Whether it’s Spring Break, a day trip, or other vacation dates you’re looking at, we’ve rounded up this list of the best National Parks in America to head into the great outdoors.
As winter bids adieu and nature stirs from its slumber, spring break presents the best time to revel in the breathtaking landscapes of national parks, and before the peak season of the summer months.
Across the country, these sanctuaries come alive with blooming flora, cascading waterfalls, and rejuvenated wildlife.
An entrance fee applies to each park, and you can purchase those at the National Park Service (NPS.gov) or from the Visitor Center at the entrance to each park. If you plan to visit more than about three parks in the next 12 months, an annual pass will be cheaper.
Each of these exceptional national parks offer an unparalleled experience where nature’s artistry unfolds in vivid colours and awe-inspiring vistas await.
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park was also dedicated as a National Monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908. It is located in northern Arizona and is a geological marvel that showcases the immense power of nature. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this iconic park boasts stunning vistas of layered red rock formations that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Spanning over 1.2 million acres, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited parks in the United States.
Highlights of Grand Canyon
- The Grand Canyon’s South Rim offers some of the most breathtaking panoramas.
- Viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station provide awe-inspiring vistas of the vast canyon.
- Hiking trails like the South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail beckon adventure seekers to explore the canyon’s depths.
- The North Rim, though less accessible, offers a quieter, more serene experience and equally mesmerising views.
- During spring, the canyon adorns itself with a vibrant display of wildflowers, enhancing the already awe-inspiring vistas.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Visitors can explore the canyon through various activities, such as hiking the iconic Bright Angel Trail or the more challenging South Kaibab Trail, both offering unparalleled views of the canyon’s layers and rock formations.
- Other popular activities include mule rides along the rim, helicopter tours for a bird’s-eye view, and ranger-led educational programs.
Getting Here
The South Rim, more accessible and open year-round, is reachable via Arizona State Route 64. The North Rim, closed during winter, is accessed through Highway 67. Both rims have airports nearby, and shuttle services operate within the park.
Most people head to the Grand Canyon using Las Vegas as their base, and if you’re doing a road trip, stopping at the engineering marvel that is the Hoover Dam, is also a great detour.
I have been to Vegas lots of times and you’ll find tons of things to do in Las Vegas in this post.
But believe it or not, there is also a bunch of cool things to do with kids in Las Vegas too.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California, and is a mecca for nature enthusiasts.
Its natural wonders range from the iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, to sequoia groves creating an awe-inspiring landscape that has captivated visitors for generations. Make sure your phone is well charged for all the photos you’ll be taking.
Highlights of Yosemite
- Among the park’s highlights are the monumental granite rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome.
- The mesmerizing Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
- Spring breathes new life into the park as the snow melts, giving rise to thunderous waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.
- Witnessing the blooming dogwoods and wildflowers is an added treat during this time of the year, adding bursts of color to Yosemite’s scenic landscapes.
Top Activities/Things to Do in Yosemite
Yosemite offers an array of activities:
- Trails such as the Mist Trail and the hike to Half Dome showcase the park’s magnificence, offering glimpses of these majestic falls and captivating vistas at Vernal and Nevada Falls.
- You can also explore the ancient Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
Getting Here
Access to Yosemite can be gained from various entrances. The most common route is via California State Route 41 from Fresno or California State Route 140 from Merced, leading to the park’s South and West Entrances.
Or make it part of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, and start in Los Angeles heading through to San Francisco and further north. I did this road trip in five days and could have easily taken ten to take more time and just admire the whole journey.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America, straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It boasts lush forests, diverse wildlife – including around 1,500 black bears, and ancient mountains. Renowned for its biodiversity, it’s a haven for nature lovers.
Highlights of the Great Smoky Mountains
- The park’s beauty lies in its mist-shrouded mountains, cascading waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering sweeping panoramic views.
