10 National Parks you NEED to visit this Year

10 National Parks you NEED to visit this Year (U.S. Edition)

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable summer adventure? From breathtaking natural wonders to wildlife you won’t see anywhere else! The United States offers a plethora of National Parks that cater to every traveler’s taste. If you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or nature photographer or an avid hiker, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 places that you should add to your summer travel itinerary. I understand you most likely won’t be able to get to all of them this year, but put these places on your Bucket List!

Yellowstone National Park – Yellowstone is America’s first National Park and is a vast wilderness area that sits atop a volcanic hot spot, resulting in its iconic geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. The park is also home to diverse wildlife including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Visitors can explore over 2 million acres of pristine wilderness, hike picturesque trails, and see the wonder and beauty of what makes Yellowstone so famous. From waterfalls, to mountains and rivers, Yellowstone truly has everything you want in a National Park. The drive from the top of the park to the bottom is about 4 hours, not including stops as well. Click here for a more intensive Yellowstone guide

How many days should I spend? Plan for at least 3-4 days to truly see everything the park has to offer

When is the best time to go? They’re open May – September, it’s busy, but the crowds aren’t too bad

Must see Places: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful Geyser, Prismatic Hot Spring

Jackosn Hole, Wyoming / Grand Teton National Park – Nestled in the Teton Range, Jackson Hole offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. Grand Teton National Park, adjacent to the town, boasts stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike scenic trails, go wildlife watching, or enjoy activities like whitewater rafting and horseback riding. The town of Jackson itself is a charming western enclave with quaint shops, art galleries, live music, ski resorts, zip-ling and delicious dining options. For a more in-depth look check out for the Grand Tetons Travel Guide

How many days should I spend? Plan for at least 1-2 days in Jackson and another 1-2 days in Grand Teton National park

When is the best time to go? If you’re a skier then the winter months, although it can get very busy. May – September is a great time to go

Must See places: Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Silver Dollar Bar

Acadia National Park, Maine – Located along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore granite peaks, rocky shorelines, and lush forests. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, offers breathtaking views of the sunrise. Acadia also features over 120 miles of hiking trails, picturesque carriage roads for biking, and opportunities for exploring wildlife and walking along cliffs of the Atlantic ocean. Acadia is also one of the first spots in the United States that catches the sunrise, so be sure to wake up early to catch a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean!

How many days should I spend? 2 days is enough time for Acadia

When is the best time to go? The fall months from October -November offer the best chance to see the beautiful fall foliage. Summer months are great as well

Must See Places: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Rocky Mountain National Park – Encompassing towering peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S., offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike to iconic destinations like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, spot wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep, or embark on scenic drives through the park’s diverse ecosystems. Truly one of the most beautiful parks in the country, rocky Mountain is named promptly.

How many days should I spend? you can get away with 2-3 days in the park, if you really want to immerse yourself and take your time then 3-4 days should be sufficient

When is the best time to go? Over the summer months as it is typically located in winter due to hazardous road conditions

Must see places: Emerald Lake, Bear Lake, Wild Basin, Trail Ridge Road

Glacier National Park – Is renowned for its rugged mountains, pristine forests, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. One of its most iconic features is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that traverses the heart of the park, offering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Lakes and rivers along the drive truly make it a breathtaking place to visit. Visitors can embark on a variety of adventures, from leisurely strolls along crystal-clear lake shores to challenging treks up mountain peaks. Wildlife enthusiasts will also delight in the chance to spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolves!

How many days should I spend? 3-4 days

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Must-See Destinations: Going-to-the-Sun Road: A scenic drive offering breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. Grinnell Glacier: Hike to witness the stunning beauty of one of the park’s most iconic glaciers. Lake McDonald: Relax by the serene waters of the largest lake in the park, surrounded by majestic mountains.

Yosemite National Park – Located in California, Yosemite is a very well-known National Park and should be on everyone’s bucket lists for good reason. A treasure of natural wonders, including towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves. Yosemite Valley, with its iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, is a mecca for rock climbers and photographers alike. For tips on what to bring while hiking, check out the article HERE For those seeking solitude, the park offers endless opportunities for backcountry exploration, with miles of trails leading to remote wilderness areas. From the adrenaline rush of scaling Half Dome to the tranquility of walking among giant trees in Mariposa Grove, Yosemite captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.

• How many days should I spend? 4-5 days
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Must-See Destinations: Yosemite Valley: Marvel at towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush forests. Half Dome: Embark on a challenging hike to conquer one of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks. Glacier Point: Enjoy panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls from this iconic viewpoint.

