Ah, summer. That magical season when the days are longer, the skies are brighter, and your inner explorer is practically begging to get out there and see something wild. If you’re craving open air, epic views, and a deeper connection to nature (without your phone buzzing every two seconds), may we suggest the ultimate summer move?
Visit a national park. Or twelve.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker, casual camper, or just someone who loves a good picnic with a view, the U.S. national park system is full of places that stir your soul. From coast to coast, there’s something awe-inspiring waiting for you.
To help you plan your most adventurous (but still totally doable) summer yet, here’s your bucket list of 12 must-visit U.S. national parks that offer incredible beauty, warm-weather vibes, and memories worth every mile.
The U.S. National Park System spans more than 85 million acres across all 50 states and several territories, showcasing some of the most ecologically diverse and protected landscapes on Earth.
1. Glacier National Park – Montana
Best for: Alpine lakes, wildflowers, dramatic mountain views, and cool summer temps.
Let’s start big. Glacier National Park feels like stepping into a real-life postcard, with turquoise lakes, snowy peaks (even in summer), and fields of wildflowers you’ll want to twirl through.
Hike the Highline Trail, drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and don’t skip Lake McDonald for those famous reflective water shots. July and August are perfect: most of the snow has melted, and trails are wide open.
Bring binoculars—there’s a decent chance you’ll spot mountain goats or even a bear (from a safe distance, of course).
2. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park – Hawai‘i (Big Island)
Best for: Lava landscapes, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastal views.
Craving something completely different? Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is like stepping onto another planet—think steamy craters, flowing lava (if you’re lucky), and ancient petroglyphs.
Summer here offers warm, dry weather and fewer muddy trails. You can hike across solidified lava fields, drive the Chain of Craters Road, and even feel the heat of Earth’s molten core beneath your feet.
3. Arches National Park – Utah
Best for: Insta-worthy sandstone arches, stargazing, and red rock wanderlust.
Welcome to red rock paradise. Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, each one more mind-blowing than the last. You’ll want to catch sunrise or sunset at Delicate Arch (yes, the one on Utah’s license plate).
Summer days here can be hot, so plan hikes for early morning or late evening—and hydrate like it’s your part-time job.
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, so stick around after dark for jaw-dropping views of the Milky Way.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina & Tennessee
Best for: Misty mountain mornings, wildflower hikes, and wildlife sightings.
The Smokies are beloved for good reason. In summer, they're lush, green, and surprisingly cool in higher elevations. Whether you’re cruising Newfound Gap Road, hiking to Clingmans Dome, or waterfall-hopping through Deep Creek, there’s so much variety here.
Pro tip: Come mid-to-late summer and you might catch the synchronous fireflies (yes, they flash in sync—it’s wild).
There’s no entrance fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park—one of the few in the country!
5. Acadia National Park – Maine
Best for: Rocky coastlines, forest trails, and ocean-meets-mountain views.
Acadia is the East Coast’s national park gem, and summer is hands-down the best time to experience it. Cool breezes, vibrant greens, and blueberry patches? Yes, please.
Bike the carriage roads, hike up Beehive Trail for panoramic views, or catch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain—one of the first places sunlight hits the U.S.
6. Joshua Tree National Park – California
Best for: Surreal desert landscapes, rock climbing, and magical sunsets.
Want to feel like you’re in a Dr. Seuss book? Joshua Tree delivers with its funky namesake trees, massive boulders, and otherworldly vibes.
While summer can be toasty here, early morning and evening hours are golden. Pack plenty of water, avoid midday hikes, and take your time exploring Skull Rock, Keys View, and Cholla Cactus Garden.
7. Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
Best for: Wildflower meadows, snow-capped views, and cooler temps.
Towering at over 14,000 feet, Mount Rainier is a stunner—especially in summer when the meadows bloom in technicolor. It’s cooler here than most national parks in July and August, which makes it ideal for daytime hikes.
Try the Skyline Trail at Paradise for some of the best views, or explore Sunrise (the highest point you can drive to in the park) for fewer crowds.
Late July is peak wildflower season—bring your camera and your patience; it’s a photographer’s dream.
8. Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Best for: Skyline drives, Appalachian Trail vibes, and waterfall-chasing.
Less than two hours from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah offers a surprisingly peaceful escape. Drive Skyline Drive for breathtaking overlooks, or hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail—nearly 100 miles of it cuts through the park.
Summer brings lush greenery, shaded trails, and cool mountain breezes. Don’t skip Dark Hollow Falls or the Bearfence Rock scramble for big views.
9. Channel Islands National Park – California
Best for: Off-the-grid island exploring, snorkeling, and sea cave kayaking.
Often called the "Galápagos of North America," Channel Islands is one of the least visited—and most rewarding—national parks. It’s only accessible by boat or small plane, but so worth the effort.
Once there, you’ll find rugged trails, untouched beaches, tide pools, and views that make you forget the mainland exists. Summer is prime time for kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching.
10. Saguaro National Park – Arizona
Best for: Cactus forests, golden-hour photography, and warm desert nights.
Located on either side of Tucson, Saguaro is home to the largest cacti in the U.S.—some over 40 feet tall. Come summer, the desert blooms with color, especially in early June when saguaros flower.
Plan early-morning hikes (Valley View Overlook Trail is a gem) or enjoy cooler evening walks to watch the sky turn cotton-candy pink.
Temps can reach triple digits—bring water, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and take it slow.
11. Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
Best for: Alpine lakes, dramatic hikes, and wildlife galore.
There’s a reason this park tops so many lists. In summer, Rocky Mountain National Park is a wonderland of wildflowers, crisp air, and postcard-perfect scenery.
Drive Trail Ridge Road (one of the highest paved roads in the U.S.), hike to Emerald Lake, or keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose, and marmots. Summer is short here, so savor every minute.
12. Lassen Volcanic National Park – California
Best for: Bubbling hot springs, alpine lakes, and off-the-radar vibes.
Often overlooked, Lassen is like a mini Yellowstone—without the crowds. You’ll find boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and a massive volcano surrounded by wild beauty.
Summer opens up most of the park’s roads and trails, including Bumpass Hell (yep, that’s its real name), a geothermal area with boardwalks and surreal steam vents.
After a day of hiking, cool off in Lake Helen—clear, blue, and high in the mountains.
Ready to Hit the Trail?
You don’t have to go far to feel free. You don’t have to be a full-time adventurer to fall in love with the outdoors. And you definitely don’t have to wait for “someday” to start checking off your bucket list.
These 12 national parks offer a little something for everyone: peace, perspective, a little (or a lot of) sweat, and moments you’ll remember long after summer fades.
So where are you headed first?
