With so much beauty to behold across the globe, it's tough to choose which natural wonders you should visit next. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a ranking of the best national parks in the world using reader votes and expert insights, as well as factors like accessibility, abundance of wildlife, camping opportunities and iconic landmarks.
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30 of the World's Best National Parks
Visit Glacier National Park MONTANA
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park, home to over 700 lakes and stunning alpine meadows.
There are 25 active glaciers and more than 700 lakes of various sizes inside Glacier National Park.
245 people are doing this goal:
Visit Banff National Park CANADA
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park, home to stunning turquoise lakes and the majestic Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park is home to the stunning Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop.
330 people are doing this goal:
Visit Serengeti National Park TANZANIA
Experience the awe-inspiring wildlife and witness the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park is home to the largest mammal migration on Earth.
7 people are doing this goal:
Visit Grand Canyon National Park ARIZONA
Witness the breathtaking beauty of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders as we take you on a journey to explore the majestic Grand Canyon National Park!
The Grand Canyon is so vast that it has its own unique weather patterns, with temperatures varying up to 30 degrees between the rim and the bottom.
436 people are doing this goal:
Visit Yellowstone National Park WYOMING
From majestic geysers to breathtaking wildlife, discover the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
The oldest national park in the US - founded in 1872. Home to over 300 waterfalls, and also the “Old Faithful” geyser - so-called because visitors can rely on it to erupt regularly.
739 people are doing this goal:
Visit Yosemite National Park CALIFORNIA
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park, California's natural wonderland, and explore its stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks.
Yosemite is one of the most popular parks in the country and outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to Hike Half Dome!
905 people are doing this goal:
Visit Torres del Paine National Park CHILE
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, home to the iconic granite towers and pristine turquoise lakes.
Torres del Paine National Park is home to the breathtaking "W" trek, offering stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and granite peaks.
3 people are doing this goal:
Visit Jasper National Park CANADA
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Jasper National Park, home to the stunning Columbia Icefield.
Jasper National Park is home to the largest dark sky preserve in the world, perfect for stargazing.
16 people are doing this goal:
Visit Zion National Park UTAH
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park's towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the iconic Zion Canyon.
Explore the soaring red-and-white cliffs of Zion Canyon.
199 people are doing this goal:
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Visit Sagarmatha National Park NEPAL
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sagarmatha National Park, home to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.
Sagarmatha National Park is home to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
1 person is doing this goal:
Visit Grand Teton National Park WYOMING
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Grand Teton National Park, home to the iconic Teton Range and abundant wildlife.
Grand Teton is the only mountain range in North America that rises abruptly from a flat valley floor without any foothills.
118 people are doing this goal:
Visit Masai Mara National Reserve KENYA
Experience the breathtaking wildlife and witness the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's premier safari destination.
Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross its plains in search of fresh grazing.
7 people are doing this goal:
Visit Olympic National Park WASHINGTON
Explore the diverse landscapes of Olympic National Park, from ancient rainforests to rugged coastlines and snow-capped peaks.
Olympic National Park is home to the largest temperate rainforest in the contiguous United States.
75 people are doing this goal:
Visit Kruger National Park SOUTH AFRICA
Experience the awe-inspiring wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park, home to the iconic Big Five.
Kruger National Park is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos.
12 people are doing this goal:
Visit Fiordland National Park NEW ZEALAND
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park, home to the iconic Milford Sound and its majestic waterfalls.
Fiordland National Park is home to the stunning Milford Sound, known as the "eighth wonder of the world.
21 people are doing this goal:
Visit Arches National Park UTAH
Explore the majestic red rock formations and iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park is famous for having the largest concentration of stone arches in the world.
139 people are doing this goal:
Visit Guilin and Lijiang River National Park CHINA
Experience the natural wonders of Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, where stunning karst landscapes and cormorant fishing traditions intertwine.
The Lijiang River in Guilin is famous for its stunning karst landscape and is often described as a living Chinese landscape painting.