Olympic National Park is tucked away about 2 hours south from Seattle, Washington. You can also get there by a ferry as well. Renowned for its ecological diversity, encompassing rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and glaciated peaks. Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, while the Hoh Rainforest immerses visitors in a lush, green world of towering trees and moss-covered undergrowth. A truly unique park that captures what the Pacific Northwest is truly about. Beautiful green forests, huge healthy trees and serene rivers and lakes Whether hiking through old-growth forests or watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Olympic National Park offers a truly immersive wilderness experience.

• How many days should I spend? 3-4 days
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Must-See Destinations: Hurricane Ridge: Take in sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. Hoh Rainforest: Explore one of the wettest places in the contiguous United States, home to ancient trees and moss-covered landscapes. Ruby Beach: Stroll along the rugged coastline, dotted with sea stacks and tide pools.

Everglades National Park is a unique and fragile ecosystem, known as the “River of Grass,” which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. The park’s Anhinga Trail offers an up-close look at the Everglades’ iconic wildlife, including alligators, herons, and turtles. Shark Valley provides opportunities for birdwatching and bike rides along a 15-mile loop trail through sawgrass marshes. if you’re looking for mountains and rivers, you’re not going to find that here. Here you’ll find swaps, wildlife and unique plants and trees. YAt the Flamingo Visitor Center, visitors can learn about the park’s conservation efforts and embark on guided boat tours through mangrove forests and coastal wetlands, offering glimpses of elusive manatees and American crocodiles.

• How many days should I spend? 2 days
• Best Time to Visit: November to March – summer months can get hot and muggy
• Must-See Destinations: Take an airboat tour of the swaps for a chance at some Floridian wildlife! Anhinga Trail: Walk this easy trail for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including alligators, wading birds, and turtles. Shark Valley: Take a tram tour or rent a bike to explore the Everglades’ freshwater sawgrass marsh. Flamingo Visitor Center: Discover the park’s diverse ecosystems and embark on boat tours through mangrove forests and coastal waters.

U.S Virgin Islands National Park – Virgin Islands National Park encompasses over 7,000 acres of pristine land and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Trunk Bay, with its crystal-clear waters and underwater snorkeling trail, is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Cinnamon Bay offers opportunities for water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing and paddleboarding, as well as camping facilities for those looking to spend the night under the stars. If you’re more of a beach person and likes to relax on their vacations then the Virign Islands are not to be missed. You won’t find any mountains or waterfalls but you will find a truly great time and a beautiful tropical vacation

• How many days should I spend? 3-5 days
• Best Time to Visit: December to April
• Must-See Destinations: Trunk Bay: Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Cinnamon Bay: Relax on pristine beaches or embark on kayaking and paddleboarding adventures.

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its otherworldly landscapes, characterized by twisted Joshua trees, towering rock formations, and star-filled night skies. Hidden Valley is a popular spot for rock climbing, with routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels, while the Cholla Cactus Garden offers a surreal landscape of spiky cacti glowing in the desert sun. At Keys View, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea, especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset. With its stark beauty and sense of tranquility, Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for hikers, national park enthusiast such as myself, photographers, and nature lovers seeking inspiration in the desert wilderness.

• How many days should I spend? 2 days
• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Must-See Destinations: Hidden Valley: Explore unique rock formations and enjoy rock climbing opportunities for all skill levels.Cholla Cactus Garden: Wander through a surreal landscape dotted with spiky cholla cacti, especially beautiful at sunset. Keys View: Soak in panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault from this scenic overlook.

White Sands National Park is a surreal landscape of gleaming white gypsum sand dunes located in New Mexico. Shimmering in the sunlight against a backdrop of blue skies. The park’s Dunes Drive allows visitors to explore this otherworldly terrain by car, with designated picnic areas and trailheads along the route. The Playa Trail offers a short, easy walk through the heart of the dunes, where visitors can marvel at the unique plants and animals adapted to life in this harsh environment. Take a few hours to go sand sledding or driving a dune buggy across the open plains! Truly an experience you won’t forget! As the day draws to a close, the dunes come alive with the soft glow of sunset, casting long shadows across the undulating sands and creating a truly magical atmosphere.

• How many days should I spend? 1-2 days
• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Must-See Destinations:White Sands Dunes Drive: Cruise along this scenic loop road, stopping at viewpoints to admire the vast gypsum dune fields. Playa Trail: Take a leisurely walk on this short trail to experience the stark beauty of the white gypsum sand. Sunset Stroll: Witness the mesmerizing transformation of the dunes as they glow golden in the fading light of the day.

Here are 10 beautiful and unique National Parks that you should add to your bucket list to visit as soon as possible! I love National Park. Each of these national parks offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the wonders of the natural world. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these pristine landscapes are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit them.