Top 15 Most Visited National Parks in the USA, 2023 Update

Do you love spending time outside and immersing yourself in gorgeous landscapes — maybe you’d like a side of history tossed in for good measure. The National Park Service reports over 300 million recreational visits to its parks, parkways, and memorials every year by people just like you. 

It’s such a long list of sites; how do you decide which ones to see or which is the best national park for your specific trip? We’ve got you covered with a list of the most visited national parks, why you need to visit, and what to expect when you do! 

Top 15 Most Visited National Parks in the USA

Location: North Carolina and Virginia It might seem strange that a parkway would garner so much attention, but you’re looking at over 460 miles through some of North America’s most captivating landscapes.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

2. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Location: San Francisco, California As one of the most visited national parks in the US, Golden Gate National Recreation Area attracts millions annually. 

Self-Guided Tours

Location: North Carolina and Tennessee Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must for any nature lover and outdoors person. 

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4. Gateway National Recreation Area

Location: New York and New Jersey Gateway National Recreation Area is one of the more diverse options on this list, with a range of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained year-round.

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