35 National Parks to Visit with Breeze Airways

The United States is one of the only countries in the world where you can see such a broad range of geological features as you travel from state to state. Fortunately, these landscapes are protected through the formation of national parks, a practice started by Congress in 1872. Find a trail winding through towering pine trees, traverse red cliff canyons folded into desert mountains, swim in a chilly alpine lake, or uncover the mysteries of a deep marshy forest.  

Picturesque places stretch our imaginations and help us appreciate the wonders of the world around us. Most parks are found in secluded locations, which helps preserve their natural beauty. Breeze gets you close to 30 national parks with nonstop flights to nearby cities. Pair your flight with a rental car and get out to one of these great American treasures soon.

Jump to:

• Green Hills and Trees
• Coastal Parks
• Tall Alpine Mountains
• Rocky Canyons
• Desert Landscapes

Green Hills and Trees 

Redwoods National Park – 1 hour from Arcata-Eureka, CA: Step into a forest of giants where redwoods stretch skyward like natural skyscrapers. Drive the winding Howland Hill Road through ancient groves, then walk beneath trees that have stood for centuries. Paddle the clear waters of the Smith River or hike fern-lined trails that feel untouched by time. This is a place where silence speaks volumes and nature reigns supreme.

Homestead National Historical Park – 45 minutes from Lincoln, NE: Trace the roots of American history across open prairie trails and restored homesteads. Visit the interactive museum, walk through a one-room schoolhouse, and explore the landscape that shaped generations of settlers. It’s a quiet, reflective stop with wide skies and stories waiting to be discovered.

Cuyahoga Valley – 15 minutes from Akron, Ohio: The Cuyahoga River cuts through a golden-green forest and mossy shale rock formations to trickle into cascading falls. Hike the entire breadth of the park and follow the water on Riverview Road, or walk along the historic Erie Canal on Towpath Trail. Make sure to see landmarks including Brandywine and Blue Hen Falls, Horseshoe Pond, and Kendall Lake. If walking isn’t your speed, take a ride through the park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad instead. 

New River Gorge – 1 hour from Charleston, West Virginia: Fresh is the theme of the youngest national park in the country. Don’t let the label fool you though, as the New River is actually one of the oldest in North America. Its pristine white waters flow through over 70,000 acres of rolling forested hills and is perfect for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. While on the water, see if you can spot the architectural masterpiece that is the New River Gorge Bridge, spanning over 3,000 feet in an arch over the canyon below. 

Shenandoah – 1.5 hours from Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia: This vast network of peaks and valleys, dotted up and down with trees and greenery, covers a large portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park encompasses over 500 miles of hiking crossing rivers, waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking vistas. Step into the shoes of a rugged backpacker along the famous Appalachian Trail. Access the park amidst viewpoints galore via the aptly named Skyline Drive. Make sure to visit popular areas of the park including Stoney Man, Hawksbill, Dark Hollow Falls, and Rose River. 

Mammoth Cave – 1.5 hours from Louisville, Kentucky: While the cave itself is the main attraction here, the surrounding area sits on gorgeous, forested, hilly land perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring. Mammoth Cave is truly remarkable, stretching the longest of any known cave system in the world, with wide, grand openings and massive corridors. The limestone formation offers something for everyone, with several different ranger-guided tours including easy walks through the most well-known sections, more comprehensive coverage through deeper parts, and at certain times of the year, full-on caving courses that traverse more difficult-to-access areas. 

Gateway Arch – 1.5 hours from Springfield, IL: Take a tram to the top of the 630-foot stainless steel arch constructed to celebrate President Thomas Jefferson’s role in the expansion of the United States and the spirit of western pioneers. Enjoy the green park surrounding the monolith and views of the Mississippi River from the heart of bustling St. Louis. Also visit the Old Courthouse with its copper dome. Learn about its involvement in critical moments of the nation’s history including the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the Women’s Suffrage Movement. 

Great Smokey Mountains – 2 hours from Greenville, South Carolina, 2 hours from Tri-Cities, TN, or 3 hours from Greensboro, NC: This iconic mountain range straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is a total paradise for nature lovers. With endless trails, rivers, streams, waterfalls, wildlife, and a variety of tree species, one would be hard-pressed to explore its entire expanse. Link up with the Appalachian Trail yet again as it winds through the park. Other must-see features include Clingmans Dome, Rainbow and Laurel Falls, Ramsey Cascades, and Alum Cave Trail. Several overlooks and trailheads branch off from scenic Highway 441, which is a great way to see much of the area. 

