28 Best National Parks to Visit in the World: My Personal Ranking

Yosemite is my favorite national park. Torres del Paine comes close, Iguazú is mind-blowing, and several places farther down this list have scenery that could easily justify a much higher position. The difference is what the entire visit felt like: the hikes, the variety, the people, the driving, and how much hassle came with the view.

These are the best national parks to visit from my own travels, rather than a checklist of every famous park on earth. My experiences range from Olympic in 2017 to Iguazú and Los Glaciares in 2023 and another Yosemite and Death Valley trip in September 2026. 
I like mountains, glaciers, good infrastructure, and the freedom to explore independently. Deserts have a harder time winning me over. Masada adds history to the selection.

 

Which national park is best for your travel style

If you love granite and pines as much as I do, this is the travel style where Yosemite wins every time @ Tenaya Lake
 

• Best overall: Yosemite, USA.
• Best for Patagonian scenery: Torres del Paine, Chile, or Los Glaciares, Argentina.
• Best for waterfalls: Iguazú/Iguaçu, Argentina and Brazil.
• Best for dramatic Alpine views with easy road access: Hohe Tauern, Austria.
• Best for rainforest, mountains, and coast together: Olympic, USA.
• My favorite safari surprise: Akagera, Rwanda.
• Best for a longer self-drive safari: Kruger, South Africa.
• Best coastal park in my European travels: Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales.
• Best for a mountain trip with a baby: Tatra National Park, Slovakia, choosing suitable low-level outings.
• Best for desert scenery and stars: Death Valley, USA.
• Best for history: Masada, Israel.

 

At a glance my ranking of the best national parks to visit

Four visits in and Yosemite still sits at number one @ Tunnel View
 

1. Yosemite, USA
2. Torres del Paine, Chile
3. Iguazú and Iguaçu, Argentina and Brazil
4. Los Glaciares, Argentina
5. Hohe Tauern, Austria
6. Jostedalsbreen, Norway
7. Olympic, USA
8. Table Mountain, South Africa
9. Vicente Pérez Rosales, Chile
10. Cañón del Sumidero, Mexico
11. Folgefonna, Norway
12. Akagera, Rwanda
13. Samaria, Greece
14. Gran Paradiso, Italy
15. Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales, UK
16. Kruger, South Africa
17. Nikkō, Japan
18. Teide, Spain
19. Death Valley, USA
20. Tatra National Park, Slovakia
21. Berchtesgaden, Germany
22. Etosha, Namibia
23. Nyungwe, Rwanda
24. Masada, Israel
25. Kazbegi, Georgia
26. Namib-Naukluft, Namibia
27. Triglav, Slovenia
28. Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland, Germany and Czech Republic

I combine the two parks at Iguazú Falls and the neighboring Czech and German sandstone parks into single travel experiences. They remain separate national parks; the list has 28 ranked entries.

 

Map of the best national parks in the world

Five continents and 28 pins, so pick your region first and let the ranking do the rest
 

Numbers match the ranking. Locations are approximate; these aren't park boundaries or a road-trip route.

 

 

How I ranked the best national parks to visit

Proof that the ranking is personal, because a desert lover would put this place much higher than I did @ Sossusvlei
 

Kazbegi has astonishing mountains but difficult logistics. Namib-Naukluft would rank higher for a desert lover. The whole visit determines my ranking.

My five criteria are:

• Scenery and panoramas: How impressive, varied, and distinctive the landscape is.
• Hiking and experiences: What you can actually do, including safari, boats, kayaking, and short walks. 
• Infrastructure and accessibility: Roads, trail access, parking, signs, and the effort of getting around.
• Value for money: Whether the experience justifies the necessary costs.
• Service and organization: Guides, rangers, visitor support, and how smoothly the visit works.

Read the explanations too: a high score doesn't erase an annoying entrance process or poor service. The ranking is my personal judgment, not the mathematical average of five numbers. Visit lengths are planning recommendations. Scores of 8–10 reflect this shortlist of favorites.

 

1. Yosemite National Park, USA

Stand under El Capitan and everything else in the valley suddenly looks small, including you
 

• Location: Sierra Nevada, California.
• Best for: Granite cliffs, waterfalls, high-country lakes, and hiking.
• When and how long: Late spring for waterfalls; summer into early fall for the high country. Allow 3–4 days.
• Further reading: My California guides.

Why Yosemite is my number one

I've visited Yosemite four times, and it's hands down my favorite park and certainly among my favorite places in the world. The Valley floor is magical: enormous cliffs above you, meadows below, and El Capitan making everything around it look small.

Then you drive into the high country and get a completely different Yosemite. The Valley is an immediate banger. The High Sierra grows on you with every visit. I love those rolling granite mountains and the pines. Granite is my favorite rock; pines are my favorite trees.

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point were discoveries on my fourth visit. We spent about an hour just enjoying the views. After three days in Yosemite, my girlfriend finally understood why I talk about it nonstop. Tenaya Lake and Olmsted Point are other places I'd protect time for.

