July is undoubtedly the most popular month for vacations in the United States, with 72 million people expected to travel during the Fourth of July in 2025 alone. This peak month is ideal for fun, relaxation, and adventure.
While many may dream of lounging on a beach, others may wish to explore America’s beautiful national parks. However, visiting national parks in July can come with challenges, including large crowds and specific park regulations, such as the fireworks ban at Yellowstone.
Nonetheless, several underrated national parks offer the perfect summer getaway, featuring pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and extraordinary experiences. These parks are well worth considering for your July vacation.
**Dry Tortugas National Park** is an excellent choice for those heading to the Florida Keys. Known for its stunning Key West resorts, visitors looking for a quieter escape may prefer the remote Dry Tortugas.
Accessible only by ferry or seaplane from Key West, Dry Tortugas offers a tropical paradise without the crowds typically found in popular beach destinations. The park remains open 24 hours a day, but each island has specific seasonal hours that may affect visiting times. July boasts ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
The park also offers opportunities for ocean paddling, fishing, and even overnight camping right on the beach. Unique historical sites, including Fort Jefferson and Loggerhead Key Lighthouse, enrich the experience.
Another coast destination, **Channel Islands National Park**, presents a different kind of island adventure. Situated just off the coast of Los Angeles, the park’s islands have maintained their natural, undeveloped state, preserving a rich marine ecosystem.
A visit in July provides average temperatures in the 70s with clear, warm ocean conditions. The dramatic cliffs and geological features of Channel Islands create a breathtaking landscape complemented by white sandy beaches, making it known as the ‘Caribbean of California.’
While there are beautiful beaches, the park is best known for active endeavors. The Pacific waters facilitate thrilling kayaking opportunities, and the rugged terrain offers spectacular hiking trails.
Traveling to Channel Islands National Park also requires a boat trip from the mainland, ensuring a less crowded experience during peak tourism periods.
For mountain enthusiasts, **North Cascades National Park** is an excellent option in Washington state. Known for its breathtaking beauty, this park is less frequented than popular destinations like Rocky Mountain or Glacier National Park.
With only about 16,485 visitors expected in 2024, North Cascades ranks among the least-visited national parks in the U.S. For those seeking solitude in nature, this park provides a chance to enjoy majestic mountain scenery, featuring snow-capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, rivers, wetlands, and glaciers.
With summer conditions perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and boating, July is an ideal time to explore North Cascades without the distractions of large crowds.
**Voyageurs National Park** in Minnesota offers a different experience, focusing on water adventures. Covering an area rich with ancient rocks, Voyageurs protects 84,000 acres of lakes, 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and over 500 islands.
Even in winter, this park is a remarkable location, but July is certainly prime time to experience the beauty of water trails. With summer temperatures typically in the mid to upper 70s, activities such as guided boat trips, backcountry hikes, and birdwatching abound.
As night falls, Voyageurs offers stunning dark skies ideal for stargazing, making it a unique camping experience.
Lastly, **Theodore Roosevelt National Park** stands out for a July vacation. Named after America’s 26th President, this park reflects Roosevelt’s conservationist spirit and showcases the rugged beauty of North Dakota’s landscapes.
The park features striking scenery, including grasslands, floodplains, rivers, and badlands, representing the frontier spirit of America. Home to iconic American bison, Theodore Roosevelt National Park allows visitors to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Roosevelt had strong ties to North Dakota, having established his Elkhorn Ranch there in the 1880s, and the park preserves this historical site, allowing visitors to experience the life he once lived.
In conclusion, although July is the prime month for national parks, many lesser-known options offer unique experiences with fewer crowds, perfect weather, and diverse activities, making them ideal destinations for your summer vacation.
image source from：thetravel