Hot Springs – 3.5 hours from Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR: Take the plunge into ancient thermal pools from resorts that date to the early 20th Century. Walk the historical white stuccoed buildings that house the baths with their ornate decorations. Discover miles of forested trail through the foothills of the Ozarks. Travel to the top of the observation deck for stunning views overlooking a tree line that stretches as far as the eye can see. As you walk the woods, you’ll also uncover hidden lakes and streams that culminate for a top-notch nature escape.

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Coastal Parks 

Acadia – 1 hour from Bangor, ME or 3 hours from Portland, ME: This may be one of the most unique parks in the country. Located on a large island just off the East Coast, Acadia boasts grand vistas overlooking lakes, alternating rocky and sandy seashores, gorgeous greenery that catches fire with bright colors in the fall, and several nearby lighthouses. Make sure to look for important landmarks including Eagle Lake, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Somes Sound, and Seal Harbor. A boat tour from Bar Harbor is one of our favorite ways to see the best of Acadia.

Indiana Dunes – 1 hour from South Bend, IN: It might look like the ocean, but this park is actually on the shore of massive Lake Michigan. Golden beaches juxtapose grassy hills that rise to wooded paths. Enjoy boardwalks through tree canopies down to the water alongside wide swaths of coastline perfect for picnicking or relaxing under an umbrella. Splash around in the waves as you look on the tall sand dunes. You’ll also notice an impressive view of Chicago’s skyline across the wide lake. You can even camp close to the beach with quick access to more remote sections of the dunes great for spotting a variety of seabirds and other wildlife.

 

Everglades – 1.5 hours from Fort Myers, FL: Peruse the wild wetlands along Florida’s southern tip and spot a variety of wildlife and foliage. This is one of the best places in the world to see alligators in their natural habitat from the safety of a boardwalk. Miles of trail carefully curated by rangers make it easy to traverse the deep swamp. Bold travelers can also opt to kayak through set areas of the park. In addition to cold-blooded critters, the Everglades is an excellent spot to see a range of rare bird species. 

Congaree – 2 hours from Charleston, SC and Greenville, SC: Although located in South Carolina’s Midlands, this park is certainly feels coastal. Walk along an array of boardwalks through marshy land bordered by the Congaree River and dotted in “champion” trees that push the limits of nature as they reach towering heights. Cross paths with mighty oak, sycamore, poplar, and cypress trees that thrive in the warm, humid environment. In the summer, experience the magic of an evening light show through the branches put on by a wave of fireflies. 

Channel Islands – 1.5 hours from Burbank, CA or 2 hours from Los Angeles, CA: Clear your schedule and cozy up to this coastal cove. The islands are known for their range of rocky outcrops jutting majestically from the ocean. Discover secluded beaches, hiking to the many ocean viewpoints and wide caves just dying to be explored. Cruise across the sea to the park by boat from the nearby towns of Oxnard or Santa Barbara. Once there, grab a kayak and enjoy an unforgettable day in the sun and surf.

Biscayne – 2 hours from Palm Beach, FL: Check out the tropical paradise just off the coast of Miami at the northern tip of the Florida Keys. Situated in a sheltered harbor of shallow turquoise waters, it’s the perfect place for a beach getaway. Take a boat out into the mild surf to catch a warm breeze and look for marine life. While you can do some excellent fishing from the shore or a ship, the park also acts as a refuge for certain aquatic creatures like the spiny lobster and sea sponge. Kayak around the islands that dot the shallows to get up close and personal with nature. Perhaps the best way to pass the time is lounging on the sand and catching some sun. 

Dry Tortugas – 2.5 hours from Key West, FL: Get lost in this remote wonderland only accessible by ferry or puddle jumper plane. With Key West being the closest populated area, this park presents an opportunity to explore a magnificent seascape nearly untouched by human development. The main island houses the remains of a historic brick fort that nature has started to reclaim. The highlight is the third largest reef system in the world, home to colorful coral, wispy anemones, friendly nurse sharks, exotic fish, and sea turtles. Make sure to keep your distance and enjoy the stunning scenery responsibly. 