I've hiked the Mist Trail on three visits, with very different waterfall conditions. I've also joined ranger activities, including stargazing at Glacier Point. You don't need Half Dome to have an extraordinary trip; I haven't completed that ascent.

The High Sierra is the part of Yosemite that grows on you with every visit, but make sure you have enough time for @ Olmsted Point

• Scenery: 10/10. The cliffs, lakes, forests, and high country keep changing the view.
• Hiking and experiences: 10/10. Excellent short outings and demanding full days, plus worthwhile ranger programs.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Good visitor support, but parking and long drives require planning.
• Value: 9.5/10. Multiple days reveal far more than one famous valley photograph.
• Service: 9/10. The rangers have been great; the rental bikes were a letdown.

I liked Yosemite Southgate Hotel in Oakhurst for its large rooms, parking, and nearby restaurants. It still leaves a substantial drive into the park. 

Check official Yosemite conditions before fixing your route. Snow can close Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road well outside winter itself.

 

2. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Pampas in front, granite horns behind, and that switch in scenery is exactly why this park ranks so high @ Cuernos del Paine
 

• Location: Magallanes, southern Chilean Patagonia.
• Best for: Glaciers, changing mountain scenery, and adventurous day trips.
• When and how long: Southern spring through early fall; allow 3–5 days.
• Further reading: My Torres del Paine hikes.

Why I rate Torres del Paine so highly

Torres del Paine is one of the best national parks in the world because the scenery keeps changing. In one part you're out on the pampas; elsewhere you're looking into a high-mountain landscape.

Grey Glacier, especially kayaking beside it, was the highlight for me.

Las Torres itself is a more mixed recommendation. The final view is monumental, but I found the hike fairly average for stretches: long, with the hardest climb saved for the end. I prefer day hikes and a proper bed; I haven't completed the full W or O Circuit.

During my visit, much of the park felt pleasantly uncrowded. The trade-offs were the expensive entry and long distances to reasonably priced hotels. Don't build a plan that ignores your daily drive from the accommodation.

Salto Grande is an easy walk that delivers big, which I appreciate in a park where the drives are already long
 

• Scenery: 10/10. Pampas, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and steep granite peaks.
• Hiking and experiences: 10/10. Grey kayaking was outstanding; choose hikes for their actual route.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Visiting is manageable, but accommodation distances consume time.
• Value: 8.5/10. Expensive, although the scenery and experiences justify the trip.
• Service: 9/10.

 

3. Iguazú and Iguaçu National Parks, Argentina and Brazil

The boat was excellent fun and absolutely soaking, just budget extra time for all the waiting around it @ Iguazú Falls
 

• Location: Misiones, Argentina, and Paraná, Brazil.
• Best for: Waterfalls, rainforest, boat rides, and an aerial perspective.
• When and how long: Year-round, with weather-dependent access; I'd allow 3–4 days across both sides.
• Further reading: My Iguazú Falls itinerary.

Why Iguazú deserves more than a rushed visit

Iguazú is mind-blowing. Every waterfall on the way to the main viewpoints could be a major attraction elsewhere. Here, those falls are the buildup.

I visited in 2023 during exceptionally high water. The flow was enormous, and the spray made parts of the falls hard to see. It also affected walkways on the Argentine side. That wasn't normal flow.

The Brazilian side gave us the broader view; on the Argentine side, you feel closer to the individual falls. I'd see both, with time for the boat and a helicopter flight from the Brazilian side. The flight cost me about USD 145 per person on that trip. That's the 2023 price.

The boat was excellent fun, but all the waiting and transfers stretched the activity. There were also huge crowds around the viewpoints. My biggest mistake was giving Iguazú only about two days. I'd happily have stayed four.

• Scenery: 10/10. An almost ridiculous concentration of enormous waterfalls and dense rainforest.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Walkways, boat rides, and the helicopter reveal different perspectives.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Well-developed access, with bottlenecks and weather-related disruption.
• Value: 8.5/10. Entry and extras add up, especially across both countries.
• Service: 9/10. Strong organization on the Brazilian side; waiting diluted some activities.

 

 

4. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Fitz Roy alone could justify a separate trip, and that’s before you even look at Perito Moreno
 

• Location: Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia, around El Calafate and El Chaltén.
• Best for: Perito Moreno, Fitz Roy, and glacier-backed hiking.
• When and how long: Roughly October–April for the broadest hiking choice; allow 4–6 days across both bases.
• Further reading: My Argentine Patagonia itinerary.

Why Los Glaciares belongs near the top

Perito Moreno is spectacular before anything falls off it. The light-blue ice, the cracked surface, and the scale of the glacier wall are extraordinary. The sound of ice breaking off on my 2023 visit was astonishing.

The viewing walkways are exceptionally well done. Tiny boats below the glacier help you understand its size, but I thought the land-based views were already excellent.

