Empire State Building lights sparkle for 94th birthday celebration
"Sparkling tonight in celebration of my 94th birthday," read a post on its social media page.
On May 1, 1931, the iconic skyscraper opened its doors to the public for the first time. On that day, President Herbert Hoover pressed the button in Washington, D.C. to officially open the building and turn on its lights.
Back then, it was the world's tallest building, and visitors could pay 10 cents to look through a telescope at the city skyline.
Nearly 20 years later, a 222-foot antenna was added, bringing the spire height to 1,472 feet.
The Empire State Building was recognized by the National Parks Service in 1986 and became a National Historic Landmark.
In recent years, the building has undergone a series of upgrades to become more sustainable, and it added new visitor experiences.
To this day, it remains the number one attraction in the world, according to rankings from Tripadvisor.
Each night, locals and tourists alike look up to see what colors will be on display atop its spire. Once the birthday celebration is over, it will be lit up in blue and purple in honor of Police Memorial Day on Thursday, followed by its classic white lights on Friday.
Later this month, it will appear red, white and blue to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. CLICK HERE to check out the full calendar.
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F rom awe-inspiring rock formations to lush rainforests to crystalline lakes, the best national parks in the U.S. showcase a diverse array of natural beauty. These sites offer profound glimpses into the country's most protected landscapes. Whether you're prepping for a hike or traveling with your boat in tow, there are an abundance of outdoor activities available at each—making these excellent destinations for your next family trip. While assembling our list of parks, we reached out to Eric Kaps, a preservationist with the National Parks Service, for insights on the most standout destinations. Popular options include Acadia National Park for its rich New England coastline, Yellowstone National Park for its stunning volcanic geysers and Yosemite National Park for its boundless mountain vistas. Here are the best U.S. national parks we recommend visiting, plus where to stay near each one. Sunrise at the tunnel view vista point at the Yosemite National Park. getty Who Will Love It: Hikers of all levels; photographers; large groups All-Star Attractions: Mist Trail; Glacier Point; Bridalveil Fall; Mirror Lake What Not To Miss: Biking through Yosemite Valley Where To Stay: Firefall Ranch; AutoCamp Yosemite; The Moonstone Retreat As one of the first federally protected pieces of land in the United States, the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park continue to stand the test of time. The splendor of this area was initially preserved via President Abraham Lincoln's Yosemite Grant Act in 1864, and has since drawn in millions of visitors every year with its breathtaking vistas and teeming wildlife. In its 1,200-plus square miles of vast wilderness, you can hike up granite cliffs, bike through sweeping valleys and picnic alongside countless waterfalls; rafting, fishing and swimming are also popular pastimes at Merced River—perfect for cooling off during the warmer months. 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Roosevelt) inside its spacious guestrooms along the shores of Lake Crescent. In addition to a casual dining venue, the hotel also now hosts boat rentals. Waterfront Tiny Home: This remodeled 1920s cabin pulls out all the stops for tiny home luxury—think modern tech, a kitchen equipped with high-end Smeg appliances and a waterfront hot tub. The porthole-lined getaway has just enough room for two, making this a great option for couples seeking a bit of privacy. Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone River crashes over the Lower Falls in Yellowstone's Grand Canyon. getty Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho Who Will Love It: Geology nerds; families; wildlife lovers All-Star Attractions: Upper Geyser Basin; Grand Prismatic Spring; Artist's Point What Not To Miss: Seeing Old Faithful erupt Where To Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch; Yellowstone Peaks Hotel; Eagles Wings Mountain House In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant designated this site as the very first national park in the United States with the signing of the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act. Today, it remains a hotspot (pun intended) for its geothermal splendor: Among its 2.2 million acres, the land is home to around half of the world's active geysers, like the famous Old Faithful. Between sweeping mountain ranges and a vast amount of mudpots and hot springs, the geological marvel of the region has been crafted by millions of years of volcanic phenomena. On your next expedition to the park, we recommend hiking to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for awe-inspiring views of the cascading Lower Falls. Wildlife peepers, meanwhile, should camp out at Lamar Valley to see bison, elk and a whole other host of native critters. Where To Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch: As far as luxury dude ranches go, Lone Mountain surpasses others in terms of the vast amount of activities available. After awakening at sunrise, families here can try their hand at everything from horseback riding, fly-fishing and archery to axe-throwing—all against the backdrop of the Montana Rockies. Yellowstone Peaks Hotel: The pinnacle of boutique luxury, this 21-cabin hotel evokes a unique sense of peaceful serenity. Artfully decorated units here all have Japanese soaking tubs, sleek kitchens and spacious living rooms outfitted with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding landscape. Eagles Wings Mountain House: After a long day of outdoor