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The Perfect Road Trip to See Every U.S. National Park

by US Park Pass | Mar 9, 2020

8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Why the united states is the best country for road trips..

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A 25-45 mph speed limit and winding roads insist that the Blue Ridge Parkway is best taken slow.

Photo by Ashley Knedler/Unsplash

It wasn’t until I high-tailed it out of my home in North Carolina and lived out of my well-loved Honda CR-V for a few months in 2021 that I came to appreciate the sheer diversity and beauty of U.S. national parks . After spending the peak work-from-home era glued to my computer screen, seeing screensaver-worthy sights like the Grand Tetons in real life brought actual tears to my eyes.

I’m by no means a unique case: The awe-inspiring destinations of the national parks system drew more than 300 million visits last year, with so much anticipated demand that several parks are enforcing a reservation system to keep up with summer crowds. For those joining the ranks of travelers eager to visit one of the country’s 63 national parks, taking a scenic drive can showcase the deserts, mountains, beaches, and other U.S. landscapes at their most beautiful.

So put on a podcast , buckle up, and get ready for some adventures on these eight national park road trips.

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway

• National parks visited: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park
• Start: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee / North Carolina
• End: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Distance: 469 miles
• Recommended time: 5 days

This is one of best road trips for the fall, when some sourwood, oak, and other trees in the Southeast turn red, orange, and yellow. The drive starts in the approximately 800-square-mile Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the southern portion of Appalachia in Tennessee and North Carolina and winds north to Virginia. Along the way, stop for a hike up to Clingmans Dome to take in vistas from the park’s—and Tennessee’s—highest point, revealing hilly peaks formed by 300 million years of erosion and weathering. Shenandoah National Park bookends the northern portion of this road trip, offering plenty of overlooks along its 105-mile Skyline Drive . It also has its share of worthwhile hikes that will give legs a well-deserved stretch. The most famous one is Old Rag Mountain , a 3,284-foot peak that’s a six or seven workout for those up for the challenge.

The route that connects these two parks is the carefully constructed roadway known as the Blue Ridge Parkway . Named after the blue color of the atmosphere surrounding the Appalachian Mountains, the parkway snakes across 469 miles to connect Great Smoky Mountains with Shenandoah and connects travelers to more than 369 miles of hiking trails . The parkway is also accessible to some of Appalachia’s major towns and cities—including Asheville, North Carolina, and Roanoke, Virginia—providing insight into both the people and natural sights of the region.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Foundry

If you’re making a stop in downtown Asheville, check out the city’s revitalization movement at the Foundry Hotel . The 87-room property, a former steel factory, today offers guests a modern industrial stay, blending wood floors and furniture with exposed brick interiors.

In the words of AFAR writer Anna Fiorentino, Wyoming “offers an endless natural playground for paddling, fishing, hiking, spotting wild mustangs, studying ancient fossils, and soaking in hot springs.”

Photo by Jesse Collins/Unsplash

2. Wyoming’s Best Hits

• National parks visited: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
• Start: Cheyenne, Wyoming
• End: Cody, Wyoming
• Distance: 800 miles
• Recommended time: 10 days

Road trippers headed to Wyoming: Don’t feel the need to make a beeline for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in the northwestern corner of the state. While those parks are famous for a reason, there are plenty more that merit a slow journey across the state.

A 10-day drive will unlock the variety on offer, from paddling, fishing, and hiking to spotting wild animals, ancient fossils, and Old Faithful. Start in the city of Cheyenne for some history about cowboys and railroads, then wind through Medicine Bow National Forest for rock climbing or a hike among the 70 million–year-old igneous rock formations of Vedauwoo. Stop to soak in the mineral hot springs of Saratoga, then settle into the town of Jackson as a base for hiking the waterfalls and lakes in Grand Teton before finishing up at Yellowstone ‘s geysers. Finally, take a hike in Shoshone National Forest before indulging in a slow-cooked supper at Cody, Wyoming’s Cody Cattle Company.

Itinerary: National Parks, Hot Springs, and the Great American Frontier: The Ultimate Wyoming Road Trip

• Book now: The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection

Wyoming’s Jackson is a popular stop for those visiting to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. It’s worth spending some time to explore the square dancing venues, art galleries and other places the the town has to offer , especially with its myriad accommodation options ranging from renovated motor lodges to wellness-focused stays. The 100-room Cloudveil, Autograph Collection offers the comfort of a boutique hotel (private fireplaces, custom wood furnishings, and plush sitting areas) with easy access to downtown and the surrounding mountains and parks.

3. Beyond California’s Coast

• National parks visited: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park
• Start: Yosemite National Park
• End: Sequoia National Park
• Distance: 150 miles

California is home to endless road trip itineraries . This particular one opts for dense, deciduous forests and the eastern Sierras in the state’s interior. Starting in Yosemite National Park , travelers can ogle famed splendors like the vertical rock formation El Capitan and Horsetail Fall. (For a short time during the winter, the waterfall gives the illusion of being on fire.) Afterward, a drive along CA-41 and CA-180 brings road-trippers to Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks , which are home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world . Bask under the 250- to 300-foot-high trees and maybe try forest bathing (no, it’s not showering among the trees) or hike the paved Congress Trail to get to General Sherman Tree —the largest tree on Earth by volume .

Given this relatively low-mileage itinerary, there’s room for flexibility on either side of the trip. Head upstate and a vast network of forests and national parks await (including Tahoe National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park ), while the south is home to the dry lands of Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park . And if you’re eager for some ocean, consider one of the Golden State’s other legendary drives, the California’s Pacific Highway .

Timing is everything in a road trip, and it’s especially important in a large state with differing climates. Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada region closes some roads in the wintertime (like Tioga and Glacier Point roads in Yosemite), while scorching temperatures in Death Valley (like, more than 120°F ) make the summer excursion a sweaty challenge. Come to Sequoia National Park in the fall, and witness evergreens contrasting with the reds and yellows of a fall foliage display .

• Book now: The Ahwahnee Hotel

The Ahwahnee Hotel , in Yosemite National Park, opened in 1927 and has a long history of hosting celebrity guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy, I Love Lucy actress Lucille Ball, and Brad Pitt. The property features 97 hotel rooms, parlors, and suites in addition to 24 cottages on its grounds, with Half Dome, Glacier Point, and other park sights in view.

Capitol Reef National Park is one of five national parks in Utah.

Photo by Lisha Riabinina/Unsplash

4. Utah’s Mighty Five

• National parks visited: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park
• Start: Arches National Park
• End: Zion National Park
• Distance: 380 miles
• Recommended time: 7 days

Bryce Canyon , Zion , Arches , Canyonlands , and Capitol Reef form Utah’s “Mighty Five” network of national parks. Their linear placement across the state spans more than 380 miles, making for a relatively easy and immensely rewarding road trip through canyon country . Starting among the orange spires, vaults, and canyons of Arches National Park and passing through with the Colorado River–carved buttes of Canyonlands , this journey feels like a visit to Mars. The otherworldly scenery continues with the Navajo Sandstone domes of Capitol Reef and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, where multi-colored rock layers (known as the “Grand Staircase”) stretch through to Zion .

Summer is often a popular time for visiting this area, but a winter road trip has surprising perks worth considering: Zion gets 70 percent of its visitors between April and September, but only 2–3 percent in each winter month of December, January, and February. The lack of crowds isn’t the only plus. Colder weather brings seasonal opportunities—like skiing in Bryce Canyon; its high elevation makes it one of the few places in Utah’s Mighty Five with consistent snow.

Book now : Lodge at Bryce Canyon

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon first opened in 1925, designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood (the architect who also designed the Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone and the Ahwahnee at Yosemite). One of the biggest draws for the 114-room property (which includes lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins) is its location: It is the only accommodation inside the park. Amenities in the area include restaurants, a general store, and a laundry facility, and many natural excursions are accessible by foot—it’s only a five-minute walk to the 5.5-mile Rim Trail .

5. West Virginia’s Wonders

• National park visited: New River Gorge National Park
• Start: Blackwater Falls State Park
• End: New River Gorge National Park
• Distance: 200 miles
• Recommended time: 3 days

In 2020, the U.S. designated a national park in West Virginia: New River Gorge . Despite the name, the river is not new: It’s estimated to be between 10 million and 360 million years old , making it the oldest river in North America. While locals have long known about all the state has to offer, a three-day adventure is enough to prime visitors on other points of interest. Hikers can climb steps to a 57-foot cascade in Blackwater Falls State Park or tackle a trail up Seneca Rocks , a formation that rises 900 feet above the New River.

Can’t get enough excitement from the hairpin turns it takes to get to New River Gorge National Park ? Then don’t miss the opportunity to do some whitewater rafting on the New River, which offers class II–IV rapids depending on the stretch. It’s a great place to try out the activity as a beginner, but experienced rafters should keep their calendar open for when “Gauley Season” comes around (the six weeks or so following Labor Day).

Don’t sweat it if high-intensity waters aren’t in the plans. Hiking is always available as a tried-and-true way to get a lay of the land. If you have the time for one hike, AFAR’s own Jessie Beck recommends the 2.2-mile Endless Wall Trail: “It’s especially magical at sunrise, when fog and mist drift in and out the canyon.”

Itinerary: Travel to the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Wonders on This Road Trip of a Lifetime

• Book now: Adventures on the Gorge

Travelers can get their excursions and nightly stay handled in one place with Adventures on the Gorge , which offers whitewater rafting , ziplining , and other trips, as well as accommodations. A stay at its Lansing location, about a mile away from New River Gorge National Park, immerses visitors in the rustic beauty of nature: Think wooden cabins with fine stargazing opportunities (some cabins have the elevated touch of a private porch and hot tub).

6. Florida Keys

• National parks visited: Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park
• Start: Everglades National Park
• End: Dry Tortugas National Park

While many Florida road trips start and end with its gorgeous beaches, drive to its southern border for some of the most memorable marine ecosystems and underrated national parks in the nation.

Florida’s Everglades are the starting point for the trip and introduce travelers to the “ river of grass ” Marjory Stoneman Douglas fought to conserve. (Her book The Everglades: River of Grass was published in 1947, the same year the Everglades became a national park.) From the Everglades it’s about a 35-mile drive south on FL-997 to get to Homestead Bayfront, where travelers can take a boat out to Biscayne National Park. The park is 95 percent water and its land spots are only accessible by boat, so the most convenient option is to explore via guided tour .

After coming back to the mainland, hop on Florida’s Highway 1 for another 135 miles—stopping for the occasional seafood dish, of course—before ending at Key West . The car stops here because Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west and can only be reached via boat or plane . Spend the day in a national park that’s 99 percent water and explore the 30 species of coral found in its reefs , and hop on that 1 percent of land to explore the historical Fort Jefferson .

