As you plan that long-delayed family vacation this year, deciding where to go can be hard – there are so many choices (and so little time)! But if you’ve decided that a theme park vacation isn’t right for your family, and you’re not sure about heading to the Caribbean this year, it may be that checking out some amazing vacation spots here in the USA may be perfect for you.
In fact, some of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States collectively make up what we know as America’s National Parks. Fifty-eight in all, starting with the first national park, Yellowstone in 1872, they provide an incredible treasure to all who visit. Ranging from breathtaking glaciers, to incredible canyons, to mountain ranges, and underwater vistas, there is a national park in every part of the United States, and a destination for every interest!
Let’s take a quick look at 3 of them.
Grand Canyon National Park – One of the most recognizable geological sites on earth – and one of the seven wonders of the natural world – the Grand Canyon is probably on most people’s travel bucket lists and for good reason. Located in northwest Arizona, it is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and up to a mile deep. The layered bands of colorful rock along the sides of the canyon, created by the Colorado River, reveal millions of years of geologic history. Protected as Grand Canyon National Park since 1919, as one could expect from such an enormous site, there are many ways to explore all that the Grand Canyon has to offer, and a great deal to do beyond taking in the views! With a rich Native American history, in addition to the flora and fauna, visitors will find a lot to experience. Tourists can take the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs 60 miles north from Williams. The brave can also stand on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a transparent platform that juts out above the chasm. In addition, tours are also available for those looking to get an aerial view of the Grand Canyon – visitors can enjoy narrated tours of varying lengths either aboard an airplane or a helicopter. However you choose to explore the Grand Canyon, it is sure to be a truly memorable vacation experience!
Yellowstone National Park – With 3,472-square-miles (of which the majority is in Wyoming) of hot springs and geysers, including the legendary Old Faithful – so called due to its predictable geographical eruption almost every 91 minutes – this is certainly one of the most famous national parks, as well as one of the most fascinating. But Yellowstone is not just geysers. With a vast array of wildlife including bison, elk, and bear, this park is a must-do for anyone who wants to explore nature at it’s finest.
Shenandoah National Park – The Shenandoah Valley, in the western part of Virginia, is formed by the Appalachians on one side and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the other. Shenandoah National Park showcases the best of this beautiful area where Skyline Drive runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles, making for road-trip heaven, especially in autumn. With waterfalls and fields of wildflowers, there’s a lot to explore in the 200,000 acres of protected land in Shenandoah National Park. But this area is home to more than just a spectacular drive – with a number of quaint towns along the way, as well as wineries and orchards – there is so much to explore in and around the Shenandoah Valley!
It would be, of course, literally impossible to explore ALL of the national parks in just one short blog post, but I encourage you to consider what America’s amazing national parks offer for a truly memorable family vacation. The U.S. has some true destination treasures that are just waiting for you to discover them. You can choose to explore each site individually, or as part of a guided tour, where you have no stress and no worries about where to stay and what to see or do. Better still, on a tour you’ll have an experienced guide or two with you, providing experiences that the “average” visitor doesn’t get, and sharing in-depth knowledge and expertise. (And tours can be incredibly “family friendly” as well, with activities designed with kids in mind!)
If you’re looking for a truly memorable “bucket list” vacation for your family this year, it’s the perfect time to “see the USA” and start exploring America’s National Parks! And if you need some help choosing the best destination(s) for your family, your experienced travel agent is here to help.
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