The United States is home to 63 official national parks, each filled with incredible natural wonders—and our goal is to visit every one of them!
From towering mountains to stunning coastlines and everything in between, these parks are incredibly diverse. Every park we’ve visited has its own unique beauty, whether it’s breathtaking wildlife, unforgettable sunsets, or awe-inspiring landscapes. Explore the official National Parks we’ve visited through the National Park Service (NPS) and follow along on our journey.
We’re looking forward to a winter wonderland at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Along with our daughter, 2 grown sons and Kelly, we’re excited to visit Mount Rainier for the 1st time. And we’re staying at the National Park Inn in Longmire, the gateway to Paradise. Check out all our winter adventures […]
Winter Wonderland at Paradise in Mount Rainier Read More »
We’re spending 3 nights in Longmire at Thanksgiving in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Along with our daughter, 2 grown sons and Kelly, we’re excited to visit Mount Rainier for the 1st time. And we’re staying at the National Park Inn in Longmire. Check out all of the things to explore in Longmire in
Longmire at Thanksgiving in Mount Rainier NP Read More »
Today is Day 8 in Hawaii and we are driving the Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We’re on the Big Island with our daughter, our friends Jack and Lisa, and their kids. And we’ve been watching the Kilauea eruption all day, but we’re taking a break to explore more of the
Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes NP Read More »
Our experience seeing the Kilauea eruption in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was incredible. Along with our daughter, and our friends Jack, Lisa and their kids, this is an experience we will never forget. From the time we first saw the volcano to the last, see it through our eyes! Make sure to check back regularly
Seeing the Kilauea Eruption in Hawaii Volcanoes Read More »
Today is Day 5 in Hawaii and we are taking a day trip to Maui to visit Haleakala National Park. Along with our daughter and friends Lisa and Jack, and their kids, we’ll be flying in from the Big Island. Once on the island, we’ll be driving to the summit of Maui’s largest volcano. See
Haleakala National Park on Maui in a Day Read More »
Tonight we are doing a sunset cruise to Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. Along with our daughter, the 3 of us will continue to explore Voyageurs by water. Earlier today we did a Rainy Lake boat tour that was a lot of fun. You can read more about that here. But tonight,
Sunset Cruise to Kettle Falls in Voyageurs NP Read More »
After exploring Voyageurs National Park by land yesterday, the 3 of us are starting out on a Rainy Lake boat tour. And afterwards, we’ll visit the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and have lunch. Also, we’ll go over boat tour options and why we chose this Rainy Lake boat tour. We are looking forward to experiencing
Rainy Lake Boat Tour & More in Voyageurs NP Read More »
Today, we are visiting the Ash River and Kabetogama Lake areas in Voyageurs National Park in Northern Minnesota. Along with our daughter the 3 of us are driving from Minneapolis to International Falls. And along the way we are stopping at both the Ash River and Kabetogama Lake Visitor Centers and more! Planning Ash River
Ash River & Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs Read More »
After visiting Luray Caverns this morning, this afternoon we are hiking to the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. I’m on my guys trip along with my son Matt, brother-in-law Kelly and Uncle Mike in the Shenandoah Valley area. And there’s still some hikes I want to do including to Hawksbill Summit, the highest peak
Hiking to the Highest Peak in Shenandoah NP Read More »
Probably our most favorite hike on our trip has it all. Snow, beautiful woods, 3 stream crossings and a waterfall. And that’s just on the way to Rapidan Camp, President Herbert Hoover’s summer retreat!
