• January 1, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Arches National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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3. Caddo Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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4. Crater Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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5. Denali National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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7. Everglades National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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8. Garden of the Gods

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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9. Glacier National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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10. Grand Canyon

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11. Grand Tetons

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12. Great Sand Dunes

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13. Great Smoky Mountains

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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14. Hamilton Pool

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15. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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16. Hells Canyon

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17. Mendenhall Ice Caves

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18. Multnomah Falls

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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19. Niagara Falls

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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20. Redwood Forests

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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21. Rocky Mountain National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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22. Dry Tortugas

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23. Valley of Fire

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24. Yosemite National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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25. Zion National Park

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Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

You don't need to go very far to find stunning natural beauty in the United States, but some places are just magical. The country is approximately 3.8 million square miles in size, so it should come as no surprise that it's home to some spectacular scenery, but sights like the Grand Canyon, the Mendenhall Ice Caves, and the soaring peaks of the Smoky Mountains never fail to meet even the highest expectations. Traveling abroad is always worthwhile, but before you hop on a plane to a different country, consider visiting one of these incredible national landmarks instead.

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