The 54-mile Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, run by the National Park Service, commemorates the people and events that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Along the way, you’ll find the George Washington Carver neighborhood, an early housing project constructed for African Americans, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where protestors clashed with law enforcement on a day that is now known as Bloody Sunday. 

Stay at the St. James Hotel Selma, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which is just steps away from the Alabama River and Edmund Pettus Bridge. The hotel is considered a historic site and was once the headquarters for Union Army Major General James H. Wilson. 

Denali National Park is home to (and named for) the tallest peak in North America—the 20,310-foot Mount Denali. The national park encompasses six million acres, filled with natural beauty and wildlife. While there, take part in guided hikes, tours, and rafting. At night, you can see the Northern Lights. 

Accommodations can be found at the Lodge at Denali Park Village. The handsome and rustic lodge is located in a secluded valley near the Nenana River. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and comfortable rooms after a day of exploring. 

Read more: The Best National Park Hikes

While most folks headed to Arizona go to the Grand Canyon, the lesser known Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has the same stunning rock formations and rushing river without the crowds. The star attraction is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a 270-degree turn around a rock formation. The park is also known for trout fishing and even has an incentivized harvest program. 

For those looking to stay inside the park, consider Lake Powell Resort and Marina. The resort offers 348 waterfront rooms and suites on the Arizona side of the expansive lake. 

The slogan for Hot Springs National Park is, “Where nature and history meet.” That’s because it’s filled with historic bath houses that have drawn Americans for centuries looking to soak in the spa-like waters. While at the park, you can explore the thermal springs, take part in hikes, and learn about the geology that makes natural hot springs work. 

Historic Hotel Hale was once a working bath house dating back to 1892. Each of the nine suites has a large soaking tub that uses hot spring mineral water to relax and wash your worries away. 

Everyone should visit Yosemite National Park at least once. The bucket-list destination comprises more than 1,000 square miles, with natural wonders like Half Dome and Glacier Point, and tons of waterfalls. You can see the more calm side of the park at Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. To get in, you must make a reservation on the National Parks Service website. Book early.

For resort and relaxation at a hotel, the Château du Sureau can’t be beat. The hotel is tucked into the green hills on the edge of the park, 16 miles from the south gate entrance. The resort encompasses nine areas and has 13 different accommodations, ranging from rooms to a private two-bedroom villa. 

Mesa Verde National Park is the seventh oldest national park in the National Park system and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for ancient Pueblo villages that date back to 550 A.D. Explore Menefee Mountain and the La Plata mountain ranges. At the tallest point in the park, you can see panoramic views of four U.S. states. 

Those looking for a place to rest should consider Far View Lodge, which has incredible views of the mountains and stargazing at night. The resort sits at some 8,000 feet above sea level, making for incredible views. 

Weir Farm National Historic Park is the home and studio of Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. The home is set on more than 60 acres of land with woods, fields, and waterways. While at the farm, visitors can take tours and learn about the gardens and the architecture that inspired Weir. 

The West Lane Inn is a quaint country cottage hotel less than three miles from the historic park. The structure was built in 1849, making it a historical site in its own right. 

While Delaware doesn’t have major state parks or trails, there is a unique offering called First State, which celebrates Delaware as the first state to ratify the Constitution. It includes six sites, including Brandywine Valley, Fort Christina, and the John Dickinson Plantation. 

Less than a mile from Fort Christina is Hotel Du Pont. The landmark hotel was established in the 1900s and has been serving guests in the area ever since. Its central location makes it ideal for those looking to get around with ease.

Everglades National Park, located at Florida’s southernmost tip, is an ecological marvel with marshy wetland home to rare birds, plants, and the elusive Florida panther. The area is filled with walking trails and things to explore. 

Visitors who want to stay inside the park can book a room at the new Flamingo Lodge, opening soon. The property is being built from recycled shipping containers and will have 24 units with one- and two-bedroom spaces.

Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, Cumberland Island, is known for the Cumberland Island National Seashore—a near-empty, 18-mile stretch of sandy shoreline dotted with centuries-old Live Oak trees. Closed to vehicles, the island is home to wild horses that roam freely and is best navigated by bike. 

The only commercial establishment on the island is The Greyfield Inn, built in 1890 by the Carnegie family. There are 15 rooms in the main house and two additional cottages to rent.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most biodiverse parks in the country. It is home to two of the world’s most infamous volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and is filled with hiking trails. For those who prefer to explore by car, the crater rim is a stunning drive that passes the park’s notable sites. 

At about two hours from the park, what the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai lacks in proximity, it makes up for in scenery: The scenic route to the entrance has sweeping vistas at every turn. After a day of exploring, relax at the resort’s private white-sand beach. 

