Don't Miss These 10 National Parks Perfect for July Escapes

When the sweltering heat of July rolls in, there’s no better way to escape than by heading to some of the most awe-inspiring national parks. We know what you’re thinking: “National parks in July? Isn’t it hotter than a jalapeno’s armpit?” Sure, it might be warm, but trust us, it’s worth it.

These natural havens offer not only a respite from the urban oven but also a playground of adventure and serenity. From misty mountain highs to cool, crystal-clear lakes, we’ve got the lowdown on where to go and why you should join the ranks of savvy travelers flocking to these stunning sanctuaries.

American Samoa National Park, American Samoa

A stunning coastal view of American Samoa National Park with lush green foliage in the foreground, rugged cliffs, and bright blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. — © Canva

Behold American Samoa National Park – the park that decided to go island-style. Located in the South Pacific, it’s the only U.S. national park south of the equator. How’s that for exclusive club membership?

With its lava-carved cliffs and tropical rainforest, this place is a paradise for both history buffs and beach bums. You can snorkel with vibrant coral reefs or hike through lush greenery, feeling like the protagonist in an adventure movie. It’s also home to Samoan culture, where you’ll literally get schooled on traditions that predate hashtags and TikTok dances.

To Do In American Samoa On A Visit:

Snorkeling at Ofu Beach: Dive into the crystal-clear waters and let your inner marine biologist loose. Ofu Beach offers some of the most pristine coral reefs, teeming with vibrant marine life. You might even come face-to-face with a clownfish or two – consider it your very own aquatic episode of Nat Geo.
Hiking the Mount Alava Trail: Fancy pretending you’re in an Indiana Jones flick? Trek up the Mount Alava Trail, where you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views of the island. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds – and try not to trip over those ancient, mystical-looking tree roots.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

The rugged coastline of Kenai Fjords National Park, showcasing dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and calm blue waters with towering mountains in the background. — © Depositphotos

Kenai Fjords National Park is like stepping into Alaska’s epic highlights reel. Covering over 600,000 acres, this place boasts an insane mix of majestic fjords, glaciers, and wildlife galore. Kayaking through the icy waters, visitors can spot humpback whales breaching like they’ve got something to prove and bald eagles soaring overhead like they’re on patrol.

Fancy a trek? The Harding Icefield Trail gives you a stairway to glacier heaven, with 40 glaciers waiting to freeze-frame your awed expression. It’s nature’s playground, and in the summer, you don’t even need to bring a parka!

To Do In Kenai Fjords On A Visit:

Kayaking in Aialik Bay: Grab a paddle and navigate through Aialik Bay’s icy waters. You’ll be greeted by calving glaciers and, if you’re lucky, a curious sea otter or two – just try not to capsize from excitement.
Exploring Exit Glacier: Ever wondered what walking on another planet feels like? A trek on the Exit Glacier might give you a clue. With its surreal blue ice and alien landscape, you might think you’ve stumbled onto a sci-fi movie set, minus the special effects.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The picturesque landscape of Glacier National Park with a clear lake reflecting surrounding mountains, dense forests, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — © Depositphotos

Ah, Glacier National Park, where driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more exhilarating than your morning coffee. This gem in Montana flaunts over 1 million acres of wilderness, with rugged peaks, pristine forests, and breathtaking alpine meadows.

Did you know it’s home to over 700 lakes? That’s right—you can take a dip in a different one every day of the year and still have a list of must-swims left over. But keep an eye out for grizzlies; they like to crash the picnic party uninvited. And the wildflowers? They’re a botanical fashion show in summer.

To Do In Glacier On A Visit:

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road: Buckle up and prepare yourself for some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever see. This scenic drive cuts right through the heart of the park and offers panoramic scenes that’ll make you forget all about your last traffic jam.
Hiking to Grinnell Glacier: Want to feel like an action hero? Lace up those boots and tackle the Grinnell Glacier Trail. With sapphire lakes, lush meadows, and the glacier itself waiting at the end, this hike is pure gold – just don’t feed the wildlife on your way.

Discover More: Glacier also snagged a spot on our list of best national parks to watch sunsets. We are talking sunsets so incredible that they could make even the most jaded social influencer say, “No filter needed.”

Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

A scenic view of Lake Clark National Park with a large rock in the foreground, a vibrant turquoise lake, and rolling mountain ranges under a cloudy sky. — © Depositphotos

Lake Clark National Park is the Alaskan wild’s best-kept secret—probably because it’s tucked away where even Google Maps has to squint to find it. But don’t let the remote location fool you; this park is a jaw-dropper with its volcanoes, glaciers, and salmon-rich rivers.

Feeling sporty? You can kayak on turquoise waters with fish darting underneath you that puts any postcard to shame. And speaking of fish, here’s a fact for you: Lake Clark is a crucial spawning ground for the sockeye salmon. You can practically feel the bears’ excitement as they get their sushi fix.

To Do In Lake Clark On A Visit:

Bear Viewing at Silver Salmon Creek: Get your camera ready and your nerves steeled for some incredible bear-watching experiences. At Silver Salmon Creek, you can observe brown bears up close as they feast on the abundant salmon. It’s like an episode of “Wild Kingdom,” but without the commercial breaks.
Flightseeing Tours: Channel your inner adventurer and take to the skies for a flightseeing tour. Marvel at the park’s stunning glaciers from a bird’s-eye view. Trust us, it’s the only time being crammed into a tiny plane will be worth it.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

A tranquil scene at Biscayne National Park featuring a rocky shoreline extending into the blue ocean under a bright, partly cloudy sky. — © Depositphotos

Biscayne National Park is what happens when nature and Bob Ross decide to collaborate. Situated off the coast of Miami, this aquatic wonderland is 95% water—talk about embracing the beach life! Paddle through serene mangroves or snorkel above vibrant coral reefs that make Finding Nemo look tame.

Did you know it houses the longest stretch of mangrove forest on Florida’s east coast? And for you history fans, the park’s underwater Maritime Heritage Trail offers shipwrecks dating back centuries. So whether you’re casing it out by kayak or pretending to be Jacques Cousteau underwater, Biscayne offers a slice of paradise; hold the coconut!

To Do In Biscayne On A Visit:

Snorkeling the Coral Reefs: Slap on that mask and snorkel your way through the park’s vibrant underwater landscapes. Swim with colorful fish, playful dolphins, and maybe even a shy sea turtle or two. Who needs an aquarium ticket when you’ve got the real deal right here?
Paddling Through the Mangroves: Grab a kayak and weave through the serene mangrove tunnels. It’s a peaceful escape from the local hustle, and you might spot manatees, herons, and an array of other wildlife giving you their best side-eye. Plus, it’s a killer workout for those arms!

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

The serene landscape of Great Basin National Park featuring a tranquil lake surrounded by rocky shores, pine trees, and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky. — © Depositphotos

Found in the great state of Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a land of rugged beauty and extreme contrasts. Here, you can explore the Lehman Caves with their bizarre and intricate formations that look like something out of a gothic fairytale. Or climb Wheeler Peak, which stands at a whopping 13,063 feet.

Fun little tidbit: the park is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth, the bristlecone pines, which have been around for nearly 5,000 years. Between the incredible night skies and the vast, serene landscapes, it’s clear this park didn’t come to play—it came to impress.

To Do In Great Basin On A Visit:

Exploring Lehman Caves: Step into a subterranean art gallery by taking a tour through the Lehman Caves. With stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate cave formations, it’s like wandering through a natural cathedral. Just watch your head—these ceilings weren’t made for basketball players.
Stargazing at Mather Overlook: Pack a blanket and prepare to be awestruck by one of the clearest night skies in the country. Mather Overlook offers a front-row seat to the cosmos, where you can see the Milky Way, countless stars, and maybe even a shooting star or two. The park is certainly showing off…and we’re here for it.

Discover More: Once you set foot in Great Basin, you’ll wonder why it wasn’t on your radar sooner—and you’ll definitely be kicking yourself for all those missed “holy-wow” moments you should have had years ago.

Channel Islands National Park, California

The rugged and dramatic coastline of Channel Islands National Park with steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and the vast blue ocean. — © Depositphotos

Channel Islands National Park is California’s version of Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs, but with the same “wow” factor. Encompassing five different islands, the park is a hub of endemic species – we’re talking about plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else.

Kayaking the sea caves or hiking to Inspiration Point will make you feel like an explorer without the dangers of prehistoric beasts lurking around. And did you know the Island Scrub Jay only lives here? Yup, this bird’s got dibs on exclusive island residency. The islands are pristine, so remember: leave nothing but footprints.

