Plan Your Next National Parks Vacation
From Lauren Himiak, former About.com Guide
- Beginner Tips Before You Travel
- Find A National Park By Type
- Find A Park For A Specific Holiday or Event
Beginner Tips Before You Travel
Before you head out into the parks, be sure to check out this section. Here, you will find useful tips like where to get a parks pass or what to do an an emergency. Being prepared is the first step to a fun and safe vacation.
- Avoiding Heat-Related Injury
- Getting A Park Pass
- Volunteer At A National Park
- Traveling With A Pet
- Prepare For Your National Parks Trip
Find A National Park By Type
Looking for top national parks? Or how about the most family-friendly state parks? Here, you can explore all types of national parks, including historical, military, recreation, and more.
- National Parks Classification System: What Do The Different Park Types Mean?
- National Parks
- National Monuments
- National Preserves
- National Historic Sites
- National Historic Parks
- National Memorials
- National Battlefields
- National Recreation Areas
- National Seashores
- National Lakeshores
- National Rivers
- National Parkways
- National Trails
Find A Park For A Specific Holiday or Event
Throughout the year, the parks offer special events for specific holidays, awareness months, and other important times. Learn where to go, how the special day or event is celebrated, and what to expect.
- National Parks For Mother's Day
- National Parks For Father's Day
- Top National Parks for Memorial Day
- Top National Parks for Veteran's Day
- Black History Month
- Women's History Month
- Native American Heritage Month
- National Parks Week
- National Junior Ranger Day
- Valentine's Day
- The History of the National Christmas Tree
Find A National Park By Interest
With parks all over the country, each offers its own speciality. Looking for the best places to ski or horseback ride? Find out where to travel for your specific hobby or interest.
- National Parks Less-Traveled
- Dark-Sky Preserves
- Top National Parks for Lovers
- Top Trails to Hike
- Top Disabled Visitor-Friendly National Parks
- Top Dog-Friendly National Parks
- Top Kid-Friendly National Parks
- Top Family-Friendly National Parks
- Top National Parks For Birding
- Top National Parks for Beach Lovers
Best Parks By Season
Each season brings with it new and exciting activities. And the parks offer the perfect venue for each. Whether you're looking for fall foliage or spring wildflowers, these top picks will have you making the most of the year.
- Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
- Best National Parks to Visit in Spring
- Best National Parks to Visit in Summer
- Best National Parks to Visit in Fall
Gear Advice
Need help finding the best tent or sleeping bag? Not sure what hiking boots are right for you? Find out all that and more right here!