Yellowstone National Park was established in March 1872 and extends into three states, including Idaho. The park is known for its hydrothermal and geological wonders, wildlife, and picturesque landscapes. Only one percent of the park is actually in Idaho, but it offers many of the same outdoor adventures as the larger portion of the park in Wyoming. 

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is just inside the Wyoming state line from Idaho and located inside Yellowstone National Park. The lodge has both hotel rooms and cabins and is a great place to enjoy the evening after exploring the area and seeing the many geysers. 

The Shawnee National Forest is located in the southernmost tip of the state and encompasses almost 300,000 acres of land. While exploring, you may encounter wetlands and bluffs. It’s great for wildlife sightings, camping, or even just a relaxing nature walk. 

Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins is located within the Shawnee National Forest and is less than 10 minutes from the Garden of the Gods, the forest’s main attraction. From the cabins, you can also hike to Pounds Hollow Lake. There are six cabins to choose from, each of which has a full kitchen, a screened-in porch, and on-site entertainment.

Indiana Dunes National Park is situated along 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s southern shore. It’s known for its pristine beaches, popular with families, and rare birds. For hikers, there are more than 50 miles of trails over dunes, wetlands, prairies, and rivers. 

About 15 minutes from the park, Brewery Lodge—a boutique hotel set on 40 acres of wooded land—is a great place to unwind while still enjoying nature. Guests who book one of the 12 suites are served a continental breakfast and craft beers daily. 

While Iowa doesn’t have a national park, it is the home of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (run by the National Park Service), dedicated to the life and legacy of the former president. The site includes the birthplace cottage of the former president, a blacksmith shop, a Quaker church, and the gravesite of Hoover and his wife, among other memorabilia and buildings of importance. 

The nearby Homewood Suites by Hilton is a solid, reliable option if you plan on staying the night. It has all of the comforts you can expect from a Hilton (wifi, premium channels), with a kitchen and living space—great for those visiting as a part of a longer road trip. 

The Fort Scott National Historic Site was a military fort in the 1840s and now showcases historic exhibits and living history programs. While exploring, you can see 20 different historic structures, 11 of which are original buildings from the 1800s. Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily for self-guided tours of the grounds. 

About an hour south of Kansas City, the 77-room Fort Scott Inn is about one block from the historic site and offers basic accommodations for those needing a place to sleep and eat.

Near Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s largest underground cave system—with some 400 known miles of passageways inside the caves. The park offers tours of the 350-million-year-old rocks, which are great even in summer—as the caves remain a cool 54 degrees even in August. Mammoth Cave is America’s second oldest tourist attraction.  

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave offers guests the opportunity to stay overnight inside the park. It has a mix of modern hotel rooms and historic cottages set near the caves and park trails. Call the park to confirm your stay.

For more than 200 years, Creole families have lived along the banks of Louisiana’s Cane River. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park tells the story of those families and preserves their cultural roots. It includes the Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, two of the most intact Creole cotton plantations in the country.

Nearby, the Riverbend Bed and Breakfast has five rooms with two shared bathrooms (though it is possible to rent the entire house). There’s also a full kitchen and living space, along with a spacious deck to enjoy after exploring the park.

Acadia National Park is known for its rocky, mountainous Atlantic coastline. Visitors can enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, some 150 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. Reservations are required for entry, and it’s best to book in advance. 

Just five miles from the entrance of the park, the Terramor Outdoor Resort offers an on-site Outfitter who can build out customized plans for the day while exploring the park and the surrounding areas. 

Glen Echo Park opened in 1891 as a place to, “promote liberal and practical education.” It was Washington D.C.’s premier amusement park before it closed in 1968. Now the park is operated by the National Park Service and offers year-round cultural and outdoor recreational activities. Take a ride on the Dentzel Carousel, one of the oldest carousels in the country, for $5. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner offers spacious rooms and has an attached mall for any last-minute needs. Most of the rooms offer stunning views of D.C., best enjoyed with a glass of wine on your private balcony.

Known as the Cradle of Liberty, Boston was the epicenter of the early American Revolution. The sheer number and density of significant sites led the National Park Service to designate the entire city as a National Historic Park. Follow the Freedom Trail—a self-guided, 2.5-mile walk that connects 16 places of importance, including Paul Revere’s house, Old North Church, and Faneuil Hall. 

The Newbury Boston, which recently went through a major renovation, is within walking distance of many of the city’s most historic sites and is a fantastic spot to relax after a long day of exploring. 