- The park’s iconic Cades Cove Loop Road provides a scenic drive amidst rolling hills and historic homesteads.
- Trails like Alum Cave Trail and Clingmans Dome offer opportunities to witness the beauty of migrating birds and the awakening of nature after winter’s slumber.
- Spring transforms this park into a canvas of blooming wildflowers, including trilliums and violets, painting the landscape with vibrant hues.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Hiking trails, such as the Appalachian Trail and Alum Cave Bluffs Trail, provide opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
- Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road or Cades Cove Loop.
Getting Here
The park can be accessed through various entrances. Routes from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or Cherokee, North Carolina, offer entry to different park sections.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Its diverse ecosystems offer a unique experience for visitors.
Highlights of the Rocky Mountains
- As spring arrives, melting snow uncovers lush meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers like columbines and Indian paintbrushes.
- Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the US, offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, rocky mountains, and wildlife sightings alongside notable peaks like Longs Peak and the picturesque Bear Lake.
Top Activities/Things to Do in the Rockies
- Hiking trails like the Emerald Lake Trail and the challenging ascent to Longs Peak provide glimpses of cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas.
- Wildlife viewing and scenic drives along Old Fall River Road are also popular.
Getting Here
Estes Park serves as the primary gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can reach Estes Park via US Highway 36 from Denver or Colorado State Highway 7 from Boulder.
5. Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park in Florida is situated in one of the warmest cities in the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a vast subtropical wilderness brimming with mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and unique wildlife, notably alligators and manatees.
If you’re also planning a Miami to Key West road trip down the Florida Keys, visiting the Everglades is a great stop on the way.
Highlights
- Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, and the mesmerizing Ten Thousand Islands are notable highlights.
- The park comes alive with bird migrations and sightings of alligators and other wildlife.
Top Activities/Things to Do in the Everglades
- You can explore the park and sawgrass prairies by taking fun airboat tours, hiking trails like Anhinga Trail or Gumbo Limbo Trail, and kayaking through mangrove tunnels.
Getting Here
The main entrance to the park is near Homestead, Florida. From Miami, take the Florida Turnpike south to Exit 6 and follow the signs to the park entrance.
If you’re driving from Miami, you must stop at Robert is Here. You won’t miss it, the signs are huge. This quirkily named store is filled with fresh fruits and they make amazing ice creams and smoothies for the road!
6. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, situated along the rugged coast of Maine, boasts a diverse landscape of granite peaks, woodland, and shoreline. It’s a paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Highlights of Acadia
- The park’s Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the US Atlantic coast and offers spectacular sunrise views.
- Jordan Pond and Sand Beach are other scenic spots within the park.
- Springtime at Acadia welcomes the return of migratory birds and the emergence of blossoming flowers, creating a picturesque setting.
Top Activities/Things to Do in Acadia National Park
- You can explore carriage roads on bike or foot, hike along trails like Precipice Trail, or enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Cadillac Mountain after a challenging ascent.
- Coastal drives along Park Loop Road offer breathtaking vistas.
Getting Here
Bar Harbor serves as the primary gateway to Acadia. Access the park via Park Loop Road or Maine State Route 3 from Ellsworth.
Acadia is also on my list for gorgeous places to visit in New England in the fall too.
7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, is a geothermal wonderland with spouting geysers, vivid hot springs, and diverse wildlife like bighorn sheep and mountain lions, offering a glimpse into the earth’s natural processes.
Highlights
- Notable highlights include the iconic Old Faithful geyser, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its stunning waterfalls.
- Miles of trails like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Lamar Valley offer encounters with bison herds, grizzly bears, and the park’s unique geological formations.
- As spring unfolds, the park emerges from winter’s grasp, unveiling a spectacle of gushing waterfalls, rejuvenated landscapes, and an array of wildlife sightings.
Top Activities/Things to Do in Yellowstone
- Hiking trails like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Trail or boardwalks around geothermal areas provide close encounters with the park’s unique features. Wildlife watching and scenic drives are also popular.
