Top 7 Must-Visit National Parks in the USA

You would have laughed if you asked me 10 years ago if I’d be into national parks. I was all about city life-concrete, coffee shops, the hustle and bustle. Nature? Not really my thing. But then something changed. Maybe it was burnout or just that feeling like I was missing out on something bigger. So I decided to give it a try. I packed up my small car and headed to my first national park with zero expectations and probably too much trail mix.

Let me tell you, that first trip was an eye opener. It was like stepping into a different world-a world I had ignored for way too long. Fresh air, open skies, feeling small in the grand scheme of things. It was humbling and honestly, kind of magical. I was hooked.

Since then I’ve made it a point to visit as many national parks as I can. And while I haven’t hit them all (yet), I have a solid list of favorites. So if you’re ready to get outdoors, here are my top 7 must-visit national parks in the USA.

Yellowstone National Park

Okay, this one is a no brainer but it’s at the top of everyone’s list for a reason. Yellowstone isn’t just a national park, it’s Mother Nature showing off. Geysers, hot springs, waterfalls-this place has it all. My first time there I made the rookie mistake of thinking I could see everything in a couple of days. Nope. You need at least a week to do it justice. And whatever you do, don’t skip the Old Faithful Geyser. I thought it might be overrated but when you’re standing there and feeling the ground rumble and watching it shoot water high into the sky, it’s pure magic.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite was my second national park and it holds a special place in my heart. The first time I saw El Capitan I just stood there, mouth agape, like a total tourist. You don’t really understand how big these granite cliffs are until you’re standing right in front of them. One thing I wish I knew before going? Book your campsite way in advance. I tried to wing it and ended up camping outside the park which was fine but definitely not the same experience as waking up surrounded by those giants.

Grand Canyon National Park

I thought I knew what to expect with the Grand Canyon-I mean, it’s just a big hole in the ground, right? Wrong. When you first see it, the size and beauty of it will knock you off your feet. My advice? If you can, hike down into the canyon. Even just a little bit. The views are totally different down there and you’ll have a whole new appreciation for how big this place really is. And if you can handle it, the hike to Havasu Falls is a must. It’s hard but worth every step.

Zion National Park

Zion was a surprise for me. I didn’t know much about it before I went but it became one of my favorites. The Narrows hike, where you walk through the Virgin River with canyon walls towering above you, is something you’ll never forget. But be warned-check the weather before you go. Flash floods are a real danger here and the last thing you want to be is caught in a narrow canyon with rising water.

Glacier National Park

If you love mountains, Glacier is heaven. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever take. And the hikes? Unbelievable. I did the Highline Trail and the views were so amazing I had to stop every 5 minutes to take it all in. But here’s the thing-Glacier’s glaciers are melting. If you want to see them, don’t wait too long.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I didn’t expect to love the Great Smoky Mountains as much as I did but man, this place is cool. It’s the most visited national park in the country and for good reason. The mist that hangs over the mountains in the morning gives it this mystical, otherworldly feel. And the wildlife! I saw more black bears here than anywhere else. Just keep your distance-those bears are cute but they’re still wild animals.

Acadia National Park

Acadia was my introduction to the wild beauty of the East Coast. The combination of mountains and ocean is something you don’t see every day. I did the Precipice Trail which is not for the faint of heart-think iron rungs and steep cliffs. But if you can handle it, the views from the top are out of this world. And for a more mellow experience, take a drive up Cadillac Mountain. If you time it right you can see the first sunrise in the US.