Around El Chaltén, Fitz Roy gives the park another whole reason to visit. Some of my favorite views were lower down, around the approach from El Pilar and Piedras Blancas. Laguna de los Tres is monumental, but the length, forest sections, crowds, and steep final climb aren't automatically my favorite combination.

It's one of the best national parks for hiking, but the most famous endpoint isn't always the best use of your day. Allow for Patagonian weather and remember the two main areas require a transfer.

• Scenery: 10/10. Perito Moreno and Fitz Roy could each justify a separate trip.
• Hiking and experiences: 10/10. Excellent variety, without needing to complete every long ascent.
• Infrastructure: 9.5/10. Outstanding glacier walkways and useful trail signs around El Chaltén.
• Value: 9/10. The core sights are extraordinary; optional activities increase the budget.
• Service: 8/10. Park facilities impressed me more than some restaurant and agency experiences.

Use the official Argentine park ticket information for current admission, including El Chaltén. Old free-entry advice is not a reliable budget.

 

5. Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

This is the Hohe Tauern I love, monumental scenery that you don’t need a full expedition to reach
 

• Location: Salzburg, Tyrol, and Carinthia in the Austrian Alps.
• Best for: Accessible high-mountain panoramas and varied hiking.
• When and how long: Summer to early fall for mountain roads and trails; allow 2–4 days.
• Further reading: My Zell am See and nearby trips.

Why this is my favorite Alpine national park

Hohe Tauern is the most beautiful national park in the Alps for me. The important part is how easy it is to reach those monumental views, particularly along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and its approaches to the park.

Drive and stop for views, or build a proper hiking holiday around it. That flexibility makes it one of the best national parks to visit with people who don't all want the same level of exertion.

There were plenty of people at the main viewpoints. I still found it good value. The toll road is a separate cost, not a general admission ticket covering every part of the national park.

• Scenery: 10/10. My favorite combination of Alpine scale, glaciers, and viewpoints.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Serious hiking and rewarding stops for less active visitors.
• Infrastructure: 10/10. The road access makes a remarkable landscape unusually approachable.
• Value: 9/10. Good in my experience, despite road tolls and Alpine costs.
• Service: 9/10.

 

6. Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway

Rocks, ice and waterfalls everywhere you turn, so the “land of ice giants” nickname stays @ Briksdal
 

• Location: Vestland, western Norway; plan access around individual glacier valleys.
• Best for: Glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic valley walks.
• When and how long: Summer for hiking; allow 2–3 days with nearby bases.
• Further reading: My Norway national parks guide.

Why I love these glacier valleys

Jostedalsbreen reminds me of Glacier National Park in Montana. Rocks, ice, and waterfalls surround you. In my notes, I called it the land of ice giants; I could practically see Thor everywhere.

Briksdal is an especially rewarding introduction. The climb is modest compared with the scale of the valley and glacier, and the waterfalls make it interesting before you reach the end. It was busy with coach visitors, so an early start matters.

I'd change our accommodation planning. We put ourselves far too far from one of the places we wanted to visit. Pick the valley entrances before choosing your hotel; a name that looks close to the ice cap on a map may still mean a long drive.

Stay on marked approaches and use a qualified guide to go onto glacier ice.

• Scenery: 10/10. Huge rock walls, ice, and waterfalls in close succession.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Strong rewards without every walk requiring a major ascent.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Good popular approaches; valley-to-valley driving needs care.
• Value: 8.5/10. Excellent landscapes, with Norwegian accommodation and activity costs.
• Service: 8.5/10. Only a few hotels and restaurants around the glacier valleys met my expectations.

 

 

7. Olympic National Park, USA

Moss-covered rainforest one hour and huge rock formations on a wild Pacific beach the next, that variety is what stuck with me since 2017 @ Rialto Beach
 

• Location: Olympic Peninsula, Washington State.
• Best for: Temperate rainforest, mountain views, and wild Pacific beaches.
• When and how long: Summer for the widest access; allow 3–4 days.

Why Olympic stays with me

I visited Olympic in 2017, and its variety is what stuck. Rainforest, moss-covered trees, high mountains near the sea, and beaches with huge rock formations: the variety is exceptional.

The driving worked well as a route around the peninsula. You enter separate areas from the perimeter; you don't drive straight through the mountainous center. This is one of the best national parks in the USA for combining very different environments in one trip.

Whale-watching trips can complement a peninsula visit, but they're separate marine excursions, not an included park activity or a guaranteed orca encounter.

• Scenery: 10/10. Rainforest, coast, and mountain scenery in one destination.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Different environments keep the exploring varied.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Good road-trip structure, with separate access roads and long distances.
• Value: 9/10. Several distinct landscape experiences reward a multi-day stay.
• Service: 9/10.