To Do In Channel Islands On A Visit:

Kayaking Santa Cruz Island: Grab a paddle and take a scenic kayak tour around Santa Cruz Island. You’ll navigate through sea caves and turquoise waters while being surrounded by an array of marine life. Don’t worry; the sea lions might bark, but they rarely bite.
Hiking to Inspiration Point: If you’re yearning for a breathtaking view that’ll make your social media followers green with envy, hike up to Inspiration Point. The panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Pacific Ocean are straight-up screensaver material. Plus, it’s a decent cardio workout—double win!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

A vibrant meadow of wildflowers in Rocky Mountain National Park with towering peaks in the background, lush green forests, and a clear blue sky. — © Depositphotos

Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s crown jewel, where altitude meets attitude. Boasting over 300 miles of hiking trails, this park is a playground for the adventurous at heart. Between dizzying peaks and serene alpine lakes, you’ll catch some unbelievable sights. Moose and elk are practically the park’s unofficial mascots, so keep your eyes peeled.

By the way, Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet. And it takes your breath away, literally. So whether you’re scaling mountains or snapping pics, this park’s got enough “wow” to make your jaw drop and your legs ache.

To Do In Rocky Mountain On A Visit:

Wildlife Watching at Moraine Park: Grab your binoculars and head to Moraine Park for some premier wildlife watching. From majestic elk to playful marmots, this spot offers a front-row seat to the animal kingdom’s finest. Just remember, selfies with the wildlife are a no-go; they don’t appreciate the paparazzi.
Hiking Bear Lake Loop: Time to take a scenic stroll around Bear Lake. This easy trail is perfect for all ages and offers stunning views of the lake surrounded by towering peaks. It’s nature’s way of saying, “I woke up like this.”

Denali National Park, Alaska

The expansive and majestic view of Denali National Park with a foreground of blooming pink wildflowers, dense forests, and towering mountain ranges under a partly cloudy sky. — © Depositphotos

Denali National Park is the land where rugged meets breathtaking—quite literally, since it’s home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, towering at 20,310 feet. And whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a wildlife safari, this Alaskan gem delivers. Think grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou, all casually living their best life.

Pro tip: try your hand at summer dog sledding (on wheels!) because why not make friends with some enthusiastic huskies while you’re at it? You’ll leave with a memory card filled with epic landscape shots and maybe a renewed respect for what it truly means to be out in the wild.

To Do In Denali On A Visit:

Hiking the Savage River Loop: Put on your hiking boots and conquer the Savage River Loop. This relatively easy trail offers incredible views of rugged terrain and the Savage River itself. Plus, there’s always the chance of an epic wildlife encounter—just keep your snacks well hidden.
Bus Tour into the Wilderness: Jump on the park bus tour for a guided adventure deep into the heart of Denali. With jaw-dropping views and a good chance of spotting animals like grizzly bears and moose, it’s basically a safari, but swap the savannah for the tundra. And yes, please keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

A vibrant landscape of Mount Rainier National Park, featuring a field of colorful wildflowers in the foreground, with the majestic, snow-covered Mount Rainier rising in the background under a clear blue sky. — © Depositphotos

Having volcano vibes next to lush forests and wildflower meadows is just another day at Mount Rainier National Park. With over 260 miles of maintained trails, it’s a playground for hikers—just don’t ask the mountain to tone down its majestic views.

Did you know Mount Rainier is actually an active stratovolcano? That means it’s not just sitting pretty; it’s keeping things interesting geologically. And when you’re done climbing those peaks, treat yourself to the jaw-dropping sight of glaciers hugging the mountain. Glaciers. In the summer. Now, who wouldn’t want to brag about that kind of hike?

To Do In Mount Rainier On A Visit:

Hike the Skyline Trail: This 5.5-mile loop offers gob-smacking views of Mount Rainier, vibrant wildflower meadows, and, if you’re lucky, some cheeky marmots. Just remember to pace yourself—this isn’t your average stroll in the park.
Visit Paradise: No, seriously, it’s called Paradise. This area at the south slope of the mountain offers panoramic views and access to several trails. During the summer, it’s bursting with colorful wildflowers, turning it into a nature photographer’s dream. It’s like stepping into a painting, minus the obnoxious “Do Not Touch” signs.