5 Amazing Reasons to Visit a National Park

Are you ready to celebrate? It’s been over 10 years since this post was originally published back when the National Park Service was celebrating 100 years! Since that time, new parks have been added, like scenic New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, and we have checked off a few more parks from our bucket list, including the spectacular Glacier National Park and Alaska’s Kenai Fjords! We have gazed upon awe-inspiring glaciers, walked on giant sand dunes, and hiked to alpine lakes. Each time we return home after a visit, our family is emboldened to do what we can to help protect these special places.

There has never been a better time to visit these magnificent public lands than in 2026, as the National Park Service joins in the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. If you still aren’t sure if a visit is for you, keep reading for 5 amazing reasons to visit a national park. There are some incredible opportunities within the national park system.

View Stunning Landscapes

Until you have seen the majesty of places like the Grand Canyon, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the magnificent granite walls at Yosemite, or the massive General Sherman tree at Sequoia National Park, you really don’t understand the grandeur of these parks. There is something so awe-inspiring about these special places, especially when combined with deep blue skies, rushing rivers, and unworldly landscapes.

I will never forget my first glimpse of the stunning blue water at Crater Lake National Park. Or seeing the mighty Denali appear from behind the clouds. Or coming around a corner on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park to be greeted by a rushing stream and tall trees right out of an outdoor commercial. So many “Wow” moments are waiting to greet you.

Discover Incredible Night Skies

If you have ever been in any national park after dark, you know that the view of the night sky is worth going outside for. This is even more important as opportunities to view a truly dark sky have decreased dramatically for most people due to population growth. Yet many of our national parks still offer stunning, night sky experiences featuring the Milky Way as the centerpiece.

Visitors can find over 40 parks recognized as International Dark Sky Places within the National Park System, including Glacier and Joshua Tree national parks. Over the years we have seen amazing night skies at Bryce Canyon, Crater Lake, Great Sand Dunes, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, with more stars than you can imagine. Many offer seasonal programs for visitors, along with tips for the best spots for viewing.

Read more about the National Park Service and the 250th Anniversary of American Independence

Watch a Special Sunrise

There is something special about being in a national park waiting for the sun to rise. Yes, it may be freezing, and you have to get up super early, but the trade-off is an unforgettable start to your day. At Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, for about 6 months of the year visitors will be the first to see rays of sunlight strike the east coast of the United States. Acadia is also the first Eastern National Park, with Cadillac Mountain having the distinction of being the tallest mountain in the US on the Atlantic Coast.

Get there early to enjoy the view from the top of the mountain. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for the drive up and bring jackets and blankets, even in summer. Note: For some dates in 2026, vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road during early morning hours.

Other places like Hawaii’s Haleakalā National Park also offer visitors a chance for a stunning sunrise, depending on the weather. Plan for an early morning departure to reach the summit (like 3 a.m.!), and dress warmly. Advanced reservations are required.

Stroll Through a Rainforest

Most people don’t associate a rainforest with the United States, but visitors to the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula can stroll through a temperate rainforest without leaving the country. Take a seasonal, ranger-led tour to learn more about this special place, which gets around 140 inches of precipitation per year! Several short loop trails will immerse you in the thick forest canopy, with longer hikes available along the Hoh River Trail. Visiting Olympic National Park was one of the highlights on our Pacific Northwest road trip.

Find Something for Everyone

Whether its wildlife, hiking, or history, there is something for everyone to do. One lesson learned after visiting many national parks is that there is no right or wrong way to plan your day (other than my number 1 tip: start early!). Hike from dusk to dawn or make your way from one stunning overlook to the other by car. There are many “strolls” that lead to stunning views, just as there are long, strenuous hikes with big payoffs for those who have the stamina. It’s encouraging to see visitors of all ages and abilities enjoying the parks.

Many visitors are on the lookout for wildlife. While there is never a guarantee, chances are good in many of the larger parks around the country, including bison in Yellowstone, moose in Grand Teton and Denali, and bears in some areas of the larger parks. Remember you are entering their home. Be prepared with bear spray, and stay alert. It’s always a good idea to check in with the park rangers, especially if there have been bear sightings.

Some national park units, like the National Mall in Washington, DC, and Gettysburg National Military Park, allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of history. It’s an opportunity to hear stories of the early days of America and learn more about past events critical to our history. Consider a ranger hike to get the most of a historical park.

Not sure where to start? Explore our National Park Resources, where we share trip ideas, itineraries, and blogs to help plan your best trip. The National Park Service also has tools to help plan your visit.

Where will you go first?