I love traveling, like, a lot. Ever since I was a little girl, my family has been taking me around the country to various national parks. I find that the national parks are a great reason to get out and explore different parts of America. These are some of my favorites that I have visited in the past.
1. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion was one of the first parks I ever visited. I have been multiple times and it remains just as beautiful. It is very peaceful and there is a lot of nature to see. You can stay right in the park as well, which is convenient! In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the United States and I would definitely recommend traveling there the next time you are in Utah.
2. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
If you are looking for a national park with a lot to do, Mammoth Cave might be just the place! There are multiple tours you can go on to explore each and every cave. There is a lot of history within the caves as well. But I guess you will have to go there yourself to find out what went on there long ago.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
This is the national park I have visited the most. It never gets old! One of my best memories there was going on a mule ride in the North Rim. It was an awesome experience and something I would definitely recommend doing if you visit The Grand Canyon! There is a lot to see there and you can even hike to the bottom. It is definitely one of The United States' greatest treasures!
4. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California
Do not ever worry about being bored in San Francisco because there is so much to see. Some of my favorite national parks/ monuments in the area are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Muir Woods. If you are a history buff like myself, then Alcatraz is a great place to visit because it is filled with old stories and mysteries. The Golden Gate Bridge is something you have to go visit if you go to San Francisco, and Muir Woods is incredible. Since I am from the East Coast, we do not have Sequoias growing here. It is awesome to see the different types of nature that exist on the other side of the country!
5. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington D.C.
There is so much to do down in Washington D.C., it is ridiculous. Some of the nation's most beloved presidents are honored here and are huge tourist attractions. There are also war memorials that are pretty nice to walk through. I have never been bored while visiting and I look forward to returning there soon. Though not national parks, I would also recommend visiting the Smithsonian museums. They are fun and interactive!
6. Bryce Canyon, Utah
The Western part of the United States has a lot of beautiful canyons. This is one of my favorites that I have visited. The rock formations are incredible and you can hike your way through them. You can stay in a cabin there as well which is pretty nice and efficient! I would definitely recommend visiting if you enjoy nature and want to see a great part of America!
7. Independence National Historical Park, Pennsylvania
I love Philadelphia and its many attractions. In Independence Hall, you can walk right into where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Liberty Bell is also something you must see if you visit the city of brotherly love. A lot of history was made in this great city and I would highly recommend visiting.
8. Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C.
It is not a part of the National Mall but it is a great historic site. Whether you are a Lincoln fan or not, you should take a tour of the building. You really get a look into what it was like the day one of our greatest presidents was shot. The tour was probably one of the best I have ever been on and it was definitely worth it.
9. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah
Another one of Utah's beautiful monuments, Rainbow Bridge is a great place to visit. You take a boat across Lake Powell and arrive to the small but beautiful monument. No, you cannot actually walk across the rock formation like you would a regular bridge, but it is surely another place to visit in Utah.
10. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Ohio
The Wright Brothers are definitely an important part of history and this is where they grew up! You can visit the cycling shop they owned as well as the Paul Laurence Dunbar house (he was a friend of the Wright brothers and a poet). There is a lot to do in the area and I personally found that it was a nice place to stop by. Next time you are in Ohio, definitely stop by and visit some of the sites in this park!
