US National Parks - 2TravelDads

National Parks with kids or as a lone adult are always incredible. From hiking deep into the mountains or coming face to face with an American alligator, maybe exploring the tunnels of historic Spanish forts in Old San Juan or climbing with bats through dripping caverns, National Parks are unforgettable places full of beauty and wonder.

While we haven’t been to every National Park and Historic Site yet, we’re working on it! From Hawaii Volcanoes NP to Dry Tortugas National Park, we’ve got guides for each park we’ve explored. Camping, picnics, hiking and wildlife viewing are some of our favorite things to do anyways, and National Parks are really THE place for all of that!

Visiting the Fascinating Hovenweep National Monument Ruins in Southeast Utah

Hovenweep National Monument is an easily overlooked spot that’s worth the visit in Southeast Utah. Located south of Arches National Park on the way to Monument Valley, this is a great place to see Puebloan ruins and learn about the ancient indigenous peoples of Utah and Arizona.
4 Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary – All the Best Sights and Wildlife

This four day Yellowstone itinerary is ideal for either first time visitors or long time fans of the National Park. Each day offers both unique geysers and wildlife opportunities and is flexible based on where you’re staying at Yellowstone National Park.
Guide to Beautiful Yellowstone National Park: Our Long-time Favorite Park

Complete guide to Yellowstone National Park with kids. Travel plans, itineraries, geysers, wildlife and more. Photography tips and being prepared for all weather in Yellowstone, this guide is perfect for family travel.
Beautiful Sunset Crater Volcano – Unexpected Lava Hiking in Arizona’s High Desert

Did you know that you can actually hike through lava beds in Arizona and it looks just like Hawaii? At Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument you’ll find lava flows, forests and unique landscapes to explore. See what there is to do and how to add Sunset Crater Volcano to your Arizona road trip.
Beautiful Toozigut National Monument: Fascinating Ruins and Museum in Arizona

Toozigut National Monument is a small but really cool historic site in northern Arizona on the way to the Grand Canyon. Take a look at what you’ll find here at this Sinagua hilltop town, from the structures to the museum space and why it’s worth visiting.
Wupatki National Monument – Incredible Ruins and Beautiful Landscapes in Arizona

Wupatki National Monument in Northern Arizona is amazing and one of the coolest places to explore with kids. From Anasazi ruins to wildlife watching, this is a great addition to any Arizona road trip.
Visiting Casa Grande National Monument -Ancient Ruins an Arizona Birdwatching

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona is different from any other ruins we’ve visited in the American Southwest. See what you’ll find at the archaeological site and museum, including amazing birdwatching in the Arizona desert.
Visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument – an Arizona Icon Worth Stopping at

Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the icons of Arizona you need to visit. Easy to add to a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle is a great spot to learn about ancient Sinagua culture, and it’s an amazing structure to behold.
7 Day Alaska Itinerary: Epic Road Trip, Beautiful National Parks

This 7 day Alaska itinerary is perfect for seeing epic wildlife, national parks and enjoying some of the most beautiful hikes around. From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park, this Alaska road trip will show you amazing sights and experiences.
Guide to Visiting Beautiful Saguaro National Park

Visiting Saguaro National Park is awesome if you’re prepared for the heat and the hikes. From wildlife watching to bringing dogs into Saguaro NP, here are all the tips and trick you need for a great visit.
Staying at the Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park

The Yavapai Lodge at the Grand Canyon is one of the best options for staying in the park, having a central location and is one of the best budget places to stay, particularly in the off season. See what to expect and great things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone: The Most Colorful Springs (and A Great Hike!)

Biscuit Basin is one of the prettiest places in Yellowstone National Park and it’s often overlooked. UPDATE: geothermal eruption, July 23, 2024!!! Find out what’s at Biscuit Basin, hikes to do and tips for photographing geysers.
Amazing Photography and Wildlife Watching in Kenai Fjords National Park

The wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park is precisely why people make the journey to Alaska. From humpback whales and sea otters to moose and porcupines, these are the best tips for what wildlife to watch for and how to get the best photos during your visit to the Kenai Peninsula.
Everything You Need to Know about Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska

Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska should be on everyone’s wildlife adventure bucket list. From amazing humpback whales and orcas to watching glaciers calve off into the fjords, it’s incredible. Guide to boat tours, hiking and planning Kenai Fjords NP.
Guide to the Eastern Side of Glacier National Park: How to Enjoy the Most AWESOME Side

