If you’ve been dreaming of a summer getaway, what better place to explore this summer than some of the US National Parks? From tropical wetlands to rainforests, volcanoes to quiet islands, mountain peaks to desert canyons, there really is a TON to explore right here in your own backyard. These 12 parks have good weather in the summer months and plenty to do for both experienced and newbie adventurers alike. Here’s our picks for the best National Parks to visit this summer!
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
If you live in (or are visiting) the Northeast this summer, Acadia National Park deserves a spot on your itinerary. Acadia is located on the coast of Maine, about a 4.5 hour drive from Boston. From stunning sunrises on Cadillac Mountain to hiking trails with coastal views, lakes, lighthouses and dozens of beaches, there’s plenty to see and do for a (relatively) small National Park.
Park fees: $35 per vehicle, $20 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Acadia National Park?
The largest airport near Acadia is Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS). You can find summer flights to Boston from $103* roundtrip. The closest airport is Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) with direct flights from Boston and other regional airports. You could also try the Portland Airport (PWM) which is just under a 3 hour drive to the park.
When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?
The best time to visit is during the summer months (late May through early September) when the weather is warm (but rarely hot) and dry. Many park roads and campgrounds are closed through the winter.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is definitely one of the best National Parks (and one of the most-visited) but it will 100% live up to the hype! The summer season can be crowded, so if you want to stay or camp inside the park, you’ll need to make reservations long in advance. If you haven’t done that though, you can still go! You’ll just need to find accommodations a bit further outside of the park. Fall is also a wonderful (and less crowded) time to visit Yosemite and still squeeze in some incredible hiking. Keep in mind that some of the longer hikes (i.e. Half Dome) in Yosemite require permits and advance reservations as well.
Park fees: $35 per vehicle, $20 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Which airport is closest to Yosemite?
If you’re flying to visit Yosemite, the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT) is closest, with flights from $134* roundtrip. Or you can find flights to San Francisco (SFO) from $90* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
The best time to visit Yosemite is just before or just after the hottest summer months – so May/June or September. Many of the roads throughout the park are closed in the winter months due to snow.
3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a little-known park, but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the Midwest! The rocky spires, canyons and pinnacles among the prairie land creates an otherworldly landscape that definitely feels different from the rest of South Dakota! The Badlands Loop Road is the most popular scenic drive within the park, offering plenty of lookout points and shorter trails to explore as well. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly scenic here, too.
Park fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where to fly into for Badlands National Park?
The closest airport to the Badlands is the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) with flights from $112* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Badlands National Park?
The best time to visit Badlands is between May-June or August-October. July can be hot in the Badlands (and there’s not much shade!), but just before and just after peak summer months offer warm weather and spectacular sunsets.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the summer. With hiking, swimming, fishing, cycling and more, there’s plenty to do within the park. If you’d rather take a low-key approach, the famous Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road will give you all the scenic road trip views you need. From mountains (of course) to forests and lakes, you’ll find plenty of scenery to enjoy, no matter how you want to explore it. FYI: timed-entry reservations are required for summer season visits (May 26 – October 22).
Park fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person without vehicle (good for 1 day) or $35 per vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Rocky Mountain National Park?
The closest airport to Rocky Mountain National Park is Denver International Airport (DEN). You can find flights to Denver from $69* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Summer is definitely the best time to visit, although the park can be especially crowded around holidays and weekends. Early summer or early fall can also be great times to visit, just be prepared for chilly nights.
5. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Scenic drive, anyone? If you’re more inclined to enjoy nature’s beauty from inside an air-conditioned car, with snacks and Spotify, Shenandoah has plenty for you to explore. Of course, if you want to go camping, hiking or backpacking, there’s loads of trails for you as well. The famous Skyline Drive runs the entire length of the park and offers plenty of scenic views, plus tons of places to get out and stretch your legs, go for a hike, see some waterfalls and more.
Park fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Shenandoah National Park?