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Tall Alpine Mountains 

Rocky Mountain – 1.5 hours from Denver, CO: Climb an endless collection of granite cliffs and peaks in this stunning range formed by glaciers. With a low point in elevation of above 7,000 feet, you can see snow year-round in some areas. Traverse needling pines and crystalline lakes along 300+ miles of trail. Some of the most popular hikes include Emerald Lake, Glacier Gorge, Chasm Lake, Deer Mountain, Alberta Falls, and Longs Peak. The park is well-equipped to handle a collection of car campers and backpackers alike, but make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for the extreme landscape. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison – 30 minutes from Montrose, CO or 1.5 hours from Grand Junction, CO: A unique blend of metamorphic and igneous rock forms the contrasting black and pink colors along the walls of this sharp, deep canyon. Many of the hikes here start at a high elevation and lead to breathtaking views overlooking the crags and river below. However, you can get a free wilderness permit to travel into the depths of the canyon either by foot or kayak. This park is also an excellent dark space, great for spotting constellations and shooting stars in the night sky. 

Pinnacles – 2.5 hours from San Francisco, CA: Scale steep faces, navigate through slot canyons, walk through a tunnel bored into rock, and visit an elevated reservoir in this hidden gem. Formed by ancient volcanoes, the rugged landscape manages to thrive today with a variety of plant life and greenery along each trail. Some of the most popular spots in the park include Condor Gulch, High Peaks, Moses Spring, Balconies, and Bear Gulch Reservoir. You can also visit a network of caves here great for intrepid explorers. 

Great Basin – 3 hours from Provo, UT: If towering snow-capped peaks, icy blue lakes dotted with pine trees, and caves packed with stalagmites and stalactites are your thing, this place is for you. This reserve straddles the border of Northern Nevada and Utah and is perfect for those looking for an adventure away from the hustle and bustle of busier parks. Make sure to look for the Bristlecone Pine Glacier, and the Alpine Lakes which can be combined into a single loop hike. You can also take a ranger guided tour of the alien-looking limestone formations inside Lehman Caves. 

Yosemite – 3.5 hours from San Francisco, CA: Yosemite may be one of the most well-known parks, while still somehow also being one of the most underrated. Take in the entire valley from the iconic Tunnel Viewpoint. Then, dive in and explore roaring waterfalls, sheer, towering cliffs, and a bustling river winding its way through endless pines. Make sure to bring a camp chair and binoculars so you can spend some time searching El Capitan for pro rock climbers. Those comfortable with heights and steep incline can brave the chains and summit Half Dome. For more casual hikers, there are plenty of easier trails to see hotspots including Bridalveil, Yosemite, and Vernal Falls. This park gets very busy in the summer, so spring and fall may be a better option to beat the crowds. 

Sequoia & King’s Canyon – 3.5 hours from Los Angeles, CA or 4.5 hours from Burbank, CA: Get ready to be awe-inspired by some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world. The ancient, red-barked Sequoias have survived a variety of climates and ecological events through their history and stand as a testament to adaptability, strength, and resilience. The parks also offer plenty of lakes, peaks, and waterfalls to make for an unforgettable trip filled with sights to see. Other well-known attractions include Big Baldy Ridge, Weaver Lake, Panoramic Point, Buena Vista, and Ella Falls. 

Crater Lake National Park – 2 hours from Redmond, OR: Drive through pine forests and volcanic terrain to reach a lake so blue it looks surreal. Formed by a collapsed volcano, Crater Lake is the deepest in the U.S. and ringed by cliffs and viewpoints. Hike to the rim, take a boat to Wizard Island, or snowshoe in winter for a high-altitude adventure that’s as peaceful as it is powerful.

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Rocky Canyons 

Canyonlands – 2 hours from Grand Junction, CO or 3 hours from Provo, UT: Trek through sprawling red cliffs, canyons, and rock formations in this massive preserve that rivals the Grand Canyon. Peak through Mesa Arch to catch an early morning sunrise before it gets too hot. Stop for a view of one of the Green River’s grand bends carving out the valley below from an overlook. Climb to the top of Upheaval Dome, an unearthly crater reminiscent of a meteorite landing. You can also spot a well-preserved indigenous granary structure built into the side of a rock face on the Aztec Butte hike. 

Zion – 2 hours from Las Vegas, NV or 3 hours from Provo, UT: Marvel at towering sandstone formations spotted with greenery as you start from the valley floor. Gradually make your way to the tops and experience the incredible wide-open as you follow one of several trails through the park. Angels Landing has become an iconic spot where you can stand on an exposed peak rising above the surrounding land with 360-degree views. Make sure to get a permit before embarking on the trek and be careful and courteous to other hikers as you traverse the narrow chain sections. The park offers several milder options, including a trail through a magnificent slot that the Virgin River flows through, the Narrows. 

