The dual mandate of the National Park Service (NPS) says that America’s national parks, monuments and other federal lands should both be preserved in the way they are and offer recreation opportunities.
This double mission poses plenty of challenges. On the plus side, however, this also means that visitors can, and forever will be able to, enjoy some of America’s greatest landscapes and landmarks on trails, scenic roads, from overlooks, on bicycles and in kayaks.
Popular Things To Do In National Parks
Think of any recreational outdoor activity and chances are there’s a park or two (and often more) where you can do that. From hiking and biking to rock climbing, camping, fishing, boating, stargazing and wildlife viewing, the national parks have it all.
Hiking
This overview gives you the best hikes in many of America’s national parks. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a strenuous full-day hike, you’ll find tons of hiking options here.
Backpacking
Serious (and experienced) hikers will find paradise in the backcountry of many national parks. Check out this post for the best long-distance trails in the parks.
Camping
Whenever we visit a (new) national park, we always spend at least one night at one of its campgrounds. This post features our favorite national park campgrounds (so far).
Wildlife Watching
America’s national parks offer the unparalleled opportunity to see iconic animals in the wild, from grizzly bears and bison to alligators and eagles. These are the best parks to see wildlife.
Bird Watching
Arguably one of the most underrated outdoor activities, bird watching is actually an incredibly relaxing and immersive experience. Check out the best parks to see birds here.
Mountain Biking
While most national parks don’t allow bicycles on their trails, some of them actually do. These are the best national parks for mountain biking adventures.
Road Cycling
Cycling trumps driving for various reasons, from physical exercise to a much more immersive national park experience. Check out the best parks for road cycling in this post.
Scenic Driving
In most national parks, you need your own wheels to get around and enjoy the landscapes to the fullest. These are the best scenic driving routes, roads and/or loops in the parks.
Snowshoeing
It’s not because trails are covered by a blanket of snow that you can’t use them any more. Rather the opposite, in fact, many national parks are a snowshoer’s paradise in winter.
Stargazing
“Half the park is after dark.” Several parks are designated International Dark Sky Parks, offering amazing opportunities to see the Milky Way and other celestial objects.
Cultural/Historical/Social Attractions In National Parks
In addition to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, America’s national parks also have plenty of specific attractions.
Whether it’s architecture, Native American sites or African American history sites, there’s plenty of culture, history and heritage to be explored and discovered in the parks.
Native American Heritage
Numerous parks and monuments were created to protect Native American ruins, art and archaeological sites. This post features 20+ parks that preserve Native American heritage.
African American History
From Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr. to the Buffalo Soldiers and New Orleans Jazz, numerous NPS sites commemorate and preserve African American leaders, history and heritage.
Architecture / Buildings
In addition to landscapes and wildlife, America’s national parks are home to some amazing architecture, ranging from historic homesteads to the renowned “parkitecture” style.
Urban National Parks
You can find several awesome NPS sites in or near America’s greatest cities, including such iconic monuments as the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall and Gateway Arch.
Presidential National Parks
There are more than 30 National Park Service sites related to U.S. presidents, from Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln to both Roosevelts, JFK, Eisenhower and many others.
Weddings & Elopements
Yes, you can get married at national parks! In fact, eloping to or having a small wedding ceremony in a national park is easier than you might think. Check out the top national parks for weddings and elopements here.
Natural Attractions In National Parks
Let’s, of course, not forget about all the natural attractions. From waterfalls, wildflowers and winter wonderlands to fall foliage, volcanoes and Northern Lights, there’s plenty of natural beauty to admire and enjoy in the parks.
In fact, it’s this abundance of natural wealth that draws many, or most, visitors to the parks. This is a selection of the best natural highlights of the American national park system.
Waterfalls
From the Appalachians to the Rockies and the Cascades, there are spectacular waterfalls to be enjoyed all across America. This blog post highlights the best national parks for waterfalls.
Wildflowers
From early-spring desert flowers to the alpine blooms of summer, you can admire spectacular wildflower displays during much of the year in America’s parks.
Fall Foliage
Come fall, thousands of “leaf-peepers” head to the national parks to enjoy breathtaking autumn landscapes. Check out this post for the greatest national parks to see fall colors.
Winter Wonderlands
Snow-covered landscapes and below-freezing temperatures don’t mean the parks are off limits. Many of them are absolutely spectacular in winter, offering myriad fun winter activities.
Northern Lights
The ethereal Aurora Borealis appears each winter at a select number of national parks. If you’d like to see this natural phenomenon, these are the best parks to visit in mid-winter.
Fossils
From dinosaur bones and mammoth skeletons to petrified wood, fossilized fish and other prehistoric creatures, there are several National Park Service sites that preserve rich fossil deposits.
Volcanoes
A large number of American national parks are home to volcanic features, whether it’s craters, cinder cones, geysers, lava flows or hot springs. All of them are in the West.
Sand Dunes
A popular outdoor playground among kids and adults alike, huge sand dunes are found in America’s parks from the Southwest deserts to the Great Lakes and even Alaska.
Islands
Whether you’d like to do some snorkeling, scuba diving or simply sunbathing on a beach, these island national parks are amazing summer holiday destinations.