The east side of Glacier National Park is less visited than the west, but it’s so much more exciting with endless things to do and hikes. From National Park lodges to epic hiking and wildlife viewing, this guide to East Glacier, Two Medicine and more is just what you need for planning a great Glacier…
Glacier Park Lodge – a Yesteryear National Park Lodge Not to Miss

Full review of the Glacier Park Lodge on the east side of Glacier National Park in Montana. From opinions about the rooms to reviews of the dining options at the lodge, this is what you can expect at this vintage National Park hotel.
Glacier Guides Montana Raft – a Beautiful Adventure Vacation in Montana

Here’s how you have a fun, stress-free trip to Glacier National Park: stay, hike, bike and raft with one centralized company. Glacier Guides Montana Raft put together an awesome trip itinerary and lead us for a relaxing and adventurous visit.
Easy 5 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary (w/ fantastic places to stay)

This Glacier National Park itinerary is perfect for spending 5-7 days exploring Montana’s best park. From hikes all around Glacier to where to stay, this itinerary is a great plan for summer.
Wonderful Things to do Near Las Vegas (and National Park visits!)

There are really fun, interesting things to do near Las Vegas that can be day trips or short overnight visits. From hiking in local conservation areas to visiting 6 different National Parks near Vegas, you can turn a Sin City trip into an amazing vacation.
Acadia National Park Itinerary (and Artist in Residence Info!)

This is the Acadia National Park itinerary you need for visiting both the must see sights and the overlooked things to do in the park. This beautiful destination is different in every season, and there’s even seasonal Artist in Residency programs to make Acadia NP even more interesting.
Complete Olympic National Park Guide – Best Hiking, Beaches and Where to Stay

Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington State and a little tricky to visit. Our guide to hiking, beaches and where to stay at Olympic NP will help you plan a unique, memorable visit to this gem of a place.
Glacier National Park Things to Do: Best Hikes and Awesome Activities

Having visited Glacier National Park in Montana so many time, we know the best hikes, great trails with kids, and most fun things to do in the park. This guide is ideal for planning a family or solo trip to Glacier NP!
Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park: Everything You Need to Know and Where to Stay

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park can be easy if you understand the basics of the park. We have all the tips and simple information for having a great visit to Montana’s Glacier NP.
The Belton Chalet: a Beautiful Railway Hotel at Glacier National Park

The Belton Chalet is a historic railway hotel at Glacier National Park. See what this 1910 lodge is like and details for booking the Belton Chalet for a unique Glacier NP visit.
Best Kayaking Spots in Glacier National Park

Kayaking in Glacier National Park is a completely different way to experience this amazing Montana destination. We’ve picked the best places to kayak and also rental options for exploring Glacier NP on the water.
Best Spots for Kayaking in Grand Teton National Park

Kayaking in Grand Teton National Park is epic, with views from Jenny Lake, the Snake River and more. Guide to where to kayak in the Tetons and wildlife viewing in this rugged Wyoming National Park.
Hawaii Volcanoes at Night: Best Lava Glow and Starry Skies

Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night for the Kīlauea lava glow is awesome. Everything you need to know to plan a nighttime trip into the park, including where to see flowing Hawaii lava, how to photograph lava glow and more.
Best Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park: Beautiful, Kid Friendly hikes

Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park is a great summer activity. These are the best hikes with kids or for a reasonable challenge. From Paradise to Sunrise, Ohanapecosh to Lake Mowich, great hiking trails for any skill level.
Cumberland Island Nat’l Seashore: Wild Horses and Beautiful Beaches

Do you know about Cumberland Island National Seashore and the wild horses? This is a guide to visiting an incredible National Park site on the Georgia coast between Savannah and Jacksonville. Everything you need to know to plan and have an amazing visit to Cumberland Island.
Visiting Congaree National Park: South Carolina Swamp Magic!

Visiting Congaree National Park is a great addition to any road trip through the Southeast. See all the things to do, how to plan your trip, and the details of observing the synchronous fireflies here at Congaree NP near Columbia, SC.
Oregon’s Painted Hills: When To Visit, Best Tips You Need To Know

Oregon’s Painted Hills are a unique natural wonder. See how to get there, when to visit, where to stay, and hiking trails at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Most incredible National Park in Oregon.
Hiking Hurricane Ridge in Beautiful Olympic National Park

Hiking at Hurricane Ridge is one of the best day trips to the Olympic Peninsula. We’ve rated the trails rated from easiest to most difficult and included tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge any time of year.
National Park Scenic Drives You’ll Never Forget (and to plan for NOW!)

