Top National Parks
Looking for inspiration?
Here are a few fun parks and fast facts!
Olympic National Park
There are so many unforgettable spots to explore, like the Hall of Mosses, where the forest drips in green and feels like something out of a fairytale, or Lake Crescent, with its deep blue water framed by forested slopes. If you're craving a blend of beach and forest in one trip, this park delivers.
Spanning over 922,000 acres, this place is packed with wild beauty and incredible variety. From the Pacific coastline on the west to glacier-capped mountains and mossy temperate rainforests inland, Olympic is the kind of park that really has it all.
That said, it can get busy. But don’t worry! With a little smart planning, we can dodge the crowds and find the quiet, awe-inspiring corners that will make this place so magical for you.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is truly one of a kind. Surrounded by the unique beauty of the Arizona desert, this massive canyon plunges over a mile deep, revealing stunning layers of rock. You can ride a mule down its winding trails, or take on the trek of a lifetime by hiking it on foot.
Sunset at the grand canyon is such a serene moment, it almost feels heavenly. With unmatched colors, vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, and orange illuminate the canyon walls in a breathtaking display of natural glory. There’s no better place for a sunset picnic with the people you love.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, a crown jewel of Utah’s “Mighty 5,” is where red-rock cliffs soar into the sky and tower over a winding river that carves its way through the canyon. With trails that range from peaceful strolls to pulse-pounding climbs, Zion is built for every kind of explorer.
You can hike the legendary Angels Landing, a heart racing bucket list experience with views that stretch for miles. Or explore the unforgettable Narrows, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls on both sides.
As a personal favorite of mine, I can say with confidence that Zion is an adventure waiting to happen!
The Great Smokey Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are consistantly the most visited national park in the U.S., and for good reason! In the fall, the vibrant colors stretch for miles, turning every trail into a masterpiece. The crowds that gather to see the natural wonder is no surprise!
With 100 Species of different trees, The forests are incredibly dense and diverse, not to mention the stunning tree tunnels that are especially magical to drive through. A visit to Cades Cove offers a fun glimpse into the preserved lifestyle of the original settlers from the mid 1800s. From charming churches to quaint cabins, it's a unique peek into history.
The park is also full of waterfalls and adventurous hikes. No matter which trail you choose, the views are unforgettable. If you're an avid hiker like me, this is absolutely the place to be.
And just next door to the Smokies is the wildly unique town of Gatlinburg, a destination all on its own! It’s full of fun and quirky experiences that the whole family will enjoy! This is a great park to get your family into the National Park experience.
Acadia National Park
Acadia's Cadillac Mountain is the first place to behold the sunrise each day in the United States of America! And with winding scenic roads that overlook the ocean and forest paths, revealing playful river otters, the beauty of this East Coast Park feels limitless.
Tide pooling is a fun and engaging way to glimpse the oceans hidden beauty. Or, take in the big picture by meandering along a carriage road that offers a unique way to see the sites either by foot, bicycle or even horse drawn carriage for a touch of charm!
Acadia's land is split up by the ocean so be sure to think about which sites you want to include closest to where you stay!
The Grand Tetons
Spanning 40 miles, the Grand Teton range is a breathtaking stretch of the Rocky Mountains. With towering, jagged peaks soaring over 13,000 feet, the Tetons are a breathtaking sight and an absolute must-see.
The gorgeous scenery includes mountains, lakes, and meadows, all providing unique adventures from hiking, boating or floating, and even mountainous animal safaris.
Imagine cozy cottage nights, brilliant day hikes, and maybe even spotting a moose or a bald eagle! The Grand Tetons are a timeless place to explore!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Lake, the natural hot springs, and Heart Lake are all too beautiful to miss. Immerse yourself in these stunning landscapes by staying in cozy lakeside cabins or embarking on a kayaking tour!
It is obvious why Yellowstone became the first National Park in American history. From Old Faithful, a natural geyser that erupts with incredible power, to the over 300 waterfalls in the expansive park, there are endless sites to see.
As the origional adventurer and forest conservation advocate, John Muir, once said "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.". This place embodies the healing that can come from the natural power of earth.
This National Park is a must see park for our wildlife lovers out there! Beavers, bison, bears, and big horn sheep! Countless species can be spotted throughout the park. Horseback through Yellowstone is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the park’s wild beauty, just as the original explorers did!
Kenai Fjords Alaska
Kenai also contains a 1.9 million acre wildlife refuge. in other words, bring on wild Moose watching!
The snowy, ice capped fjords of Kenai are a sight to behold. Alaska, being the largest US state, has endless opportunity for adventure and exploration.
Either by flight seeing in a helicopter, or by sea in a boat tour, the views of the ancient and expansive glaciers are incredible. Other unique ways to really get into the scenery is kayaking straight to the base of the glaciers. Tours and adventure groups are all locally ran and always a fun way to travel!
Yosemeti National Park
From the ground, whitewater rafting on rivers like the Elwha or Hoh is a popular way to dive into the landscape. If you prefer to explore on foot, there are trails for every level, from gentle walks to rugged climbs, many offering up-close encounters with Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, or even the occasional black bear. And if you’re up for an even bigger rush, skydiving near the park gives you the bird’s-eye view of the ocean, mountains, and sprawling forest all at once.
As the third national park ever established, it’s no surprise that this place is nothing short of a natural wonder. From towering giant sequoias to and the iconic Tunnel View—pictured below—perfectly frame the valley, waterfalls, and distant peaks in one unforgettable scene.
Glacier National Park
This incredible park is only growing in popularity. And for obvious reasons! This park can only be described as magestic.
The iconic Going to the Sun Road was designed to take you straight through the heart of the park with minimal impact on the natural landscape. Leaving the landscape in its original, breathtaking state, with views that truly defy description.
If you want a skiing adventure, Glacier is a great way to compine that with your regular park adventures!