Getting Here
Yellowstone has multiple entrances. Reach the park via West Yellowstone in Montana, Gardiner in Montana, or Cody in Wyoming, among others.
8. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge, boasts surreal landscapes with its namesake Joshua trees, unique rock formations, and stargazing opportunities.
It can also be done as a day trip from LA, and is one of 12 fab day trips from Los Angeles I have written about. But it’s on the doorstep of Palm Springs, which is such a cute town – especially for midcentury modern architecture fans.
Springtime brings relief from the intense desert heat, making it an ideal season to explore this otherworldly terrain.
Highlights
- The park’s Joshua Tree forests, Skull Rock, and Keys View, offering panoramic desert vistas, are among its standout features.
- The park transforms as wildflowers, including desert dandelions and Mojave asters, add bursts of color to the arid landscape.
- Hiking trails like the Hidden Valley Trail and Ryan Mountain Trail offer opportunities to witness panoramic vistas and unique rock formations that make Joshua Tree a haven for climbers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Top Activities/Things to Do in Joshua Tree
- Hiking trails like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam Trail provide glimpses into the park’s distinctive flora and rock formations.
- Nighttime stargazing is exceptional due to the park’s dark skies.
Getting Here
Joshua Tree is accessible via various entrances. I’ve been to Palm Springs several times, so my advice would be to stay there and take California State Route 62 east toward Twentynine Palms for a day trip. Unless you plan to camp in the park, that is!
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is located in southeastern Utah and is renowned for its striking red rock arches, spires, and fins carved by wind and water over millions of years, creating a surreal desert landscape.
I have a detailed post on everything you might like to do and see, and where to stay, on a southeastern Utah road trip.
Highlights of Arches
- The park’s iconic Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section showcase nature’s architectural marvels amidst vibrant sandstone.
- Arches National Park in Utah showcases nature’s artistry, adorned with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and unique rock formations.
- The landscape comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, including the iconic prickly pear cacti and Indian paintbrushes.
Top Activities/Things to Do in Arches National Park
- You can hike to arches like Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch, exploring unique geological formations along trails such as Devil’s Garden.
- Scenic drives along the main park road offer panoramic views.
Getting Here
Access the park via Moab, Utah. From Moab, take US Highway 191 and follow signs to Arches National Park.
10. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park in Washiongton State, encompasses diverse ecosystems from glacier-capped mountains to old-growth forests and rugged coastline. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights of Olympic National Park
- The park’s attractions include Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, and the dramatic coastline of Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach.
- Springtime rejuvenates the park with blooming rhododendrons and trilliums, adding a colorful touch to the verdant landscapes.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Hiking trails like the Hurricane Ridge Trail or Hall of Mosses provide glimpses into the park’s varied landscapes.
- Beachcombing, wildlife watching, and exploring tide pools are popular coastal activities.
Getting Here
Access the park through various points. From Seattle, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry, then follow US Highway 101 to the park’s entrances.
Of course, you’ll probably want to add a couple of nights (at least) in Seattle and if you do, I loved this underground tour. Did you know Seattle used to be located at sea level – until it all burned down and they rebuilt the city above it? You can take a tour underground and see some of the original store fronts.
11. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in Utah is a playground of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and an array of desert flora. Spring brings relief from scorching temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the park’s wonders.
Highlights of Zion
- Key highlights include the awe-inspiring Zion Canyon, the iconic Angel’s Landing or The Narrows, where we hiked through the Virgin River dwarfed by its towering walls. You only need to hike as far as you like too, as you turn and come back the same way (or you could go on for the whole day, but really?) See my post on Hiking the Narrows which also covers hiring waterproof boots if you need them.
- The vibrant display of wildflowers, including desert marigolds and globemallows, adds a splash of color to the rugged landscape.
