Best State Parks to Travel to in the U.S.
Say goodbye to costly theme parks and crowded beaches—we’re taking you on a journey through America’s beautiful, untamed state parks. These parks represent millions of acres of accessible outdoor adventure, with many of them just a short drive from the nearest city. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dazzling canyonside vistas, trippy desert mirages—natural wonders abound in your state’s backyard, if you know where to look. So join us for lush narratives, hidden trails, and insider tips as we take you on an unforgettable trek through the most incredible and underrated state parks in America.
Up Close and Personal With the Secret Elephant Seals of Año Nuevo State Park
Get to know the majestic beasts at a marine sanctuary just an hour south of San Francisco.
The Only Thing My Grandma and I Had in Common Was a Love for State Parks
Remembering the woman who gave me a love for nature and exploration, if not much else.
California’s Newest State Park Is Actually Just a Big Farm
The reclaimed land boasts 350,000 native plants and lots of endangered animals.
See Frozen Waterfalls at This Otherworldly State Park in Illinois
Scale waterfalls, snowshoe down winding trails, and soak up the small town charm.
The Texas State Park with Its Own Grand Canyon
Palo Duro is a jaw-dropping destination some 250 million years in the making.
This Appalachian State Park Has Some of the Darkest Skies in the Eastern U.S.
West Virginia's Watoga State Park is a stargazer’s paradise just a road trip away.
No One Knows What These Giant Mushroom Rocks Were Used For
A Great Plains park is home to ancient sandstone monoliths resembling portobellos and chanterelles.