The best national parks in USA give citizens what they do not generally find in their concrete apartments: nature, wildlife, gushing waterfalls, massive mountains, and fresh air to breathe in. Therefore, when people get vacations or a long weekend off, they plan to visit these parks.
People have become much more interested in exploring the national parks of the USA in recent times. It is depicted from the fact that according to the National Park Service report, there were 325.5 million recreational visits in only 2023, and this number is growing significantly.
So, if you are also planning to visit national parks, the following is a detailed look into the top 5 ones. You will find the top attractions, experiences, and visitors’ insights that will make your decision-making easier.
Why are America’s National Parks Famous?
National parks are designated areas protected from urban sprawling to preserve their resources, history, natural life, and scenic beauty. These parks are deliberately left from heavy construction to protect their wildlife and hiking trails. The integration of limited construction in the wilderness without disturbing its original state is something travel enthusiasts find impressive.
American national parks are mainly famous for recreational activities, skiing, birdwatching, scenic geology, and geography with diverse wildlife. Today, they act as a place where people gather and spend time in a peaceful environment (away from stress and work). They play outdoor games and sports or leisurely walk or drive on the most picturesque roads in America.
Quick Fact: Wondering how many national parks are there in America? There are 63 in total. And they offer diverse activities and experiences to cater to everyone.
Top 5 National Parks In USA For Families – Listed According to SpoliaMag’s Rating
Want to explore the best places to visit in summer in USA? These are the prime destinations that should be on your bucket list.
1. Yellowstone National Park | World’s First National Park
It is the first national park created in 1872 and has attracted thousands of tourists. The diverse wildlife and natural wonders will surely make you forget any other national park.
If you are interested in exploring natural features, Yellowstone has an abundance of geysers, thermal pools, hot springs, mud pools, and breathtaking waterfalls that you will love. Use them as your backdrop to get incredible pictures and videos.
Many people visit it because of the extraordinary wildlife experience it gives from up close. You will see the elks, bears, and bison roaming around freely. Not only that, it also offers the best hiking trails as well.
- SpoliaMag’s Rating: 5
- Recommended Experiences: Private Yellowstone Wolf Watching, Old Faithful Sightseeing, Mammoth Hot Springs, hike in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
- Top Attractions Nearby: Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, Silver Gate / Cooke City, Montana, Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
- Travelers Insights: Visit in the fall as the crowd is less. Carry proper gear, and wear suitable clothes when going on a hiking trip. Geothermal features are a must checkout.
2. Katmai National Park & Preserve | Has 9,000 years of human history preserved
Katmai National Park & Preserve in the USA has an interesting history behind its creation. It is located at the head of the Alaskan peninsula and was protected after the devastating eruption of the Novarupta volcano. This eruption also created an ash-filled valley called Ten Thousand Smoke. Due to volcanic eruptions nearby, craters were formed, and now they have become beautiful lakes that people pick to spend the best family vacations in the USA.
You will find an abundance of brown bears here, along with scenic views of mountains and lakes. They also have full-fledged lodges and camps to provide facilities for the tourists. You will experience the real Alaska while paddling in Savonoski Loop or passing through the Brooks Falls.
- SpoliaMag’s Rating: 5
- Recommended Experiences: Mount Katmai, Fure’s Cabin, Alagnak Wild River, Dumpling Mountain.
- Top Attractions Nearby: King Salmon Visitor Center, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, McNeil River State Game Sanctuary
- Travelers Insights: Try Brooks Camp to experience the outdoor life and sit comfortably in the quiet spots to appreciate nature.
3. Grand Teton National Park | Famous for Hiking, Fishing & Diverse Ecosystem
Situated just close to Yellowstone National Park, it is a paradise for families and kids. You will find many trails that are both scenic and easy to hike. It is just one hour away from Yellowstone. It means you must check out both parks when picking the best vacation spots in US for families. Planning the US cross-country road trip? Do not forget to add these parks as your destinations.