• Book now: Ocean Key Resort & Spa

While there are plenty of stays along the stretch of the Florida Keys, Key West is a practical base for those taking a day trip to Dry Tortugas. The 100-room Ocean Key Resort & Spa is one stay to consider for sunset views and Caribbean cuisine . With a calendar full of live music and nightly events, the resort provides a much-needed dance break after a day of travel.

Big Bend National park covers more than 800,000 acres, making it larger than Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Photo by freddie marriage/Unsplash

7. New Mexico to Texas

• National parks visited: White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Big Bend National Park
• Start: White Sands National Park
• End: Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Distance: 450-500 miles

It’s difficult to encompass every national park in the Southwest on one road trip—this particular route focuses on New Mexico’s and Texas’s offerings. This journey starts in White Sands National Park, where visitors can take the eight-mile Dunes Drive into the world’s largest gypsum (a mineral found in drywall and toothpaste) dune field. New Mexico’s other national park on the itinerary, Carlsbad Caverns, contrasts the hot desert experience by plunging visitors into the depths of more than 119 limestone caves .

It’s only about 35 miles to Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park from the caves, where hiking to Guadalupe Peak is enough to debunk the idea that all of Texas is flat. Fuel up, because it’s about 235 miles to get to the next park, Big Bend, located near the border of Mexico. But while the trip may be long, it’s worth the effort: Big Bend is a stargazer’s dream, as it’s the least light-polluted national park in the lower 48.

There’s a lot to cover in this trip—after loading up on barbecue and snacks from beloved Texan gas station chain Buc-ee’s , maybe consider another road trip in the Lone Star State.

• Book now: Big Bend National Park campgrounds

With such great stargazing opportunities, Big Bend National Park’s campgrounds are a must. The park offers three campgrounds and one RV park; reservations are required for camping.

Hurricane Ridge Road is a great drive for views of Olympic National Park.

Photo by Georg Eiermann/Unsplash

8. Olympic Peninsula Loop

• National park visited: Olympic National Park
• Start and end: Olympia, Washington
• Distance: 335 miles

Explore the Pacific Northwest in all its lush glory on this Olympic Peninsula road trip in Washington State, which mostly traces U.S.-101 before following U.S.-12 and 8 at the southern portion to loop back to the state capital of Olympia. Some of the notable stops on this route include Sequim, which draws visitors in the summer for its lavender fields, and Forks , a small town made famous by the Twilight series , that serves a good base for checking out the Pacific coastline.

Deeper in the peninsula is the nearly 1-million-acre Olympic National Park, which packs in views characteristic of Pacific Northwest mountains in addition to its own unique geographical features. Hikes abound here, like the 2.5-mile trail to the Olympic Hot Springs. (Be aware the NPS advises against soaking in the springs because they aren’t maintained and instead suggests driving 1.5 hours west to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort for a dip.) But arguably the most popular destination in the park is the Hoh Rain Forest—one of four rain forests in the state —a mossy, temperate ecosystem home to Sitka spruce, black bears, river otters, and even the endangered northern spotted owl.

The best time to take this road trip is in the summer, when the daytime temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees, and festivals like Bluegrass From the Forest , Lavender Festival , and Centrum Jazz Festival ensure there’s always something to see in the peninsula’s towns.

• Book now: Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park

Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park , 35 miles southwest of Forks, is an ideal overnight for exploring the Pacific Coast. The waters by the property are part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary , a more than 3,000-square-mile area home to at least 300 species of fish and 29 species of marine mammals , including orca and humpback whales. From the wood-paneled lodge and cabins, guests can take in uninterrupted sights and sounds of the ocean waves that are especially magnificent come sunset.

It's National Park Week! Here's everything you need for a road trip

Make the car ride more enjoyable with these essentials.

Updated April 24, 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

When is National Park Week 2024?

National Park Week is held annually. This year, National Park Week is observed from Saturday, April 20 through Sunday, April 28 .

What is National Park Week?

1. a trending travel cup that's totally worth it.

Stay hydrated in style.

Sometimes a company gets its design perfect. Made from recycled stainless steel and featuring double wall vacuum insulation, this travel cup keeps your hot stuff hot for seven hours or your cold stuff cold for 11 hours. The “FlowState” lid is spill-proof and allows for sipping either straight out of the lid or out of a plastic reusable straw in a perfect-fit straw opening.

Perfectly sized to fit your car's cup holder, this cup is essential for keeping you hydrated, caffeinated—or whatever liquid needs may be.

2. A collapsible cooler for drinks and snacks

Eat your snacks on the road with our favorite soft-sided cooler.

3. A portable battery pack that will juice up all your devices

Charge your devices quickly with our favorite power bank

What we're saying is: If you're on the cusp of draining your battery because you've been desperately trying to track down a gas station, this little power pack will be a lifesaver.

4. Lots and lots of audiobooks

Listen to an audiobook to pass the time.

5. A car vacuum to clean up crumbs

Keep your car nice and clean during your road trip.

You’d be surprised at how dirty the car can get when you’re spending so much time in it. A small vacuum is just the thing to keep stashed under the seat or in the trunk for cleaning quick messes, whether they’re crumbs from little passengers or a quick deep clean on the carpets.

6. Dramamine for when you get the winding road woozies

Keep motion sickness at bay.

Those long and winding National Park roads and your probable compulsion to look at your phone—either to follow maps or to page through your photos—are a recipe for disaster.

7. An affordable dashcam to capture the views

Capture beautiful scenes with a dash cam.

8. A customizable car mattress

Nap in this comfortable air mattress.

9. A fast-charging car charger for two

Use a car charger with USB-A

10. An instant camera for classic trip pics

Take beautiful, hassle-free pictures with our favorite instant camera.

Wherever you go, it’s always nice to have a camera on hand. As good as phone cameras have gotten, there’s still something magical about using a real handheld camera to catalogue your journey.

11. An essential organizer for every cord

Keep all your cords organized.

Has anyone seen that cord? Your camera takes a micro-B, your Kindle takes a mini-B your iPhone either takes lightning or USB-C depending on when you last upgraded, there’s the aux cord, and don’t get us started on the 30-pin. Don't let your lap turn into a sea of mismatched charging cords and 2% phone batteries.

12. A fully stocked first aid kit

Prepare for the unexpected with our favorite first aid kit.

13. A water filter to clean out funky water

Stay hydrated no matter where you find yourself on your trip.

With claims to remove 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites and up to 0.2 microns, this little tool is super handy to have on hand when thirst hits and there is only funky water to be found!

14. The best headlamp for hands-free illumination

Brighten the night with this hands-free flashlight.

15. A portable jumper kit

You can jumpstart your car without the help of a buddy.

It can be tough to wait for a jump when you're miles from civilization. Luckily, this pre-charged jumper kit allows you to jump your car even without a buddy around. It's the fallback safety tool you need whenever you're driving in unpredictable areas.

Reviewers like this jumper kit for being super compact, offering a rapid charge and for its accompanying floodlight.

16. A roadside safety kit

Keep this packed in your trunk in-case you have extensive car troubles.

17. Travel pillow

We love this neck pillow.

18. A weighted blanket to stay cozy and calm

De-stress with our favorite weighted blanket.

19. A portable tire inflator in case of a roadside emergency

Get this best-selling portable air compressor for peace of mind on the road.

20. Bluetooth headphones for long rides

Block out sound during your trip.

They are comfortable, have a battery that lasts 24 hours, and are made of pillow-soft fleece. You might wonder how SleepPhones weren’t invented sooner.

21. A portable hotspot for long trips

Stay connected with a mobile router.

Netgear’s Nighthawk provides internet for up to 20 devices, so you’ll be able to connect all the devices you’ll need.

22. Mad Libs for restless kiddos

Pass the time with a couple rounds of Madlibs.

Plus, it helps kids learn their grammar while having fun, which is just an added benefit to this boredom-busting game.

23. A water bottle to stay hydrated on the go

Stay hydrated with our favorite water bottle

The bottle comes with a Brita filter insert, so even if you fill it up in a rest-stop sink, it will still taste great. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can get a couple for the family before you set off on your trip.

24. A porta-potty for a moving car

When you have to go, you have to go.

These are the things you don't want to think about, but they are so necessary. When you're off on the open road—or driving from the Grand Canyon's North Rim to the South Rim—there aren't a whole lot of clean opportunities for quick bladder relief.

25. A portable bidet

Keep your tush clean.

What are the 2024 National Park Week themes? function ga4_link178() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }

Each day during National Park Week is associated with a different theme to help people learn more about specific aspects of our national parks.

• April 20: Discovery
• April 21: Volunteers
• April 22: Earth Day
• April 23: Innovation
• April 24: Workforce Wednesday
• April 25: Youth Engagement
• April 26: Community Connections
• April 27: Junior Ranger Day
• April 28: Arts in Parks

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We are in the middle of a three week road trip around our own country. As members of National Trust we have often visited National Trust Properties on "days out" but visiting unfamiliar properties in different areas of England and Wales has been a revaluation. We have learned so much about the history of our own country as well as seeing some magnificent buildings, furniture and works of art. The absolute highlight has been speaking with the volunteer guides who have proved not just a wealth of information, but really interesting people to talk to. If you are from abroad and visiting the UK, it might be worth looking into http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/overseas-visitors/touring-pass/

Sounds good, we used to do a of that on our weekends away following Vale round the country in the past. Combined with English Heritage ( more castles) and the reciprocal agreements in Scotland etc. you can as you say visit some wonderful locations and learn a lot about our rich history.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join

Glad you have added a comment here, after our PMs about this.

I trust the manky weather over most of the UK isn't putting you off. You do know that the SE of the UK that you have left behind has had the best of the less than great current weather pattern.

Many of our UK road trips are based on a scan of the NT handbook to see where there's a plethora of places in concentration, including or especially Scotland!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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A Northern National Trust Road Trip

An affordable day out can be quite hard to find nowadays, but a National Trust membership makes it much less difficult. However, even if you were to visit without a membership, you’ll be surprised at just how affordable the prices are.

There are so many fabulous National Trust sites dotted throughout the UK and, although we can’t cover them all, we’re going to cover as many as possible. Today, we’re starting our road trip in the North of England covering counties from Northumberland to Cheshire. Don’t worry though, we’ll be pootling down through the country over the next couple of week, so keep an eye out for the rest of the series.

Today though, we start our journey in Northumberland…

Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are made up of between 15 and 20 islands (depending on the tide), although this number is ever-growing. Although the islands have previously been privately owned and inhabited by monks and hermits. Nowadays, they’re owned by the National Trust and there are no permanent residents. National Trust rangers reside on the island for part of the year.

