Travel + Leisure’s annual survey has revealed the top national parks in the United States for 2024, showcasing a stunning variety of ecosystems across the country.
With a total of 63 national parks in America, spread across 31 states and territories, the results highlight the unique beauty of each location.
This year, readers voted on their favorites, reflecting a range of natural attractions and experiences available from subarctic mountain ranges to tropical Caribbean rain forests.
The voting process involved nearly 180,000 readers who participated in the survey, casting more than 657,000 votes encompassing hotels, resorts, cities, and more.
In the national park category, voters rated parks based on attributes such as natural attractions, activities, lodging, wildlife, accessibility, and cleanliness.
Each characteristic received ratings from excellent to poor, with final scores being calculated as averages of these assessments.
Among the most popular parks this year are not just the well-trodden paths in the West but also some of the least-visited areas like Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park, ranked at No. 10 and No. 20 respectively.
Both parks are characterized by their remote beauty and can only be accessed by small planes, making their pristine landscapes even more appealing to T+L readers.
Alaska stands out in this year’s rankings with five of its eight national parks being included in the top selections, such as Kenai Fjords National Park, landing at No. 2, which was described by a respondent as a “wildlife extravaganza.”
California follows closely behind with four parks in the rankings, including iconic spots like Yosemite, which continues to attract visitors with its historical significance and natural beauty.
Utah’s stunning geological formations are also highlighted, with parks like Bryce Canyon at No. 21 and Arches National Park at No. 24 receiving recognition.
While the dramatic vistas of the West captivate many, the Eastern U.S. also holds hidden treasures, such as Shenandoah National Park, ranked at No. 19.
One reader noted that Shenandoah is often overshadowed by larger parks, yet offers breathtaking scenery and tranquility.
This year’s list even includes a hidden gem: Virgin Islands National Park at No. 9, praised for its serene landscapes and Caribbean charm.
Unsurprisingly, Yellowstone National Park, the first U.S. national park, has taken the top spot once again, marking its fifth consecutive year at No. 1 in the T+L survey.
Located in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, readers appreciate its diverse landscapes and abundant geothermal features.
Wildlife enthusiasts particularly enjoy spotting animals such as bison, moose, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep.
One respondent expressed their awe at Yellowstone’s sheer beauty and likened the wildlife-spotting experience to an African safari.
The full list of top parks for 2024, based on reader scores, is as follows:
1. Yellowstone: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana – Reader Score: 91.03
2. Kenai Fjords: Alaska – Reader Score: 89.82
3. Grand Teton: Wyoming – Reader Score: 89.51
4. Yosemite: California – Reader Score: 89.03
5. Rocky Mountain: Colorado – Reader Score: 88.36
6. Glacier: Montana – Reader Score: 87.25
7. Zion: Utah – Reader Score: 86.05
8. Great Smoky Mountains: Tennessee and North Carolina – Reader Score: 86.00
9. Virgin Islands: St. John, U.S.V.I. – Reader Score: 85.92
10. Katmai: Alaska – Reader Score: 85.75
11. Grand Canyon: Arizona – Reader Score: 85.18
12. Olympic: Washington – Reader Score: 84.18
13. Denali: Alaska – Reader Score: 84.11
14. Sequoia: California – Reader Score: 83.98
15. Redwood: California – Reader Score: 83.62
16. Mount Rainier: Washington – Reader Score: 83.62
17. Glacier Bay: Alaska – Reader Score: 83.45
18. Acadia: Maine – Reader Score: 83.13
19. Shenandoah: Virginia – Reader Score: 81.62
20. Lake Clark: Alaska – Reader Score: 81.45
21. Bryce Canyon: Utah – Reader Score: 81.44
22. Kings Canyon: California – Reader Score: 81.30
23. Hawai’i Volcanoes: Hawai’i – Reader Score: 81.29
24. Arches: Utah – Reader Score: 81.13
The diversity and beauty of these national parks reflect the vast array of experiences available to nature lovers in the United States.
image source from：travelandleisure
