Must-Visit National Parks
With 63 National Parks around the country, there's no shortage of incredible places to explore. From snow-capped mountains, to red rocks + deserts, to lush forests with sweeping views, America's national parks offer a wide variety of landscapes and experiences. While it's hard to narrow down which national parks to visit, these are a few of our favorites that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
Bryce Canyon is unlike any other place on Earth. It's famous for its hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires formed by erosion. These hoodoos make it one of the most picturesque places in the whole country, and it should absolutely be on your bucket list. Sunrise Point is a must-see photo op, offering some of the best views of the canyon. (Pro-tip: get there early in the morning for the best light!) Spring and fall are the best times to visit when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. One of the most unique experiences is hiking the Queen’s Garden Trail and Navajo Loop, which take you right down into the maze of red rock formations.
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Arguably the most iconic national park, the Grand Canyon lives up to the hype, and absolutely belongs on your national park bucket list. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches 277 miles long and over a mile deep. The South Rim is open year-round and provides breathtaking views at points like Mather Point and Desert View. If you're up for a challenge, hiking part of the Bright Angel Trail offers unbelievable views. For the ultimate photo, head to Hopi Point at sunset. Spring and fall provide ideal weather for hiking and sightseeing, as it can get way too hot over the summer.
Everglades National Park – Florida
On your next trip to Florida, be sure to add on a visit to one of the most biologically diverse places in the country, Everglades National Park! This is a really unique park, filled with mangroves, marshes, and plenty of wildlife. Fun fact: Everglades National Park is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist! Unlike other national parks that are filled with hikes, you’ll want to go on a boat tour or a kayaking trip to experience this unique national park. Plan to visit between December and April when the weather is dry and the wildlife is most active. Don’t miss the Shark Valley Observation Tower for panoramic views!
Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. It has a wide range of landscapes, from glaciers to alpine forests, and the whole park is filled with incredible hikes to take in all of the different views. The wildflower blooms in late July and August are absolutely spectacular and make for an incredible photo op, especially at Paradise Meadows. For hikers, the Skyline Trail offers some of the best views of the peak and its surroundings. Summer is the best time to visit when most of the park’s roads and trails are accessible and the weather is dryer!
Zion National Park – Utah
Zion is known for its dramatic cliffs, canyons, and unforgettable hikes. Angels Landing is one of the most thrilling—and challenging—hikes in the national park system, offering jaw-dropping views for those brave enough to reach the top after hiking along a narrow ledge. Not looking to put your life on the line? Opt for a scenic drive through Zion Canyon in spring or fall. The Narrows, where you hike through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls, is another must-see. Zion’s surreal beauty makes it one of the best national parks to visit in the U.S.
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Stretching along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is famous for its scenic Skyline Drive and lush, forested trails. Fall is the prime time to visit, when the foliage transforms the park into a sea of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Stony Man Trail offers a quick hike with rewarding views, and Dark Hollow Falls is a popular photo op for waterfall lovers. With its easy access from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah is perfect for a quick day trip or a longer escape into nature.
Whether you're looking for high-altitude adventures, serene wetlands, or canyon hikes, these bucket list national parks offer something truly special. Add them to your spring and summer travel plans and discover why they rank among the best national parks to visit in the United States.