Rapidan Camp Hike & More in Shenandoah NP Read More »
Today is Day 1 of our guys trip to the Shenandoah region of Virginia. I visited Shenandoah with Becky and our daughter 2 years ago for the 1st time. And this time I am back with our son Matt, brother-in-law Kelly and our uncle Mike. This is their 1st time here and we’re looking for
Bearfence Rock Scramble & More in Shenandoah Read More »
On our trip last summer we were able to stop at each of the 5 lodges in Olympic National Park. And each one offers something a little different. See what makes each of the 5 lodges so unique! Planning Over 3 days our plan was to visit each of the 5 lodges in Olympic National
The 5 Lodges in Olympic National Park and More Read More »
If you are looking for an epic Virgin Islands National Park itinerary, this has it all. This is our 2nd day in the park, and we’re hiking to amazing views, exploring ruins and looking for wildlife. Read all about our adventures hiking to Ram Head, exploring the Annaberg Ruins and more! Planning the Epic Virgin
An Epic Virgin Islands National Park Itinerary Read More »
If you only have 1 day to explore the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, this is for you. Our 1st day itinerary is all about the amazing beaches and snorkeling. See all you need to know about the North Shore beaches including best places to snorkel, amenities and more! Planning Virgin Islands National
The Best Virgin Islands National Park Itinerary Read More »
Our adventures continue today to the beautiful Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. Along with our 3 kids, we kicked-off Grandma’s birthday in the Enchanted Hoh Rainforest this morning. And now we’re headed to Lake Crescent for a relaxing afternoon before a special dinner at the lodge. Come see what makes Lake Crescent a popular
The Beautiful Lake Crescent in Olympic NP Read More »
Today we are visiting the enchanted Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park. Along with our 3 kids, and Grandma, I am excited to take everyone to this magical place. See what makes the Hoh Rainforest one of the most unique places you’ll want to see for yourself! Planning Today is Grandma’s birthday, and we’re taking
The Enchanted Hoh Rainforest in Olympic NP Read More »
This afternoon, we are headed to Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park in Washington. Along with our 3 kids and Grandma, we are going to explore this unique area of the park. Read about our adventures at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, hiking to Sol Duc Falls and more! Planning Sol Duc Valley
Sol Duc Valley Hot Springs & More in Olympic NP Read More »
Today we are tidepooling to Hole-in-the-Wall in Olympic National Park on the Washington Coast. All 3 kids are with us and we are looking forward to hiking on Rialto Beach to this sea arch. And we’re especially looking forward to checking out the tide pools here. Read about our experience tidepooling to Hole-in-the Wall in
Tidepooling to Hole-in-the-Wall in Olympic NP Read More »
Today we are stopping at the magnificent Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park in the state of Washington. We’re along with all 3 kids and Grandma exploring this popular beach. See what makes Ruby Beach a magical place to visit on the Olympic Coast. Ruby Beach is our last stop on our drive from downtown
Ruby Beach to Abbey Island in Olympic NP Read More »
Today we’re driving through the Southern portion of Olympic National Park in Washington. We have all 3 kids and Grandma with us as we make stops along the way to our Airbnb in Forks. With a packed itinerary, we are looking forward to exploring from Lake Quinault to the Kalaloch beaches! Planning our Route Olympic
Lake Quinault to Kalaloch Beaches in Olympic NP Read More »
While exploring Indiana Dunes National Park, we visited the Century of Progress Homes. A unique part of this park gives a glimpse of innovation from our past. Here’s all you need to know about Indiana Dunes National Park’s Century of Progress Homes. If you want to read more about our time in this park, check
Century of Progress Homes at Indiana Dunes NP Read More »
Today we are driving from Chicago area to Michigan stopping at Indiana Dunes National Park on the way. We are with all 3 kids and being led by Uncle Mike from Chicago. And the 6 of us are looking forward to exploring Indiana Dunes! Planning Indiana Dunes National Park After thoroughly researching this park, I
Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park in a Day Read More »
Today we are visiting the world’s longest cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Along with our daughter we are headed to Mammoth Cave for the day. And we have a full day planned for our trip to our 21st national park together! Planning Our Day at Mammoth Cave There
Mammoth Cave National Park in a Day Read More »
We spent a week in the Shenandoah Valley area last year with our daughter, our parents and Becky’s Uncle Bob. And from ages 5 to over 75 we wanted to do things we could all enjoy. Here’s our top 5 family activities in Shenandoah Valley. 5. Eat a Signature Dessert Who said dessert can’t be
Top 5 Family Activities in Shenandoah Valley Read More »
We’re looking for some interesting stops on the way back and booked a night in Hot Springs. We are driving home from Montana with Gigi and our daughter and stopping at Hot Springs National Park. To read more about our road trip, check out our separate post: The Long Way Home from Montana to Florida.
