For more than 100 years, the National Park Service has managed millions of acres solely for the “enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.” Today, 63 national parks in the United States draw millions of visitors a year to unique natural wonders and unforgettable terrains. To determine the best U.S. national parks, U.S. News considered the opinions of both travel experts and recent park visitors. Do you have a favorite park? Cast your vote below. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Parking and national park entry reservations may be required at select parks. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

As far as classic American vacations go, it doesn’t get much better than a visit to a national park. These parks, found in 30 states and stretching for millions of acres through arid deserts, lush forests, icy mountains, and the crystalline waters of the tropics, provide travelers with precisely what they need: inspiration. And in a time like now, it’s no surprise that people are flocking to these outdoor bastions of hope. In 2021, total recreational visitors to the national parks system (including national forests, monuments, and scenic byways) hit nearly 300 million.

From swivel chairs to space rockets, the US has had some darn bright ideas over its short history. But of all the ideas that have changed the world, the national parks system is surely close to the top. It was way back in 1872 that the sulfur-belching lands of Yellowstone were designated as protected lands by President Ulysses S Grant. Fast forward to the 21^st century and there’s now 63 protected areas representing some of the most iconic natural landscapes on the planet — and a 64th national park on the way!

You’ve got mighty canyons, snow-capped volcanos, huge forests of redwoods and Douglas-fir, rolling wastelands of whistling dunes, salt lakes that spread out below sea level, glaciers that spread out above the clouds, slopes speckled by bison, salt-sprayed beaches, palm-fringed coasts, and great deserts that make the horizon look like nothing but a mirage. Sorry for the long sentence, but we had to at least scratch the surface! Let’s explore.