How To Visit the Top National Parks in the Country
Visiting America’s national parks is one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural beauty. From dramatic canyon landscapes to alpine meadows, each park offers something unique. But figuring out how to get to these remote places can sometimes feel overwhelming. We’re here to help by breaking down the best ways to reach some of the top national parks in the US, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure!
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited parks in the country, and for good reason! It’s the perfect park to visit no matter your adventure level. To reach the South Rim - the most popular area of the park - fly into Las Vegas (4-hour drive) or Phoenix (3-hour drive). Both cities offer plenty of flight options, and renting a car makes it easy to enjoy the scenic drive. Make the most of the journey by stopping in Sedona or Flagstaff along the way!
Zion National Park + Bryce Canyon National Park
Want to see two jaw-dropping parks in one trip? Zion + Bryce Canyon are close enough to combine a visit to both for an epic vacation. Fly into Las Vegas, which is about a 2-hour drive from Zion and roughly 2.5 hours from Bryce. Rent a car at the airport and explore both parks and enjoy the stunning red-rock landscapes that connect them.
Shenandoah National Park
Just a short drive from Washington, DC, Shenandoah offers lush forests and scenic Skyline Drive. Fly into Washington, D.C. (DCA or IAD airports), which are about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to the park’s northern entrance. Renting a car is the easiest way to transition from city sights to natural beauty. If you’re looking to explore charming towns nearby, we love Harrisonburg and Charlottesville!
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite’s waterfalls, granite cliffs, and sequoias make it one of the most iconic parks in the world. To get there, fly into Fresno (1.5-hour drive) for the closest access, or opt for San Francisco (3.5-hour drive) if you’d like to pair your park visit with some city exploration. The park is pretty remote, but has plenty of places to stay within the park’s limits!
Olympic National Park + Mount Rainier National Park
For a stunning mix of mountains, rainforest, and coastline, plan a trip to Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier. Fly into Seattle, then drive about 2 hours to either park. Renting a car makes it easy to explore both destinations - Olympic is known for mossy coastal forests, and Mount Rainier is known for its towering volcano and alpine views. They’re on opposite side of Seattle, but are both driveable from the city!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Just a short drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is an easy and breathtaking escape into the alpine wilderness. Fly into Denver, and enjoy the 1.5-hour drive to the park. Rent a car to stop in Estes Park for supplies or a bite to eat before heading into the mountains. Estes Park is a must-see and is oozing with mountain-town charm, with plenty of places to stay!
Acadia National Park
Acadia is a coastal gem tucked away in Maine, known for its rugged coastline, charming towns, and vibrant fall foliage. To get there, fly into Portland, ME (3-hour drive) or Boston (4.5-hour drive). Renting a car allows you to enjoy a relaxed drive through picturesque New England towns on the way to the park. Plus, there’s no shortage of amazing small towns to explore before or after your visit! Bar Harbor is a must-see while you’re in the region.
Yellowstone National Park
Home to geysers, wildlife, and sweeping views, Yellowstone is America’s first national park and still one of the most spectacular. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Bozeman, Montana, and make the 2-hour drive to the park’s northern entrance.
With a little planning, visiting the best national parks to visit doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing where to fly into and how far the drive is helps you build a smart itinerary. So grab your hiking boots and your camera, and start checking off your bucket list national parks today!
