From sea to shining sea, you can see all of America’s natural beauty in the 59 U.S. national parks. The National Park Service started in 1916 and since then has protected some of the most beautiful landmarks and ecosystems in America. Of course, national parks are an outdoor adventurer’s dream, but even if you’ve never been hiking, kayaking, camping, rock climbing or snorkeling before, each park is accessible for many ability levels.

Whether you’re just driving through and admiring the geological wonders or roughing it overnight, the national parks are sites that you have to see to believe. The most important thing you should know about visiting the national parks is: just go! Pack your camera, load up your loved ones in the car, and Drive The Nation to explore the wonders in your own back yard! If you’re not sure where to start, try learning about the best national parks of the East (or the West!), our favorite parks for stargazing, packing a picnicdriving a scenic loop or bringing along the dog. We’ve even shared the best lesser-know national parks to visit.  You can read details on each of the 59 national parks from our Drive The Nation travel experts – just click the badge below for a park that looks exciting to you!

 

Browse U.S. National Parks

 With over 47,000 acres of land, including multiple islands, there is always something new to explore at Acadia National Park. Did you know that the National Park System included tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic islands? Don't miss the National Park of American Samoa - it's worth the trip. Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 majestic arches, including the famous Delicate Arch.
Planning a trip to Mount Rushmore? Don't miss the scenic beauty of Badlands National Park, just an hour and a half away! Big Bend National Park has a little bit of something for everyone — whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, stargazer, or a camper. 95% of Biscayne National Park is underwater - so rent a boat and spend the day in southern Florida's gorgeous waters!
An expansive yet intimate escape from city life, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park exposes its visitors to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. One of the best things about Bryce Canyon is that no matter how active you are, you can see many breathtaking overlooks and a variety of vistas in the park. The scenic drive offers at least 16 overlooks, most of which are accessible by car in the off-season and by shuttle bus during the busy season. Canyonlands National Park is so large that it’s separated into three distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, and Needles. Here's how to visit this gorgeous park.
Capitol Reef National Park is the least-known national park of Utah, but is well worth a visit. The orchards are still fruitful, and if you visit in June through October you can taste fresh fruit from the trees for free! One of our most majestic and intriguing national parks, New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns are just begging to be explored. Learn more about visiting this intriguing, historic park! Just off California's coast but completely secluded from the city bustle, Channel Islands National Park has an incredibly vibrant ecosystem for you to explore.
One of the newest National Parks, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is also one of the least crowded due to many not even knowing about it! Whether you're hiking in the beautiful summer months or snow-shoeing in the winter, Crater Lake National Park is a sparkling example of Oregon's natural beauty. Ohio's hidden gem is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with hiking and mountain biking to see beautiful canals and waterfalls. Not to mention, it's a perfect place to experience crisp fall air as the leaves change.
As the largest National Park in the lower 48, Death Valley National Park has plenty to see, from canyons and mountains to salt flats and natural bridges. Don't forget to pack plenty of water! See the highest peak in the United States, Mount McKinley, and experience incredible wildlife when you climb, hike, and drive Denali National Park. Grab your snorkel and hop on a boat or seaplane from Key West to explore Dry Tortugas National Park, where you can explore the same islets Ponce de Leon stumbled upon and find stunning fish and coral reefs.
You'll find one of our country's most vibrant ecosystems at Everglades National Park, where you can boat, kayak, canoe, or hike your way to see fish, birds, and maybe even a manatee or alligator! Gates of the Artic Badge Glacier Badge
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