 

8. Table Mountain National Park, South Africa

Walking up earns you a view that a quick cable car ride just doesn’t capture, and you can still ride down @ Table Mountain
 

• Location: Cape Peninsula, Western Cape, around Cape Town.
• Best for: Mountain-and-ocean views, hiking, and the wider peninsula.
• When and how long: Spring or fall for a balanced trip; allow 2–3 days across different sections.
• Further reading: My Table Mountain guide.

Why it is more than Cape Town's backdrop

I hike up Table Mountain when I visit South Africa. Standing above the city and ocean after the climb adds something a cable-car photograph doesn't quite capture. We've also combined walking up with riding down.

Don't assess the whole destination from a short cable-car ride. This is one of the best national parks to visit as part of a city trip, because Cape Town gives you a practical base for several very different outings. Choose your route for the conditions that day.

• Scenery: 10/10. The city, sea, cliffs, and peninsula make an exceptional setting.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Proper hikes alongside easier ways to reach major views.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Convenient access, with weather and queues affecting the cableway.
• Value: 9/10. Several worthwhile visits can fit around one Cape Town base.
• Service: 9/10. Capetonians were friendly and welcoming.

 

9. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile

Petrohué Falls is the forceful water part of the combo, add the lake and volcanoes and you’ve got a full day
 

• Location: Los Lagos Region, east of Puerto Varas.
• Best for: Volcanoes, Lago Todos los Santos, and Petrohué Falls.
• When and how long: Southern summer for easier outdoor planning; allow 1–2 days.
• Further reading: My three-week Chile itinerary.

Why the Lake District deserves your time

Lago Todos los Santos is one of the most beautiful lakes I've seen. Add the volcanoes and Petrohué Falls, and you've got much more than a stop between better-known Chilean destinations.

What I loved was the combination: that lake, volcanic shapes, and forceful water flowing through the landscape. Torres del Paine is still higher in my ranking, but this is a different kind of Chilean scenery and absolutely worth including. Use Puerto Varas or the surrounding area as a base rather than trying to treat every Lake District attraction as a quick excursion from Pucón.

• Scenery: 10/10. Volcanoes and Todos los Santos are the main reasons it ranks here.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Waterfall walks, viewpoints, and time around the lake.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Plan the separate stops and their access realistically.
• Value: 9/10. Strong variety without needing one expensive headline activity.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

 

10. Cañón del Sumidero National Park, Mexico

Yosemite with a river and crocodiles, and the boat is the only way to get right between those walls @ Sumidero Canyon
 

• Location: Chiapas, near Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo.
• Best for: Canyon walls, river scenery, and a boat journey.
• When and how long: A clear day with operating boat services; allow half to one day.
• Further reading: My Sumidero Canyon guide.

Why this is my Mexican heavyweight

Sumidero is like Yosemite with a river. And crocodiles. The canyon walls are grand enough to justify that comparison, and the boat gives you a perspective from right between them.

I liked seeing how the route eventually opens toward the reservoir. My frustration is the limited freedom inside the canyon: you depend on a boat trip rather than wandering through it on your own terms. Road-accessible overlooks provide another perspective, but they aren't a substitute for being on the river. This is one of the best national parks to visit in Mexico if you want a major natural sight without a demanding hike.

• Scenery: 10/10. Enormous walls and the river make the scale immediate.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. The boat is the main event; independent exploring is limited.
• Infrastructure: 8/10. Boat departures and separate viewpoints need a little coordination.
• Value: 9/10. A substantial experience without requiring a long expedition.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

11. Folgefonna National Park, Norway

We got a clear weather window for the glacier hike, which in this part of Norway is half the battle @ Folgefonna
 

• Location: Vestland, by the Hardangerfjord region.
• Best for: Guided glacier hiking and ice scenery.
• When and how long: Summer for guided ice walks; allow one full day or two with another hike.
• Further reading: My Norway hiking guide.

Why I would choose the guide carefully

We had a clear-weather window for our guided glacier hike, and it was fantastic. The equipment and preparation were well organized, and the guides helped people without previous ice experience.

The annoyance was the group size. We expected ten people and ended up with twelve. Constantly adjusting to everyone's pace on the rope got old. If the budget allowed, I'd choose a private guide to cover more at a suitable pace. It's one of the best national parks for a glacier experience, but the way you book that experience affects the day.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. Blue ice in a striking coastal mountain region.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Getting onto the ice is the reason to come.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Organized access, with weather a major constraint.
• Value: 8.5/10. Guided equipment and expertise matter; group size changes the value.
• Service: 9/10. Good preparation and guides, with pacing compromises.

 

12. Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Akagera turned out to be my favourite place in Rwanda, and the scenery between sightings is a big part of why
 

• Location: Eastern Rwanda, along the Tanzanian border.
• Best for: Safari combined with lakes, wetlands, and green hills.
• When and how long: Drier months simplify wildlife viewing; allow 2–3 days.
• Further reading: My Rwanda destination ranking.