There’s a number of airports near Shenandoah National Park. The closest is Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD) with summer flights from $136* roundtrip. The largest is Washington Dulles International (IAD) with summer flights to Washington D.C. starting at $98* roundtrip. You can also try Ronald Reagan (DCA) or Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO).
When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?
May through September is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park, as the weather is comfortable for outdoor adventures and the roads will be all open and cleared of snow.
6. Everglades, Florida
Mountains and forests not your thing? Then head to the largest tropical wilderness in the US at the Everglades National Park. These tropical swamps, marshes and mangroves are home to numerous wildlife species (including, yes, alligators!) and are a great place for boardwalk hikes, kayaking, fishing, bike rides and more. You can even ride on a glass-bottomed boat or take an overnight canoeing trip through sections of the Everglades! Whatever floats your boat.
Park fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Everglades National Park?
The closest (and largest) airport to the Everglades is Miami International Airport (MIA) with summer flights to Miami starting from $49* roundtrip. You could also fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) as some cities have super cheap flights to Fort Lauderdale (starting from $67* roundtrip).
When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park?
The best time to visit the Everglades is during the dry season, between November and April. However, if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll get to experience the park with far less crowds – and you might even get to see some baby alligators come August!
7. Channel Islands National Park, California
When it comes to California’s National Parks, everyone thinks of the Redwoods and Yosemite (and rightly so), but are the Channel Islands on your list? The Channel Islands are a lesser-known National Park comprised of a group of islands off the coast of Southern California. From sea caves and snorkeling to wildlife spotting (seals, whales and more) to hiking with stunning ocean views, the Channel Islands are a great escape for a summer adventure. FYI: the islands themselves don’t have any transportation, aside from walking or kayaking, so bring your hiking boots!
Park fees: Free to enter, but you’ll need to pay for the ferry to the islands (cost varies).
Where do you fly into for Channel Islands National Park?
There’s a number of airports in Los Angeles you can fly into to visit the Channel Islands National Park. The small Oxnard Airport (OXR) is just a quick drive from the ferry terminal in Ventura Harbor, but you can also fly into Santa Barbara (SBA), Hollywood-Burbank (BUR) or Los Angeles (LAX). Find cheap flights to Los Angeles starting at $65* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Channel Islands National Park?
The best time to visit is definitely during the summer, when you can take advantage of the warm water temperatures to explore the islands both in and out of the water. The water will be warmest in August and September, but if you have a wetsuit, you could comfortably swim between April and October.
8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Wildlife lovers need to add Yellowstone to their bucket list to visit at least once in your life. It’s one of the best places in the US to spot animals like wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, lynxes, bison, and elk and many others! Just be sure to keep your distance and follow all the park rangers’ recommendations for watching wildlife safely. Besides the animals, Yellowstone is also famous for erupting geysers, colorful hot springs and more. It may be hot in the peak of summer, but it’s definitely one of the best National Parks you can visit!
Park fees: $35 per vehicle, $20 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days) – NOTE: your entrance fee does not cover camping, which can cost $20-100+.
Where do you fly into for Yellowstone National Park?
The best and closest airports to Yellowstone National Park are Bozeman (BZN) and Jackson Hole (JAC). Though there are other small regional airports that are options as well, most people will find the cheapest and most direct flight options into one of these two airports. You can find cheap summer flights to Bozeman from $182* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
Shoulder season – aka just before and just after the peak summer months – are the best times to visit Yellowstone. May-June and September-October offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
9. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Heading to Hawaii this summer? Add the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to your bucket list – this park is definitely one of the most unique National Parks in the US, and one of the few places in the US where you can see active volcanoes erupting, or get a glimpse of lava rivers. There’s plenty of hiking and viewpoints available to take in the unique scenery. It’s also a great place to catch incredible sunrises and sunsets! Make sure not to miss the Crater Rim Drive – it offers some of the most scenic views and lookouts in the park.
