Exploring the top national parks is a journey through some of the Earth’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone building their national park bucket list, these destinations offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience of nature, adventure, and tranquility.
Must-Visit Destinations: The Top National Parks You Shouldn’t Miss
Before we list them, let’s understand their significance. The top national parks in the world serve as sanctuaries for endangered species, preserve cultural heritage, and provide a much-needed escape into the wild. In 2025, visiting these top national parks to visit in 2025 is more relevant than ever as people seek out meaningful and eco-conscious travel.
Here are some of the top national parks around the world that should be on your travel list:
1. Yellowstone National Park (USA)
Location: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Established: 1872
Highlights:
As one of the most visited national parks in the world, Yellowstone is renowned for its geothermal features like the iconic Old Faithful geyser and the Mammoth Hot Springs. Yellowstone is home to diverse wildlife, including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, and sightseeing. It’s not only America’s first national park but also ranks among the top national parks to visit in 2025 for its diverse wildlife, including bison, bears, and wolves.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall for optimal weather conditions.
2. Banff National Park (Canada)
Location: Alberta, Canada
Established: 1885
Highlights:
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is considered one of the top 10 most beautiful national parks in the world. The Banff national park offers crystal-clear lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Banff also features abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, and mountain goats, making it one of the best national parks in the world for wildlife watching. Skiing is a major activity in winter, while hiking and sightseeing are popular in the warmer months.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but summer and winter are the peak seasons for hiking and skiing, respectively.
3. Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa
Established: 1898
Highlights:
Kruger is one of Africa’s largest and most famous game reserves. As one of the top national parks for safari experiences, it is a prime destination for safari enthusiasts, offering sightings of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). The park’s diverse ecosystems, including savanna, forests, and wetlands, make it a great place for spotting a wide variety of wildlife.
Best time to visit: From May to October, as this is the dry season, making wildlife sightings easier.
4. Yosemite National Park (USA)
Location: California, USA
Established: 1890
Highlights:
Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls draw visitors from all over the world. The park offers diverse activities, from rock climbing and hiking to photography and stargazing. It’s one of the most popular national parks for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Best time to visit: Spring and early fall, when the weather is mild and the waterfalls are at their peak.
5. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Location: Northern Tanzania
Established: 1951
Highlights:
The Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks in the world, known for its incredible wildlife and the annual Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras. The park is home to an abundance of animals, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. Safaris are the main attraction, and visitors can also experience cultural tours with local Maasai communities.
Best time to visit: The dry season, from June to October, offers the best wildlife viewing.
6. Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Established: 1959
Highlights:
Torres del Paine stands out among the top 10 national parks in the world for its rugged peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and vast wilderness. It’s a popular destination for trekkers who explore the famous “W” and “O” circuits. The park is home to wildlife like guanacos, pumas, and Andean condors.
Best time to visit: November to early March, during the southern hemisphere summer when the weather is more favorable.
7. Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Location: Northern Botswana
Established: 1968
Highlights:
Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population, with over 120,000 elephants calling it home. The park also offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, including lions, hippos, and crocodiles. The Chobe River provides excellent boat safaris, and game drives are a great way to explore the park.
Best time to visit: From May to October during the dry season when animals gather around water sources.
8. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Australia)
Location: Queensland, Australia
Established: 1975
Highlights:
Although not a traditional land-based national park, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. The park offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and diving to see vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine life such as sea turtles and sharks. Visitors can explore the reef from several points along the Queensland coast.
Best time to visit: May to October, when the weather is drier and more conducive to water activities.
9. Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Established: 1952
Highlights:
Fiordland is famous for its stunning fjords, waterfalls, and alpine scenery. The park includes iconic locations like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, kayaking, and hiking. The Kepler and Routeburn Tracks offer some of the best multi-day hikes in New Zealand.
Best time to visit: November to April for mild weather and clear skies.
10. Galápagos National Park (Ecuador)
Location: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Established: 1959
Highlights:
The Galápagos National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its unique wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Visitors can interact with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and colorful birds in a pristine environment. The park’s isolated location makes it a haven for biodiversity.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but the dry season from June to November is ideal for wildlife sightings.
11. Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
Location: Central Croatia
Established: 1949
Highlights:
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes is known for its chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. Wooden walkways and hiking trails wind through lush forests, offering picturesque views. The park’s crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant foliage make it a photographer’s paradise.
Best time to visit: Spring and early fall for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
12. Zion National Park (USA)
Location: Utah, USA
Established: 1919
Highlights:
Zion is a spectacular park known for its towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and scenic vistas. Popular hikes include Angels Landing and The Narrows, both offering adrenaline-pumping views and experiences. The Virgin River runs through the park, enhancing its beauty and ecosystem.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
13. Jasper National Park (Canada)
Location: Alberta, Canada
Established: 1907
Highlights:
Located in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is known for its expansive wilderness, glacier-fed lakes, and dark sky preserves. Attractions include Maligne Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and wildlife such as elk and bears. It’s a top destination for stargazing, hiking, and scenic drives.
Best time to visit: June to September.
14. Cinque Terre National Park (Italy)
Location: Liguria, Italy
Established: 1999
Highlights:
This coastal national park includes five picturesque villages perched on rugged cliffs along the Italian Riviera. Known for its hiking trails, terraced vineyards, and breathtaking sea views, Cinque Terre offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and Mediterranean charm.
Best time to visit: April to October.
15. Arches National Park (USA)
Location: Utah, USA
Established: 1929
Highlights:
Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this park is a marvel of geology and desert beauty. Iconic formations like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are must-sees. The contrasting red rock against blue skies makes for stunning visuals.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for milder temperatures.
16. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park (New Zealand)
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Established: 1953
Highlights:
Named after the tallest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki is a haven for mountaineers and nature lovers. It features alpine landscapes, glaciers, and stargazing opportunities in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Best time to visit: November to February.
17. Komodo National Park (Indonesia)
Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Established: 1980
Highlights:
Famous for its Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, this park also offers stunning marine biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and island hiking. The vibrant coral reefs and pink sand beaches add to the allure.
Best time to visit: April to December.
18. Vatnajökull National Park (Iceland)
Location: Southeast Iceland
Established: 2008
Highlights:
Covering 14% of Iceland, this park features the largest glacier in Europe, ice caves, active volcanoes, and black sand plains. It’s a wonderland of fire and ice, offering glacier hikes and epic photography spots.
Best time to visit: June to August.
19. Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Location: Northern Namibia
Established: 1907
Highlights:
Etosha is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, centered around a vast salt pan visible from space. The park is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, and more. Waterholes offer excellent wildlife viewing throughout the dry season.
Best time to visit: June to October.
20. Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal)
Location: Eastern Nepal
Established: 1976
Highlights:
Home to Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, Sagarmatha is a high-altitude wonderland. Besides mountaineering, it offers cultural encounters with Sherpa communities and views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Best time to visit: March to May and October to November.
FAQs
Conclusion: Why the Top National Parks Deserve a Spot on Your Travel List
Whether you’re drawn to snow-covered peaks, tropical reefs, or wildlife safaris, these top national parks offer experiences that will stick with you for a lifetime. From the largest national park in the world to the most underrated yet beautiful ones, each holds a piece of our planet’s soul. Add them to your itinerary and let nature inspire you like never before.
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