Best National Parks in the World

With so much natural beauty to explore around the globe, choosing your next destination can be a challenge. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News has compiled a ranking of the best national parks in the world, based on reader votes and expert insights, as well as factors like accessibility, wildlife abundance, camping opportunities, and iconic landmarks. We’d love your input to help shape next year’s rankings, so be sure to vote for your favorite destinations below. (Note: Some of the parks listed, especially U.S. national parks, may require reservations for timed entry. Plan ahead to ensure you can visit on your preferred date.)

Banff National Park

Located in southwestern Alberta, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and one of its most stunning. Visitors can explore over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, including the Lake Agnes Trail, which features a charming seasonal tea house. For breathtaking views, drive the scenic Icefields Parkway or take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll find a viewing boardwalk, a restaurant, and an interpretive center.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is often referred to as Montana's crown jewel. Spanning over 1 million acres, this park is renowned for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, featuring more than 700 lakes and six National Historic Landmarks, including Lake McDonald Lodge and the famous Highline Trail along the Continental Divide. Don’t miss the scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, or better yet, join a Red Bus Tour for an immersive experience. Plan to spend several days here for a truly enriching visit.

Yellowstone National Park

As America’s first national park, established in 1872, Yellowstone is a national treasure that spans over 2 million acres. With attractions like Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful, the park continues to captivate visitors. Explore less-crowded areas such as Hayden Valley, a prime wildlife viewing spot, and Yellowstone Lake, perfect for kayaking or canoeing.

Yosemite National Park

About 170 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite National Park offers a wealth of natural wonders. Famous sites like Tunnel View and Half Dome, along with countless waterfalls and over 750 miles of trails, make it a must-visit. Don’t forget to explore the majestic sequoia groves, where you can marvel at some of the tallest trees on Earth.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a world-famous destination known for its breathtaking views, vibrant colors, and impressive rock formations. Whether you’re flying over the canyon in a helicopter, rafting down the Colorado River, or hiking its trails, the Grand Canyon’s grandeur is sure to leave you in awe. For a quieter experience, consider North Rim hikes like Bright Angel Point Trail or the Widforss Trail.

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is famed for The Great Migration, where approximately 2 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, traverse the park in search of food and breeding grounds. While timing this spectacular event can be tricky, traditional safari experiences offer opportunities to view the park’s stunning landscapes and the Big Five: leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.

Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand’s Surat Thani province, Khao Sok National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring rainforests, waterfalls, caves, and unique rock formations. Visitors can encounter diverse wildlife and over 200 plant species per 2.5 acres while trekking through one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Activities include canoeing on the Sok River and guided tours to see Asian elephants.

Jasper National Park

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy summer activities like hiking and biking, or winter sports such as snowshoeing and ice climbing. Spring visits offer stunning views of rushing waterfalls and wildlife, while fall is perfect for camping. Don’t miss the chance to stargaze in Jasper, one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves. Note: Portions of the park remain closed due to a wildfire in 2024.

Torres del Paine National Park

In Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including Grey Glacier and the iconic Cuernos del Paine granite peaks. Popular hikes like the W Trek and O Circuit offer multi-day adventures best explored with professional guides, and you may spot wildlife such as pumas and penguins along the way.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

As Croatia's oldest and largest national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 16-plus cascading lakes and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore the park via electric boats or a panoramic train ride, included in the admission price. In winter, enjoy skiing at Mukinje Ski Resort; in summer, row on Kozjak Lake. After a day of exploration, savor a traditional meal at the Lička Kuća Restaurant.

Grand Teton National Park

Often overshadowed by its northern neighbor, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is a hidden gem in Wyoming. With stunning scenery along its hiking trails, including Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon Trail, the park offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot grizzly bears, bison, and moose, and the park is just a short drive from the charming town of Jackson Hole.

Zion National Park

Utah's first national park, Zion is famous for its stunning canyon views and impressive hiking trails. Experienced hikers can conquer Angels Landing (permits required) or wade through The Narrows, the park’s narrowest section. For a less strenuous option, try the Canyon Overlook Trail or the Pa'rus Trail. Adventurers may also enjoy canyoneering for a unique perspective of Zion’s geology.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Though smaller than others on this list, Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica packs a punch with its rich biodiversity, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. Consider a guided tour to explore the park’s tropical flora and fauna, or spend the day snorkeling and relaxing on Playa Manuel Antonio or the quieter Playa Espadilla Sur. End your day by enjoying a picturesque sunset at Nahomi Park.

Guilin and Lijiang River National Park

Southern China’s Guilin and Lijiang River National Park is renowned for its misty peaks and serene river landscapes. Visitors will encounter stunning karst hills, impressive caves, and rice terraces that have inspired countless artists and poets. A river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo offers breathtaking views of iconic sights like Elephant Trunk Hill and Mural Hill.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Just north of Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa's most popular safari destinations. It hosts the famous wildebeest migration from July to October, but year-round safaris provide opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards. With its compact size and concentrated wildlife, Masai Mara is an excellent choice for any safari enthusiast. For a unique experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the savanna.

Arches National Park

True to its name, Arches National Park in eastern Utah is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. The most iconic include Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America, and Delicate Arch, often featured on postcards and Utah's license plates. Visitors will also be captivated by Balanced Rock and The Windows Section, which showcases the tallest arch in the park.

Kruger National Park

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the continent’s most accessible game parks. With paved roads and a variety of excursions and accommodations, it’s ideal for travelers of all budgets. Home to hundreds of animal species, including the Big Five, Kruger offers opportunities for luxury lodges, camping, and family-friendly packages.

Sequoia National Park

Travelers flock to Sequoia National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada for its massive sequoias, the largest trees on Earth. Be sure to visit the Giant Forest grove, home to the General Sherman Tree, which stands 275 feet tall and boasts a base diameter of over 36 feet. Capture stunning photos of these towering giants during your visit.

Fiordland National Park

New Zealand's largest national park, Fiordland, is renowned for its breathtaking fjords that rival those of Norway. The most popular spots to see these stunning landscapes are Milford Sound Piopiotahi and Doubtful Sound Patea. The park is also home to lakes, rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including rare flightless birds like the takahe, as well as seals, penguins, and dolphins, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in Washington is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, featuring snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and over 70 miles of coastline. With nearly 1 million acres to explore, you’ll need more than a few days to experience its beauty. Key highlights include the enchanting Hoh Rain Forest, the stunning Hurricane Ridge, and the picturesque Kalaloch Beach, where tide pooling awaits.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea, which last erupted in September 2023, creating a spectacular landscape of lava flows and gas plumes. Visitors can explore Chain of Craters Road, hike parts of Crater Rim Trail, and discover the Kahuku Unit, a former ranch area on the side of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world. Be sure to check the park’s website for current information on closures and air quality before your visit.