Best US National Parks to Visit, According to Frequent Solo Traveler

The most common question I’m asked is which national park is my favorite. One particular park that has my heart is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. On my first visit several years ago, I knew it was special.

The unique jutting peaks, abundant wildlife, challenging hiking trails, and ample lakes for swimming and kayaking never get old.

Acadia National Park in Maine is consistently one of the most-visited national parks in the system, despite also being on the smaller end.

The coastal park is known for its dazzling fall foliage, but what really sold me was its stunning water views.

The jagged, moody coastlines, with ocean or lake views from nearly every vantage point, immediately brought me to a calmer state during my visit.

The newest park to receive national park status is New River Gorge in West Virginia.

I’ve visited in the summer and fall and can’t wait to return. The river and gorge are stunning, with fantastic hiking, world-class white-water rafting, and a laid-back vibe.

On the incredible Olympic Peninsula west of Seattle lies one of the most breathtaking places on earth: Olympic National Park.

I love to drive counterclockwise around the peninsula, stopping at Hurricane Ridge and enjoying the silence of the Hoh Rainforest.

I always stop at Lake Crescent Lodge for a drink with a view before watching the sunset on Ruby Beach.

It feels like every day, I see another article listing famous tourist attractions that aren’t worth the hype.

However, Yosemite National Park can’t be included on these lists — it’s legendary for a reason.

The valley is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, with massive towering granite walls, stunning waterfalls, and the peaceful Merced River running through it all.

I’ve been moved to tears more while visiting Glacier National Park in Montana than anywhere else in the country.

The natural wonder and engineering feat of Going-to-the-Sun Road is jaw-dropping in the best way. The hiking is challenging — with big payoffs — and the wildlife is abundant.

The Grand Canyon may not have been the first national park I visited, but it was the first one I set out to visit solo.

I first traveled to the Grand Canyon nearly 10 years ago while on a long road trip during spring break. I had no idea what I was doing, but it didn’t matter.

I could’ve sat at one lookout all day and been happy. Grand Canyon National Park is truly a place you must see to believe.

Utah is home to five national parks — Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and my personal favorite, Capitol Reef.

This lesser-visited destination is vast, with red rocks surrounding hikes, scenic drives, and even pick-your-own fruit orchards.

Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the largest sand dunes in North America.

I’ve been visiting this park since I was a kid, when the imposing dunes seemed completely unreal — and they still do today.

I love to climb the dunes, sandboard, wade in the seasonal snowmelt-formed Medano Creek, or grab a book and enjoy the view.

Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park (not to be confused with Glacier National Park in Montana) might be a slightly controversial choice.

As much of the park’s visited area is on water, most travelers enter via cruise ship — which is what I did.

Just two ships are given permits to enter the national park waters each day, with park service rangers and naturalists on board.

The experience of waking up in my room surrounded by glaciers was truly incredible. I ordered a pizza and enjoyed it on the balcony — a unique park experience I’ll likely never have again and will never forget.

This story was originally published in November 11, 2023 and most recently updated on September 23, 2025.