So, why visit?

The Farne Islands are an important wildlife habitat that are only accessible by boat. Known to many as the Puffin islands, there are more than 36,000 pairs of puffins. However, they’re a popular visitor attraction throughout the year for many other reasons. There are plenty of other rarities residing on the islands, including the endangered roseate tern, herring gulls and ringed plover.

A visit to the Farne Islands is great for all the family but sailing is unpredictable and will depend on the weather. It’s a good idea to get in touch before setting off to ensure they’re sailing.

Nearby there are plenty more National Trust sites that are worth a visit too. One of them being Cragside (below) for the others, see here .

A truly magnificent Victorian House with pristine gardens and beautiful woodland. It’s understandable why Cragside was described “as a palace of the modern magician”. From the outside, it might look just like any other impressive Victorian manor. However, inside there are plenty of gadgets and gismos that’ll make you question the time period.

Cragside is situated near Rothbury in Northumberland and was the family home of inventor and innovator, Lord Armstrong. Thanks to its historical owner, Cragside is unique in many ways. For example, inside you’ll find a Turkish bath suite, a lift, several telephones and fire alarm buttons. It was also the first building in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.

The house isn’t all that’s on offer though. Throughout the grounds you’ll find a whole host of activities that’ll keep the entire family busy, especially in the summer. Try the rhododendron maze if you’re feeling adventurous or the Trim Trail if you’re feeling agile. There’s also a play area for the kids and a beautiful waterfall.

Cragside also hold many events throughout the year. Their Bright Sparks events are especially popular. They look at Lord Armstrong’s electrical experiments, offering an education on different types of electricity as well as giving you the opportunity to have a go yourself. The next Bright Sparks event at the time of writing is on 31 st July and it focuses on static electricity. You can find out about National Trust events here .

Buttermere Valley

Moving across the UK to Cumbria now, Buttermere Valley is the perfect holiday spot for taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Valley itself encompasses three lakes that are easily walkable with the family. A stroll around Buttermere Lake can be completed in 2-3 hours.

The area is calm, quiet and tranquil, a picture-perfect view of dramatic fells, quaint farms and stunning woodland, all just waiting to be explored.

Nearby you’ll find Buttermere village, its most famous building being the Fish Inn. The inn was the home of one of Buttermere’s most famous residents, Mary Robinson, subject of the 1987 Melvyn Bragg novel, The Maid of Buttermere.

If you’re unsure of exploring the are yourself then book on to one of the National Trust tours. The next one is a celebration of National Haymeadows Day. It’s a hay meadow walk at Loweswater on Saturday 1 st July at 10am. Tickets cost £5.

Steam Yacht Gondola

A little different to the usual National Trust properties or locations, the Steam Yacht Gondola is a re-built steam-powered Victorian yacht.

Based on Coniston Water, you can now experience the charm of luxury Victorian travel on one of four daily cruises.

With three cruises to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’ve only got an hour to kill or the entire day.

There’s the Head of Lake Cruise which lasts approximately 45 minutes. It costs £11 for adults, £6 for children and £25 for a family. There’s also the 1hr 45 minute Full Lake Cruise (available Monday-Friday). Prices are £21 for adults, £10 for children and £48 for a family ticket. Finally, there’s also the Walker’s Cruise available only on a Saturday and Sunday.

The Walker’s Cruise gives you the opportunity to get off the yacht at a number of points to enjoy Coniston on foot. Later in the day you’re able to rejoin the cruise and sail back to shore. Prices for this are £15 for adults, £8 for children and £25 for a family ticket. You’ll find all you need to know about sailing times and stopping points here .

Please note, National Trust members will get 10% discount on the prices displayed above just for showing their NT membership card. It’s also worth noting that the gondola only sails between 1 st April and 31 st October, so it’s the perfect choice for a summer day out.

Eyam Hall and Craft Centre

Steeped in history and inspirational stories of self-sacrifice, a day in Eyam is truly one to remember. Set in one of the most beautiful parts of the Peak District, Eyam Hall is an impressive grit-stone Jacobean manor. The Hall has been home to eleven generations of the Wright family and inside, you can get to know each of them through the portraits and magnificent belongings they left behind.

Eyam is a village known for its somewhat grim past. Almost 350 years ago the villagers of Eyam decided to sacrifice themselves to prevent the wider spread of the plague. The stories of the village are fascinating but also easily missed. To help you make the most of your visit and ensure you don’t miss anything, visit on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday when there are guided tours of the area.

The Craft Centre has been built in the Hall’s former stable yard. It’s a great place to start and end your journey through Eyam as you’ll find plenty of local information in the NT shop. You’ll also find a collection of local craft stalls, a beautiful café and the National Trust shop. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts and souvenirs of your visit.

Tatton Park

Moving over the Derbyshire boarder into Cheshire now for the final stop at the historical site of Tatton Park . Based near Knutsford in Cheshire, Tatton Park was home to the Egerton family for almost 400 years and became a National Trust site in 1958.

The Tatton estate is vast and grand with 50 acres of landscaped gardens, 1000 acres of deer park and a beautiful mansion to explore. If you have the time, it’s certainly worth dedicating an entire day to Tatton and the marvels it has to offer.

Once you’ve explored the mansion, Old Hall and many gardens, there are also plenty of speciality shops selling locally sourced produce, along with a restaurant and tea room. Tatton’s not just for adults though, there’s plenty on offer for children too. You’ll find an adventure play area, den building and a woodland play trail to keep the kids occupied.

As well as National Trust events, Tatton Park is also the location for more than 100 external events throughout the year. This summer’s events include Race for Life, an American Car Show and the  Foodies Festival . Coming up very soon, there’s also the prestigious RHS Tatton Flower Show . You can find out more about the Tatton Park events calendar on their site.

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Ultimate National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Epic Routes

With 63 national parks and over 420 national park sites including monuments, lakeshores, and recreation areas — to name just a few! — it can be overwhelming just deciding where to visit first. After all, each one has something unique to offer !

Well, good news: there’s a wonderful way to see several parks in one shot, and that’s planning the ultimate national park road trip. 

Regardless of which corner of the country you plan to visit or how much time you have, there are epic routes everywhere. Here, we’re highlighting our top five. Which national parks road trip itinerary will you tackle first?

Tips for Planning the Ultimate National Park Road Trip

In addition to planning out your actual national parks road trip itinerary, there are a few things that will help you get the most out of your trip. 

Buy an America the Beautiful Pass , AKA an annual national parks pass. The $80-per-year pass pays for itself in just three park visits.

Keep in mind that several parks now require advance reservations, completely separate from having an annual pass. For example, in 2021, Glacier started accepting reservations for the summer back in April. 

Dedicate at least one full day to each national park. For larger parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, set aside 2-3 days if at all possible. 

National parks tend to be surrounded by spectacular national forests and other accessible public land. Consider bringing camping gear to save money on accommodations (and create some awesome memories!).

If your budget allows, rent a campervan for the ultimate national park road trip. Although it’s more pricey upfront, it combines the cost of your vehicle and accommodations. Some campervan rental companies, like Moterra , specialize exclusively in national park destinations.

National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, 5 Ways

1. east coast.

National parks included: Congaree, Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah

The Eastern Seaboard offers up some major bang for your buck when it comes to a national parks road trip itinerary. Five stunning parks are close enough to visit them all and different enough that you’ll want to do exactly that. 

From scenic drives and water activities like fishing and kayaking to hiking and exploring the longest cave system in the entire world, this ultimate national park road trip on the east coast has a little something for everyone.

Oh, one more thing — take our word for it and visit in the fall if possible. The leaf-peeping in this section of the country is outstanding in late September and most of October . 

Highlights for your east coast national parks road trip itinerary: 

Hike iconic Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokies

Drive the incredibly scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah

Tour Mammoth Caves (get tickets in advance; they sell out!)

Raised wooden boardwalk trails in Congaree

The catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge

2. Utah’s Mighty Five

National parks included: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion

Utah is kind of the ultimate national park road trip destination in and of itself, with five heavy-hitting parks all within easy driving distance of one another. 

Start in either the southwest corner of the state near Zion or over in Moab, then work your way across to hit all five parks, situated in a near-perfect line.

Zion and Bryce Canyon are close to each other at one end of the “line,” as are Arches and Canyonlands at the opposite end. Capitol Reef is almost dead-center, two hours from both Arches and Bryce Canyon.

Hiking is the main event on this particular national parks road trip itinerary, so you’ll definitely want to have a sturdy pair of boots, a good hiking backpack, and plenty of trail snacks. 

Highlights for your Utah national parks road trip planner: 

Delicate Arch hike in Arches at sunset

Canyonlands’ Mesa Arch at sunrise

Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon

Picking fruit from the public orchards in Capitol Reef

Zion’s Angels Landing ...for those without a fear of heights!

3. Pacific Northwest

National parks included: Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Olympic, Redwood

If you’re looking for a national parks road trip itinerary that includes dramatic coastline, old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, and actual rainforest, look no further than the PNW. 

Regardless of whether you want to visit all five parks or just a couple, your best bet if you’re not driving your own vehicle is to fly into Seattle and rent a car. From Seattle, make a loop and visit the three Washington parks (Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier), then head south to Oregon. 

In Oregon, head to Crater Lake National Park, home of the deepest lake in the U.S. If time allows, cross the border into California and visit Redwoods National and State Parks to gawk at some of the world’s largest trees. 

Depending on your travel arrangements, consider cruising back up the Oregon coast and flying home out of Portland. The beaches and scenic drives here are unmatched and worthy of a road trip all on their own!

Highlights for your PNW ultimate national park road trip:

Walk through a real-life fairytale in Olympic’s magical Hoh Rainforest

Drive the scenic North Cascades Highway

Myrtle Falls in Mount Rainier

Drive or bicycle Rim Drive, completely encircling Crater Lake

Redwoods’ Fern Canyon and Stout Grove

4. Colorado

National parks included: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain

Colorado is easily one of the most magnificent and diverse U.S. states. It’s got all those 14ers (a whopping 58, to be exact), beautiful mild weather, and gorgeous scenery ranging from the famous Rocky Mountains to steep red rock canyons and even sand dunes.

Best of all, you can experience a little of everything Colorado has to offer with a national parks road trip itinerary hitting its four major parks. 

If you aren’t driving yourself, fly into either Denver or Durango. From either city, it’s easy to make one big loop and visit as many (or as few!) parks as you want.

Note that while you technically can take this Colorado ultimate national park road trip any time of year, it’s best to plan for summer or early fall to avoid seasonal road closures.

