15 National Parks Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Life (For National Park Week)
America’s national parks are like nature’s greatest hits. Each one is different and unforgettable.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The National Park Week is the perfect excuse to unplug and explore the most stunning places the U.S. has to offer. These parks are packed with wild beauty, epic views, and stories older than time. If you need a little push to plan your next adventure, these 15 spots are calling your name.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Brocken Inaglory on Wikimedia Commons
Geysers shoot up like nature’s fireworks, and bison casually cross the road like they own the place. Yellowstone feels like another planet—mud bubbling, steam hissing, colors glowing. It’s not just big; it’s loud, wild, and alive. Once you see Old Faithful erupt, you’ll understand why this was the world’s first national park.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Diliff on Wikimedia Commons
El Capitan will make your jaw drop before you even park the car. Waterfalls tumble down granite cliffs like they’re showing off. Hiking here feels like walking through a postcard. Yosemite doesn’t whisper beauty. It shouts it.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Tuxyso on Wikimedia Commons
Photos don’t prepare you for that first glimpse. It’s like the earth forgot to finish the floor. The canyon stretches endlessly, painted in layers of sunset. Stay for the golden hour. It’s a scene you won’t forget.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Jon Zander on Wikimedia Commons
Zion is tall, dramatic, and full of red-rock swagger. The trails make you work for the views, but they pay off in a big way. Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart or anyone afraid of heights, but if you make it, the view feels like you’re on top of the world.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
Tuxyso on Wikimedia Commons
Glacier is like nature’s VIP lounge—less crowded and more breathtaking. Think of crystal lakes, mountain goats, and snow-capped peaks that look photoshopped. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a wild ride and the park’s crown jewel.
6. Acadia National Park, Maine
Plh1234us on Wikimedia Commons
Acadia blends rugged coastlines with misty pine forests in the most magical way. Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, and you’ll be one of the first people in the U.S. to see the light that day. This park brings ocean air and mountain vibes together like a coastal fairy tale. Bonus: lobster rolls nearby.
7. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Michael Gäbler on Wikimedia Commons
The Tetons rise so sharply that it feels like someone just yanked them out of the ground. They’re wild, dramatic, and perfectly reflected in every calm lake. This park is quieter than Yellowstone but just as epic. The sunrise here is pure mountain poetry.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Massimo Catarinella on Wikimedia Commons
High-altitude hikes and alpine meadows packed with wildflowers? Yes, please. The Rocky Mountain has that crisp air that makes you feel like doing yoga, even if you’ve never tried it. Elk wander past like they’re in charge. Take the Trail Ridge Road for views that mess with your sense of scale.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Flicka on Wikimedia Commons
Arches look like a Dr. Seuss book come to life. Red rock shapes twist and stretch in ways that make no sense and perfect sense at the same time. There are over 2,000 natural stone arches, but each one feels special. Delicate Arch steals the spotlight if you time it right.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Luca Galuzzi on Wikimedia Commons
Those funky orange spires are called hoodoos, and Bryce has the world’s biggest collection. It’s weird in the best way. Wander down into the canyon, and it feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Sunrise turns the whole place into a glowing coral dreamscape.
11. Everglades National Park, Florida
Daniel Kraft on Wikimedia Commons
This isn’t your typical park. It’s a giant, slow-moving river filled with alligators and sawgrass. Airboat rides are like roller coasters for swamp lovers. It’s humid, it’s wild, and it’s wonderfully weird.
12. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz on Wikimedia Commons
The Badlands sound, well, bad, but they’re stunning. Jagged cliffs and rainbow-striped rocks make this place feel like a forgotten corner of Mars. It has a rugged beauty with a side of prehistoric mystery.
13. Olympic National Park, Washington
Michael Gäbler on Wikimedia Commons
Where else can you hike through a rainforest, climb mountains, and chill on a beach all in one day? Olympic is the choose-your-own-adventure park. Moss hangs from trees like green tinsel, and the coastline is dramatic and moody. Bring a rain jacket and an open mind.
14. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Tuxyso on Wikimedia Commons
This desert park is full of strange trees, boulder piles, and a big sky. It’s a favorite for stargazers, climbers, and people who just want to vibe. Joshua Tree looks simple until sunset when it turns magical.
15. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
G. Edward Johnson on Wikimedia Commons
Skyline Drive is 105 miles of rolling hills and scenic overlooks. In the fall, the leaves throw a full-blown color party. Trails like Old Rag are tough but worth every step. Shenandoah is calm, classic, and ridiculously pretty.