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Forbes
12 hours ago
- Forbes
Best National Parks In The U.S. 2025
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. For photographers, postcard-esque vistas are waiting around every turn. And as you wind down for the day, be sure to stop by popular eateries like Curry Village Pizza Deck and The Mountain Room for tasty, refreshing meals. Firefall Ranch: For a true luxury resort experience amongst the rolling hills of Yosemite, reserve an elegant one- or two-bedroom cottage at Firefall Ranch. Fine dining and rejuvenating spa facilities are a staple here, as are guided tours throughout the valley. AutoCamp Yosemite: A premier getaway for glampers, the airstreams, cabins and tents at AutoCamp Yosemite all offer luxe amenities (think kitchenettes, spa-inspired bathrooms and flat-screen TVs) while still centering guests in the valley wilderness. After a long day in the outdoors, retreat here for modern comforts. The Moonstone Retreat: With four sleek bedrooms that sleep up to eight, this multilevel vacation rental is ideal for large groups and families. Serene views of the Merced River Canyon are present throughout, along with a variety of high-end amenities like a hot tub, yoga studio and heated floors. Glacier National Park View of Glacier Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. getty Glacier National Park, Montana Who Will Love It: Lake lovers; backpackers; glacier seekers All-Star Attractions: Grinnell Glacier Trail; Lake McDonald; Hidden Lake Trail; Saint Mary Lake What Not To Miss: Driving or biking down the Going-To-The-Sun Road Where To Stay: Many Glacier Hotel; Après Whitefish; River Haus Throughout Glacier National Park, over 700 dazzling lakes are carved into steep valleys, with waters reflecting off historic glacier melts to create colorful mosaics along their surfaces. Grab a pair of binoculars and traverse 700-plus miles of unspoiled hiking trails—or take a cold plunge in the park's endless lakes if you're up for an adventure. For more uninterrupted views of panoramic vistas, gather the family together for an unforgettable drive or bike ride down the Going-To-The-Sun Road: a scenic mountain path that's been a highlight of the park since 1934. Where To Stay: Many Glacier Hotel: The rustic charm of Many Glacier Hotel is not to be missed. The Swiss chalet-inspired property is bordered by the majestic Swiftcurrent Lake; inside, lodgings feature old-world sensibilities and warm wood paneling. Après Whitefish: Just 25 minutes from the park lies this idyllic boutique stay, complete with elevated amenities (like an espresso bar, high-quality linens and a sauna) and sophisticated, minimalist suites. The largest accommodations can sleep up to five, while others welcome adventurous duos or solo travelers. River Haus: Mid-century chic pervades throughout this four-bedroom home, which is said to be the closest to the park's entrance. Colorfully decorated rooms are flooded with modern amenities and natural light; outdoors, a firepit, barbecue grill and hammock beckon the whole family. Olympic National Park Creek on the way to Sol Duc Falls at the Olympic National Park. getty Olympic National Park, Washington Who Will Love It: Rainforest fanatics; appreciators of biodiverse ecosystems; sunset seekers All-Star Attractions: Hoh Rain Forest; Rialto Beach; Hurricane Ridge; Ruby Beach What Not To Miss: Tidepools teeming with undersea critters at Rialto Beach Where To Stay: Kalaloch Lodge; Lake Crescent Lodge; Waterfront Tiny Home 'This is one of my favorite national parks in the Pacific West,' says Kaps, and for good reason. For one, the park encompasses nearly one million acres of land across different ecosystems, including rainforests, an ocean-lapped coastline and incredible, dynamic mountainscapes. With so much land to cover, the activities available here are practically endless: You can spend the day cruising down Lake Crescent on a boat, dip your toes into tidepools at Ruby Beach (look for sea stars, anemones and all sorts of critters) or hike through miles of lowland wilderness, mountain trails and mossy rainforest. For spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountainous valley, embark on a hike to Hurricane Ridge, a popular viewpoint 4,242 feet above the rest of the park. Where To Stay: Kalaloch Lodge: Perched between miles of unspoiled beach and a shrouded forest lies the rustic Kalaloch Lodge, a nature-focused retreat with plenty of accommodations (spread out between two lodges and a variety of gorgeous cabins) to go around. To make the most of your stay, reserve a cabin along the bluff for a front-row view of stellar Pacific sunsets. Lake Crescent Lodge: Since 1915, this historic property has welcomed countless guests (including President Franklin D. 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.
