10 Must-See National Parks in the US

the virgin river in zion national park, utah - virgin river stock videos & royalty-free footage — Merlin Francis from Getty Images

Across the United States, there are 423 different national park sites. Of those, 63 have “National Park” in their names. With many different types of scenery and climates, our national park selection is perfect for a day trip, a camping excursion, or a cross-country adventure. Whether you’re looking to travel the East or West Coast, let’s talk about some of the most beautiful ones in the United States.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Dawn dusk glacier national park lake — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

Originally named a national park in 1910, Glacier National Park in Montana has over one million acres of mountains, meadows, valleys, and more. Plenty of organized activities occur throughout the year, including more than 700 different miles of hiking trails. If you’re looking for a photo opportunity, check out Hidden Lake. The path you take is just as beautiful as the final destination.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is located on approximately one million acres of land. What’s unique about Olympic National Park is that it is home to many different climates and ecosystems. For example, you can check out mountains with glaciers on top of them, but there are also coastlines and forests to hike. Established in 1938, Olympic National Park attracts families and solo travelers eager to explore its abundant wildlife, lush vegetation, and stunning scenery.

Acadia National Park, Maine

acadia national park in bar harbor, maine — Photo by Elena Zarubina on Adobe Stock

Established in 1929, Acadia National Park is the first national park east of the Mississippi River. It boasts an expansive rocky coastline and 47,000 acres of forests, mountains, and lakes. Campers (though no backcountry camping is permitted), hikers, photographers, and families frequently visit this diverse landscape for its natural beauty. If you’re looking for wildlife, this park is home to whales, bears, and moose.

Arches National Park, Utah

If you head north of the Moab desert, you’ll find Arches National Park, which spans 73,000 acres of desert. This area boasts 2,000 natural red rock arches and unique features sprinkled throughout the park. Visitors commonly visit The Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden. Arches National Park in Utah is one of the newer parks. It offers a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and off-road adventures.