If you love mountaineering, skiing, and photography, you will be in awe of the snow-capped Static Peak and Paintbrush Divide and waterfalls. Those who love to get more adventurous tastes can experience the dramatic Snake River. A truly American vibe! These are the solid reasons why it has attracted 3,417,106 recreation visits in 2023. And the number is rising every year.
From mid-May to late September, you can easily access the entire park, and during October, you will get the cozy warmth feel of the park. But avoid visiting here in November if you want to go camping or dine in restaurants, as they are generally closed during this period.
- SpoliaMag’s Rating: 5
- Recommended Experiences: Scenic Wildlife Float in Jackson Hole, Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Sunset Guided Tour from Jackson Hole.
- Top Attractions Nearby: Cascade Canyon Trail, Taggart Lake, Moose Wilson Road
- Travelers Insights: Go early to beat the crowd and spot animals in the early morning and night. The cellular signals can be problematic sometimes.
4. Glacier National Park | The Crown of the Continent
Glacier National Park is what its name represents. From 700 miles of snowing hiking trails to wildflowers and snow-capped peaks, you will find everything in this park. The ice sheets are rapidly melting because of the environment, but it is still sturdy enough to explore.
The famous Going-to-the-sun Road is the scenic mountain road that will take you to the heart of the glacier so you can witness this beauty closely. You can walk in nature, take a boat ride, or bike tour to check out the panoramic views of the park on a family vacation trip here. Love wildlife? You can also see the magnificent black bears, big horn sheep, moose, and mountain goats.
Another reason to visit this destination is that it is highly affordable. Starting from just $20, it can be a budget-friendly vacation trip for your family.
- SpoliaMag’s Rating: 4.5
- Recommended Experiences: East Glacier & Two Medicine Scenic Driving Tour, Whitewater Rafting Adventure.
- Top Attractions Nearby: Grinnell Glacier, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Alpine Theatre Project, Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
- Travelers Insights: The best time to visit is late July. Apply sun protection sufficiently for going on hiking in summer.
5. Yosemite National Park | Best Climbing Site
You must have seen many waterfalls and mountain peaks in national parks. But what Yosemite National Park has to offer is something you might not have seen before. It showcases a unique natural phenomenon in February when sunlight brightens up Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall. At that moment, it feels like an erupting volcano. People call it Firefall due to its radiant colors.
But that is not the only thing that ranks this park in the list of best national parks in USA. More than 400 wildlife species, sequoia trees, climbing and hiking trails, and incredible waterfalls are the reasons people love to visit here every year.
Whether you reach the mountain peak or lay on the lush grass of the valley, the spectacular views will take your breath away. The mild Mediterranean climate remains sunny and dry in summer and heavy rainfall in winter.
- SpoliaMag’s Rating: 4.5
- Recommended Experiences: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Village, Housekeeping Camp In Yosemite.
- Top Attractions Nearby: Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Ski Resort, Inyo National Forest.
- Travelers Insights: Come early in the morning if you want to bike, hire a tour guide to get the 360-degree experience of the trip, and check out the lodges that are full-fledged with facilities.
Conclusion
The list of the best national parks in USA is super-lengthy, as America has made great efforts to create spaces where nature and wildlife can be preserved. These top 6 places will make your family travel memorable. You can explore nature and see wildlife roaming around you- all while sleeping peacefully in your lodges or walking around dense forests with your kids.
Popular FAQs: Best National Parks To Visit In America
March is not the extreme summer month. So, it is the best time to check out the USA’s best national parks. You can visit Arches National Park (Utha), Biscayne National Park (Florida), and Saguaro National Park (Arizona).
Colorado has some of the most scenic mountains, rugged topography, and hot springs that you will love to check out. Some of the famous places you must visit are Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and Mile High City.
Grand Canyon National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Zion National Park are the top 3 most visited national parks in 2023. These parks attract millions of tourists every year.
