Top National Parks to Visit in 2026 and the Best Experiences in Each
In 2026 I am challenging you to visit a National Park. Everyone always loves to take an all-inclusive vacation to a resort, or visit a new city, but they miss what the world truly has to offer. And that is it’s National Parks. There is nothing like being in the mountains, or seeing a waterfall, or experiencing a new biome you’ve never seen before. If I’m taking a vacation, it’s going to be to a National Park.
Below are the top national parks in the United States to visit in 2026, along with the best things to do in each to help you plan a truly memorable trip.
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana & Idaho)
Best for: Wildlife, geothermal features, bucket-list landscapes
Yellowstone is the crown jewel of the national park system and continues to be a must-visit in 2026. As the world’s first national park, it offers an unmatched combination of wildlife, colorful hot springs, and dramatic scenery.
Best experiences in Yellowstone:
- Watching Old Faithful erupt
- Spotting bison, wolves, and elk in Lamar Valley
- Walking the boardwalks of Grand Prismatic Spring
- Seeing “The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”
Taking the “Ring of Fire Bus Tour”
Travel tip: Visit in late May or September to avoid peak summer crowds while still enjoying great weather.
For more info on Yellowstone National Park, check out that page here
2. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Best for: Amazing Mountain Views, Lake Views, Hiking
Just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park feels like a quieter, more intimate wilderness experience. The Teton Mountain ranges are truly something out of a painting. Driving through the park is absolutely breath-taking. A lot of people visit Yellowstone and don’t visit Grand Teton. Do not make that same mistake.
Best experiences in Grand Teton:
- Hiking around Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls
- Wildlife viewing along Moose Pond
- Driving through Teton Park Rd and stopping at the overlooks
Staying in Jackson Hole? Take a full-day bus tour to Grand Teton with pickup included! One of the best and easiest ways to see the Grand Tetons.
Travel tip: This park is ideal for travelers who want epic scenery without long, crowded hikes.
For more info, check out the article here for a full in-depth guide to the Grand Tetons
3. Zion National Park (Utah)
Best for: Iconic hikes, red rock canyons, adventure
Zion remains one of the most visually stunning national parks in the U.S. Two of the most famous and dangerous hikes in the entire world bring in tourists from all over the world.
Best experiences in Zion:
- Hiking Angels Landing (permit required)
- Wading through The Narrows
- Scenic drives through Zion Canyon
- Going out for dinner and drinks in Springdale
- Taking a UTV slot canyon small group tour
Travel tip: Make sure you acquire a permit if you’re going to hike Angel’s Landing. See my article on that for more details and info on the trail.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Best for: Alpine scenery, wildlife, scenic drives
Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream for mountain lovers. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and breathtaking alpine views, it’s one of the best parks to explore in any season. This park is next on my bucket list of National Parks to travel to in 2026, so stay tuned for some more articles on that.
Best experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Driving Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America
- Hiking to Emerald Lake or Sky Pond
- Looking for wildlife like moose, bears and wolves
- Not sure what to do or don’t have a car? Take a full Rocky Mountain National Park Bus Tour
Travel tip: Prepare your body ahead of time, maybe arrive a day or two early to prepare your body for the altitude.
5. Yosemite National Park (California)
Best for: Iconic landmarks, waterfalls, rock climbing
Yosemite is legendary for a reason. One of the most famous and well-known National Parks in the entire world is Yosemite. I have not made it here yet, but it is very soon on my bucket list. I can’t wait to tackle Half Dome!
Best experiences in Yosemite:
- Viewing Yosemite Falls in spring
- Hiking to Glacier Point or Taft Point
- Rock climbing on El Capitan or Half Dome
- Walking among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove
Travel tip: If you wish to hike Half Dome, it also requires a permit. Be sure to pick a day where it’s going to be nice and funny and not bad weather.
Bus Tour: Don’t have a ton of time? Take a small group bus tour to see all the highlights of Yosemite in one day!
6. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Best for: Scenic drives, glaciers, beautiful lakes
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in 2026. With mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and beautiful meadows, it’s truly a place to behold.
Best experiences in Glacier National Park:
- Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Hiking to Grinnell Glacier
- Boat tours on Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake
- Spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep
Travel tip: Try to hit all 3 parks in one trip. Start up in Glacier, drive down through Yellowstone and end with Grand Teton
7. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Best for: Coastal scenery, fall foliage, sunrise views
Acadia is a beautiful park to visit in the fall. The gorgeous fall foliage with the crisp cool air off the Atlantic Ocean make this one of the best National Parks there are. Charming towns like Bar Harbor have excellent restaurants and fresh lobster as well.
For more in depth information about Acadia and Bar Harbor, check out my article on that HERE
Best experiences in Acadia:
- Watching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (one of the first in the U.S.)
- Hiking the Beehive Trail
- Driving the Park Loop Rd for amazing coastal scenery and pull out stops
- Visiting Bar Harbor for fresh lobster and small town charm
Travel tip: Visit in September or October for cooler weather and stunning fall colors. It can be tough to access with Portland being the closest airport, so airfare can get a little pricy.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina & Tennessee)
Best for: Easy hikes, waterfalls, scenic views, family-friendly travel
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s incredibly accessible, lush, and perfect for travelers who want beautiful scenery without extreme hiking or technical adventures.
Best experiences in Great Smoky Mountains:
- Driving Newfound Gap Road for misty mountain views. Not sure what to see? Take a guided tour or choose from several tours here
- Visiting Cades Cove for wildlife spotting and historic cabins
- Hiking to Laurel Falls or Abrams Falls
- Experiencing fall foliage in October
Travel tip: This park is great year-round, but spring wildflowers and fall colors are especially beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing dramatic mountains, peaceful lakes, or otherworldly landscapes, 2026 is the perfect year to explore America’s national parks. Each park is so unique and shows you something you’ve never seen before.
If you’re planning a road trip, a solo escape, or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, skip the big cities and the all-inclusive resorts this year. Get outside and see the beautiful National Parks the United States has to offer.