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Everyone's talking about Pamela Anderson's makeup free appearance - here are the exact products behind her effortlessly natural look
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more She was known for her glamorous look complete with heavy eyeliner, dark smoky eyeshadow and her voluminous, slightly tousled blonde hair. However in the last two years Pamela Anderson has ditched her signature 90's made up look for the simple make up free appearance. Appearing at awards ceremonies and red carpet premieres, the former Baywatch star, 57, has embraced her natural beauty. But it isn't without the help of her own cruelty-free skin care brand Sonsie, which she re-founded with her sons Brandon and Dylan in January 2024. The brand prioritises straightforward formulas to support health 'inside and out' with Pamela stating, 'to me, true beauty is about celebrating authenticity. I want to look like myself, feel like myself, and that means taking care of myself on my terms.' So how can you achieve Pamela's natural flawless look - here are the secret products behind her natural beauty routine. Sonsie Cleansing Mousse £32.00 Shop Sonsie Super Serum £64.00 Shop Sonsie Basic Balm £22.00 Shop Sonsie Multi Moisture Cream £48.00 Shop Sonsie Bundle £147.00 Shop
The Independent
16 hours ago
- The Independent
Chilled-out Pensacola is the underrated Miami alternative everyone should consider
Florida has long been a favourite with British travellers. Tourists have been lured by Orlando 's state-of-the-art rollercoasters, while Miami dazzles with its glitz and non-stop nightlife. But there's a different kind of Florida behind all the noise. One that's slower-paced, more genuine, and bursting with natural beauty. Unlike Miami's busy beaches and hefty price tags, Pensacola, on Florida's northeast coast, offers wide stretches of sugar-white sand without the crowds. We started our stay at Pensacola Beach, on Santa Rosa Island, which is connected to the mainland via the impressive Bob Sikes Bridge. We were instantly surrounded by sparkling azure seas and spotless beaches – there are 18 miles of beautiful coastline here, ripe for exploration. Some areas are peppered with hotels and restaurants, but our first stop was the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a protected haven that sets the perfect tone for our adventure. Here, visitors can explore the preserved landscape via foot or kayak, and even camp by the ocean. The natural beauty is perhaps the most striking part of a trip to Pensacola, but it has a significant history, too. The city is home to Fort Pickens, a military base completed in 1834 to protect the city's port. It was one of the few in the South that remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War, sheltering soldiers – and the renowned Apache leader Geronimo – during the conflict. It's now a museum and park complex, complete with scenic walking trails that wind towards the shore. On the beach, we watched the Blue Angels flight demonstration team practise their intricate aerial manoeuvres: an awe-inspiring, dramatic spectacle. This is a coastal city, and so it feels right to get out onto the ocean. After exploring the fort, we hopped aboard a 40-foot racing trimaran, designed for smooth, stable journeys. With just five of us on board, gliding into the bay felt intimate and exclusive. We inhaled the salty sea air, watched pods of playful dolphins swim alongside us, and took turns at the helm. It was the perfect activity for a relaxing beachside holiday, far away from the bustle further down the coast. The second part of our stay was spent exploring the heart of downtown Pensacola, where we immersed ourselves in the city's flourishing arts and culture scene. Though situated just across the bridge, the downtown area offers something distinctly different. As the site of America's first European settlement, Pensacola has been shaped by a rotating cast of occupants, from Native American tribes and Spanish explorers to British colonial rulers and American pioneers. It's known as the City of Five Flags for the multiple governing bodies that have ruled since its foundation in 1559 – Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States. The area is easily walkable and there's plenty to do. Costumed interpreters bring the colonial era to life at the Historic Pensacola Village, while America's First Settlement Trail, a three-mile route with 20 designated stops and 70 points of interest, allows visitors to experience the city's storied past on foot. We passed pleasurable hours strolling through the charming brick-lined streets and visiting museums, art galleries, and quaint shops. At the heart of it all is Palafox Street, a lively thoroughfare that becomes even more animated on weekends with a bustling market. Aside from the activities, a highlight of Pensacola is its truly notable culinary scene. From food trucks to fine dining establishments, this is a foodie city. Its cuisine is steeped in the Southern tradition – think crawfish bisque, seafood gumbo, cheese grits, crab cakes, blackened shrimp, and Gulf Coast oysters, served every way imaginable. For meat-lovers, the expertly-grilled Midwestern steaks are equally impressive. And no culinary tour of Pensacola is complete without sampling its signature cocktail, the Bushwacker – a decadent milkshake, adulterated with rum and coffee liqueur. But it's not just the restaurants that keep things lively here. Pensacola is known as 'Festival Central' for good reason, with a packed calendar of events such as the Gulf Coast Jazz Festival, the MLK Day parade and a beachside rodeo taking place throughout the year. And if you're