U.S. National Parks

A man hikes a sandy trail along a lake

Indiana Dunes National Park: Best Time to Visit…

Discover the best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park with this seasonal breakdown of weather, crowd levels, costs, and activities. Whether you're chasing fall colors, spring birding, or summer beach days, this guide helps you plan with confidence.
A man walks toward a cave entrance to exit Mammoth Cave.

Best Time to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park:…

Wondering when to visit Mammoth Cave National Park? This seasonal guide breaks down weather, activities, crowds, and costsโ€”so you can plan the perfect trip.
A saguaro stands tall with several arms, showing its age and wear and tear in Saguaro National Park, Arizona.

Is Saguaro National Park Worth Visiting? Hereโ€™s What…

We werenโ€™t sure what to expect from Saguaro National Parkโ€”but its massive cacti, quiet beauty, and split layout caught us off guard. Find out whoโ€™ll love it, who might skip it, and whether itโ€™s worth your time.
Scenes of Glacier Bay from a cruise ship captured by the Miles with McConkey Travel Blog

Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay: A Seasonal…

Wondering when to explore Alaskaโ€™s Glacier Bay National Park? This seasonal guide shares firsthand advice on the best time to visitโ€”whether youโ€™re chasing whales, kayaking fjords, or enjoying crowd-free serenity.
Sunset over the harbor, Ventura, California.

Why Ventura Is the Best Base Camp for…

Discover why Ventura makes the ideal base camp for Channel Islands National Park. From harbor ferries to local eats, this coastal town delivers pre-park adventure and post-island relaxation.
A woman stands next to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park sign

Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park:…

Guadalupe Mountains rewards those who time their visit wisely. From blazing summer heat to vibrant fall colors and seasonal winds, the park offers a different experience with each month. In this guide, learn when to go for lighter crowds, comfortable weather, lower costs, and the best hikes and scenic moments.
Joshua trees and snow-capped mountains

Easy Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Scenic…

Looking for easy hikes in Joshua Tree National Park? These short trails offer stunning views, unique rock formations, and a taste of desert magicโ€”perfect for families, casual hikers, and adventurers over 50.
One of the most unique events - synchronous fireflies in national parks light up the forest and visitors' hearts

Synchronous Fireflies in National Parks: What to Know…

We havenโ€™t seen the synchronous fireflies yet โ€” but weโ€™ve tried. Hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve learned, what weโ€™re watching for next season, and how you can plan smarter.
A woman walks along a path through a redwood forest

Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting? What Makes…

Redwood National Park surprised us. From misty groves and coastal bluffs to moments of quiet awe beneath towering giants โ€” hereโ€™s why this place lingers long after you leave.
A straight section of Boardwalk Trail cuts through the floodplain forest in Congaree National Park, SC

Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park:…

From foggy boardwalks to firefly magic, Congaree National Park offers quiet adventures and layered beauty. This guide shares our favorite things to do โ€” rooted in firsthand experience and designed to help you slow down, look closer, and make the most of your visit.
Water spills over a rocky ledge in Cuyahoga Valley Falls National Park, Ohio.

Is Cuyahoga Valley National Park Worth Visiting? An…

Is Cuyahoga Valley National Park worth it? We break down the highlights, quirks, and quiet beauty of Ohioโ€™s only national park โ€” with insights rooted in firsthand experience.
Aerial view of Acadia National Park's rugged coastline

Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park:…

Planning a trip to Acadia? We share our favorite things to doโ€”from sunrise on Cadillac Mountain to tide pooling and popoversโ€”plus what caught us off guard.
A Caribou cross a field with Denali covered in snow in the background

What Are Denaliโ€™s Big 5โ€”and Where Can You…

Wondering what the Denali Big 5 areโ€”and where to find them? This wildlife guide introduces Alaskaโ€™s most iconic animals and shares the best spots and tips for seeing them in the wild.
A woman stands on a paved path by colorful, striped mounds - Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park.

More Than Fossilized Wood: What Makes Petrified Forest…

We didnโ€™t expect to be moved by a place filled with stone logs and silence. But Petrified Forest surprised usโ€”with color, solitude, and stories etched in time.
Autumn leaves adorn trees surrounding Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, ME

Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons…

Acadiaโ€™s beauty inspired us to leave our corporate jobs and chase a life of travel. Here are 7 reasons this national park is absolutely worth visiting.
Colorful striped badlands dominate the horizon in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park:…

Planning a trip to Badlands National Park? Hereโ€™s when to go for the best weather, lowest costs, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences.
A woman looks through binoculars on a boardwalk trail in a forest - birding in a national park

Best National Parks for Birding: Our Top Picks…

From warblers in the Smokies to pelicans in the Channel Islands, these national parks offer unforgettable birding experiences. Discover where to go, what to bring, and when to visit for peak sightings.
Green trees line the shores of a white sand beach with turquoise waters

Celebrate Our National Parks With a Birthday in…

We shine the spotlight on the 5 U.S. national parks with a birthday in July or August. Which parks are we celebrating and why should you visit?
A moose walks through a filed with mountains in the background, Denali National Park, AK.

Where to See Moose and Bison in U.S.…

From elusive moose in Denali to bison jams in South Dakota, hereโ€™s where to find North Americaโ€™s most iconic wildlifeโ€”and why the search is half the fun.
A woman peers up at a giant sequoia in General Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park

Easy Hikes in Kings Canyon National Park: 7…

Explore the best easy hikes in Kings Canyon National Park โ€” from short waterfall walks to peaceful meadow trails. These scenic paths show off the parkโ€™s natural beauty without the strain.
Load More