Highlights for your Colorado national parks road trip itinerary:

RMNP’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in America

Oak Flat Loop Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Try sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes

Tour Mesa Verde’s Cliff Palace

5. Northern Rockies

National parks included: Glacier, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone

You “only” hit three parks on this particular national parks road trip itinerary, but trust us, each one packs a tremendous punch. In all reality, you probably won’t have enough time to see and do everything you want to!

The hiking and backpacking are, of course, epic in all three parks, but so are the water activities, mountain biking, and — something a bit more unique to this part of the country — wildlife viewing. Seriously, don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars...and bear spray. 

Of all the ultimate national park road trips we’ve discussed, this one has arguably the most spectacular scenery along the entire route. It also has some of the most easily accessible public land, which means the camping opportunities are epic. If there’s one trip to splurge on a campervan for, this is it.

Highlights for your Montana and Wyoming ultimate national park road trip:

Hike the loop around Jenny Lake and take a short detour to Hidden Falls

Lamar Valley in Yellowstone for wildlife watching

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier

Also in Glacier, get a huckleberry bear claw from the Polebridge Mercantile (get there early!), then check out Bowman Lake

As you hammer out the details of your national parks road trip itinerary, don’t forget to commemorate it in a special way. 

The Wander Club’s U.S. National Park Tokens help you highlight all the stops on your road trip, plus they make excellent gifts. We have tokens for every national park, plus you can have them engraved with the date you visited. Happy road tripping!

To the thewanderclub.com administrator, Your posts are always informative.

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A Road Trip through Aberdeenshire

This road trip itinerary through aberdeenshire will take you to a scottish stately home with a painting recently attributed to raphael. not to mention castles galore.

Total drive time: 1 hr 40 min, not including the stops.

• A – Haddo House
• B – Pitmedden Garden
• C – Glen Garioch Distillery
• D – Castle Fraser
• E – Falls of Feugh
• F – Crathes Castle
• G – Drum Castle

Begin your day with a visit to Haddo House , a magnificent example of a Scottish stately home in the Palladian style.

Haddo House

Haddo House is open for guided tours only. The one hour tour takes you through corridors lined with ceramics and curios as you learn the fascinating stories of the Gordon family who lived at Haddo for over 400 years. There’s something to see every step of the way, as the house is packed full of period furniture and family memorabilia – remember to look up at the ceilings too. Don’t miss the Queen’s Bedroom, where Queen Victoria stayed in 1857. Insider Tip:  Haddo House is home to The Haddo Madonna ,  a renaissance painting that is thought to be by Raphael!

Suspected Raphael 'Haddo Madonna' (painting in the far left of the foreground)

Afterwards, it’s a quick 15 minute drive to  Pitmedden Garden .  The heart of the property is the formal walled parterre garden. There are also extensive herbaceous borders with an abundance of color and scent.

Don’t forget to visit the adjacent Museum of Farming Life, which boasts an extensive collection of domestic and agricultural artifacts. The picnic area is an ideal spot to stop for lunch, and you can even enjoy a game of boules on the pétanque piste (a form of lawn bowling).

Glen Garioch Distillery is next on the itinerary. One of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, here you can take a tour and see how they have been making their single malt whisky for the last 200 years. For a more in depth experience, why not try the tasting tour, where you can sample two different expressions of Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Whisky and experience the exclusive distillery individual cask bottling. (Don’t forget – if you are the driver of your party, unfortunately you won’t be able to have a drink – read about the Scottish legal alcohol limit when driving here .)

It’s time to hit the road again, this time heading toward  Castle Fraser , an imposing and atmospheric Scottish castle full of history. Home of the Fraser family for more than 400 years, the castle is filled with family portraits, ornaments and mementos – all of which have their own colorful stories to tell about the lairds. Discover quirky features such the Laird’s Lug, a chamber hidden above the Great Hall so the laird could eavesdrop on his visitors! Insider tip: The panoramic views from the top of the round tower are not to be missed! On a clear day you can even see the distinctive peaks of Bennachie in the distance.

Then, it’s a short trip down the road to the Falls of Feugh, Banchory. Here, salmon can be seen leaping up the apparently unscalable rocks, amidst an often raging torrent, compelled by instinct to return to their spawning grounds further up the river. The best times to see this are September to November (winter run) and February to March (spring run).

Crathes Castle

One of the many painted ceilings at Crathes Castle, Scotland

Next stop on the road trip is Crathes Castle . Explore this magnificent 16th-century tower house, with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings.  The walled garden is split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable – a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colors and modern exotic blooms.

Drum Castle

Our final stop is Drum Castle , one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses. Here you can explore the medieval High Hall – on the main floor you’ll find one of the finest libraries in any Scottish castle, now home to around 4,000 volumes, some of which date back to the 1500’s. Insider tip: you can actually stay in the Courtyard Cottage on Drum Castle Estate. Only 10 miles from the heart of Aberdeen, this charming 16th-Century apartment makes an ideal base for exploring all that the area has to offer. —> Book Accommodations

NTSUSA members have unlimited access (and free parking!) to the 100+ National Trust for Scotland properties, including the NTS sites on this road trip.

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Published: 10 November 2018

A Road Trip through The Borders

Follow our road trip itinerary through the Borders of Scotland to a 19th-Century [...]

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Day Trips From London: National Trust Sites to Visit

London offers endless opportunities for locals and visitors alike – from museums, theatre shows, river cruises, markets, pub crawls, and loads more within the city.

But if you’re looking for a break from the crowded streets and bright lights, London also makes for an ideal central location for day trips and sightseeing outside of the city, and the serene and tranquil settings offered by National Trust make for a perfect day trip.

Whether you want to visit an English castle, heritage home, or take in some fresh air in the sprawling countryside or on coastal walks, National Trust offers over 500 unique properties that make for a relaxing day trip from London.

This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small compensation when you purchase or book through my links at absolutely no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Each time we’re in England we always make a point to visit at least one National Trust property, and I am incredibly envious there are so many amazing historic properties to visit, especially near London!

I look forward to adding to this list once we can get back to England!

What is National Trust?

National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity! It’s been over 125 years since it was founded . With its membership program, National Trust has been able to care for and protect these cherishes spaces.

Over 780 miles of coastline, 250,000 hectares of gardens, woodlands, countryside, and over 500 historic buildings are maintained by millions of members, volunteers and staff.

Founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, this group of people pledged to keep these historical and natural places preserved and open for the public to enjoy.

What National Trust Sites are Currently Open?

With frequent changes, it is advisable to check each location prior to planning a visit on the National Trust website.

National Trust Membership

By joining as a National Trust member, you’ll help protect these incredible sites for the future generations. As a member, you’ll get free access to the National Trust sites, free parking at most parking lots, a Member’s Handbook full of information about locations cared for under National Trust, and a magazine three times a year!

There are a variety of membership options ranging from family, joint, individual or lifetime, starting at £36 ($62 CAD) for those under 25, or £72 ($125 CAD) for adults. The lifetime membership grants you access with a guest. 

This membership is WELL worth the money , whether you want to take a stroll through scenic meadows, learn about some of the historic sites, or save money on parking! Each visit to a National Trust site can cost anywhere from £5-£10 per adult plus parking, so a few visits to these amazing sites will more than pay for your annual membership!

Consider adding a National Trust Passport to keep track of all your National Trust property visits!

Quebec House

Quebec House is the birthplace of General James Wolfe, one of Britain’s most celebrated military heroes of the 18th century for his victory over the French in Quebec in 1759. Located just 45 minutes outside of London by car, or 90 minutes by train and bus, Quebec House has been under the care of National Trust since 1917.

Originally called Spiers, but later renamed in honour of Wolfe’s death and victory at the Battle of Quebec, the house dates back to the mid-1500s, but much of what you’ll see is from the 1630s. James Wolfe was born here and it was his childhood home for 11 years. 

It was purchased in 1913 by Joseph Bowles Learmont of Montreal, who was looking for a property to serve as a memorial to honour James Wolfe and the role he played in the creation of Canada. After Bowles died, his widow presented it to National Trust – and is one of the first historic buildings acquired by the Trust.

Paintings and memorabilia are on view, and is set to resemble life while Wolfe and his family lived here in the 1730s, along with a charming small garden and coach house which showcases an exhibition about the Battle of Quebec.

Pair this National Trust visit with Chartwell to make for a perfect day trip from London!

Address: Quebec Square, Westerham TN16 1TD

Just 6 minutes away from the Quebec House, Chartwell was the beloved family home of Winston Churchill , one of Britain’s greatest leaders. Located about an hour outside of London by car, Chartwell was a treasured private country escape for a very public man, and also a child’s ideal playground.

Since 1922, Chartwell served as Churchill’s main base during the 1920s and 1930s for entertaining, painting and writing. It’s now preserved by the National Trust and is one of their most visited sites .

Tour through the drawing room, library with over 900 books, study, uniform rooms, and dining room, and marvel at the largest collection of Churchill’s paintings along with his personal treasures from his life throughout the home. Churchill loved painting and completed more than 500 paintings in his lifetime. He was also an avid writer and was gifted a Monet by his publisher, and is currently the only Monet in a National Trust property.

Set to the 1930s while Churchill lived there with his wife Clementine and their four children, you’re able to explore the gardens which inspired Churchill to buy the property, and see the lake he created, as well as the kitchen garden and the Marycot – a playhouse designed for his children.

After WW2, Churchill was broke. He had very generous friends who banded together and made improvements to the house including adding an elevator for an aging Churchill. They also bought the house for him, which was then donated to the National Trust with the provision that he would be able to live there with his wife until they died. Lady Churchill left it to the National Trust after he passed away in 1965.

One of the most endearing features about Chartwell is Jock the cat . Churchill owned many animals during his life, but received an orange cat near the end of his life named Jock. It was then decided that there must always be an orange cat named Jock at Chartwell. Currently, Jock VII resides there, a rescue welcomed in May 2020.

A visit to Chartwell makes for a great day trip from London to discover the home and family man behind the statesman.

Address: Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS

The beautiful home and gardens of Lamb House are located in Rye, East Sussex, approximately 2 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train from London. This fairy tale town is home to unique architecture and hundreds of years of history.

The Lamb House is a beautiful Georgian house with ties to literary inspiration by many authors. Built in 1722 by James Lamb, a wealthy wine merchant and politician (and later Mayor of Rye) this was once deemed the most suitable accommodation for King George I when a storm drove his ship to shore in Camber.

A friend of Henry James, E.F. Benson, also lived at Lamb House. He is best remembered for his Mapp and Lucia novels.

