The world is a great big beautiful place, you know that? Of course, it might not seem that way from where you’re sitting; maybe you’re living in the suburban sprawl, or maybe you’re living amid the urban grime. Whatever the case, you owe it to yourself to get out there and to experience everything the world has to offer.
To do that, we recommend visiting some the world’s best national parks. No matter which one you go to, you’re sure to have an amazing experience. That being said, there are some that are simply out of this world, even though they’re very much on this world. These are the national parks you NEED to visit.
Some of them might be in your backyard – places like Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Others might be a world away. Even if you’re not near one of these gems, trust us when we tell you this: they’re worth the price of airfare!
So, what are the best national parks in the entire world? That’s exactly what we’re going to look at! Let’s go.
1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Everyone’s told you that the Grand Canyon needs to be seen in order to be believed… Well, they’re not lying. You really do need to see it for yourself!
While you could just check it out while you’re passing by, staying at the park and really letting it all soak in is undoubtedly the better option.
2. Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
This absolutely massive national park (it’s 12.5 thousand square miles) is located on the South Island of New Zealand.
While it’s beautiful in the summer and spring, many travelers visit during the winter to see the beautiful glaciers cutting across the landscape.
3. Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada)
This national park, which is located along the Rocky Mountains, was the first one established in all of Canada.
The park also doubles as a national wildlife sanctuary, so you’re sure to see everything from grizzly bears to white-tailed deer.
4. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (China)
This Chinese treasure is home to a vibrant forest area, with tall sandstone and quartz peaks piercing the sky above.
Those with a flavor for botany will love this national park, as it’s home to incredibly exotic species of plants.
5. Cairngorms National Park (Scotland)
This national park is located in the northwestern section of Scotland and is the largest national park in the United Kingdom.
Tours of this park are particularly popular among those who want to get up close and personal with the Scottish wildlife.
6. Goreme National Park (Turkey)
This national park his home to the rock sites of Cappadocia, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When visiting this park, you and those you’re with will have a chance to underscore underground settlements that date back to the 4th century.
7. Galapagos National Park (Ecuador)
Established in the 50s, this national park encompasses almost all of the Galapagos Islands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The islands truly live up to their reputation, giving you the opportunity to experience an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
8. Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Those who want to get a feel for the terrain and wildlife of South Africa would do well to pay this park a visit.
Just be careful to go during the right season, as things get incredibly hot and humid here during the summer months.
9. Iguazu National Park (Argentina)
The powerful and beautiful waterfalls of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site draw countless visitors each and every year.
But, there’s more than waterfalls to see! For example, the park is known for the diversity of its avian species.
10. Arenal Volcano National Park (Costa Rica)
It’s a volcano national park for a reason! This one is home to not one but two of the suckers!
The park is named after the largest one, Arenal, which stands about a mile tall. The other one, Chato, is only about 3,700 feet tall.
11. Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
This national park, which is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located along the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It’s noted for the beautiful lakes the dot its landscape, all of which connect to one another by cascading waterfalls.
12. Zambezi National Park (Zambia)
This national park along the border of Zambia is home to an absolutely breathtaking rainforest with flora and fauna in spades.
The park is also home to Victoria Falls, which is known as one of the seven wonders of the natural world.