adventure, laidback relaxation awaits in this private, 35-acre mountain house flanked by continuous Montana panorama. Standout 5-star amenities include a stargazing glass ceiling, seven-person hot tub, exclusive sauna and miles of private hiking land. Acadia National Park Autumn vegetation in the Acadia National Park, with Otter Cliffs in distance. getty Acadia National Park, Maine Who Will Love It: Seaside dwellers; coastline explorers; leaf peepers All-Star Attractions: Cadillac Summit; Thunder Hole; Otter Cliff What Not To Miss: Biking along the historic carriage roads Where To Stay: Harborside Hotel, Spa And Marina; Hearthside Inn; Acadia Yurts As the crowning jewel of the Northeast, the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park regularly stuns guests with its biodiverse woodlands, craggy coasts and glacier-carved peaks—like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. 'I worked for Acadia for a season back in 2019 and spent much of those 6 months hiking the 161 miles of trails, picking blueberries and bird watching the island's bald eagles, loons and puffins,' says Kaps, who additionally recommends stargazing at Cadillac Summit. Other wildlife visitors in the area include moose and bears amongst the forest, plus the occasional whale sighting down by the sea. For dramatic fall foliage vantages, venture along the park's nature trails as September and October rolls around. Or, if warm, seaside stays are more your style, check out the coastline in the summer: 'Outside the two weeks in July where temperatures are pretty high, it's hard to find a place with such perfect weather and beautiful views,' says Kaps. Where To Stay: Harborside Hotel, Spa And Marina: This seaside resort is comprised of 211 coastal chic suites perched on the picturesque Frenchman's Bay. Between day-long visits to the nearby national park, visitors here can enjoy quintessential regional seafood bites or unwind at the private pools and artisanal spa. Hearthside Inn: New England inns are a historic backbone of the Northeast, and the Hearthside Inn is no exception. At this charming boutique stay, peace, quiet and classic comforts are all a priority, along with chef-curated breakfasts and charming afternoon teas. Acadia Yurts: For those looking to be in the center of nature, reserve your spot at one of Acadia Yurts' seven tiny homes. The rentals are spread out on 5 acres of land and feature colorful interiors, fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas—a.k.a., cozy modern comforts amidst the park's leafy greenery. Grand Canyon National Park Scenic view of the Horseshoe Bend at sunset in Grand Canyon National Park. getty Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Who Will Love It: Family roadtrippers; stargazers; geology enthusiasts; multi-level hikers All-Star Attractions: Havasu Falls; Desert View Watchtower; Mather Point; Canyon Rim Trail What Not To Miss: Sunset views at Mather Point Where To Stay: El Tovar Hotel; Bright Angel Lodge; Grand Canyon Desert Cabin The Grand Canyon National Park's reputation precedes itself. For hundreds of years, its breathtaking rock formations, with vibrant palettes of oranges and reds, have persisted as a World Heritage marvel. Throughout the area, a far-flung network of trails takes you through the region's complex erosional history as sky-high metamorphic rocks surround trekkers. And if you're not the most seasoned hikers, there's always something else for the whole family among the park's million-plus, storied acres. Repeat visitors particularly love rafting down the Colorado River, hopping on mule rides along the South Rim and stopping by Native American artisanal markets. According to Kaps, among the Inter-Mountain region parks, this one is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime visit. Where To Stay: El Tovar Hotel: Built in 1905, architects initially designed this hotel to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa. Each of its 78 rooms is individually decorated for a distinctly unique feel, with elegant views overlooking the landscape of rock formations. Bright Angel Lodge: Another historic stay, Bright Angel Lodge overflows with ample historic charm, as evidenced by its renovated 19th-century cabin accommodations. After a tiring trek out on the trails, the lodge's very own Harvey House Café serves up plenty of family-friendly fare like gourmet burgers and fajitas. Grand Canyon Desert Cabin: Seeking a more secluded getaway for the whole family? This cozy cabin is just a short drive away from the parks, with enough room to sleep up to eight. Between the comfy linens, renovated kitchen and gorgeous porch views, this rental is the ultimate idyllic stay. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched and reported on hundreds of hotels, resorts and stays around the world This story was written by Forbes Vetted lifestyle editorial assistant Whitney Bruno. Bruno has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted. Deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel vertical, edited this story. She has over two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics and has visited multiple national parks on this list. Bruno gained additional input from Eric Kaps, a preservationist at the National Parks Service. An experienced professional who regularly travels from park to park for work projects, Kaps shared key insights on the best areas to visit. How We Chose The Best National Parks In The U.S. We curated our list based on extensive research, expert insights and personal stays. For this story, we considered testimonials from websites like TripAdvisor, and more. As every vacation is different, we chose parks across a range of regions in the U.S., from the North East and inter-mountain areas to the Pacific West. To ensure the diversity of our list, we selected various accommodations catering to different price points, group sizes and demographics.