Hot Springs National Park is Full of Hot Water Read More »
Today we are driving through beautiful Badlands National Park. It’s the 2nd day of our road trip driving home from Montana with Gigi and our daughter. To read more about our road trip, check out our separate post: The Long Way Home from Montana to Florida. After staying in Rapid City, South Dakota last night,
Badlands National Park’s Beautiful Scenic Drive Read More »
Today we are leaving early to continue on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Yesterday we explored most of the western side with our daughter and Becky’s mom, Gigi. You can read about it in our separate post: Jumping into Lake McDonald and More in West Glacier. And today we are continuing where we
Hidden Lake Trail and More in Glacier NP Read More »
Lake McDonald is the centerpiece of the western side of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. And today we are driving to Glacier for a 1 night stay in Apgar Village on Lake McDonald. We’re going to have the afternoon and evening to explore with our daughter and Becky’s mom, Gigi. And we are looking
Jumping into Lake McDonald and More in Glacier Read More »
Tonight we have a reservation for an evening wildlife tour in Yellowstone National Park. Earlier today we explored the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with our daughter and Gigi, Becky’s mom. But now, we’re ready to see some more wildlife, and hopefully some bears. We’re ready to ride on a historic yellow bus on an
Evening Wildlife Tour in Yellowstone Read More »
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is our destination today in Yellowstone National Park. This is our 3rd consecutive day visiting Yellowstone with our daughter and Becky’s mom, Gigi. The last 2 days were all about hydrothermal wonders, and you can read more about them: Grand Hydrothermal Features in Yellowstone. But today, we’re super excited to
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone! Read More »
Today we are checking out Grand Prismatic Spring and other hydrothermal features in Yellowstone National Park. Specifically, we will be exploring all the hydrothermal features between Midway and Norris Geyser Basins. Yesterday we got a great introduction to these features at West Thumb & Old Faithful in Yellowstone. And today we’re going back with our
Grand Prismatic Spring & More in Yellowstone Read More »
West Thumb and Old Faithful are 2 different areas in Yellowstone National Park. And today we will be exploring these areas and more on our 1st Day in Yellowstone. We’ve just spent the last 2 days in beautiful Grand Teton with our daughter and Becky’s mom Gigi. You can read more about our adventures at:
West Thumb & Old Faithful in Yellowstone Read More »
Jenny Lake is considered the focal point of Grand Teton National Park and provides many opportunities for exploration. Today is our 2nd day in the park and we’re getting to Jenny Lake early to do some hiking. Yesterday we stopped at many beautiful places in the park with our daughter and Becky’s mom Gigi. Check
Jenny Lake Hikes and More in Grand Teton Read More »
Check out our amazing stops in beautiful Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Today is our 1st day In the park and we’re looking for the most picturesque sights. We just arrived in Jackson Hole last night with our daughter and Becky’s mom Gigi. And the 4 of us are starting early on this Friday
Our Stops in Beautiful Grand Teton National Park Read More »
Today we are exploring the North section of Shenandoah National Park down to the Skyland area and Stony Man. There are 7 of us here in Virginia, including our daughter, our parents and Uncle Bob. After just the 2 of us yesterday, all 7 of us are going back into the park today. We are
Stony Man and North Shenandoah to Skyland Read More »
Today we are exploring the South section of Shenandoah National Park including hiking to Blackrock Summit. There are 7 of us here in Virginia, but after yesterday’s side trip, it’s just the 2 of us. To read more about our side trip yesterday, see New River Gorge National Park in a Day. We are looking
Blackrock Summit Trail & South Shenandoah NP Read More »
Today we are making a side-trip to the newest U.S. national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We are in Virginia with our daughter, Becky’s parents, Poppa and Gigi, her Uncle Bob and Paul’s mom, Grandma. And we’re only about 3 hours away from the newest national park in West Virginia. We’re too
New River Gorge National Park in a Day Read More »
