20 Best National Parks To Visit In The US For 2025

The appeal of national parks is ever-growing, drawing in nature lovers and casual travelers seeking to experience the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors. These treasured parks serve not only as crucial habitats preserving biodiversity but also as vital attractions that enhance environmental awareness and bolster tourism. We highlight 20 must-visit national parks in the US for 2025, providing insights on the best visiting times to help you plan your unforgettable adventures within these natural treasures.

Famed for its iconic geysers and vibrant hot springs, Yellowstone National Park is a living testimony to the beauty of nature. Late spring to early fall is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this landscape, where you'll encounter a remarkable array of wildlife and witness the flourishing blooms of wildflowers. Engaging in hiking and wildlife watching will enhance your experience of this incredible park.

The Grand Canyon is synonymous with breathtaking geological formations, where colorful rock layers narrate millions of years of history. The optimal visiting periods are in spring or fall, when the weather is mild, making it ideal for activities such as hiking the rim trails or enjoying thrilling white-water rafting adventures on the Colorado River.

Home to towering cliffs and striking waterfalls, Yosemite National Park attracts tourists year-round. he ideal exploration time is from April to October, offering adventurers thrilling opportunities for rock climbing and photography in some of the most fascinating landscapes in the world, including the Half Dome and El Capitan.

Celebrated for its rich biodiversity, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a true gem of nature, showcasing stunning scenic views most vividly in spring and fall. Visitors flock here to hike through wildflower-filled meadows in spring and experience the vibrant spectacle of fall foliage. Popular activities include hiking and camping, both of which allow for deep engagement with the local flora and fauna.

Zion National Park is famed for its dramatic canyon vistas that captivate visitors, especially during the color-rich months of spring and fall. These seasons provide not only stunning landscapes but also excellent hiking conditions. Adventurous souls can partake in thrilling activities such as canyoneering, making the most of their time within this natural masterpiece.

Encompassing an expansive alpine environment, Rocky Mountain National Park seduces nature lovers with its awe-inspiring views. Summer serves as the prime season for exploration, offering opportunities for invigorating hikes and scenic drives through dazzling vistas. Adventurers can encounter diverse wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep, while traversing the park's trails.

Famous for its spectacular glaciers and rich ecosystems, Glacier National Park dazzles travelers from late June to mid-September. This season is perfect for hiking and embarking on scenic boat tours across the park's pristine lakes, making it easy to immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes and the park’s biological diversity.

Arches National Park is a spectacle of natural beauty, featuring over 2,000 sandstone arches sculpted by the forces of nature. Best visited in the spring or fall, this park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts eager for breathtaking photography and adventurous hikes among its stunning formations.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Everglades National Park is celebrated for its intricate wetland ecosystem filled with diverse wildlife, including alligators and manatees. The best time to visit is from December to April, providing pleasant weather for activities like airboat tours and kayaking, immersing visitors in its unique habitat.

Acadia National Park mesmerizes with its stunning coastal beauty and vibrant wildlife. The fall is the perfect time for a visit, as the scenery transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colorful foliage. Popular activities include hiking and biking along the park's picturesque trails, allowing visitors to appreciate its natural beauty fully.

Renowned for its surreal hoodoo rock formations, Bryce Canyon National Park presents an otherworldly landscape. The ideal visiting months are late spring through early fall, providing excellent weather for hiking and unforgettable stargazing experiences that reveal the beauty of the night sky.

Home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali National Park is a haven of breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife. Summer is the prime season for visiting, allowing for exploration through bus tours that offer glimpses of creatures like grizzly bears and moose in their natural habitat. Adventurers will find themselves eagerly engaged in outdoor explorations here.

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its surreal desert landscape, characterized by the iconic Joshua trees that dot its terrain. Spring and fall stand out as the best times to explore, with thrilling activities such as rock climbing on its unique rock formations and breathtaking stargazing opportunities that make each visit extraordinary.

Impressive mountain scenery defines Grand Teton National Park, where jagged peaks rise dramatically against the clear blue skies. Summer reveals the park's stunning visuals, inviting visitors to hike through diverse trails or enjoy boating adventures on its pristine lakes, all amidst the untouched beauty of nature.

Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystems stretch from rugged coastlines to majestic mountains. The finest season for visiting is summer, when guests can revel in the perfect weather that facilitates exhilarating hikes through lush forests, while captivating wildlife watching opportunities abound throughout the park.

Famous for its stunning vistas and wildlife, Shenandoah National Park shines during the fall foliage season. As vibrant colors transform the landscape, visitors can enjoy leisurely hiking trails and scenic drives that showcase the park’s natural beauty and abundant animal life, ensuring memorable experiences.

Home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer visitors a chance to connect deeply with nature. Summer is the ideal time for visits, perfect for camping and hiking among the giant sequoias, where you can admire the magnificence of these ancient giants.

Known for its extreme climate, Death Valley National Park showcases a variety of unique landscapes, including vast sand dunes and rugged mountains. The best times to visit are winter and early spring, when hiking trails are accessible and stargazing reveals breathtaking celestial phenomena, making each visit magical.

Canyonlands National Park's stunning canyons and plateaus offer breathtaking views year-round, with spring and fall presenting the most favorable conditions for visits. Adventure enthusiasts can explore rugged terrains through thrilling hikes or exhilarating off-roading routes that immerse them in the park's wild beauty.

Highlighted by active volcanoes such as Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park presents unique geological wonders. Open year-round, checking volcanic activity is crucial for safety, but visitors can engage in hiking and lava viewing, making it a must-see for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.