Summer is the perfect season to get out and experience the great outdoors. And if you love being outside and getting up close and personal with nature, there’s no better way to do that than by exploring America’s stunning national parks. With long daylight hours, warm temperatures and nature in full bloom, summer opens up a world of possibilities for hiking, swimming, wildlife watching and taking photos you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
The best national parks to visit in the summer offer something for everyone—whether you’re chasing waterfalls, looking to spot wild bison or wanting to breathe in some fresh mountain air. Planning a trip to one (or more) of these parks allows you to experience the beauty, history and adventure that make them some of America’s most important locations.
Before you pack your bags, remember to check out our ultimate national park checklist so you can plan to see as many parks as possible.
1. Yellowstone National Park
- Location: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
- Known for: Geysers, hot springs and wildlife
- Best month to visit: July
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing geysers erupt or watching bison graze against a backdrop of towering mountains and wildflower-filled valleys, a trip to Yellowstone in summer is a must. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and is still one of the most iconic and popular.
Summer weather is great for hiking trails like Fairy Falls and the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. If you want to see wildlife, make sure you’re up early or out late in the evening when they’re most active. Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are some of the best spots to see animals. Don’t miss Old Faithful (it erupts about every hour and a half) or the bubbling mud pots at Norris Geyser Basin.
With so much ground to cover, you should consider staying inside the park or close to it for easier access. But make sure to book your campground spot (or your stay at a local hotel) at least six months before you visit. The park is one of the most popular in the country and it can fill up fast.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Location: Tennessee and North Carolina
- Known for: Misty mountains, wildflowers and historic buildings
- Best month to visit: June
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the must-see national parks in the South and it’s no surprise why. As the most visited national park in the country, there is something in the area for everyone. Reserve your camping spots six months in advance if you have a particular spot in mind.
Summer is perfect for hiking on the 850+ miles of trails, especially along the Appalachian Trail or Clingmans Dome for a 360-degree mountain view. Some ADA-accessible hikes in the park include Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, parts of the Little River Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
The park comes alive with lush greenery and vibrant blooms during the summer. Cool off in one of the many swimming holes or waterfalls like Abrams Falls. For families, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers scenic drives and short hikes to waterfalls and historic cabins.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
- Location: Arizona
- Known for: The Grand Canyon, hiking and rafting
- Best month to visit: June
There’s nothing quite like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and experiencing the view. Whether you’re visiting Grand Canyon National Park for the first time or it’s a regular destination, the views will always take your breath away. In the summer, the North Rim is also open and makes the area one of the best national parks to visit in June if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the South Rim (which sees millions of visitors each summer).
Want to beat the heat? Take an early morning hike on Bright Angel Trail or experience the canyon from below with a white-water rafting trip on the Colorado River.
The ranger programs, shuttle buses and visitor centers are fully operational during the summer, making it a great time for first-time visitors to explore. Just be prepared for crowds and high temperatures. Pack sunscreen and lots of water.
4. Acadia National Park
- Location: Maine
- Known for: Tidal pools and rugged coastlines
- Best month to visit: August
Located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park combines ocean views, lush forest trails and mountain peaks. Summer is the best time for climbing Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, or biking the historic Carriage Roads. Don’t miss a stop at Sand Beach, where you can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.
You can also explore the park by sea. Take a kayak along the coastline or hop on a boat tour to spot seals and puffins. Early mornings and weekdays are your best bets for avoiding crowds at the most popular spots.
5. Glacier National Park
- Location: Montana
- Known for: Alpine lakes and glaciers
- Best month to visit: July
Glacier National Park is breathtaking in the summer and has towering peaks, alpine meadows and over 700 miles of trails. Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open by July, meaning you can take it to see some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country.
Hikers shouldn’t miss the Highline Trail, one of the most awesome trails in America's National Parks. The views are incredible, but make sure you’re up for a moderate hike. Wildflowers bloom bright in the valleys; you might even spot a mountain goat or grizzly bear in the distance. Just be sure to make lodging reservations early — this park is popular and rooms fill up early in the year.
6. Yosemite National Park
- Location: California
- Known for: Granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoias
- Best month to visit: June
Summer in Yosemite National Park means full waterfalls, open trails and stunning vistas. Yosemite Valley is home to iconic sights like El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall, while higher elevation sites like Tuolumne Meadows offer a cooler, more peaceful escape.