Today we are trying to get back into Shenandoah National Park after getting snowed out yesterday. To read about yesterday’s adventures, check out: Exploring Luray Caverns on a Snowy Day. We are in Virginia with our daughter, Becky’s parents, Poppa and Gigi, her Uncle Bob and Paul’s mom, Grandma. And the 7 of us are
April Snowy Drive in Shenandoah National Park Read More »
Today is Day 1 in Shenandoah National Park. We just arrived in Virginia last night with our daughter, Becky’s parents and Paul’s mom. In addition, Becky’s Uncle Bob flew in from Arizona to join us for the week. None of us have been to Shenandoah National Park before and we are looking forward to explore
Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park Read More »
This is Day 3 of our boys trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Paul and our sons, Drew and Matt, along with our uncle Mike, aka Grunkle, have 3 days in the GSMNP. And we’re saving the best for last. After hiking to waterfalls the last 2 days, today we are hiking
Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains NP Read More »
We are continuing Day 2 of our boys trip to Look Rock Tower in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Paul, Drew, Matt and Uncle Mike just hiked to Abrams Falls in the Cades Cove area. To read more about it, check out our separate post: Abrams Falls and Cades Cove in GSMNP. And now
Look Rock Tower in Great Smoky Mountains NP Read More »
This is Day 2 of our boys trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Paul and our sons, Drew and Matt, have 3 days in the Smoky Mountains and we’re planning to do more hikes today. Our uncle Mike, aka Grunkle, is with us and we are planning to hike to Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls and Cades Cove in GSMNP Read More »
Today is day 1 of our boys trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Paul and our sons, Drew and Matt, have 3 days in the Smoky Mountains and we’re hoping for some snow. And today is the best chance for some. The last time we visited the park was in summer 2015,
Snowy Laurel Falls in Great Smoky Mountains Read More »
On this day, we venture back to Congaree National Park and to a brewery. Instead of heading to Disney again, we had decided to have a relaxing Labor Day weekend this year. We were able to book a timeshare on Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake. Being south of the park and less than an
Congaree National Park and a Brewery Read More »
Read about our adventure to the Everglades National Park Shark Valley area. The Everglades has 3 main entrances and we’re excited to visit the Shark Valley area to do the tram tour. Yesterday, we visited the Gulf Coast Visitor Center as we explored the Tamiami Trail – A Scenic Drive into Real Florida. But read
Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat Read More »
See our adventure on Father’s Day to Biscayne National Park and a funky brewery. This day we are getting wet with a snorkel trip in Biscayne National Park. And later today we head to Funky Buddha Brewery for dinner. Biscayne National Park in Homestead, FL is 95% covered by water, so you need a boat
Biscayne National Park and a Funky Brewery Read More »
Today we will be traveling to the top at Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. This is Day 4 of Paul and Drew’s road trip from Washington to Florida. You can read more about our road trip at: Driving from Washington to Florida in 5 Days. We are driving through St. Louis from Kansas
Travel to the Top at Gateway Arch National Park Read More »
Today we are playing at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It is the 3rd national park on our road trip and last one on the way back. To read about how we got here, see: Our Road Trip from Florida to Arizona and Back. Today is sunny and we are looking forward to
Playing and More in White Sands National Park Read More »
Read about our visit to Saguaro National Park East & West in a day. Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ has 2 separate areas on different sides of the city about an hour apart. We are staying in Tucson this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, and we have 1 day to see both sides. To
Saguaro National Park East & West in a Day Read More »
Today we are exploring Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is one of the three national parks in Arizona and this will be our first time here. To read about how we got here, see: Our Road Trip from Florida to Arizona and Back. Today is a beautiful day and we are looking forward
Exploring Petrified Forest National Park Read More »
