There is something about America's national parks that gets under your skin in the best possible way. Maybe it is standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and realizing no photo will ever do it justice. Maybe it is the moment you spot wildlife on a trail you almost did not take, or the silence of a forest so vast it feels like the rest of the world simply does not exist out there.
With over 60 national parks spread across the country, choosing where to start can feel like an impossible task. So we did the hard part for you. These are our favorite national parks, the ones that left a mark, and the ones we find ourselves recommending to travelers time and time again. Whether you are planning your first park visit or looking to add another unforgettable destination to your list, we think you are going to love these as much as we do.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is by taking a white-water raft trip through the canyon itself. Trips can run anywhere from 5 to 17 days with plenty of options to choose from. Do you want to travel through the entire canyon or just part of it? Do you prefer to paddle your own way through, or would you rather sit back and let someone else handle the boat?
Once you are on the water, your days are spent floating the river and seeing the canyon from the bottom up. From this vantage point, you get a real sense of the canyon's incredible scale. Guides will point out rock formations along the way and share the origin stories told by Native Americans indigenous to the area.
And do not worry about going hungry. Your guides are also your chefs for the entire trip. Breakfast is made to order, lunch is a relaxed build-your-own sandwich spread, and dinner is when they really go all out. Think shrimp cocktail, steak with baked potatoes, and chocolate cake under the stars.
Before you close your eyes each night, take one last look at the sky above you. There are very few places in the world where the stars look like that.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
This is where history and nature meet. Hot Springs is the oldest of America's national parks, established as a reserve way back in 1832, and it has a story unlike any other park in the country.
There are over 26 miles of hiking trails winding through lush forests, but the main draw is the springs themselves. While there are no outdoor soaking areas, two historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row use the natural spring waters to treat visitors the way they were treated in the early 1900s. Our favorite is the Buckstaff Bathhouse, where you can experience traditional therapeutic techniques that doctors once prescribed, and add a massage for the ultimate in relaxation.
The therapeutic qualities of the water made Hot Springs a magnet for the rich and famous over the years, including some pretty notorious gangsters. The Gangster Museum of America tells the full story of how they lived side by side with the locals while running illegal casinos and bootlegging operations right in this quiet little town. It is equal parts kitschy and fascinating.
Sequoia National Park, California
We fell in love with Sequoia because of a feeling. Specifically, the feeling of being tiny.
When you arrive, head straight to the Visitor's Center to grab a map and the daily activity guide. We highly recommend joining one of the afternoon hikes led by a park ranger. On our visit, our ranger pointed out a mother bear and her two cubs just off the trail. We would have walked right past them without ever knowing they were there. Camouflage is a very real thing.
The Big Trees Trail is the perfect introduction to the sequoias. It is well marked, easy to follow, paved for accessibility and stroller friendly, and gives you the chance to stand next to trees so massive they genuinely make you feel like a different species. Take a moment and hug one of those giant trees. There are very few things in the world that will make you feel as small or as wonderfully humbled.
Feeling adventurous? Hike up to Moro Rock. You will actually spot this granite dome on your way into the park. The out-and-back trail takes about 20 minutes and the views from the top are absolutely worth it. Fair warning though, if heights are not your thing, you may find yourself gripping the bench rather than walking out to the edge.
Ready to Plan Your National Park Adventure?
America's national parks are some of the most breathtaking destinations in the entire world and the best part is they are right here in your backyard. Whether you are dreaming of a white-water rafting adventure through the Grand Canyon, a relaxing soak in historic Hot Springs, or standing in the shadow of a 3,000 year old sequoia tree, we are here to help you make it happen.
Reach out today and let us help you plan your perfect national park getaway. And when you get back, we want to hear all about it. Which parks made your list and why?
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