Isle Royale National Park, on Lake Superior, is remote—to get there, you’ll need to take a ferry or a seaplane—making it one of America’s least-visited national parks. It is home to moose, wolves, foxes, and rare birds, which you can see along scenic hiking trails. It’s also a popular place for kayaking, canoeing, and scuba diving to shipwrecks. 

For a unique place to stay, consider renting a boat and sleeping on it while tied up to a dock along the shore of the island. Many of the docks are not far from Rock Harbor Lodge, which offers a more traditional stay with dining. 

Voyageurs National Park encompasses 200,000 acres of land where Minnesota meets the Canadian border. Most of the park is only accessible by water, via 30 lakes that link together around the perimeter. By day, visitors can explore bays, islands, and beaches by boat; at night, the remote location makes for fantastic stargazing. 

Kettle Falls Hotel is the only in-park accommodation at Voyageurs. Located on the remote eastern side of the Kabetogama Peninsula, it is only accessible by water. Fortunately, the hotel offers shuttle service.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to white-sand beaches and coastal marshes, plus Civil War forts. The park is actually split between Florida and Mississippi, so it’s great for those on a road trip across the American South. The Mississippi side is great for island hopping by boat. 

If you never want to leave the beach, consider getting a backcountry camping pass, which lets you pitch a tent on one of the islands or sleep on a boat tied to shore. Fall asleep to waves crashing and wake to a brilliant sunrise.

The Gateway Arch, part of Gateway Arch National Park, commemorates the history of St. Louis in America’s westward expansion. Take in the sights around the Gateway Arch before riding the tram to the top, and learn more Dred Scott, who filed for freedom at the Old Courthouse.

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch overlooks the Gateway Arch and the river behind it. The rooftop is a fantastic spot to lounge and have a drink while admiring the view.

Glacier National Park is known for lush green forests, alpine meadows, mountains, and lakes. The park has more than 700 miles of trails to explore, most notably the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which takes you through the entirety of the park. For that, you’ll need to book a reservation through the National Parks Service.

Many Glacier Lodge, on the east side of the park, is worth driving for. Each night you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the glaciers, and the lodge has easy access to the better trails the park has to offer.

Scotts Bluff National Monument rises 800 feet above the North Platte River and is a Native American landmark. Hike to the top of the rock formation for breathtaking views of the valley below. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can drive two miles to the top of Summit Road for the same view. 

Stay at the Barn Anew B&B Country Retreat, where you’ll sleep in a renovated 100-year-old barn. It has four rooms, each with a private bathroom. You’ll wake to birds singing and a hot homemade breakfast before venturing off to your next activity. 

Great Basin National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland. The highlight is Wheeler Peak, 13,063 feet above sea level, which you can summit on foot. You can also explore vast forests lined with centuries-old bristlecone pines and the Lehman Caves. When night falls, take a stargazing class or bring your own telescope. 

Just outside the park, Hidden Canyon Retreat sits on 375 remote acres. Each of the rooms is in a single-story building so there’s no need to worry about climbing more stairs after a full-day of hiking.

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park is the former home and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s most prominent sculptors. Follow walking and hiking trails through the wood and spot the artist’s bronze sculptures dotting the landscape. 

Just over a mile from the park, the nine-room Snapdragon Inn is housed in a restored property from the 1800s. The pretty tree-lined streets make for a charming place to stay the night while exploring the park and its surrounding areas.

Once a manufacturing and industrial city planned around the Great Falls of the Passaic River, Paterson Great Falls National Historic Site beckons travelers from around the country. There, you can learn the history of the first planned community in America, dating back to 1792. 

A few minutes from the historic site is The Wilshire Grand Hotel. The luxury accommodations include free breakfast and are pet-friendly. While the rooms are a little dated, they are clean and the service is top-notch.

White Sands National Park is a natural wonder: The giant dunes, which cover more than 275 miles of desert, make up the world's largest gypsum sand dune field. Visitors can sled down the sands or drive along Dune Drive, an eight-mile scenic road through the desert. 

When it’s time to rest for the evening, consider staying at The Classic Desert Aire Hotel, which is just 20 minutes from the White Sands National Park. The resort has spacious accommodations at various sizes and sleeping arrangements, making it easy for you to bring multiple people on your trip and all sleep in the same room. 

Saratoga National Historic Park is located in the town of Stillwater, site of the Battle of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton fans will enjoy touring the Philip Schuyler House, and those who are looking for outdoor adventure can bike the roads at the park or hike the Wilkinson Trail. 