Park fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Fly into Hilo International Airport (ITO), which is the main airport on the Big Island and just 45 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Summer flights to Hilo start at just $104* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
The weather at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is pretty much the same year-round: mid-80s most days with some rain throughout the year. January and February are the least rainy months, but you’re likely to catch some showers regardless of when you visit. In general, April-June and September-November are the best months to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as you’ll miss some of the crowds and have plenty of space to explore.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is often overshadowed by the nearby Zion National Park, but it’s definitely worth a visit on its own. Besides, it’s far less crowded and much cooler in the summer months, making it one of the best national parks for summer visits. It’s known for its iconic hoodoos – the orange and red spire rock formations throughout the park. While you’re there, make sure you visit Sunrise Point or Sunset Point for the best views of (obviously) the sunrise or sunset, go horseback riding, explore some of the trails or take a scenic drive to see the best lookouts.
Park fees: $35 per vehicle, $20 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Bryce Canyon National Park?
The closest airport to Bryce Canyon is the Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC). However, as it’s quite small, you might be better off flying into Las Vegas (LAS) or Salt Lake City (SLC). You can find summer flights to Las Vegas from $41* roundtrip or to Salt Lake City from $109* roundtrip. Make a roundtrip out of it to see the other major national parks in the area too and you can fly into Phoenix (PHX) or Denver (DEN).
When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon is April-October. The summer months offer the warmest weather, perfect for outdoor activities, and chilly nights (plan ahead if you’re camping!).
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Believe it or not, the Great Smoky Mountains are the most-visited National Park in the US—and definitely deserve a spot on your summer bucket list! Don’t worry, though – with over 500,000 acres of wilderness to explore, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Go hiking on over 800 miles of trails, climb to mountains or explore forests and waterfalls, stop in at historic monuments or enjoy a scenic drive, ride a mountain coaster or go ziplining: the options are pretty much endless.
Park fees: If you’ve been previously you’ll recall it was free entry. Beginning 2023, there are now parking passes required to park vehicles in the park. If you’re just driving through, or will only stop for 15 minutes or less, no parking pass is needed. Otherwise, it’s $5 for a day, $15 for a week.
What is the closest airport to the Great Smoky Mountains?
The closest airport to the Great Smoky Mountains is the Knoxville Airport (TYS). If you’re entering from the North Carolina side, the Asheville (AVL) airport is also a good option. You can find cheap summer flights to Asheville from $198* roundtrip and to Knoxville from $178* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains?
The best time to visit is during the summer months and early fall (May-October). The weather in the Great Smoky Mountains is mild, with not-too-hot summers and mild winters. July is the busiest month, so avoid the peak of summer if you’re looking to beat the crowds.
12. Olympic National Park, Washington
Need to cool off? Olympic National Park is the park for you this summer – this temperate rainforest stays cool year-round, with temperatures rarely rising above 60°F. Plus, Olympic National Park is just 1.5 hours from Seattle, making it a perfect weekend trip from the city, and has plenty of hiking trails, beaches and scenic driving routes to enjoy and disconnect. Get lost in the quiet Hoh rainforest, take a scenic drive around the coast or explore the rivers and trails through the pine trees.
Park fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person without vehicle (good for 7 days)
Where do you fly into for Olympic National Park?
If you’re flying to Olympic National Park, fly into Seattle International Airport (SEA). You can find cheap flights to Seattle from $133* roundtrip.
When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park?
The best time to visit is June-September, when temperatures are cool but not cold. These are also the least rainy months, so you’ll have the best chances of getting good weather for outdoor adventures during your visit!
Which of these National Parks are on your bucket list? Grab a cheap flight for the summer and start planning your National Park road trip!
Visit the US National Parks for free
Every year the National Parks Service offers five days throughout the year where it’s completely free admission the the National Parks. The ones remaining for this year are August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act), September 23 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). If you don’t want to spend that $30+ to drive to one of the parks, these are fantastic days to capitalize on seeing America’s beauty without a price tag. But also, paying the fee into a National Park isn’t the worst way to spend your money – the funds go towards running the park and keeping nature’s beauty.
*Flight prices were accurate at the time of posting, but are subject to change at any time and can’t be guaranteed until ticketed. Prices are shown for tickets between May 16, 2023 – August 31, 2023.
