Looking to get outside? Here are the Best National Parks to Visit in Summer!
Vacationing at any one of the over 400 National Parks in the United States is bound to be an unforgettable experience. With 84 million acres making up the United States national parks, there is something for everyone. Yet, with so many options to choose from, simply picking the best parks to visit can be quite a challenge.
Free National Park Passes
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Best National Parks to Visit in Summer
Plan Ahead
Whether you're visiting the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, discovering ancient ruins at Mesa Verde National Park, or visiting any of the other parks, be sure to check the current conditions, restrictions, rules, and #PlanLikeAParkRanger. Learn more at the National Park Service's website.
The following parks are just a few of the Best National Parks to Visit in Summer for any nature enthusiast!
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, Maine - With cool ocean breezes, this national park in Maine is an absolute MUST especially for those living in New England who are close enough to make the drive. From the pristine pond to the dramatic rocky cliffs, there's so much to see and do here. You can stay right on Mount Desert Island. Then make the short trek to "the quiet side" to experience Schoodic Point. Be sure to add Sand Beach, Thunder Cove, and the Gorham Mountain Trail to your itinerary.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah - Many visitors to Zion say that this park experience eclipses the rest, including the Grand Canyon! Zion is filled with soaring cliffs, a favorite for rock climbers worldwide. Unlike the Grand Canyon, visitors enter at the bottom of the canyon and hike or climb to the top if they are up for a challenge. Major attractions include plenty of narrow slot canyons and an intense hike up the river, with some swimming and wading required. There are campsites inside the park, but they tend to fill up quickly. Another option is to stay at one of the many facilities just outside the park and take the shuttle bus in. Check out these 10 Tips to Avoid the Crowds and Heat at Zion.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona - Though some prefer the mystical beauty of Zion, the Grand Canyon remains the Granddaddy of the National Park Service. The Park Service officially declared the Grand Canyon a National Park three years after they were founded in 1916, but the canyon has been protected land since the late 1800s. The canyon is a mile deep and 18 miles long, allowing for plenty of recreation room. Visitors can hike, raft, take a helicopter tour, or simply soak in the stunning vistas.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park, South Dakota - The Badlands don't have the most romantic name but rest assured that visiting this park is an unforgettable experience. Eroded rock formations make up much of the landscape giving visitors the feeling that they are visiting an alien planet. Because of the area's rich fossil beds, scientists have learned about the evolution of pigs, horses, rhinos, and sheep. Even in summer, visitors should be sure to come prepared with warm clothing.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park, California - Redwood is home to the gigantic old-growth trees that give the park its namesake, but there is much more to the park than just its trees. Redwood encompasses 40 miles of stunning coastline, oak forest, and prairies that are home to a host of wildlife. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of a black bear or gray whale. Redwood has three campgrounds within the old-growth forest and one on the coast for those who want to spend a longer time in the great outdoors.
Road Trip Tips
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