The 9 Best National Parks To Visit and Where To Stay
There are 63 national parks in the United States, designated as protected areas for a reason. From the awe-inspiring beauty to the diverse ecosystems, visiting national parks has been a favorite pastime for Americans and international travelers for generations. But with 63 of them spread across the entire US, it’s hard to narrow down which to visit first.
We’ve hand-selected the top-rated 100 Collection™-approved national parks to visit. After your days exploring the parks, we’ve also curated a matching list of incredible nearby towns where you can stay, relax, and make the most of your vacation to America’s best national parks.
Join us on this adventure from east to far west as we explore the nine best national parks to visit:
1. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a must-see for anyone with a love of coastal landscapes. The park is renowned for being the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline. You’ll get to experience natural granite peaks, pristine woodlands, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails.
Top Things to Explore:
- Echo Lake – Freshwater swimming option that’s warmer than the ocean.
- Cadillac Mountain – Take a hike up Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll be the first to see the sunrise in the U.S. or explore the miles of scenic Carriage Roads ideal for biking.
- Thunder Hole – A natural rock inlet where waves crash against the rocks with a booming sound (best at mid-tide).
- Wild Gardens of Acadia – Botanical garden showcasing native Maine plants.
Just two hours away, you’ll find the coastal towns of Boothbay and Mid-Coast, Maine offering the quintessential New England experience. Delicious lobster at Atlantic Edge, charming shops, and harbor views await you for the ultimate sense of peace and relaxation after your time exploring Acadia National Park. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is a must-visit, especially during the summer bloom. At the end of the day, head back to your cozy cottage and unwind by the sea.
Where to Stay Nearby
For your accommodations, we recommend booking with our partner Cottage Connections, and enjoy a peaceful retreat in one of their charming seaside properties, each full of its own unique character. Indulge in upgraded amenities like private docks, firepits, and wrap-around porches perfect for sipping morning coffee or evening wine.
2. Shenandoah National Park
Located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a paradise for hikers, mountain lovers, and anyone wanting to take a step back in time to see the Appalachian Mountains in their original splendor. The park’s 105-mile Skyline Drive offers jaw-dropping views of rolling hills, especially during fall when the foliage turns into breathtaking shades of red and yellow.
You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in the U.S. Popular hikes like Old Rag Mountain and Dark Hollow Falls will take you through forests and past waterfalls.
Top Things to Explore:
- Skyline Drive – The park’s crown jewel, a 105-mile road with 70+ overlooks; fall foliage is especially spectacular.
- Old Rag Mountain – Famous rock scramble and panoramic summit (challenging, requires prep and sometimes a day-use ticket).
- Limberlost Trail – Accessible, flat forest loop trail with wildflowers and towering trees.
- Rose River Falls – A peaceful 67-foot cascade with swimming holes along the way.
After a day in the park, head to Charlottesville just 30 minutes away. Charlottesville is full of rich history, mountain boutiques, and excellent food. Fans of history and Broadway’s Hamilton will want to tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate then sample wines at one of the many nearby vineyards like Pippin Hill or King Family Vineyards. Grab a bottle before heading back to your boutique vacation rental.
Where to Stay Nearby
For the ultimate Charlottesville and Shenandoah experience, we recommend you book with Stay Charlottesville for a lodging experience that combines modern luxury with historic charm in the heart of this cultural town.
You can choose from carriage houses to sprawling estates that are truly unique to the region. Each home is specially curated to make you feel at home while being meticulously maintained so you’re free to just enjoy yourself.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most-visited national park for good reason. Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the park gets its namesake from the mist-covered mountains, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
Hike to the top of Clingmans Dome for panoramic views or we personally recommend the Alum Cave trail where you can walk through Arch Rock naturally carved from thawing and freezing over thousands of years. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can continue Mount LeConte for a strenuous 10-mile round trip.
Top Things to Explore:
- Clingmans Dome – Highest point in the park with an observation tower and sweeping views.
- Cades Cove – Scenic valley loop drive with historic cabins, wildlife viewing (black bears, deer, turkeys).
- Hiking Trails – Laurel Falls (easy, family-friendly waterfall), Alum Cave Trail, and Chimney Tops (challenging, but epic views).
When you’re ready for a break from the wilderness, nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer plenty of family-friendly entertainment, from the famous Dollywood theme park to mountain coasters and live shows.