One of the most famous stories about the Lamb House is when one evening in 1729, a man named John Breads became the assassin in Rye’s murder case, when he mistakenly stabbed ex-mayor Allen Grebbel, thinking he was mayor James Lamb, whom he had a falling out with.

Breads was imprisoned in the Ypres Tower and then hanged. His body was left in an iron cage ( for over 20 years! ) and his skull is still kept in Rye’s town hall to this day. 

Today, the furniture, library, portraits and memorabilia are on display, as well as the beautiful walled garden.

Rye makes a great weekend day trip. See what else there is to do in Rye, East Sussex.

Address: West St, Rye TN31 7ES

Bodiam Castle

Set in the picturesque countryside, Bodiam Castle is one of Britain’s most iconic and recognizable ancient monuments. This 14th century medieval castle almost resembles a sandcastle and was originally designed to defend the surrounding area of East Sussex from the French during the Hundred Years’ War.

Your imagination will come alive as you look out of windows where arrows once took aim and where knights once walked. Spiral staircases lead you up the towers that acted as lookouts for potential threats. The beautiful inner courts allowed for protected space for those living and working there.

One of the most stunning parts about Bodiam Castle is the moat that surrounds it. It’s as though it’s something out of a fairy tale. However, it did act as a sewage system for over 30 toilets throughout the castle!

Although the structure of the castle is well-preserved, the interior of the castle has fallen into ruin – but you are still able to see the impression of castle life during the late 1300s.

Bodiam has been owned by many families over the years – including being left in ruin for almost 200 years, and eventually was gifted to the National Trust in 1925.

The grounds are beautiful and offer scenic walks around the property. The twin-towered gatehouse with the castle’s original wooden portcullis makes for a stunning skyline for anyone who visits, and a glimpse at medieval splendour.

This National Trust site is one the best castles to visit as a day trip from London. It takes less than two hours to reach by car. You are also able to reach it by train with a connecting taxi.

Address : Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA,

Bateman’s

Bateman’s in Burwash, East Sussex makes for a perfect day trip from London. Less than two hours by car or just over two hours by train, this gorgeous three storey 17th century house is the former home of journalist, poet, and novelist Rudyard Kipling , who is most famously known for The Jungle Book (1894) and Just So Stories (1902).

Rudyard was born in India in 1865 and lived in present-day Mumbai until he was 6. As a child, he was intrigued by stories of the Indian jungle and animals and learned of myths and legends. After spending 10 years in England for formal training, he returned to India and worked as a writer and newspaper editor.

Rudyard and his wife fell in love with the property and it’s not hard to understand why. The sprawling landscape features a beautiful sandstone mansion built in 1634 with vegetable gardens, a rose garden, orchard, a pond dotted with waterlilies, a creek flowing through the property, and even an old Mill you are able to tour.

The home itself has been kept with original furnishings and personal belongings, including Rudyard’s Rolls Royce in the garage! The most striking room is his office. You can just picture Rudyard working over his desk in a beautiful panelled room overlooking the garden.

He later said his inspiration for the Jungle Book stories were born during this period – he often suffered from insomnia and would take long walks at night through the city at the edge of the woods. A rare copy of the Jungle Book reveals the book was dedicated to his daughter Josephine, who sadly passed away at 6 years old.

There is a beautiful gift shop where you can pick up a variety of items including one of his many novels for just £5. Enjoy a peaceful moment reliving your childhood while you cozy up with a pot of tea and a scone at the on-site tearoom.

Address: Bateman’s Ln, Burwash, Etchingham, TN19 7DS

Corfe Castle

Recommended by ana from parenthood4ever.

Corfe Castle is one of the historical wonders of the Dorset region and the entire Jurassic Coast. No surprise, it has been protected and owned by the National Trust. 

Corfe Castle is situated in Wareham where you can see fantastic things, visit amazing places, and spend one full day or better a week. Only one Corfe Castle may cost you couple of hours.

Although it looks like a ruined castle nowadays, it served a great defensive role in protecting the Purbeck marble. Not to mention, it started its history back in 979 as a wooden construction and has been rebuilt quite a few times afterward. So, this place genuinely represents a whole lot of history. 

Keep in mind that it naturally sits on the hill, so it will take you time to climb up and walk around. It opens absolutely miraculous views and landscapes which are worth a visit. There is nothing around you, so a picnic may be a good idea, especially on a sunny day!

Corfe Castle is only two hours and twenty minutes away from London which is perfect for a day trip. On top of that, it is only 9-minutes’ drive from the Wareham town where you can visit a historic Quay Market. But be careful with choosing the day. It is opened only on Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm. 

Finally, Corfe Castle is located just 25 minutes away from the famous Durdle Door, which is impossible to miss on your day trip to Dorset from London.

Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

Charlecote Park

Recommended by Hannah from Get Lost Travel Blog

Charlecote Park near Stratford-Upon-Avon is a beautiful National Trust property that is an ideal day trip from London. This incredible 16th Century country house is set in an impressive 185 acres of beautiful parkland, where deer roam and William Shakespeare himself was supposedly caught poaching them!

The Charlecote estate was owned by the Lucy family from 1274, until they presented it to the National Trust in 1946. Descendants of the Lucy line helped the Trust to restore the house, so today, you can learn about the family’s heritage and indulge in a little slice of their luxury by taking a tour of their family home.

After acquainting yourself with the family, you can take a stroll through the expensive estate, keeping an eye open for the deer herd who wander freely. Be sure to visit the parterre or formal garden at the back of the house. It is a stunning display of gardening and artistry combined and it is usually buzzing with bees and butterflies depending on the season.

If you want to delve further into the history of the place, be sure to call by the displays at the gatehouse, brew-house, laundry and admire the incredible carriage collection of horse-drawn vehicles from throughout the centuries. Alternatively, if you want some refreshment, try the Wood Yard Café for a delicious selection of drinks, warm snacks and sweet treats. Or for some retail therapy, hunt down the second-hand bookshop, or the gift shop in the orangery.

Charelcote Park is just under 2 hours drive from London, or 2 hours 15 minutes on the train. You can catch a train to Warwick from Marylebone Station, then catch a bus from Warwick Castle toward Stratford-Upon-Avon. There is a bus stop directly opposite the Charlecote Park driveway. 

Address: Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER

Snowshill Manor and Garden

Recommended by Karen from Marvellous Middle England

Snowshill Manor and Garden is located near Broadway in the Cotswolds. It’s around a two hour drive from London but feels like a completely different world. The area is famous for its honey coloured Cotswold stone and delightful British countryside. Snowshill offers the perfect combination of both. 

Gifted to the National Trust by Charles Wade, this beautiful home is full of memorabilia from his worldwide travels. Wade purchased the manor in 1919 and set about restoring the building to its original glory.

Interestingly he chose to live in the small priests house next door and kept the main building to house his curios. His eccentricities are obvious in his choice of collectables from the full sized model Samurais to the heaps of vintage bicycles, there’s something to suit every taste.

The gardens at Snowshill are equally stunning. Designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott they contain artistic touches complemented by the vibrant colours of nature whatever season. During summer the house is bordered by sweet smelling lavender with plenty of manicured pathways to explore. 

The main house at Snowshill is around a 15 minute walk from the carpark past apple orchards and wild meadows. Make sure to stop on the way, read some of Wades poetry and take in the views of the surrounding Cotswold Countryside.

There are plenty of clean toilets located at the main entrance to the venue and a lovely coffee shop with plenty of outdoor seating. They serve freshly baked cakes, hot drinks and a variety of hot and cold snacks. You’re also welcome to bring your own and set out a picnic blanket in the orchard area. 

Address: Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JU

Waddeson Manor

Recommended by Jamie of Travel-Addict.net

Waddesdon Manor is located to the north-west of London in Aylesbury, Hampshire. The National Trust manages this property from the Rothschild Foundation which was built in 1885.

It features an incredible collection of period pieces and art and expansive sculptured gardens with fountains. The Manor and Gardens themselves are unbelievably gorgeous but the main exhibit is the collection displayed throughout the Manor’s many expansive and exquisite rooms.

You’ll want to plan to spend at least a few hours at the property as there is quite a lot to see and explore – at least 2 but you could easily spend the better part of a day at the manor.

Reaching Waddesdon Manor from London involves a 1-hour train journey from Marylebone Station direct to Aylesbury Vale Parkway – which is about 4km / 2.5 mi from the Manor itself via the Waddesdon Greenway.

Normally there is a free shuttle bus service from the station to the manor, but this was suspended during the pandemic. Taxis can be found at the station to carry you to the Manor as needed, or the local #16 bus also runs (infrequently) to the Manor.

The expansive grounds at the Manor features a café set in the Stables, a fancier restaurant up at the Manor itself, incredible sculptures throughout the garden, and stunning seasonal displays of flora and foliage.

There’s also an Aviary that can be visited. Throughout the year the Manor also hosts a variety of events, and during winter the gardens are lit up with beautiful lights and a Christmas Fair is held ( in non-pandemic years ).

Waddesdon Manor is also known for its wine cellars and there are a variety of wine tastings and cellars to be toured.

Address: Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Ham House and Garden

Recommended by Carrie-Ann of Should Be Cruising

If you’re planning a day trip from London to Richmond , be sure to include a stop at the exquisite 17th-century Ham House and Garden. Only about three miles (4.7 km) away from Richmond’s tube station, this Grade I listed mansion is easy to get to by car or bus, or even on foot for a lovely view of the Thames.

Built in 1610 and an excellent early example of a grand Stuart stately home, Ham House is full of Jacobean period furnishings and is surrounded by formal gardens.

Ham House is well-known for its exquisite collection of paintings and furniture, most of which have been in the house for over 400 years.

During a tour of the home you’ll be able to see the elegant spaces used for entertaining, including the Great Hall, Marble Dining Room, and the Round Gallery where guests gathered and socialized. You’ll also discover more private rooms used by Ham House’s residents, including the Duke’s Dressing Room and the Duchess’ Bedchamber.

Visitors will also be fascinated by some of Ham House’s innovations, including one of the country’s first indoor bathrooms. With its wooden bathtub and even a bed, this exhibit shows what grooming rituals were like before bathing was a daily event.

After exploring indoors, be sure to enjoy some time visiting the historic walled gardens on the property. The Cherry Garden, just north of the house, features formal hedges and fragrant lavender.

But the heart of Ham House’s gardens is the Kitchen Garden. Providing the house with produce since the 1670s, its lush plantings now supply the on-site café.

If you’d like to see a gorgeous National Trust property that’s located within Greater London, a visit to Ham House and Garden should be at the top of your list!

Address : Ham St, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS

Lacock Abbey

Recommended by Laura of What’s Hot?