National Park scenic drives are the best way to see the epic landscapes and wildlife across the USA. From desert landscapes to road lotteries, these epic drives are perfect to include in your road trip planning.
The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour: an Amazing and EASY Way to See Yosemite NP

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour is a great way to experience the highlights of Yosemite National Park if you’re short on time or energy. See what to expect, how to book it, and find our why it’s one of the best National Park tours available.
Review of the Wuksachi Lodge at Sequoia National Park

The Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park is set in a beautiful location and has (surprisingly) spacious rooms. Find out about staying at the Wuksachi, things to do in Sequoia National Park and planning a trip to the Sierras of California.
Favorite Things to Do in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a great family destination for getting into nature and learning about the giant coastal forest. Get ideas for things to do and parts of the park to visit on your California Coast road trip.
Awesome California National Parks Road Trip You Need to Do

Great road trip plan through the California National Parks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to hot springs at Lassen National Volcanic Park. See Yosemite, Pinnacles Sequoia and more.
Visiting Acadia National Park: How Many Days, Things to Do and More

Acadia National Park in Maine is very spread out with diverse experiences and activities. Guide to planning a trip, how much time you’ll need and where to stay for visiting Acadia National Park.
Guide to Castillo de San Marcos: an Awesome Florida MUST SEE in St Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the perfect blend of fun, history, beauty and a must-visit on your Florida trip. See why this Spanish fort is one of the best things to do in St Augustine, the nation’s oldest city.
Great Things to Do at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego

Visiting Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego is the perfect mix of nature, history and nautical interest. It’s ideal to add to family travel in SoCal and is a great budget friendly activity.
Where to stay at Zion National Park (and dining ideas too!)

There are so many choices of where to stay when planning a trip to Zion National Park. We range from camping to to hotels nearby to National Park Lodges. Everybody’s budget is different when they travel. Luckily, our ideas for where to stay at Zion National Park include the gambit of lodging styles, including national…
Glacier National Park Boat Tours: Everything You Need to Know

Boat tours in Glacier National Park, Montana are a great way to both get a unique view of the mountains, but also to have a more accessible experience. How to plan, book and prep for a tour on Glacier’s lakes.
What are National Parks and Why Do We Care: Planning and Visiting America’s National Parks

People love National Parks but what are they actually? From National Park to National Monument and everything in between, need to know tips for visiting and planning NPS trips.
Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: beaches, manatees and pristine waters

This Florida Gulf Coast road trip plan is perfect for enjoying beautiful beaches, freshwater springs and Florida’s National Parks. From Miami to Crystal River, this 6 day itinerary is all you need.
Lewis and Clark National Park: off the beaten path Pacific Northwest

Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always been familiar with the history of the area and some key figures in its settlement, including Lewis and Clark, the famous…
Where to Kayak in Yellowstone National Park: Lakes and Paddling Past Geysers

It’s tricky to know where to kayak in Yellowstone National Park, as there are a lot of restrictions. This guide to kayaking in Yellowstone will help you find a great waterway in America’s first National Park.
Epic Utah National Parks Road Trip: all 5 Utah NPs and Bonus Stops

This Utah National Parks road trip plan takes you to all five parks, includes some stops at amazing Utah State Parks and goes off the beaten path for an amazing trip. Includes hotel recommendation and how to plan this fun Utah road trip.
Review of the Capitol Reef Resort Just Outside of the National Park

The Capitol Reef Resort at the edge of Capitol Reef National Park is one of the most unique properties we’ve seen. Located in the center of the state, this Utah glamping resort is fun with kids, or perfect for an adults-only National Park trip.
Review of the Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite National Park: Amazing Hetch Hetchy Stay

The Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite is ideal for exploring the quiet side of Yosemite National Park. From family cabins to rustic retreat lodging, the Evergreen Lodge has many options and is located very near Hetch Hetchy and Groveland, California.
Why you must stop at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park

Everybody seems to have an opinion about overrated sights and places to visit. Roadside attractions are totally cliched to stop at, but why not stop? Viewpoints on highways that have…