These bustling mountain towns are the perfect place to wind down after a day in the park, offering dining, shopping, and fun activities for all ages. Expert recommendation: play at Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg where you can take a ride up a mountain trolley and putt your way down the mountain.
Where to Stay Nearby
For the best in Smoky Mountain vacation rentals, we recommend booking a cozy cabin with Mountain Laurel Chalets, where you can enjoy incredible mountain views from your prestigious accommodations just minutes from all of the excitement.
There are vacation rentals perfect for couples having a romantic getaway all the way up to large groups wanting to stay together. Warm, high-end finishes surround you and allow you to feel the rustic mountain vibe at every turn.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and endless outdoor adventure are why Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit for national park enthusiasts. Hike the popular Bear Lake trail for stunning mountain views, or challenge yourself with a trek to the summit of Longs Peak.
In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and carving the mountain on skis and snowboards.
Top Things to Explore:
- Old Fall River Road – A historic one-way gravel road with hairpin turns and waterfalls, ending at the Alpine Visitor Center.
- Sky Pond – Strenuous but unforgettable 9-mile hike through the Loch and Timberline Falls.
- Moraine Park – Great for spotting elk, especially during fall rut (September/October).
Just a short drive away, the town of Winter Park offers a cozy mountain village experience. Known for its world-class skiing, Winter Park also has great summer activities like golfing and bike parks. Relax in town with a craft beer or hot cocoa after a day of adventure and enjoy delicious locally-curated food from the many restaurants in the area.
Where to Stay Nearby
We recommend booking your Winter Park vacation rental with our partner, Visit Winter Park Lodging, for stunning mountain homes that put you right in the heart of Colorado’s wilderness.
These luxury homes are adorned with finishings that are quintessential Rockies and give you the creature comforts of home while still leaving you in awe of the mountainscapes around you.
5. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a wonderland of red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and endless adventure. One of the park’s most iconic hikes is Angels Landing, offering photo-worthy views over the canyon (if you can handle the heights).
For something a little more relaxing, take a stroll through The Narrows, where you’ll walk through the cool waters of the Virgin River, surrounded by massive canyon walls that somehow don’t even feel real.
Top Things to Explore:
- Angels Landing – One of the most famous (and thrilling) hikes in the world, with chains along narrow ridges leading to jaw-dropping views. (Permit required).
- Canyon Overlook Trail – Short, easy hike with one of the park’s best views—great for sunrise or sunset.
- Kolob Terrace Road – Scenic backroad leading to Lava Point, with alpine meadows and fewer crowds.
Just 30 minutes away, St. George is the perfect landing spot after your time spent in Zion. Providing the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, St. George is a great place to explore.
Check out the local art galleries and museums in town or rent a boat and try out wake surfing at Sand Hollow Reservoir. St. George is also a fantastic place to relax with plenty of great dining options and scenic golf courses.
Where to Stay Nearby
Our partner, Red Rock Vacation Rentals, offers the very best in St. George vacation rentals. Find luxury homes with amazing desert views and easy access to both Zion and St. George’s local attractions.
Their homes are the pinnacle of luxury living with striking architecture, large windows, and outdoor spaces that make the most of the indoor-outdoor experience of Zion National Park.
6. Grand Teton National Park
For dramatic mountain views and pristine wilderness, it’s hard to beat Grand Teton National Park. The rugged peaks of the Teton Range create a stunning backdrop for activities like hiking, kayaking on Jenny Lake, and wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, and maybe even a grizzly bear (but keep your distance).
For the angler in you, it’s hard to not fall in love with the incredible fly fishing in the area so consider hiring a guide if you’re a novice.
Top Things to Explore:
- Jenny Lake Loop & Inspiration Point – Take the boat shuttle or hike around the lake; short climb to Inspiration Point for stunning views.
- Paintbrush Canyon & Cascade Canyon Loop – A strenuous all-day loop for experienced hikers, one of the best in the park.
- Jackson Lake – Boating, kayaking, or just relaxing with views of the mountains.
The town of Jackson Hole is a destination in its own right, offering a mix of Old West charm and modern luxury. Stroll through the town square, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, or grab some Snake River Roasting Company brews and take a scenic ride up Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for incredible views of the valley.
Where to Stay Nearby
Book your Grand Teton and Jackson Hole vacation rental with Outpost to make the most of your visit. Their mountain chateaus with sprawling mountain views make it worth the stay alone.