Lacock is a small village located around two hours away from London and is home to Lacock Abbey. This National Trust property dates back to the early 13th century and, along with the rest of the village, has retained its original medieval charm.

It was originally built as a nunnery until it was sold in the 16th century to a family who converted it into their home. Very few alterations were made to the monastic buildings but some additional chambers have been built over the years, meaning the architecture is a mishmash of various period styles. 

Many comment that Lacock Abbey looks a lot like they imagine Hogwarts would look so it should come as no surprise that it was actually used as a Harry Potter filming location on a number of occasions. The rooms inside doubled up as Hogwarts classrooms and the cloisters were the Hogwarts corridors . It’s also been used in Pride and Prejudice, Wolf Hall and, more recently, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 

In the grounds of Lacock Abbey you’ll find the Fox Talbot Museum, which is dedicated to William Talbot, a pioneer in the world of photography. Few know that Lacock Abbey is seen as the birthplace of Britain’s photography!

The museum takes you through the history of photography from conception to the present day and there are often temporary exhibitions showing the works of various photographers to be admired here too. Beyond this, there’s also a beautiful greenhouse and plenty of greenery to wander around in outside. 

Address : Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG

White Cliffs of Dover

The stunning chalk-white cliffs of Dover are one of the most prominent natural landmarks in the UK, stretching 8 miles along the English Channel. They are visible from the French coastline and reach up to 350 feet in height.

The small harbour town of Dover is about a two hour car journey from London, or just over an hour via an express train from London, or two hours on a slower train.

Purchased by National Trust in 2016, the best way to see the White Cliffs of Dover is by taking the spectacular coastal cliff walk to the South Foreland Lighthouse , though there are numerous trails you can take along the cliffs for interesting views. There are plenty of stunning spots along the way for photos and to appreciate the scale of the cliffs.

The White Cliffs of Dover are iconic for their role in military history, during both World Wars. You can see the role the cliffs played at the Fan Bay Deep Shelter War Tunnels – a network of tunnels dug out in the soft chalk that was used for defence. This landmark also greeted thousands of Allied troops from Dunkirk during WW2.

Stop at the South Foreland Lighthouse for tea at Mrs. Knotts before making your journey back. This lighthouse has been visible at this spot since the 1300s to safely guard passing ships to shore. The current lighthouse was built in 1846.

If you are walking from the Visitors Center to the South Foreland Lighthouse, it is approximately 40 minutes each way. This gorgeous National Trust site makes for a great day trip from London to take in some scenic views and learn about the history here at this natural landmark.

Address : Upper Rd, Guston, Dover CT16 1HJ

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23 Comments

Wow it’s stunning how much is offered from homes and castles.

There are endless things to do! It’s so awesome theses places are preserved for us!

What an incredible list of beautiful places all accessible from London! And I didn’t know what a National Trust Site was!

They’re amazing! We have National Trust here in Canada too – but not nearly as extensive or abundant!

No way!? I had no idea Canada had a National Trust as well!!

Yes!! It’s not nearly as extensive – but we do have some properties here!!!

I love that places like these have been preserved intentionally! I’m very surprised that I’ve never been to any of these, and I had no idea Lacock Abbey was used as a filming location for Harry Potter. I love the UK, so I can’t wait to visit ALL of these sites.

Isn’t that cool??? England has so many incredible historic properties that have been used for filming!

I actually never knew about the National Trust but now it makes so much more sense as to how Europe is able to upkeep these countless beautiful lands and properties! I’d love to see all of these magnificent spots in the UK for myself one day!

I love the National Trust. It’s great that so many sites are still open in their gardens and grounds, even if we can’t venture inside at the moment. I normally love the castles best – I do miss historical buildings now we live in Canada.

p.s. I love that Chartwell always has a Jock the cat! If I visit, I’d love to meet him.

Omg yes! I love that too!! Especially that he’s orange. I have two orange babies haha. I think it’s great they’ve left open spaces available!

I always had a National Trust membership growing up, my parents still do. I haven’t been to a lot of these places though. So many good ones I need to check out on my next trip home to the UK

I miss it so much! It’s such great value for money too. I wish we had this many historic sites here in Ontario!

I live close to London & still haven’t been to lots of these places! As we are back in lockdown & with a travel ban, once I’m allowed out again I will definitely be visiting a few of these.

Sadly we are too here 🙁 At least we’ve been able to uncover some great local places to visit once we’re able to!

What a great guide! Bodium Castle and Corfe Castle both look amazing to explore!

Bodiam is my childhood playground! I don’t even know how many times I’ve been. It’s been one of those places we visit on every trip!

Oh, England is at the top of my list for places to go next in Europe. I just can’t wait until I can get there. Thanks for all these awesome ideas.

I love my visits to England – and it’s a great base to get to other places in Europe!

This is a great list! I’ve done a good bit of traveling around London but still need to visit some of these sites.

There are soooo many to visit! You can never get bored around London – there is so much to see and do!

Gorgeous photos! The Cliffs of Dover have always been high on my list, but, never having been to England (or UK in general for that matter), I didn’t realize it was a doable day trip from London. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome Jade! I highly recommend visiting – it’s something that needs to be seen in person!

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How to plan an epic summer trip to a national park

We’ve got insider tips on the best times to visit the most popular parks, timed entry passes, and where to stay.

As summer approaches, the siren call of national park adventures grows stronger. However, these iconic sites are bringing in unprecedented crowds.

In 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) reported over 300 million visits , a four percent increase from the previous year. This surge isn’t limited to famous spots; lesser known parks such as Congaree and Dry Tortugas are also experiencing record-breaking numbers. To manage the influx, park authorities are implementing innovative strategies to improve the guest experience.  

( These are the 10 most popular national parks .)

From snagging the perfect stay to timing your bookings just right, we’ve got insider tips to ensure your national park vacation is nothing short of epic. Here’s what you need to know.

Best time to visit

Timing is crucial in planning your summer getaway, especially if you’re eyeing popular national parks. Finding affordable lodging and activities during the high season can be tricky.

During the shoulder seasons—early- to mid-spring and late fall—you can expect pleasant weather and a reprieve from the crowds, but there are a few trade-offs to consider. Some hotels and lodges might close during the off-season and reopen later in the year, potentially limiting your accommodation options. Additionally, parks at higher elevations, such as Glacier or Lassen Volcanic , may not have all their trails open and could require snowshoes or traction cleats to get around.

( Here’s why Yellowstone in the off-season is great for families .)  

Arriving before sunrise has its perks, too. Typically, most visitors don’t arrive until mid-to-late morning, allowing you to enjoy attractions like Arches ’ Windows or Delicate Arch with minimal crowds, provided you arrive early enough.

When permitted, exploring the parks in winter offers a unique perspective that few experience. Yosemite Valley, for instance, transforms into a winter wonderland —a sight cherished by photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tony McDaniel, a Yosemite   Mariposa County spokesperson, says the best way to plan a visit is to avoid taking a “checklist approach” to your visit.

“Slow down and immerse yourself in the destination,” McDaniel says. “There’s no place on earth like Yosemite National Park , and it’s best seen slowly and outside of a vehicle where you can fully embrace the sights, sounds, and smells.”

What parks require timed entry passes?

Timed entry reservations typically provide access within a two-hour window. The price of the pass, however, does not include the standard park entry fee. But, a separate timed entry permit is unnecessary if you already have campground reservations, a wilderness permit, or bookings for a pre-arranged, park-sponsored activity. Additionally, if you plan to stay inside the park for multiple days, only one timed entry reservation is required—just make sure not to leave the park during your visit.

Although these passes can reduce a trip’s spontaneity, NPS spokeswoman Kathy Kupper says they also lead to better park experiences.

“Visitors love the timed entry system,” Kupper says, “because it gives them increased confidence that they’ll be able to get in and get where they want to go.”

If you miss out on a timed entry reservation, don’t fret. Ditch your car and opt to walk or bike into the park at any time of day. Glacier National Park adjusts its timed entry program annually, including relocating entry gates beyond the visitor center, where guests can hop on a shuttle bus to access the park.

( Ready to plan your fall hike? Read this safety advice first .)

Arches: Timed entry reservations will be required from April 1 to October 31. The reservation system operates on a rolling basis. For example, June 1–30 bookings opened March 1; July 1–31 reservations opened April 1. A limited number of reservations will also be released at 7 p.m. MST the day before, providing some flexibility for last-minute planners to Utah.

Glacier: For travelers intending to drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road or head to North Fork, Montana, a vehicle reservation is mandatory between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 24 to September 8. Similarly, from July 1 to September 8, a reservation is required to access Many Glacier between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. These reservations can be secured up to 120 days or approximately four months in advance, starting at 8 a.m. MST. Additionally, a limited number of next-day vehicle reservations will be released at 7 p.m. MST for those seeking entry on the following day on a rolling basis.

Mount Rainier : Two areas of this Washington State park—Paradise Corridor from the south and Sunrise Corridor from the northeast—will require reservations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 24-September 2, and July 4-September 2, respectively. Each corridor requires a separate vehicle reservation, valid for a single day per vehicle. Note that reservations are unnecessary when entering the park from a different entrance.

Rocky Mountain :   Between May 24 and October 20, reservations are required for entry into this Colorado park. Two types of reservations will be available: one granting access to the entire park, including the bustling Bear Lake Road Corridor from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and another from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that excludes access to this corridor. Reservations for May 24 to June 30 can be secured starting at 8 a.m. on May 1. Subsequent reservation releases will follow, with reservations for July becoming available on June 1, and so forth.

Yosemite: Reservations are needed from April to October. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (May 27, June 19, September 2, and October 14) from April 13 to June 30 and August 17 to October 27, reservations are required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. From July 1 to August 16, reservations are needed daily during the same hours.

( Discover the best day hikes in Yosemite National Park .)

What parks require a specific area pass?

Acadia : In Maine, Cadillac Mountain Summit Road vehicle reservations are required from May 22 to October 27. About one-third of them can be purchased 90 days in advance, while the rest become available two days before, starting at 10 a.m. Reservations cost $6 and are sold only at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/400000 .

Great Smoky Mountains : While you don’t need a timed entry reservation to enter this Tennessee-North Carolina park, you will need a parking permit to stop for more than 15 minutes. Passes are $5 (daily),   $15 (weekly), and $40 (annually). Permits can be purchased in person or online . Passes are good for one vehicle only.

( See fireflies magically light up this national park .)

Haleakalā : To park at Hawaii’s Haleakalā summit for sunrise, you’ll need a parking pass from 3 to 7 a.m. throughout the year.