the outdoorsy type, there's world-class fishing, diving, and snorkelling in the water, plus hiking trails and golf courses on dry land. Add in two professional sports teams, plus the fact that the city is now home to American Magic, the prestigious America's Cup sailing team, and you quickly realise the city isn't just beautiful: it's brimming with energy. For a Florida-style holiday that's a bit less brash, Pensacola really is the full package. You've got those impossibly white, powder-soft beaches, where the water shimmers under the warmth of the sun. Then just across the bridge, there's a downtown full of character, colour and charm, where you can lose hours dipping in and out of galleries, cafés and boutiques. With its mix of Gulf Coast freshness and Southern soul, this is a place that knows how to serve flavour with flair. Yet somehow, Pensacola seems to have stayed largely under the radar. Without a doubt, I feel like I've discovered one of Florida's most delightful coastal secrets. How to visit Virgin Atlantic has flights from London Heathrow to Pensacola with one stop. Flight time is from 12 hours. It's also easy to get fly to Pensacola via Atlanta or other US cities. Where to stay King rooms with a beach view at Pensacola Beach Resort cost from £209 per night. The hotel is perched on the seafront and offers excursions such as dolphin-spotting cruises and family paddle boarding. A similar-sized room at Lily Hall starts at £215. The boutique hotel was once a Baptist church before it was converted into an underground punk space. It's now a design-led bolthole, perfect as a base for exploring the city.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Telegraph
The perfect holiday in Northern Ireland, the UK's most underrated natural beauty
For a long time, Northern Ireland was written off by its history, which dwarfed anything that made this country shine. But to visit Northern Ireland and focus only on the Troubles would be a disservice, as well as a crying shame. This is a place of exceptional natural beauty, where the striking coastline reveals historic cliff paths and jagged caves, and a region of calm lakes is dotted with tiny islands. It's also home to a vibrant dining scene, with beachside seafood shacks and Michelin-starred restaurants, and one of the oldest food markets in the world. And of course, the Northern Irish aren't shy of a spot of nightlife. In Belfast and all over the country, there are quintessential pubs where there's always some craic to be found, along with traditional music and a bar stocked with locally distilled whiskeys and craft gins. So forget everything you thought you knew about Northern Ireland, and open yourself up to what's happening right now. For further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, things to do, restaurants, nightlife and beaches. In this guide: How to spend the perfect day in Northern Ireland Morning Kick off your trip by renting a car in Belfast and setting off to explore the Causeway Coast, a 120-mile route that snakes from the capital along the shoreline over to Derry-Londonderry. While you could technically tick off the entire route in one (long) day, there are dozens of reasons to take it at a slower pace. Your first pit stop is barely 30 minutes out of the city, at the Victorian cliffside walk, The Gobbins. On this guided experience (which can close due to rockfalls; check the website for more information), you'll pass through dark caves and over arched metal bridges that cling to the edge of the cliffs as the waves crash below. Afterwards, drive up to Ballycastle and have an early lunch in the Ursa Minor Bakehouse, the bakery where top Northern Ireland restaurants source their sourdough – try it topped with eggs and a drizzle of chilli oil.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Yarn bomb display celebrates beauty of Hertford's four rivers
A town's natural beauty is being celebrated with a display of 100 yarn bomb creations. The 140 members of the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters have knitted scenes that showcase the area's four rivers - the Rib, Lea, Mimram and Beane. Debs Bonfield from the group said: "We make beautiful things for the town to enjoy, and they embrace it."The Parliament Square display will raise money for food bank charity Hertford Pantry, and feature a narrow boat called Lady Joan, in memory of Joan Brandford, a member who passed away last year. Mrs Bonfield said the group had raised money for a number of local charities since it began in 2017. She hoped its latest display would raise more than £20,000 and take it to more than £200,000 in total. It created a number of displays, including a celebration for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, King Charles III's Coronation and the Olympics. "It's a lovely craze that's taken off. We started with 12 members and now have 140, it's just grown from there," Mrs Bonfield said. The river theme was chosen because Hertford "is unique"."It has a chalk river bed, and there are only a few of those in the country. "As a small town, it has four rivers running through it, which is quite rare."We wanted to celebrate the natural beauty of Hertford." She said scenes including fish, ducks, coots, bees, butterflies and voles would "take over the whole of Parliament Square". It also includes a depiction of the annual Hertford Duck Race, complete with 200 knitted ducks, and the winner on a podium. "We're really proud of what we've achieved, we thoroughly enjoy it, we get together three times a week, we're all volunteers, we make beautiful things for the town to enjoy and the town embraces it", she added. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
