Vacation Stories

National Parks

Adventure and beauty collide in spellbinding fashion at U.S. national parks. With a seemingly limitless offering of things to see and do, a national park vacation is a no-brainer for travel lovers. Start planning yours here.

  • Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park

    No matter what time of year you visit, there is something magical about Yosemite Valley. Plan your next family vacation to Yosemite National Park with our guide. Read More...

  • 4 National Parks to Visit on a Family Vacation

    This national parks itinerary covers major locations near Wyoming and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for education and fun, this family vacation has you covered. Read More...

  • Five Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

    Explore the best of Yellowstone’s 3,472 square miles. Before your next visit, check out these essential sights in the country’s oldest national park. Read More...

  • 3 of the Best National Parks to Visit in the Off-Season

    America’s national parks are some of the most popular destinations in the world! We’ve picked three of the best parks to visit during the off-season, when crowds are lighter. Read More...

  • Discover 3 Hidden Gem National Parks

    We’ve been exploring the national parks less traveled, and we keep discovering the most magical hidden gems! Check out these three lesser-known parks you won’t want to miss. Read More...

  • 3 Yosemite National Park October Activities

    With the busy season concluding and glorious fall weather just getting started, October is the perfect time to visit Yosemite National Park! Read More...

  • Discover Acadia National Park: What to See and Do

    Acadia is intimate and accessible, and its historic carriage paths provide visitors nearly endless ways to explore. Make the most of your national park vacation with this practical guide. Read More...

  • Discover Glacier National Park: What to See and Do

    Sitting on the northernmost edge of Montana, travelers will find more than 700 miles of trails, glaciers and iconic wildlife roaming at Glacier National Park. Read More...

  • 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park

    Soaring cliffs! Colossal monoliths! Winding trails! Explore scenic Zion National Park with our guide to the top 10 things to do. Read More...

  • 3 Winter Activities in Crater Lake National Park

    Whether you prefer a frosty adventure or a fireside cuddle, discover all that Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park has to offer in winter. Read More...

  • 6 Must-See National and State Parks in California

    In a state as large as California, with hundreds of state parks and plenty of national parks as well, how can you pick which ones to visit during your stay? The good news is, you pretty much can’t go wrong. Read More...

  • Discover Rocky Mountain National Park: What to See and Do

    Towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, rolling tundras and an abundance of wildlife – Rocky Mountain National Park has it all. Spark your desire to travel as you check out our insightful guide. Read More...

  • Grand Canyon Family Vacation Guide

    Plan ahead for a great Grand Canyon vacation! Check out our savvy tips for an unforgettable family getaway. Read More...

  • Grand Canyon: How to Choose Which Rim to Visit

    The South Rim is the most popular area of Grand Canyon National Park, but don’t forget the less crowded North Rim! Check out our guide to each area before planning your Grand Canyon vacation. Read More...

  • Power to the Park: National Parks Toolkit

    The U.S. national parks have plenty to offer outdoor adventurers of all ages. Use this toolkit to help plan your next nature escape! Read More...

  • Banff and Jasper: Two of Canada’s Must-See National Parks

    Two of Canada’s most beautiful national parks, Banff and Jasper, sit less than 150 miles apart. See our tips on the best things to explore in each park, including the breathtaking drive in-between. Read More...

  • 4 Must-See State and National Parks in Texas

    The Lone Star State offers a variety of park experiences, from dry desert hikes in the west to swamps and cypress trees in the east. Which park is right for you? Read More...

  • How to Plan a National Park Vacation

    Getting ready to visit a national park? Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you knock your next outdoor adventure out of the park. Read More...

  • Self-Driving Tour: Western National Parks

    From thick forests to craggy peaks and stunning wildflowers, the landscapes of Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier national parks are best viewed on a self-driving tour! Read More...

  • 7 National Parks to Celebrate America This July 4th

    Life, liberty, and the pursuit of parks. Make plans to celebrate Independence Day in one of America’s most cherished places. Read More...

  • Vacation Activity Sheet: The Grand Hunt

    Headed on a family adventure to the Grand Canyon? Use our scavenger hunt to keep kids of all ages engaged throughout the trip. Read More...

  • 5 Beautiful National Parks in Utah & Arizona

    Travel through 5 of the best national parks in Utah and Arizona and you will see the one-of-a-kind natural beauty of the Southwest. Read More...

  • 3 Easy National Park Day Trips from Miami

    These three ideas are some of the coolest and the easiest day trips from Miami. And all of them are sure to please the nature lover in anyone. Read More...

  • Discover Bryce Canyon National Park: What to See and Do

    Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah is an awe-inspiring collection of amphitheaters filled with colorful, spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos. Check out our travel guide for the best places to stay, explore and eat. Read More...

  • National Parks for History, Adventure, Stargazing and Wildlife Lovers

    With 59 national parks across the U.S. — featuring everything from undersea coral reefs to volcanic peaks — there’s a park to fit almost every traveler’s passion. Read More...

  • Two National Parks, Two Countries, One Vacation: Glacier and Banff

    Adventures beckon from both sides of the border, but with just 245 miles between the USA’s Glacier National Park and Canada’s Banff National Park, you don’t have to choose. Read More...

  • 3 Things to Do in Death Valley National Park in Winter

    Death Valley National Park may sound scary, but its majestic views are anything but. Find out what makes it the perfect park for your next winter family vacation. Read More...

  • 6 Amazing Things To Do in Yosemite in the Winter

    With snow-dusted peaks, great snowshoeing trails and a waterfall that lights up like fire, learn why winter just might be the best time to visit Yosemite. Read More...

  • 3 Must-Do Grand Canyon Activities in December

    End the year with a big adventure by taking a trip to Grand Canyon National Park! We highlight the top three things to do during a visit to the Grand Canyon in December. Read More...

  • 3 Acadia National Park Spring Activities

    Strike out for Acadia National Park in Maine, the pinnacle of the Northeast, a little early in the season and discover an abundance of eye-catching wildlife — and a peaceful absence of summer tourist crowds. Read More...

  • 3 Zion National Park November Activities

    Looking for a late fall national park adventure? Experience Zion’s towering red rock cliffs, hidden river valleys and narrow canyons — without the heat or crowds. Read More...

  • Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks: The Basics

    The U.S. National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016. In honor of the centennial, we will be sharing 100 facts. Read More...

  • Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks: The People Behind the Parks

    If you’re planning a trip to a U.S. National Park soon, explore these 14 facts highlighting the people at the parks, from workers to volunteers. Learn about who they are and what they do. Read More...

  • Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks: Where to Stay, What to Do

    If you’re planning a trip to a national park soon, these 24 facts will help you discover interesting things to do, sites to see and places to stay Read More...

  • Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks: Natural Phenomena

    One of the best parts about visiting a national park is the chance to commune with nature. Read More...

  • Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks: Weird Facts

    Our 5th installment of 100 facts to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service explores 20 unusual facts about our National Parks. Read More...

  • Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks: Geographic Curiosities

    Grab a map and a compass. The following 18 facts about U.S. National Parks center around where to go and how to get there. Read More...

  • What’s So Great About National Parks?

    In short, tons of stuff! The fact is a trip to a National Park can be one of the most memorable family vacations of your life. Read More...