits! Not bad, right? Fairly close to Shenandoah!

The best time to go is during late spring and the best part? You get great beach time!

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park sits alongside Hawaii Volcanoes in the list of most visited national parks each year, coming in at 1.11 million.

What’s perfect about Everglades National Park is you can easily make it a day trip if you ever find yourself in Miami!

You can opt to go biking, hiking, or even rent a canoe to explore the place and mangroves. But if it’s wildlife you’re after, the best time to go is in March!

You’ll get clear skies, low humidity, and NO MOSQUITOES! All the wildlife in Everglades National Park gathers by the waterhole, so it’s the perfect time to see them in large numbers!

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park has slightly more visits than Everglades and Hawaii Volcanoes national parks, coming in at 1.24 million.

Unlike the two national parks, you won’t see a lot of wildlife here. Instead, you’ll find one of the largest trees – Sequoia trees along with deep canyons and awe-inspiring mountain sceneries.

If you plan to include this in your itinerary of national parks to visit, the best time to go to Sequoia National Park is in June. The weather is just right during this time, especially if your goal is sightseeing.

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park

Although not as popular as most national parks, Kings Canyon National Park is located next to Sequoia National Park! So why not just include it on your trip, right?!

What’s to do here? Well…

  • You could go for a scenic drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove. You’ll see tall Sequoia trees, rocky cliffs, and of course, a sweepingly far yet stunning view.
  • Want a hike you can easily go by yourself away from the crowd? Check out, Zumwalt Meadows!

Conclusion

If you haven’t been able to tell yet, the US is home to a ton of national parks, the world’s greatest wonders.

At a time at which we’re stolen from our adventures, take this as your sign to come out and experience all the parks you possibly could! (Safely, of course.)

Whether you’re halfway across the world or on the other side of the Katmai National park, there are going to be national parks waiting for your visit! Trust the Department of the Interior and National Park Service to preserve their beauty.

Perhaps you could even try visiting all 63 of the parks in the US! Remember, it’s ALWAYS worth more investing in the experiences.

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