Shenandoah : Visitors hiking Virginia’s Old Rag Mountain must obtain a $2 day-use ticket in advance from March 1 to November 30. Of the 800 tickets issued daily, 400 will be released 30 days in advance, with the remaining 400 released five days beforehand on https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451 .

Zion: You’ll need a timed permit to hike Angel’s Landing in Utah. Lotteries open for June-August hikes on April 1, September-November on July 1, and December-February on October 1. A limited number of next-day licenses will be available at 12:01 a.m. the day before. Hiking groups of up to six people can apply for a permit. Winning groups will be charged an additional $3 per person.

( Not a hiker? That’s not a problem at these eight national parks .)

Best alternatives to national parks

If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t have a reservation, and couldn’t get into the park early enough, you still have options. State parks and national forests surrounding official national parks often offer similar views but with few visitors.  

( Go wild—and skip the crowds—at these 7 spectacular parks .)

For example, if you get shut out of Utah’s Bryce Canyon , you can always drive 15 minutes away to the picturesque Dixie National Forest . Instead of being shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other visitors on the trails, you’ll be almost entirely alone while overlooking nearly identical scenes.

Where to stay in or near a popular park

Most NPS campgrounds can be reserved six months in advance on a rolling basis through Recreation.gov, but the most popular sites, including Yellowstone ’s Slough Creek or Watchman in Zion , can sell out within minutes. Even if you miss out, you still have plenty of options.  

“For something similar to camping in Yosemite Valley, Housekeeping Camp or Curry Village are as close as you’ll get to camping, plus you don’t need to bring a tent,” says McDaniel. “In areas like Wawona, Yosemite West, and Foresta, there are cabin rentals that will still get you into the park. Outside the park, there are hundreds of more options in great locations and historic towns that are generally more budget-friendly and put visitors close to more dining options.”

( These historic lodges are the perfect way to see North America’s wild parks .)

Nearby national forests and Bureau of Land Management areas typically offer established campgrounds or free dispersed camping (areas outside a designated campground). Sites are generally first-come, first-served. Arrive at an established campground between 10 a.m. and noon to score a recently vacated site.

Apps like AllStays and sites like freecampsites.net and Campendium can help tremendously. Signal Mountain Campground in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park sells out almost immediately, but on a recent trip to the park, I found an incredible mountaintop dispersed campsite, in   Bridger-Teton National Forest . The view of the Tetons was spectacular, made even better because the campsite was free.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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Wealth of Geeks

18 Unforgettable National Park Road Trips

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to plan your next road trip. What better way to escape the troubles of our everyday lives than a trip to a National Park? Parks are secluded and  act as protected havens for flora and fauna while offering humans a glimpse into that world.

Because of their isolated nature, it’s often easiest to visit national parks by car. And if you’re going to visit one park, why not throw another one on the agenda and turn the trek into a good old-fashioned road trip?

Yosemite/Pinnacles

This road trip pairs one of the oldest national parks in the country with one of the newest. Yosemite was declared a national park way back in 1890 , and ever since, it’s become a renowned destination known for its waterfalls and geological formations like Half Dome. For a special drive to add to the trip, check out the 46-mile stretch along Tioga Road.

You’ll drive almost four hours from the forest to the coast to your second national park: Pinnacles. Established as a national park in 2013 , Pinnacles is a rock climber’s paradise, with hundreds of routes to explore. For those who prefer to stay grounded, there are countless hiking paths and even some caves to check out.

Rocky Mountain/Great Sand Dunes

Rocky Mountain National Park is exactly what you expect to see if you visit a nature preserve in Colorado. There are expansive views wherever you are, giant forests of trees, and mountains in seemingly every direction. The park is well-suited for road trippers, as the park is massive in size. To reach the 11,000-foot peaks , be prepared to wind your way up two-lane roads with steep drop-offs.

The five-hour drive to Great Sand Dunes offers spectacular views similar to those you see as you travel through the mountains. But when you reach the dunes, it’s like you’ve landed on a completely different planet. The park houses the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the tallest rising 750 feet from the ground. Visitors regularly rent sleds or sandboards to fly down the sand hills.

Mesa Verde/Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Suppose you’re looking for two national parks with entirely different focuses. In that case, the Mesa Verde/Black Canyon of the Gunnison combination is the road trip for you.

Mesa Verde is known for its archaeological significance, specifically the famous cave dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people , which were built over 700 years ago. Black Canyon of the Gunnison leans more into the epic geological views, as visitors can stand atop some of North America’s steepest cliffs .

Badlands/Wind Cave

Situated just an hour apart from each other, the two national parks of South Dakota naturally lend themselves to a quick but beautiful road trip.

At Wind Cave National Park, you can tour different sections of the 150-mile-long cave system . Then, enjoy a pleasant drive through the prairies to Badlands National Park, where visitors can spot bison and prairie dogs throughout the park.

Everglades/Biscayne

If you want a road trip with a water focus, the Florida combination of Everglades and Biscayne will check all the boxes.

In Everglades National Park, you can book a tram tour or bike around a 15-mile loop. Flanked by water on both sides, visitors can see countless alligators, native birds, and even crocodiles. After a hot day under the sun, if you want to get in the water, Biscayne National Park is for you. You can snorkel, kayak, or fish in the protected marine area.

Kenai Fjords/Denali

Alaska houses some of the most remote, untouched landscapes in the entire country. This is likely why it’s home to seven of the ten largest national parks in the United States.

While the parks are quite spread throughout the massive state, two can be reached on a road trip from Anchorage. The first is Denali National Park, which spans over six million acres and is home to countless animals, including bears, moose, and caribou. Heading south, Kenai Fjords National Park offers visitors a view of the gorgeous bays of Alaska. One of the best ways to explore this park is by boat, where you can see puffins, dolphins, and orcas.

Yellowstone/Grand Teton

The Yellowstone/Grand Teton road trip is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the American West in all its glory.

To kick off the trip, enjoy the scenic drive up to Yellowstone, the birthplace of the national park. Among other things, the world’s very first national park is famous for its geysers, particularly Old Faithful.

While Grand Teton is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, the park also has breathtaking views and opportunities for animal sightings. Summertime offers the chance to kayak on one of its pristine lakes, while winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options.

Sequoia/King’s Canyon

With nine national parks (the most of any state), California offers many road trip options for park lovers. One of the most accessible road trips on a weekend is the drive between Sequoia and King’s Canyon, which are less than two hours apart.

Sequoia National Park is known for its namesake: the giant sequoia trees that live throughout its forests. The trees can reach 300 feet tall and be anywhere from 20 to 35 feet in diameter.

King’s Canyon also boasts many sequoias but offers additional landscapes to enjoy outside the trees, including waterfalls and overlooks. For a particularly scenic portion of the road trip, add the hour-long Generals Highway drive .

Arches/Canyonlands/Capitol Reef

Utah’s national parks are among the most popular in the country. If you’re looking for a balance between busy and more relaxed parks, a journey between Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef is a great option.

Arches is a relatively small park that attracts many visitors during the high season. Arrive early in the morning to bypass the crowd and experience sunrise at the top of the famous Delicate Arch. Then, you can drive the short 30-minute stretch to Canyonlands, where the expansive canyons and buttes stretch far into the distance.

Finish up your exploration by driving the two hours to Capitol Reef, where you can see the Waterpocket Fold , a giant wrinkle on the earth that spans 100 miles.

Bryce Canyon/Zion

Bryce Canyon and Zion, two of the most beloved parks in the country, aren’t far from Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. 

Driving through Bryce Canyon, you’ll notice the tall columns of misshapen rocks. These are called hoodoos, and Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration in the world. After walking between the stone giants, you can hop in your car and drive over to Zion. While you can drive around a large portion of Zion, you’ll need to ride in a tram to explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during peak season. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Zion, including two renowned hikes, The Narrows and Angels Landing.

White Sands/Carlsbad Caverns

From lush forests to sprawling caves to expansive sand, the New Mexico National Parks road trip has a little bit of everything.

Starting in Carlsbad Caverns, visitors can explore the caverns independently (specifically the popular Big Room and Natural Entrance trails) or book a guided ranger tour to learn more about how the caverns first formed.

On the three-hour drive over to White Sands, you’ll drive next to the trees of Lincoln National Forest. This landscape quickly changes to sand as far as the eye can see once you reach White Sands. The national park houses the world’s largest gypsum dune field (the white sand the park is known for).

Grand Canyon/Petrified Forest

Are you looking to see hundreds of millions of years of history? The Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest road trip definitely delivers.

One can’t help but stare in awe at the Grand Canyon, the 277-mile-long canyon carved by the Colorado River. Some of the oldest rocks exposed in the canyon are over 270 million years old.

On the way to Petrified Forest, curious drivers can stop by Walnut Canyon National Monument, highlighting the cliff dwellings of the Indigenous Peoples of Arizona. After the pit stop, visitors can go to Petrified Forest National Park to see rocks that are over 200 million years old , along with artifacts from human history that date back over 13,000 years.

And the road trip wouldn’t be complete without checking out a section of the original Route 66 . Petrified Forest is the only national park that contains part of the historic road.

Redwood/Lassen Volcanic

A journey between Redwood and Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a bit of everything. Redwood National Park is home to the giants of the tree world: coast redwoods. Reaching heights of 360 feet , the redwoods are, on average, between 500 and 700 years old, with some as old as 2,000 years.

Driving along the coast, you’ll pass through several national forests on the five-hour journey to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you’ll be able to explore beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and even steaming fumaroles — surface vents where volcanic gases are emitted.

Olympic/Mount Rainier

Mountains and beaches are options on a road trip from Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier. Olympic is situated just off the Strait of Juan de Fuca. At sea level, visitors are invited to enjoy tidepooling, boating, or fishing on several beaches within the park’s borders.

After enjoying the water, you can take the scenic drive through the Olympic National Forest on the three-hour ride to Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll ascend in elevation along your drive. Once in the park, you can be anywhere between 1,900 to 5,400 feet in elevation (or 14,000 if you climb to the top of Mount Rainier itself!).

North Cascades/Glacier

What takes the North Cascades/Glacier road trip to the next level is the chance to drive a legendary road within one of the parks.

Glacier National Park is renowned for its hundreds of miles of gorgeous hiking trails. However, one of the most popular activities is to drive the Going-to-the-Sun road (which is not for the faint of heart). Make sure to allow plenty of time for the 50-mile trek, as driving can take three to eight hours.

After getting your fill of cliff driving, buckle up for a long (but beautiful) ride as you go through multiple national forests on your 10-hour trek to northern Washington. Upon arriving, you can dust off your boots and enjoy splendid hiking throughout the mountainous terrain of North Cascades National Park.