3 people are doing this goal:
Visit Gros Morne National Park CANADA
Experience the rugged beauty of Gros Morne National Park, home to the ancient Tablelands, a geological wonder formed by tectonic collisions.
Gros Morne National Park is home to the stunning Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord surrounded by towering cliffs.
24 people are doing this goal:
Visit Swiss National Park SWITZERLAND
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss National Park, home to alpine landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Swiss National Park is home to over 5,000 species of plants and animals.
5 people are doing this goal:
Visit Sequoia National Park CALIFORNIA
Explore the awe-inspiring Sequoia National Park, home to the world's largest tree, General Sherman.
Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume.
223 people are doing this goal:
Visit Tikal National Park GUATEMALA
Explore the ancient Mayan ruins and lush rainforest of Tikal National Park in Guatemala.
Tikal, one of the largest ancient Mayan cities, was once home to more than 100,000 people and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
299 people are doing this goal:
Visit Rapa Nui National Park CHILE
Discover the enigmatic Moai statues and delve into the fascinating ancient Polynesian culture at Rapa Nui National Park in Chile.
Rapa Nui National Park is home to the famous moai statues, which were carved by the island's early inhabitants between 1250 and 1500 AD.
14 people are doing this goal:
Visit Canaima National Park VENEZUELA
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Canaima National Park, home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls.
Canaima National Park is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls, cascading from a staggering height of 979 meters (3,212 feet).
3 people are doing this goal:
Visit Galápagos National Park ECUADOR
Experience the extraordinary biodiversity of Galápagos National Park, home to iconic wildlife species that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Galápagos National Park is home to giant tortoises, some of which can live over 100 years.
3 people are doing this goal:
Visit the Cairngorms National Park SCOTLAND
Explore the rugged beauty and diverse wildlife of Cairngorms National Park, home to the UK's highest mountain range and the iconic Highland cattle.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to the UK's highest mountain range and five of its six highest peaks.
4 people are doing this goal:
Visit Iguazu Falls National Park ARGENTINA
Experience the awe-inspiring power of nature at Iguazu Falls National Park, home to the world's largest waterfall system.
Iguazu Falls National Park is home to the world's largest waterfall system, with over 275 individual cascades.
4 people are doing this goal:
Visit Göreme National Park TURKEY
Experience the otherworldly charm of Göreme National Park, home to fairy-tale-like rock formations and ancient cave dwellings.
Göreme National Park is home to over 200 ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries.
6 people are doing this goal:
Visit Tatra National Park POLAND
Discover the enchanting beauty of Tatra National Park, Poland, home to the stunning High Tatras mountain range and rare species like the Tatra chamois.
Tatra National Park in Poland is home to the highest peak in the country, Mount Rysy, standing at 2,499 meters.
4 people are doing this goal:
Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park CROATIA
Discover the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park, where emerald-hued cascades weave through lush forests, creating a captivating harmony of nature.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to 16 interconnected lakes, creating a stunning cascading waterfall system.
5 people are doing this goal:
Visit Victoria Falls National Park ZAMBIA
Experience the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls National Park, where the Zambezi River plunges into the Batoka Gorge, creating the world's largest sheet of falling water.
Victoria Falls National Park is home to the world's largest waterfall, with a width of 1.7 kilometers and a height of 108 meters.
3 people are doing this goal:
Visit Namib Naukluft National Park NAMIBIA
Explore the vast dunes and surreal landscapes of Namib Naukluft National Park, home to the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
Namib Naukluft National Park is home to the world's highest sand dunes, reaching up to 1,000 feet tall!
51 people are doing this goal:
Visit Mana Pools National Park ZIMBABWE
Discover the untamed beauty of Mana Pools National Park, where wildlife roams freely amidst the world's largest inland river delta.
Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is one of the few places in Africa where visitors are allowed to walk freely among the wild animals.
