15 Best National Parks to Visit in Summer
Summer opens the door to some of the most jaw-dropping national parks in the country.
Each park has its own unique charm, with plenty of trails, wildlife, and scenic spots – time to find your next favorite outdoor hangout!
View this post on Instagram
1. Yellowstone National Park, WY/MT/ID
Yellowstone is a wild, colorful landscape filled with geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.
It’s a must-see for its iconic Old Faithful geyser and the vast Lamar Valley, where you can spot bison, wolves, and elk.
The vibrant geothermal features and chance to see animals in their natural habitat make Yellowstone a summer highlight.
Where to Stay: Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins — This cozy lodge offers easy access to Yellowstone’s famous geysers and hot springs.
2. Acadia National Park, ME
Summer in Acadia means exploring the scenic Park Loop Road, hiking up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views, and marveling at Thunder Hole as waves crash into the rocky inlet.
The park’s combination of ocean and mountain scenery creates a perfect summer escape, with activities like kayaking, biking, and wildlife watching. Its charming nearby town of Bar Harbor adds a lively touch to your trip.
Where to Stay: The Inn on Mount Desert — This boutique inn combines comfort with a prime location near Acadia’s main attractions.
View this post on Instagram
3. Grand Teton National Park, WY
Grand Teton’s jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and lush meadows make it a summer paradise.
Hiking to Hidden Falls, taking a boat cruise on Jackson Lake, or spotting wildlife like moose and bears are top activities here.
Summer’s clear skies and warm weather invite you to enjoy scenic drives, horseback riding, and river rafting amidst untouched wilderness.
Where to Stay: Jackson Lake Lodge — Known for its stunning views of the Teton Range through massive windows, this historic lodge immerses you in the park’s natural beauty.
4. Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic is a diverse landscape of rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine mountains.
In summer, the lush Hoh Rain Forest is a must-see, with moss-draped trees and vibrant wildlife.
Ruby Beach’s sea stacks and tide pools offer dramatic coastal scenery, while hiking Mt. Storm King rewards with panoramic views.
Where to Stay: Olympic Lodge — This comfortable hotel in Port Angeles offers easy access to the park’s diverse landscapes.
View this post on Instagram
5. Zion National Park, UT
Zion’s towering red cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush valleys create a stunning backdrop for summer adventures.
The famous Narrows hike through the river is a highlight, along with scenic drives and rock climbing.
Zion’s unique geology and vibrant desert scenery is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking for thrill and beauty in one place.
Where to Stay: SpringHill Suites Zion — This hotel offers modern comfort just outside the park entrance, with great amenities and easy access to Zion’s trails.
6. Glacier National Park, MT
Glacier National Park is a true mountain marvel with its jagged peaks, shimmering lakes, and ancient glaciers.
Summer is the perfect time to hike along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers jaw-dropping views at every turn.
The park’s wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors, and you might spot mountain goats or even a grizzly.
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier invites you to explore its rugged beauty and cool mountain air.
Where to Stay: Many Glacier Hotel — This historic hotel sits right on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, giving you front-row seats to stunning mountain scenery and wildlife sightings.
View this post on Instagram
7. Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite is famous for its giant granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Summer is the busy season, but it’s worth the crowds for sights like El Capitan and Half Dome.
The waterfalls roar with meltwater, and the lush meadows are perfect for picnics and relaxing.
Hiking, rock climbing, and photography are top activities here. The park’s natural grandeur makes every moment outside feel like a scene from a movie.
Where to Stay: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite — This cozy resort offers luxurious comfort just outside the park, with easy access to all the main sights.
8. Canyonlands National Park, UT
Canyonlands is a land of dramatic canyons, mesas, and spires carved by the Colorado River.
Summer days are hot, but early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for exploring the park’s stunning vistas.
The Island in the Sky district offers breathtaking overlooks, while the Needles district is great for hiking and mountain biking.
Every turn reveals a new, awe-inspiring view of the rugged Utah landscape that looks like a giant natural sculpture garden.
Where to Stay: Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground — This friendly spot offers a cozy stay with easy access to Canyonlands and nearby Arches National Park.
View this post on Instagram
9. Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Joshua Tree is a desert landscape filled with quirky trees, giant boulders, and starry skies.
Rock climbers love the unique formations, while hikers enjoy trails through the desert flora.
The park’s otherworldly scenery also makes it a favorite for night sky gazing, with some of the clearest views of stars in the country.
Where to Stay: Joshua Tree Inn — This historic inn offers a cozy retreat with a bohemian vibe, just minutes from the park’s main attractions.
10. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park is a high-altitude wonder with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows.
Summer is prime time for hiking and wildlife watching – trail options range from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
The park’s scenic drives, like the Bear Lake Road, offer spectacular views without much effort.
With its stunning vistas and abundant wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park is a true outdoor paradise.
Where to Stay: The Stanley Hotel — This historic hotel offers luxurious comfort with stunning mountain views and a touch of Hollywood glamour.
View this post on Instagram
11. Denali National Park, AK
Denali is a wild, untamed landscape with North America’s tallest peak as its crown jewel.
Summer days stretch incredibly long here, giving you extra hours to spot grizzlies, wolves, and moose roaming freely. Hiking is mostly trail-free, letting you wander across true wilderness.
The park’s single road winds through vast tundra and taiga forests, offering amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.
The summer wildflowers carpet the landscape in vibrant colors against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Where to Stay: Denali Cabins — These cozy wooden cabins offer a rustic yet comfortable base camp, nestled among the trees.
12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
The Smokies are America’s most visited national park for good reason! Summer brings misty mountain views and cool streams perfect for splashing around.
The park boasts over 800 miles of trails, including parts of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Cades Cove is a must-visit spot where historic buildings sit in a valley surrounded by mountains.
Wildlife like black bears and white-tailed deer are commonly spotted among the ancient trees and flowering meadows.
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Buckberry Creek — This mountain retreat offers stunning views of the Smokies with a touch of luxury.
View this post on Instagram
13. Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Capitol Reef is Utah’s hidden gem with colorful cliffs, massive domes, and narrow canyons.
The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, creates a landscape that looks like it’s from another planet.
Summer visitors can pick fresh fruit from the park’s historic orchards or hike through slot canyons with walls that glow in the sunlight.
The park’s remote location means fewer crowds and more chances to connect with nature’s stunning artwork.
Where to Stay: Capitol Reef Resort — This unique resort offers regular rooms plus covered wagons and teepees for a fun twist on your national park trip.
14. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The Grand Canyon is a massive, colorful chasm that will make your jaw drop. Summer at the South Rim offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views when the canyon walls glow in oranges and reds.
Hiking below the rim gives you a whole new perspective on this massive natural wonder.
The North Rim, open only in summer, provides cooler temperatures and different views of the canyon.
Rafting the Colorado River through the canyon is the ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers.
Where to Stay: El Tovar Hotel — This historic lodge sits right on the canyon rim, offering elegant rooms and dining with some of the best views anywhere in the park.
View this post on Instagram
15. Arches National Park, UT
Arches is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches that look like they were carved by giants!
The summer sun makes the red rocks glow against the bright blue sky. Delicate Arch is the park’s crown jewel, standing proudly on the edge of a bowl-shaped depression.
Hiking to Landscape Arch, one of the world’s longest natural stone arches, is worth the effort.
The park’s bizarre rock formations with names like “Three Gossips” and “Balanced Rock” will keep your camera busy all day.
Where to Stay: Red Cliffs Lodge — This stunning riverside ranch offers comfortable rooms with amazing views of the Colorado River and towering red rock walls.
