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Clouds covering Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica.

Whales, Sea Turtles, and Active Volcanoes—Here Are 9 Must-Visit Costa Rican Parks

Though smaller than the state of West Virginia, Costa Rica has devoted more than 25 percent of its land to protected parks and nature reserves.

April 17, 2023 07:18 PM

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Mona Gable

Johnson Lake, an alpine lake in the Snake Range, located inside Great Basin National Park in Nevada.

Travel Tips + Etiquette

U.S. National Parks Are at Risk Amid Staff Shortages and Budget Cuts. Here Are 6 Ways to Support Them

Budget changes mean that how you support the national parks—either in person or from afar—is more important than ever.

April 18, 2025 07:04 AM

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Bailey Berg

A stone staircase rising through the forest, surrounded by tree trunks and green plants, with a mountain lake in the distance

Hiking + Cycling

These 3 Long-Distance Scenic Trails Have Joined the National Park System

The total number of U.S. national park units has been bumped up to 428 with the designation of these scenic trails: the Ice Age, the New England, and the North Country.

December 13, 2023 10:00 AM

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Bailey Berg

Sunrise over colored trees at Shenandoah National Park

Natural Wonders

Charming Small Towns, National Parks, and Road Trips: 18 Beautiful Places to Travel for Fall Foliage

Here’s where to spy those gorgeous hues of gold and vermilion, from New England to northern national parks.

August 25, 2025 04:00 AM

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Chloe Arrojado

Grand Marais Light against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains on Lake Superior

Road Trips

Beaches, Breweries, and Bison: 9 Road Trips That Show Off the Best of the Midwest

These road-trip itineraries through the heartland offer lakefront beaches, farm-fresh cuisine, and state parks filled with history and wildlife.

May 21, 2024 01:49 PM

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Nicole Schnitzler

Three women hold a yoga pose on an open-air wooden platform. Surrounded by nature, mountains loom in the distance.

Health + Wellness

How to Slow Down and Recharge in Park City

In Park City, Utah, mindfulness shapes every experience—from unplugging outdoors to locally sourced meals, and supporting conservation.

Sponsored by Visit Park City

Lassen Peak perfectly mirrored in Manzanita Lake

National Parks

These Cooler, Less-Crowded National Parks Are Best in Summer

From Alaska to Maine, here’s where to swim, hike, and camp all summer long.

May 21, 2025 03:34 AM

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Chloe Arrojado

A train running alongside the ocean, with beach grass in the foreground

Trains

10 Train Routes That Will Take You Straight to a National Park

Amtrak routes like the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr deliver you straight to the country’s wildest places.

September 19, 2025 09:03 PM

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Alexandra Gillespie

Outdoor Adventure

19 U.S. National Parks You Can Visit for Free—Any Time of the Year

Of the 63 national parks in the United States, about a third are free to visit every day of the year.

October 3, 2024 04:16 PM

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Bailey Berg

Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta

National Parks

An Essential Guide to Jasper National Park—Where Glacial Lakes and Hot Springs Are Calling

Plus scenic drives and the darkest skies here in the Rocky Mountains.

March 20, 2026 02:30 PM

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Juliette Recompsat

A stargazing lookout center on a lake at night in Voyageurs National Park, an International Dark Sky Park in Minnesota.

National Parks

The Ultimate Adventure Through Minnesota and Its National Park

From Voyageurs National Park to the North Shore of Lake Superior, get off the beaten path with this guide to Minnesota’s most stunning parks and scenic drives.

Sponsored by Explore Minnesota

A kayak balanced on some rocks on the side of a lake

Travel for Good

Can U.S. National Parks Truly Go Carbon-Free? The Answer Lies in Lake Superior

The ambitious five-park plan serves as a climate-fighting call to action.

April 17, 2023 11:01 AM

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Jacqueline Kehoe

Breathtaking scenic aerial view of Doubtful Lake from Sahale Arm on the Cascade Pass Trail in North Cascades National Park.

National Parks

11 Underrated, Crowd-Free U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2026 With No Foreign Visitor Fees

As new entry fees for international travelers take effect at several of the country’s busiest parks, these destinations offer equally striking landscapes without the added costs.

March 23, 2026 02:28 PM

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Emily Pennington

Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park

National Parks

10 Stunning National Park Trails You Should Hike at Least Once in Your Life

America’s national parks offer some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring hiking experiences in the world.

July 7, 2025 01:54 PM

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Bailey Berg

A snow-covered mountain reflected in a clear lake, surrounded by evergreen trees

National Parks

10 Less-Crowded Alternatives to the Most Popular U.S. National Parks

With crowds overrunning the U.S.’s most popular national parks, head to these alternative parks, forests, and natural wonders instead.

April 23, 2025 03:04 AM

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Maggie Fuller

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