4 people are doing this goal:
Visit Murchison Falls National Park UGANDA
Experience the awe-inspiring power of nature as you witness the mighty Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge at Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to the Nile River's most powerful waterfall, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.
2 people are doing this goal:
Visit Halgurd-Sakran National Park IRAQ
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Halgurd-Sakran National Park, a natural haven in Iraq.
Halgurd-Sakran National Park in Iraq is home to the highest peak in the country, Mount Halgurd, standing at 3,607 meters.
Nobody is currently doing this goal:
Visit Ein Avdat National Park ISRAEL
Explore the enchanting Ein Avdat National Park in Israel, where ancient Nabatean water channels carve through stunning desert landscapes.
Ein Avdat National Park is home to a unique population of Nubian ibex, an endangered desert-dwelling species.
1 person is doing this goal:
Visit Los Glaciares National Park ARGENTINA
Explore the awe-inspiring Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, home to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.
Los Glaciares National Park is home to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing.
31 people are doing this goal:
Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park CHINA
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar.
13 people are doing this goal:
Visit Naejangsan National Park SOUTH KOREA
Explore the vibrant autumn foliage and witness the mesmerizing "Crimson Maple Tunnel" at Naejangsan National Park.
Don't miss the breathtaking autumn foliage at Naejangsan National Park, known as one of Korea's best spots for fall colors.
3 people are doing this goal:
Visit the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park PHILIPPINES
Experience the adrenaline rush of navigating through the enchanting rapids of Pagsanjan Gorge National Park's iconic "Shooting the Rapids" boat ride.
Pagsanjan Gorge National Park is home to the enchanting Pagsanjan Falls, where visitors can take a thrilling bamboo raft ride through the stunning canyon.
1 person is doing this goal:
Visit Minneriya National Park SRI LANKA
Experience the awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle of Minneriya National Park, home to the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.
Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is famous for its "Elephant Gathering," where hundreds of elephants congregate during the dry season.
Nobody is currently doing this goal:
Visit the Sundarbans National Park INDIA
Explore the enchanting Sundarbans National Park in India, home to the world's largest mangrove forest and majestic Royal Bengal tigers.
The Sundarbans National Park is home to the world's largest population of Bengal tigers.
1 person is doing this goal:
Visit Bannerghatta National Park INDIA
Experience the breathtaking wildlife and witness the world's first butterfly park at Bannerghatta National Park in India.
Bannerghatta National Park is home to the world's largest collection of tigers in captivity.
Nobody is currently doing this goal:
Visit Bandhavgarh National Park INDIA
Explore the captivating wilderness of Bandhavgarh National Park, home to majestic tigers and diverse wildlife.
Bandhavgarh National Park is home to the highest density of tigers in India, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Nobody is currently doing this goal:
Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park AUSTRALIA
Experience the majestic beauty of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to iconic red rock formations and rich Aboriginal culture.
Uluru, the iconic sandstone monolith in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, changes colors during sunrise and sunset due to its mineral composition.
33 people are doing this goal:
Visit the Blue Mountains National Park AUSTRALIA
Discover the enchanting Blue Mountains National Park, home to the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and breathtaking Jamison Valley views.
The Blue Mountains National Park is home to the world's oldest known cave systems.
9 people are doing this goal:
Visit Paparoa National Park NEW ZEALAND
Explore the rugged beauty of Paparoa National Park, home to stunning limestone formations and diverse wildlife.
Paparoa National Park in New Zealand is home to the magnificent Pancake Rocks, a natural wonder formed over millions of years.
2 people are doing this goal:
Visit Nahuel Huapi National Park ARGENTINA
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina.
Argentina's oldest national park, established in 1934.
1 person is doing this goal:
Visit Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge COSTA RICA
Explore the pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife at Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is home to the endangered West Indian manatee, providing a unique opportunity to spot these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
7 people are doing this goal:
ALSO ON DAY ZERO...
Get inspired with these ideas for interesting and different experiences around the world.
Take your goal setting to the next level with a whole set of exclusive features that will empower you to achieve more.
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