Why Akagera surprised me so much

Akagera was my favorite place in Rwanda. The difference for me was the water: lakes, wetlands, hippos, crocodiles, and views across a landscape with real variety.

Infrastructure, hotels, and service were all very good. Among the best national parks for safari from my travels, Akagera combines animal watching with a landscape I enjoyed looking at between sightings. Give it several days.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. Water, hills, and savanna give the safari unusual variety.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Game drives and the lake experience complement each other.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. A well-organized safari destination in my experience.
• Value: 9/10. Enough variety to reward more than a single day.
• Service: 9.5/10. One of the clear strengths of my visit.

 

13. Samaria National Park, Greece

It’s a long day on the trail, so sort out your return ferry before you start walking @ Samaria Gorge
 

• Location: White Mountains, western Crete.
• Best for: A long gorge hike ending near the sea.
• When and how long: During the gorge's authorized opening season; reserve a full day.
• Further reading: My Samaria Gorge guide.

Why Samaria exceeded my expectations

Samaria is one of the best places I've visited in Europe. The scale of the gorge and the mountains so close to the sea caught me off guard.

The full crossing is a long day, and the wooded stretches aren't the main attraction for me. The huge walls and narrow sections are. Your transport matters because the classic route finishes on the coast, away from the starting point. Check official Samaria visitor information and the ferry arrangements; weather can change both.

• Scenery: 10/10. An extraordinary gorge within steep coastal mountains.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. A memorable full day, with less interesting forest sections.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. The trail works well; the return journey requires planning.
• Value: 9.5/10. The scale of the experience is the main strength.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

14. Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

I swapped the big climb for the easy valley trail and still got views like this, no summit required @ Valnontey
 

• Location: Aosta Valley and Piedmont, northwestern Italy.
• Best for: Alpine valleys and hikes with different levels of effort.
• When and how long: Summer into early fall; allow 1–3 days.
• Further reading: My Aosta Valley guide.

Why an easier walk was still enough

I arrived at Gran Paradiso with the beginnings of an illness. After about 400 meters of climbing, I started whining and changed the plan to the easier Valnontey River Trail.

It's one of the best national parks to visit for Alpine scenery without a major ascent. I didn't climb Gran Paradiso's summit. Combine it with Aosta Valley rather than assuming the only worthwhile day here is a strenuous one.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. An outstanding Alpine setting even from easier valley routes.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Good choice; my own visit favored the gentler option.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. A practical base for different hiking ambitions.
• Value: 9/10. You don't need a summit expedition for excellent views.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

15. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales, UK

I thought we’d breeze through Pembrokeshire, and then the coast kept giving us reasons to stop @ St Govan’s Head
 

• Location: Southwestern Wales, with Tenby a useful base.
• Best for: Coastal walks, cliffs, beaches, and seabird trips.
• When and how long: Late spring worked brilliantly for me; allow 3–4 days.
• Further reading: My places to visit in Wales.

Why the coast became a trip highlight

I thought we'd breeze through Pembrokeshire. It became an absolute highlight of our ten days in Wales, and I'm not even particularly into coasts. My girlfriend told me it was beautiful about every thirty seconds.

It's my favorite European coastal park, comparable to the Garden Route and Big Sur. The Cauldron, coastal stacks, St Govan's Chapel, and beaches kept giving us reasons to stop. Our boat trip around Skomer was another highlight; we didn't land on the island.

• Scenery: 10/10. Dramatic cliffs and a remarkable concentration of coastal sights.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Coastal walks, beaches, and seasonal birdwatching complement each other.
• Infrastructure: 9.5/10. Parking and short walks made many stops straightforward.
• Value: 9.5/10. Our guided Skomer cruise cost GBP 25 per person then.
• Service: 10/10. The Welsh friendliness was a major part of the trip.

I'd base myself in Tenby again and give the coast more time. Compare accommodation in Tenby.

 

 

16. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Sightings like this are why my planned two days in Kruger turned into four
 

• Location: Northeastern South Africa, in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
• Best for: Several days of self-drive wildlife viewing.
• When and how long: Dry season for easier spotting; allow 3–4 days.
• Further reading: My Kruger travel guide.

Why I stayed longer than planned

I'm not someone who can watch similar safari scenes indefinitely. In Kruger, my planned two days became four.

This is one of the best national parks to visit for an independent safari. I particularly liked exploring the southern areas, and I've seen plenty of animals in both wetter and drier conditions.  Allow several outings and start early.

• Scenery: 9/10. Less immediately dramatic than Akagera, but varied across a huge area.
• Hiking and experiences: 10/10. Exceptional self-drive wildlife viewing held my attention for days.
• Infrastructure: 9.5/10. A standout among safari parks for independent access.
• Value: 9/10. More days materially improved the experience for me.
• Service: 8.5/10. I preferred private accommodation outside the park.

We loved Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge, including watching wildlife from the terrace. Check its distance from your intended gate before booking. Compare rooms and rates at Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge.