Top Activities/Things to Do in Zion
- Hiking trails like the Observation Point Trail and the Riverside Walk cater to various skill levels.
- Scenic drives along Zion Canyon and exploring Weeping Rock add to the experience.
Getting Here
The park is accessible through the town of Springdale, Utah. State Route 9 leads to the park’s south entrance, offering access to Zion Canyon and its attractions. We stayed in Springdale, which is a cute desert town with nice restaurants and outstanding red rock views.
12. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is situated in northwestern Wyoming and boasts a dramatic landscape dominated by the towering peaks of the Teton Range. The park’s pristine alpine terrain and glacial lakes make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights of Grand Teton
- The iconic Teton Range, including Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot, creates a stunning backdrop against the park’s serene lakes, notably Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake.
- Spring unveils a sheet of blooming meadows and thawing lakes against the backdrop of the majestic Teton Range.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Hiking trails like Cascade Canyon Trail and Taggart Lake Loop offer picturesque views of the mountains and lakes.
- Scenic drives along Teton Park Road and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Getting Here
Access the park via Jackson, Wyoming. From Jackson, take U.S. Highway 191/89/26 north to reach the park’s entrances.
13. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park took my breath away. Just two hours down the road from Zion, the landscape couldn’t be more different.
Bryce Canyon is a geological wonderland in southern Utah, showcases a unique landscape of hoodoos —tall, thin spires of rock carved by erosion. Its distinct rock formations create a mesmerizing amphitheater of natural artistry.
Highlights of Bryce Canyon
- The park’s main attraction is the Bryce Amphitheater, home to the largest concentration of hoodoos, including formations like Thor’s Hammer and the Silent City.
- Spring transforms the park as snow melts and gives way to vibrant displays of wildflowers, contrasting beautifully against the pink and orange hues of the hoodoos.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Hiking trails like the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail offer immersive experiences amid the hoodoos.
- Visitors can also enjoy sunrise or sunset vistas from viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Sunset Point.
Getting Here
Access the park via State Route 63. The closest major airports are in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada, with several hours’ drive to the park.
I loved SLC and was pleasantly surprised a cool brewery scene which I featured in this post of the best things to do in Salt Lake City.
Explore more of Southwestern Utah’s national parks through this post that covers lots more helpful info for your planning.
14. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia (are you humming John Denver when you read that?) and offers a scenic escape with its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas along Skyline Drive.
Highlights of Shenandoah
- The park features Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road, that provides stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting. There are between 300 to 1000 black bears in Shenandoah National Park.
- Notable attractions include hiking trails like Old Rag Mountain and Dark Hollow Falls offering varying levels of challenge and reward hikers with breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley.
- The park bursts into color as dogwoods and redbuds bloom, complementing the emerald green forests.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Visitors can hike along the Appalachian Trail or explore various trails leading to waterfalls like Whiteoak Canyon.
- Scenic drives, wildlife watching, and ranger-led programs are also available.
Getting Here
Access the park via the northern entrance at Front Royal or the southern entrance at Waynesboro, both accessible from major highways in Virginia.
15. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is located in Montana along the Canadian border and is known for its rugged mountains, pristine forests, and over 700 sparkling lakes. It’s a wilderness paradise.
Highlights of Glacier National Park
- The park’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking vistas, while attractions like Lake McDonald and Logan Pass showcase the park’s natural beauty.
- As spring unfolds, the park emerges from its winter slumber, revealing blooming meadows and the gradual thawing of glacial landscapes.
Top Activities/Things to Do
- Hiking trails like the Highline Trail or Grinnell Glacier Trail provide access to stunning alpine scenery and glaciers.
- Boat tours, wildlife watching, and scenic drives are popular activities.
Getting Here
Access the park via the west entrance near West Glacier or the east entrance at St. Mary, both accessible via U.S. Highway 2 in Montana.
For more fun places to visit over Spring Break, I have a bunch of great suggestions here for US travelers.