They also offer ski-in/ski-out homes that are perfect for when the snow starts falling. The homes are also packed full of amenities allowing you to cozy up with loved ones after a long day of adventuring.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most well-known national parks in the U.S. Full of geothermal, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, you really can’t beat it. You have to stop and watch Old Faithful erupt, take a picture of the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, and hike the trails around Yellowstone Lake.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and bears. This national park truly feels untouched and lets you imagine what it was like for explorers initially discovering the West back in time.
Top Things to Explore:
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Stunning canyon with dramatic yellow walls and two huge waterfalls
- Norris Geyser Basin – The hottest and most active thermal area, home to Steamboat Geyser (world’s tallest).
- Upper Geyser Basin – Home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including Castle, Grand, and Riverside Geysers.
The perfect place to stay for your visit is West Yellowstone, a quaint town just outside the park’s west entrance. Known for its Western charm, West Yellowstone offers great restaurants, shops, and even a Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where you can learn more about the park’s iconic animals.
Where to Stay Nearby
Book your stay with our partner, Roam Property Management, and choose from a variety of cozy lodges and vacation rentals that put you close to the park’s wonders.
Rustic elegance defines their vacation rentals features with wrap-around decks, firepits, and Yellowstone-inspired finishes that give you the mountain vibe for the entirety of your stay.
8. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is home to the deepest lake in the United States, formed by a collapsed volcano. The lake’s blue waters are a sight to behold and you can get the best view from Rim Drive, which offers stunning overlooks.
Take a boat tour to Wizard Island in the middle of the lake or hike to Watchman Peak for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains while soaking in the wildlife around you on the way up.
Top Things to Explore:
- Crater Lake Rim Drive – A 33-mile loop (open in summer/fall) with more than 30 overlooks of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
- Cleetwood Cove Trail – The only legal trail to access the lake’s shore (1.1 miles down, steep climb back up).
- Wizard Island – You can take a boat tour (summer only) to this volcanic island in the middle of the lake and hike up to its summit.
Sunriver is only about an hour and a half away and offers a perfect place for you to stay during your visit to the park. Sunriver is a vibrant resort town known for its outdoor recreation and entertainment options.
Whether you enjoy hiking, mini-golf, or ice-skating in the village, you’ll have endless entertainment options throughout your stay. The town also offers fantastic dining and shopping options like The Lazy Daisy to round out your stay.
Where to Stay Nearby
We recommend you book your Sunriver vacation rental with Cascara Vacation Rentals, where you’ll find a variety of comfortable and stunning homes designed for you to relax and be close to nature.
Find your sense of peace cooking in the enormous kitchen or relaxing on the deck with the treeline around you then cuddle up near the fireplace at night before you go out and explore again the next day.
9. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is like no other park in the world. Here, you can witness the raw power of nature at work as you explore active volcanoes like Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Take the Crater Rim Drive for some amazing views of landscapes formed by volcanic activity or hike through the lush rainforest to find hidden lava tubes. Where fire meets the sea, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park will leave you with memories that last a lifetime and incredible photos to share with your friends.
Top Things to Explore:
- Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) – Walk through a massive lava tube once carved by flowing magma.
- Mauna Loa Summit Trail – Multi-day trek to the world’s largest volcano summit (challenging, for experienced hikers only).
- Kīlauea Caldera & Halemaʻumaʻu Crater – Epic views of the crater; if there’s an active lava glow, it’s especially stunning at night.
Make the most of your Hawaii vacation by staying on the Big Island. Hawaii has an array of activities beyond the park, from snorkeling in Pacific waters to visiting local coffee farms in the town of Kona.
You can also relax on the island’s black sand beaches or explore its charming towns full of local culture and history. A visit to Hawaii is iconic with the best of both worlds at your fingertips.
Where to Stay Nearby
Book your Big Island vacation rental with our partner, Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Homes, for an unforgettable stay in a luxurious home that lets you enjoy the island’s beauty in style.
Take in some of the best sunsets you’ve seen in your life from the outdoor patio or in your own private pool. Tropical landscapes will surround you and modern, luxurious finishes adorn the homes so you can live the ultimate island life in Hawaii.
Whether you want to see the sunrise on the east coast or see it set in the west, there are breathtaking national parks across the United States. The hardest choice is just deciding which to visit first.
The easy decision is deciding where to stay. Book your vacation rental with any of our partners above for a vacation that is a step above the others. Treat yourself to luxury while exploring the best that America has to offer. No matter where you go, the 100 Collection™ will make sure you stay with the best.
Explore the Best of America’s National Parks and Book Your Vacation Rental Today!