 

17. Nikkō National Park, Japan

The Hangetsuyama walk is short and easy, and this is the payoff waiting at the end
 

• Location: Mountainous central Honshu, north of Tokyo.
• Best for: Forests, waterfalls, Lake Chūzenji, and nearby historic shrines.
• When and how long: Spring to fall; allow at least two days.
• Further reading: My two-day Nikkō itinerary.

Why I would give Nikkō more than a shrine visit

Looking back on my Japan trip, Nikkō was my favorite destination. The cedar forests reminded me of California, while the mountains around Lake Chūzenji felt entirely different from Europe.

For an easy scenic outing, I liked the Hangetsuyama viewpoint walk. Kegon Falls was another clear highlight, including the lower viewing perspective. Just remember my August visit was hot, humid, full of mosquitoes, and crowded around the famous sites.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. Mountain lakes, forests, and substantial waterfalls.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Short scenic walks combine well with nearby cultural sights.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Good access by car; scattered stops take longer by public transport.
• Value: 9/10. Many individual visits were inexpensive on my trip.
• Service: 8.5/10. Good overall, with language and information gaps at some sites.

Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko had spacious beds, friendly service, and parking. Compare rooms and rates at Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko.

 

18. Teide National Park, Spain

The summit wasn’t the highlight for me, the whole volcanic landscape around it was @ Teide
 

• Location: Central Tenerife, Canary Islands.
• Best for: Volcanic scenery, scenic driving, and high-altitude walks.
• When and how long: A clear-weather day year-round; allow a full day.
• Further reading: My Mount Teide experience.

Why the park impressed me more than the summit

Teide's landscape can compete with some of the best national parks in the world. Driving through the caldera, lava fields, and strange rock formations was a huge part of the experience.

I took the cable car and explored the high-altitude area, including the Pico Viejo viewpoint route. But reaching the absolute summit wasn't what made the visit worthwhile; the broader park was.

For a less demanding visit, drive through and add a shorter walk around Roques de García. Check official Tenerife trail information for reservations and restrictions; a cable-car ticket doesn't automatically authorize every onward trail.

• Scenery: 10/10. Volcanic variety and scale well beyond a single cone.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Worthwhile shorter options as well as demanding routes.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Driving opens up a lot; high-altitude access needs planning.
• Value: 9/10. The landscape delivers without buying every summit-related extra.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

19. Death Valley National Park, USA

Dante’s View is where the size of this desert finally hits you, so come early before the heat does
 

• Location: Eastern California and Nevada, in the Mojave Desert region.
• Best for: Salt flats, colorful mountains, viewpoints, and stars.
• When and how long: Cooler months; allow 1–2 days and ideally an overnight stay.
• Further reading: My California guides.

Why a thermometer photograph is not enough

On my first visit, I underestimated Death Valley. I've since visited in August, September, and late October, and the cooler visit was much better for exploring. Even then, heat mattered.

Dante's View is where I appreciate the vastness most. Badwater Basin, the drive through Artists Drive, and sunrise at Zabriskie Point give you very different versions of the desert. The stars were another exceptional experience when I stayed overnight.

This is one of the best national parks for a road trip. Give it a proper day. In hot weather, skip low-elevation hiking and choose conditions over ambition.

• Scenery: 10/10. Salt, mountains, dunes, and colored rock keep the desert varied.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Excellent viewpoints and stars; heat limits walking.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Long drives, sparse services, and expensive fuel require preparation.
• Value: 9/10. Much better when you give the park real time.
• Service: 9/10. I enjoyed the visitor center and my hotel stay.

At The Inn at Death Valley, I loved the casita, golf cart, pool, and location for an early Zabriskie visit.

 

20. Tatra National Park, Slovakia

Gentle lake walks like this one are why the Tatras worked so well for our first trip with a baby @ Popradske pleso
 

• Location: Northern Slovakia, including the High Tatras around Štrbské Pleso.
• Best for: Compact mountain holidays with walks of different difficulty.
• When and how long: Summer into early fall for higher trails; allow 3–5 days.

Why I like the Tatras for a family base

The Tatras are one of the most compact mountain destinations I've visited. Everything feels close together, with good infrastructure, friendly people, modern facilities, and restaurants I enjoyed.

This was my first holiday with my three-month-old son. Easier outings and comfortable facilities made it work brilliantly. That doesn't mean taking a baby on exposed high-mountain routes. You can choose gentle lake walks or serious hikes. Check TANAP's official hiking rules for seasonal closures before planning higher routes.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. Lakes and rugged peaks in a compact mountain area.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Easy walks and demanding hikes support different trips.
• Infrastructure: 9.5/10. Short transfers and modern facilities are major strengths.
• Value: 9/10. A practical mountain base without constant relocation.
• Service: 9.5/10. Friendly people and good restaurants helped our family visit.