June is ideal for seeing the waterfalls at their peak, while July and August are great for backpacking and stargazing in the High Sierra. You’ll need a reservation to enter the park during peak hours, so plan ahead to make the most of your time at one of California’s gems. A new reservation system to help fight congestion and gridlock in the park is being developed as of 2025.
7. Mount Rainier National Park
- Location: Washington
- Known for: Wildflowers, glaciers and Mount Rainier
- Best month to visit: August
At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier dominates this national park's landscape and is often snow-capped late into the summer. If you want to see the park’s famous wildflower bloom in the Paradise and Sunrise areas, you’ll want to plan your trip around the peak of the bloom in late July and early August. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots and black bears roaming these same meadows.
The trails that criss-cross Mount Rainier National Park are fully open in the summer, so whether you’re looking for short family hikes or a longer trek like the moderate Skyline Trail, you can make it happen on your summer vacation. The weather can change quickly, so make sure that you pack layers and have rain gear with you while you’re outdoors.
8. Grand Teton National Park
- Location: Wyoming
- Known for: Jagged peaks, incredible wildlife and alpine lakes
- Best month to visit: July
Just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park offers equally dramatic views and is where to travel in July to avoid the crowds commonly found at Yellowstone. Summer is perfect for paddling on Jenny Lake, looking for moose on Moose-Wilson Road or hiking Cascade Canyon. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one while you’re visiting.
The Teton Range rises dramatically from the valley floor to create postcard-perfect views almost everywhere you look (Schwabacher Landing and the Oxbow Bend are two great spots for shutterbugs). Whether you’re into mountaineering, fishing or just relaxing by the lake, the Tetons deliver.
9. Zion National Park
- Location: Utah
- Known for: Slot canyons and red rock cliffs
- Best month to visit: June
Zion National Park is a desert oasis that turns vibrant with life in summer. Though temperatures can be scorching, early mornings and late afternoons provide cooler temperatures, so you can still explore the area.
Take a hike up the Virgin River to see The Narrows, where sheer, 1,000-foot-tall cliff walls tower over you and help block some of the sun. The Riverside Walk is wheelchair accessible. Other popular hikes include Angels Landing (you’ll need a permit for that hike) and Watchman Trail for beautiful sunset views. Both of these trails are steep and unpaved.
Shuttle services run through Zion Canyon during the summer season, making it easy to get around without parking hassles.
10. Crater Lake National Park
- Location: Oregon
- Known for: Crater Lake and volcanic scenery
- Best month to visit: July
Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of a volcano more than 7,000 years ago, is the deepest lake in the U.S. and one of the clearest lakes in the world. Summer is when all roads and trails in Crater Lake National Park are snow-free, giving visitors full access to hiking trails, boat tours and Rim Drive, a beautiful scenic route that circles the lake.
Popular stops include Wizard Island, Phantom Ship Overlook and hikes up to Garfield Peak. Don’t forget your camera; the lake’s intense blue color and the jagged rim of the crater are sights you’ll want to capture. If you want to swim, head over to Cleetwood Cove or be within 100 yards of Wizard Island (and stay at least 50 feet from boats, docks and buoys).
FAQs About the Best National Parks to Visit in the Summer
Have more questions about summer national park vacations? The AAA Travel team has answers.
How can I entertain kids at a national park?
Some of the best activities at national parks for kids include Junior Ranger programs, interactive exhibits, ranger-led hikes and nature walks. You can also plan a nature scavenger hunt, bring wildlife checklists or let them help you with taking pictures of the landscape. Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains and Acadia are especially kid-friendly.
Why is summer a good season to visit national parks?
Summer means warm temperatures (even in high-elevation parks), longer days and open access to trails and roads that may be covered with snow throughout the rest of the year. Wildlife is active, wildflowers are in bloom and most park amenities, including ranger activities and shuttle buses, are available.
What’s the best way to travel to the national parks?
Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially for parks with scenic byways like Glacier or Crater Lake. If you want to visit several parks, you might want to think about planning a cross-country road trip. AAA can help with route planning, discounts and lodging so you can focus on making the most of your vacation.
Plan Your Trip to the Best National Parks to Visit in the Summer with AAA
Though there are so many incredible parks to choose from, it’s easy to see why these are the best national parks to visit in the summer. Whether you’re after mountain adventures or coastal escapes or want to take in the stark beauty of a desert landscape, there’s something special waiting for you at some of the country’s best national parks.
Make your trip even smoother with AAA Membership benefits like travel discounts, trip planning tools and emergency roadside assistance. And when you’re ready to go, the AAA Travel experts can help you easily book lodging, tours and car rentals.