Capitol Reef – 2.5 hours from Provo, UT or Grand Junction, CO: This park affords a great opportunity to see the breathtaking burnt orange landscape of Southern Utah while avoiding larger crowds. The crusted cliffs here contrast sharply with the bright farmland below. Hike through narrow canyons rising around you, discover elevated overlooks, and make your way to two massive arches. Hickman Bridge’s impressive gap opens above the trail, allowing visitors to walk right underneath it. Meanwhile, Cassidy Arch, from its perch atop a cliff face, welcomes sightseers and more extreme climbers who can rappel directly into it. 

Bryce Canyon – 3 hours from Provo, UT: Experience the exotic views of this gaping gorge filled with trees and alien-looking hoodoos that rise from the ground as if they were stalagmites, but into open air. For those wanting the simplest way to take it all in, Sunset and Sunrise Points are perfect, especially in the early morning or late evening, with only about a mile of mostly flat ground between them. If you want to experience as much of the park as possible, we recommend a day trip to do the 8-mile Fairyland Loop, or the 3-mile Queens Garden Trail. 

Grand Canyon – 3.5 hours from Phoenix, AZ: See for yourself one of the largest canyons in the world, an impressive, seemingly never-ending network of rock carved by millions of years of erosion and river runoff. Viewpoints and trails along the canyon’s rim are a must-see to capture the full majesty of the formations. However, there are many other activities popular in the area. Charter a tour to raft through rapids along the Colorado River, deep in the canyon. Backpack through the park’s peaks and valleys for a more remote experience. You can also visit the Skywalk, a glass bridge that juts out into open expanse and is great for photographing the area. 

Newberry National Volcanic Monument – 30 minutes from Redmond, OR: Discover a volcanic wonderland where lava flows, obsidian fields, and crater lakes tell the story of Oregon’s fiery past. Hike through lava tubes, swim in Paulina Lake, or stand atop the caldera rim for panoramic views. It’s a geologist’s dream and a nature lover’s playground.

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Desert Landscapes 

Joshua Tree – 1 hour from San Bernadino, CA or 2.5  hours from Burbank, CA: See the famous spindly Agave plants the park is named for, along with cacti, succulents, wildflowers, and more. The park is an excellent way to escape the bustle of the big city, where it is truly quiet, and the night sky is dark enough to see a plethora of stars. Hike across dunes dotted with foliage and large round rocks, while taking in the arid scenery, with miles of visibility. Some of the most popular spots include Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Heart and Arch Rocks, and the Panorama Loop.  

Arches – 1.5 hours from Grand Junction, CO or 3 hours from Provo, UT: If you’ve ever spent much time in Utah, you’ve likely seen license plates featuring a picturesque golden rock arch. In real life, Delicate Arch is monolithic as it stands alone, towering above guests on a flat slickrock surface. This is only one of many interesting features found throughout the park. Balanced Rock almost seems to defy the laws of physics as it sits precariously alongside the road. Landscape Arch hangs in the balance while scattered pieces of broken rock lie beneath it. All the while, Double Arch wraps two bulky arms around a nearby peak in an embrace. 

Saguaro – 1.5 hours from Phoenix, AZ: If you imagine an endless rolling desert full of tall, pointy cacti when you think of Arizona, you may be thinking of this park. The saguaro cactus is incredible, capable of growing 40+ feet tall over a lifespan of longer than two centuries. The resilient plants line miles of trail running through rough dune and brush. Surprisingly, you can find water here, including at Seven Falls, Sabino Lake, and Bridal Wreath Falls. Other spots to hit include Wasson Peak, Blackett’s Ridge, and Linda Vista.  

Death Valley – 2 hours from Las Vegas, NV: This is truly a land of extremes, boasting titles of the lowest elevation, hottest, and driest national park in the nation. Despite the unrelenting environment, one can find much beauty here. Climb through rigid yellow and red dunes that look as though they were hand chiseled out of the surrounding hills. Admire the serenity of the salt flats deep in Badwater Basin. You can even see wildflowers if you are lucky enough to visit after a rare rainstorm. Fall through spring may be the best times to visit to avoid the baking summer sun. 

Petrified Forest – 3.5 hours from Phoenix, AZ: The road through this park weaves around a tapestry of layered, pointed spires transitioning from purple to red to white to orange as they reach upward. Aptly named the Painted Desert, this makes for a beautiful drive filled with plenty of amazing viewpoints to stop and see. While there, check out the paleo lab, where scientists are studying Triassic fossils discovered amongst the hidden alcoves of the hills. 

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Around you ready to get outside and witness the magic of Mother Nature? Adventure and beauty await you at every turn. Book your flight to a national park with Breeze today.