 

21. Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany

The Königssee boat plus the walk to Obersee is the obvious priority, and for once the obvious choice is the right one @ Obersee
 

• Location: Bavarian Alps, southeastern Germany.
• Best for: Königssee, Obersee, Watzmann views, and valley walks.
• When and how long: Late spring through early fall; allow 2–3 days.
• Further reading: My Berchtesgaden guide.

Why it is my favorite German national park

Königssee and Watzmann make Berchtesgaden one of the most beautiful national parks in the Alps. For Germany, it's my number one.

The boat across Königssee and the walk toward Obersee are obvious priorities, but don't stop there. I found the longer Wimbach valley walk extremely rewarding, with mountain walls around me and a well-earned meal farther up. It's one of the best national parks in Europe for fitting very different levels of activity into the same base.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. Lakes beneath steep mountains are the defining attraction.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Boats, short gorge walks, and longer mountain days.
• Infrastructure: 9.5/10. Excellent visitor access, with popular departures worth planning.
• Value: 9/10. Several strong experiences can share one base.
• Service: 9/10.

 

 

22. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Giraffes against that dry landscape made up for the half hour I spent buying tickets @ Etosha
 

• Location: Northern Namibia, around the vast Etosha Pan.
• Best for: Self-drive safari, waterholes, and wildlife in an arid setting.
• When and how long: Dry season, roughly May–October; I'd prioritize two days.
• Further reading: My Etosha guide.

Why the safari beats the paperwork

Seeing lions and giraffes against such a dry landscape makes Etosha different from the other safari parks here.

But the gravel roads slow everything down, and service was a weaker point. We were first in line and still spent more than thirty minutes buying tickets on my visit. I stayed three days and felt two would have been enough for me; the landscape became repetitive before the animals stopped appearing.

• Scenery: 9/10. The arid setting distinguishes it from greener safari parks.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Wildlife viewing is the reason to come.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. A useful road network, but slow surfaces and long transfers.
• Value: 9/10. Strong for the wildlife, especially over a focused visit.
• Service: 8/10. The entrance process and service lowered the overall experience.

 

23. Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Chimps in the morning and the canopy walkway after, that variety is why I’d pick Nyungwe over Volcanoes
 

• Location: Southwestern Rwanda, in mountainous rainforest.
• Best for: Chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, and the canopy walkway.
• When and how long: Drier periods make walks easier; allow 2–3 days.
• Further reading: My things to do in Rwanda.

Why I preferred it to Volcanoes

Nyungwe is a fantastic jungle park. Chimpanzee trekking, hiking, and the canopy walkway gave me several different ways to experience the forest.

I preferred it to Volcanoes National Park overall. The gorillas there were extraordinary, but Nyungwe offered more of the rainforest experience I wanted, and I found chimp trekking better value. This is one of the best national parks to visit in Rwanda if you want several active days rather than organizing the whole stop around one expensive encounter. Bring rain protection even when the forecast looks encouraging.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. Misty rainforest and mountains create a very different Rwanda.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Chimps, forest trails, and the canopy walk give variety.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Organized visits, with advance planning for specific activities.
• Value: 9.5/10. Chimp trekking particularly impressed me relative to gorilla costs.
• Service: 9/10.

 

24. Masada National Park, Israel

History below your feet and the desert all around, which is why Masada earned a spot on a list full of mountains
 

• Location: On a desert plateau beside the Dead Sea.
• Best for: History, an elevated archaeological site, and desert views.
• When and how long: Cooler months; allow half a day.

Why a historical park belongs here

Masada is the historical exception in this ranking. The plateau setting and Dead Sea views are extraordinary. Herod's palace complex and the remains of the Roman siege give it historical weight beyond the view.

In the desert, timing and heat conditions matter far more than a short distance on paper. If you enjoy ancient sites, Masada combines physical setting and historical interest unusually well. If your only interest is wildlife or forests, this won't serve the same purpose as most of the other national parks on the list.

• Scenery: 9/10. An exceptional plateau and Dead Sea setting.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. History supplies much of the experience, alongside the ascent.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. A developed visitor attraction; heat can restrict walking.
• Value: 9/10. Particularly strong if the history interests you.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

25. Kazbegi National Park, Georgia

Somewhere around here the day started turning into a fifteen-hour adventure, so carry proper navigation @ Gergeti Glacier trail
 

• Location: Greater Caucasus, around Stepantsminda in northeastern Georgia.
• Best for: High-mountain scenery and demanding hiking.
• When and how long: Summer to early fall for higher walks; allow 2–3 days.
• Further reading: My Georgia hiking guide.

Why the mountains outrank the experience around them

Kazbeg was the first mountain over 5,000 meters that I saw in person. It remains one of the most beautiful mountain sights I've encountered.

I walked toward Gergeti Glacier, reaching roughly 3,300 meters before turning back. I got lost on the descent, and the day stretched to about fifteen hours. That was my experience, not a standard trail time or a summit attempt.