New River Gorge/Shenandoah

Shenandoah is a perfect national park for a road trip. Why? Because one of the most popular activities is driving the Skyline Drive, the 105-mile road stretching the park’s length. Visitors can stop along the way to explore trails or spot the wildlife that lives amongst the trees.

About four hours away in West Virginia lies one of the newest national parks: New River Gorge. The focus of the park is the river it was named for, and visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, fishing, or paddleboarding on one of the oldest rivers in America.

Mammoth Cave/Great Smoky Mountains

When people think of famous national parks, a few immediately come to mind: Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon.

However, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most visited national park, with nearly 13 million visits in 2022 . Visitors can enjoy the park’s wildflower viewing, biking opportunities, and waterfall overlooks. If you are driving through the park, get a parking tag if you want to stay in one spot longer than 15 minutes.

After being around so many people, the five-hour drive to Mammoth Caves can be a nice break. When you arrive at the park, you can book guided cave tours of the longest cave system in the world .

Big Bend/Guadalupe Mountains

If you want more of an off-road experience, Big Bend National Park has you covered. While the park offers 100 miles of paved roads to view the mountains and desert, several dirt road options provide even more unique views of the area.

After leaving Big Bend, you can drive the four hours north to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This park is all about the mountain peaks, as eight of the ten highest peaks in Texas are within the park’s boundaries.

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photo by: Visit Mississippi, Flickr

A Road Trip Through the South: Part 2

By: Mary Welch

The distance between Memphis and New Orleans is less than 400 miles, but in between those miles are some of the country’s most important culinary, musical, and historic influences. All of which is a fancy way of saying that driving between those two cities is an adventure in good food, amazing music, and sites that will make you stop and ponder life. ( Review Part 1 of our road trip to see how we got here.)

In Memphis, it’s hard to beat the iconic Peabody Hotel , a Historic Hotel of America and home of the legendary ducks and their twice-daily walk to the magnificent lobby fountain. The walk has so much pomp and circumstance, you’d think they were waddling for the Queen of England.

The Peabody fits the bill of a five-star historic hotel with beautiful moldings, rich woods, and the quality of service from a staff that still consider it their pleasure—and honor—to serve. While the hotel has a dramatic indoor pool, luxurious spa, acclaimed dining, and a gallery of shops, my favorite spot is on the roof watching the sun set over the Mississippi River.

When one thinks of Memphis, two things pop up—barbecue and the blues. Locals are as passionate and loyal to their barbecue restaurant as they are to their football team, which says a lot. The two best-known spots are Rendezvous and Corky’s . Rendezvous is downtown and has been famous for its dry rubbed ribs since 1948. Corky’s, which has several locations, is famous for its pulled pork.

photo by: Reading Tom, Flickr

The Peabody Hotel, a Historic Hotel of America.

photo by: Thomas Hawk, Flickr

The STAX Museum of American Soul Music.

Other notable places are A&R Bar-B-Que for ribs, the Cozy Corner for Cornish hens, and Central BBQ for a pork plate with extra bark, which is the dark smoked crust. Huey’s on 2nd Street is not a ‘cue restaurant; it’s more like your local diner/bar/hamburger joint. While there, shoot your sandwich toothpicks through your straw and try to embed them in the ceiling. Hundreds of toothpicks dot the ceiling and you can’t say that about too many places.

Memphis is known for the blues, but the city’s slogan is “Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock ’n Roll.” When the music of the Mississippi Delta was mixed with the Memphis sound, the roots of American music were birthed. Along the way this sound absorbed urban blues, jazz, a rock ‘n roll, rockabilly, R&B, and soul.

Go to the STAX Museum of American Soul , the Rock ’N Soul Museum , and Sun Studio , where Elvis Presley recorded and the first rock ’n roll song—Rocket 88 by Ike Turner—was recorded. And, of course, who could forget Graceland , the home of Elvis Presley. (Yes, it’s worth the visit, and yes, it’s smaller than you imagined.)

Women's Heritage : Estelle Axton: A Woman, A Place, and the Memphis Sound

Learn more about the unlikely figure behind Stax Records.

photo by: Grady McGill

Lorraine Motel.

photo by: Carl Wycoff, Flickr

Gate at the Civil Rights Museum.

Other musts are a paddle boat ride down the mighty Mississippi and visits to the Cotton Museum , the Mud Island River Park & Mississippi River Museum , and Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum where you can go down into a damp cellar and see how the escaped slaves were hidden on their way to freedom. There, you can feel the fear and hope to your bones.

Of course, no trip to Memphis is complete without visiting the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The self-guided tour has exhibits such as the Culture of the Slavery Resistance, the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, the Voting Rights Act, and Dr. King’s final hours. The most chilling exhibit is the actual rifle that killed Dr. King.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.

After your visit, walk a few blocks to decompress and refuel at another Memphis institution, Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken. There is always a crowd but don’t worry—if you have to wait outside, Gus’ staff brings out welcomed iced water.

Once you leave Memphis, you’ll discover how rich the drive through the state of Mississippi is, with wonderful towns, museums, scenery and history to experience.

This beautiful, lush Delta Region is dubbed the “Birthplace of the Blues,” and it’s where pure blues can be heard in juke joints like Po-Monkey’s and Red’s Lounge . It’s also an area of abject poverty with a history of absence of rights for blacks and other minorities.

Delta Blues Museum.

Take a quick side trip to Clarksdale to view the Delta Blues Museum and hear some music at the Ground Zero Blues Club where you might see the owner, actor Morgan Freeman.

Clarksdale is also home to some of the best tamales in the state. Try Larry’s Hot Tamales , Hicks , or Oxbow . No one knows quite why tamales are popular here; some say it goes all the way back to Native Americans who grew maize in the area, while others speculate Mexican laborers brought it and the sharecroppers had easy access to its two main ingredients—pork and corn meal. Regardless, tamale shacks are just as prevalent as barbecue ones.

Once you leave Memphis, you’ll discover how rich the drive through the state of Mississippi is, with wonderful towns, museums, scenery, and history to experience.

Down the interstate is Grenada, which calls itself the “City that Smiles,” but wasn’t so friendly when civil rights activist James Meredith came to register African-Americans to vote. Town officials protected marchers and hired six black registrars who registered more than 1,000 blacks. However, as soon as the marchers left, the registrars were fired and the new voters were not added to the registration rolls. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dick Gregory spent about a week protesting in the town, with Dr. King’s headquarters in the Vincent United Methodist Church.

Next stop is to the state capital, Jackson, where fried chicken restaurants such as Two Sister's Kitchen and Julep routinely make national best chicken lists—and the history has even greater national significance.

photo by: John W. Iwanski, Flickr

Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Nearby is Vicksburg, home of the Vicksburg National Cemetery where more than 17,000 Union soldiers (75 percent of whom are unknown) from the Battle of Vicksburg are buried. Nearby is the Cedar Hill Cemetery where the last remains of more than 5,000 Confederate soldiers are buried.

If you want to learn why these young men died, spend a couple of hours at the Vicksburg National Military Park that commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. On the 16-mile tour, you can view more than 1,340 monuments, markers, and plaques.

With all these new sights, sounds, tastes, and thoughts in mind, let’s get back in the car and start the third leg of our road trip—the one that takes us to none other than New Orleans.

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Apr 25 2024 update on Tioga Road & Glacier Point Road - Yosemite National Park Forum

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The NPS has updated the plowing page. The picture is pretty cool!

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Hatchery Road Trip - Little White Salmon!

Gwen Bausmith

View other hatcheries in the pacific northwest series!

Picture this: You're driving down the interstate, cruise control on, windows down, stereo blasting. It's a perfect 80 degrees, you don't have to work, and you've got the whole day ahead of you. You pull off the road and a beautiful vista lies in front of you. A pond sparkles in the sunshine, birds are chirping happily in the trees, and best of all...it's peaceful. You pop the trunk and pull out a fishing pole, that set of watercolors you've been meaning to use, your best pair of broken-in hiking boots, and breathe in the fresh summer air. But wait, where the heck are you?  

Is it a national park? If we were going on overall vibes, the answer might be yes.  

Is it a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Learn more about national wildlife refuge ? Getting warmer, but think more fins.  

Is it one of the nation's most underrated outdoor destinations...national fish hatcheries? Ding ding ding! We have a winner! The National Fish Hatchery System has been improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species since 1872 (uhhhh, yeah that makes them 150 years old!) and yet, lots of folks might not even know that their grounds are often open to the public and entry is FREE! The wonderful thing about fish hatcheries is that they offer something for everyone in your group...no more disgruntled sighs from the backseat! 

Each hatchery highlighted in our road trip series is over 100 years old and has four sections of information: 

🚙  Trip Highlights : This is where you'll find hatchery activity suggestions for different folks in your group. These aren't full lists, just some of the things we think are pretty cool. Before you hit the road, be sure to check each hatchery's web page for additional activities and we recommend calling ahead to check on their opening status and any possible closures. We've also got some good info on how and where to purchase a fishing license , if that's on your activity itinerary!

🚧  Detour : Is it really a road trip if you only go to one place? Well, yeah, but where's the fun in that? We've provided each hatchery with a nearby pit stop suggestion for the free spirits among us. (Full disclosure, besties: We haven't actually been to any of these spots and are in no way promoting them over other destinations, they just sound fun. Please do your research beforehand to check on fees, accessibility, travel restrictions, etc!)

🎶  Featured Song : One of the best parts of a road trip is the playlist. You probably have your own set of cool tunes, but we couldn't resist including some other suggestions for your listening pleasure!

🧭  Road Map : Ok, it's not actually a real map, but it's a fun, colorful graphic you can share online or print out for your trip! 

Buckle those seatbelts, we’re taking you on a ride through some of the nation’s oldest hatcheries that you’ll definitely want to add to your summer road trip itineraries and they are free to the public. 

Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery - Washington

Founded in 1898, Little White Salmon is the oldest Columbia River hatchery and a pioneer of salmon propagation. The hatchery raises and releases roughly 7.2 million young spring and up-river bright fall Chinook salmon each year. The hatchery mitigates fishery losses due to hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River and provides for an important sport fishery, while also fulfilling Tribal Trust responsibilities. Basically, they're pretty awesome!

🚙 Trip Highlights

Epic views abound if you cross over the Bridge of the Gods on your way to Little White Salmon! But obviously, the true detour is heading 10 minutes down the road to their sibling facility, the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery ! 

🎶 Featured Song

If you aren’t listening to Woody Guthrie’s “Roll on Columbia” while cruising alongside the nearby Columbia River, are you even on a road trip?! 

Before you take off on your most excellent journey to Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery, please call ahead for visitor hours and check out their website for even more to do during your visit. You can also download a high resolution PDF of the map!

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