The services around the visit were dreadful in my experience. That's why Kazbegi is this low despite the mountains. Choose a route realistically, carry navigation, and don't turn the glacier approach into an improvised ice crossing.

• Scenery: 10/10. The Caucasus landscape deserves the strongest praise.
• Hiking and experiences: 9.5/10. Extraordinary scenery, with a demanding approach and descent.
• Infrastructure: 8/10. Navigation and logistics were significant weaknesses on my visit.
• Value: 8.5/10. The views are exceptional, but time and effort matter too.
• Service: 8/10. Poor service was a major reason the overall visit fell short of the scenery.

 

26. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Even a mountain guy like me has to admit this much sand looks pretty unreal @ Sossusvlei
 

• Location: Western Namibia; my focus was Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and nearby dunes.
• Best for: Huge sand dunes, dead camelthorn trees, and desert photography.
• When and how long: Cooler months and early starts; allow 1–2 days around Sossusvlei.
• Further reading: My Sossusvlei and Deadvlei guide.

Why a desert lover would put it higher

Namib-Naukluft would rank higher for plenty of people. The dunes and Deadvlei's dead trees on the dry clay pan are extraordinary.

I prefer mountains to deserts, and the distances and heat make exploring harder. It's one of the best national parks to visit in Namibia, even with my reservations about sand. Plan the final sandy approach carefully; driving the main road and driving through deep sand are different things. A suitable shuttle can be the better choice than proving something with your rental car.

• Scenery: 10/10. The dunes and Deadvlei are unlike the Alpine parks here.
• Hiking and experiences: 8.5/10. Dune walks and photography, with heat limiting effort.
• Infrastructure: 8/10. Long approaches and sand need realistic vehicle planning.
• Value: 8.5/10. Unforgettable sights, with significant travel effort around them.
• Service: 8/10.

 

 

27. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Valley outings in the Julian Alps come with grazing cows and mountain huts, no Triglav summit needed
 

• Location: Julian Alps, northwestern Slovenia, including Bohinj.
• Best for: Alpine lakes, valley outings, and mountain hiking.
• When and how long: Summer to early fall; allow 2–4 days.
• Further reading: My Bohinj guide.

Why I would combine the park with nearby Bled

Bohinj and the surrounding Julian Alps make this a very rewarding part of Slovenia. I'd add nearby Bled, which sits outside the park.

The scenery is beautiful, although for me the Dolomites have the edge for sheer Alpine drama. Around Bohinj, viewpoints and time on the water add more than simply looking at the lake and leaving. My girlfriend climbed Mount Triglav; I didn't. Check boat-rental closing times before leaving an outing until late afternoon.

• Scenery: 9/10. Beautiful lakes and mountains, with stronger Alpine rivals for me.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Viewpoints, valley outings, and lake activities combine well.
• Infrastructure: 8.5/10. Useful bases, with local driving and access constraints.
• Value: 8.5/10. Best when you spend time exploring beyond a lake photograph.
• Service: 8.5/10. Around Bohinj, I found service less welcoming than in Italy, Spain, or the UK, although the level of English was very high.

 

28. Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland National Parks, Germany and Czech Republic

About ten visits in and this sandstone region still feels distinctive to me, no Alpine altitude needed @ Bohemian Switzerland
 

• Location: The Elbe sandstone region across the German–Czech border.
• Best for: Sandstone formations, wooded walks, and viewpoints.
• When and how long: Spring to fall; allow 2–3 days across both sides.

Why the final position still means a strong recommendation

I've visited this region about ten times. Those sandstone formations are unusual enough that, despite all my travels, I still find the landscape distinctive.

It's among the best national parks to visit here for dramatic scenery without Alpine altitude. I'm grouping two neighboring parks into one regional trip, not pretending they're a single protected area. Plan around currently open marked routes; specific bridges, gorges, viewpoints, and access points can have different restrictions. Check access on each side of the border separately.

• Scenery: 9.5/10. A distinctive sandstone landscape that still impresses me after repeat visits.
• Hiking and experiences: 9/10. Rewarding walks and viewpoints without needing high summits.
• Infrastructure: 9/10. Established access, with route-specific restrictions worth checking.
• Value: 9/10. Plenty to see over a short regional trip.
• Service: 8.5/10.

 

Which national park should you actually visit

If I could only pick one park, I’d still come back to this view @ Yosemite
 

If I had to choose one, it would still be Yosemite. For a bigger Patagonia trip, Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares complement each other brilliantly. If wildlife matters most, compare the greener variety of Akagera with the multi-day self-drive experience of Kruger.

For Europe, Hohe Tauern is my strongest all-round Alpine recommendation, Pembrokeshire is my coastal pick, and the Tatras worked especially well for a comfortable family base. Desert lovers should move Death Valley and Namib-Naukluft up their own lists.

The best national parks to visit depend on your interests. Give your chosen park enough time. My shortest stays are often the ones I'd change first.

 

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