Just two miles from the park, Maple Shade Bed and Breakfast is set on 85 acres of quiet countryside. There are five rooms, each with a private bathroom. Built in 1875, a stay here is like stepping back in time to relive the local history.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is split between North Carolina and Tennessee. The forests that line the mountains are filled with diverse plants and animals, and the region is home to a unique mountain culture. The park is America’s most visited national park so arrive early.

Stonebrook Lodge has five different room types to accommodate all types of travelers. Each room is cozy and chic without being overdone with rugged lodge decor. 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park honors the former president’s journey to hunt bison in 1883. The rugged landscape that Roosevelt once traversed hasn’t changed much since the late 1800s, and now you can explore it via hiking trails and scenic drives. The park is also a great place for stargazing. 

Just seven miles from the park entrance, Spirit of the Badlands lodge is a stunning place to stay with a full kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a wrap-around deck that you’ll be tempted to lounge on all day long. 

Near Cleveland, you’ll find the northern entrance to Cuyahoga Valley National Park—a stunning natural landscape with plenty to do. Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, where you can hop on and off to bike or hike the Towpath, see Brandywine Falls, and farms inside the park. 

After a day of exploring, head back to the Stanford House. The building has been in the same spot for 135 years and can be rented out for large groups, or by the room (there are two shared bathrooms and showers for the entire place). 

Oklahoma does not have any large national parks, but does have quite a few smaller national historic sites. One worth visiting is the Washita Battlefield, where you can learn about the Great Plains War between settlers and Native Americans. 

While Washita is more of a road trip stop versus an entire trip, if you’re looking to stay the night, the Croton Creek Guest Ranch is a peaceful place to spend it. The 20-room, Western-style hotel features a welcoming wrap-around porch where guests can relax and meet fellow travelers. 

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most serene places in the country. Crater Lake was formed thousands of years ago when a volcanic eruption caused a mountain to collapse. The lake is now the deepest in the country and one of the most pure on the planet. The Scenic Rim Drive takes you around the edge of the lake to see all of its natural beauty. 

Crater Lake Lodge, located inside the park, has 71 rooms with incredible lake views. The lodge is only open seasonally, and you will need to call or make reservations online to secure a room. 

Gettysburg National Military Park is the site of the famed Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Visitors can live reenactments of the battle and hear Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

The Gettysburg Hotel was established in 1797 and is within walking distance of the park. It has 119 guest rooms suited to solo and group travel. The hotel is also a great stop for those heading onward to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. 

The Roger Williams National Memorial celebrates Roger Williams, who founded Providence in 1636. Around the site, you can see the spot where William's house once stood, see his final resting place, and explore three gardens that are filled with flowers. 

After a day of exploring, head back to the Omni Providence Hotel. The resort is within walking distance of many of the historic sites of the city as well as shopping and dining.  

In South Carolina’s backcountry, Congaree National Park is home to the largest intact expanse of old bottomland hardwood trees in the southeast. Visitors can enjoy water sports, like canoeing and kayaking, and in late spring and early summer the night sky lights up with fireflies. 

About 30 minutes away in Columbia, you’ll find the city’s first boutique hotel, Hotel Trundle. It is within walking distance to most things downtown, and guests are treated to homemade and locally sourced goodies. If you’re traveling with kids, they will love that the hotel's mascot is a unicorn.

Archeologists and wannabe Indiana Joneses are drawn to Badlands National Park. It’s a unique mix of red and white rock formations—which are among the world’s richest fossil beds—and grassy prairies where bison and prairie dogs roam. While visiting, you can learn about the Native American tribes that call this area home.

To feel like a real explorer, consider staying at the seasonal Frontier Cabins. Guests stay in log cabins and are served a hearty free breakfast each morning, then drive just a few minutes to enter the national park. 

The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is dedicated to the life and legacy of the former U.S. president. Visit the Homestead, where Johnson lived before and after being President, and the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, where you can see his final resting place. 

The General Morgan Inn has been in the same spot since 1887 and has 51 guest rooms that offer everything you may need while traveling through the area. A short walk brings you to adorable shops and cafes on Main Street.

Big Bend National Park is a natural wonderland where you can experience everything from rugged hiking trails to scenic drives. The park is famous for the stunning canyons that have been carved out by the Rio Grande over thousands of years. The desert park is home to blooming cacti, bobcats, and mountain lions. 

About 30 minutes away, The Gage Hotel is a restored mission-style hotel that was first built for the pioneer rancher, Alfred S. Gage. Its 14 recently remodeled rooms reflect Texas culture, and the on-site restaurant, 12 Gage, serves gut-busting West Texas cuisine. 

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its large concentration of hoodoos, or irregular columns of rock. While you can set out on your own, there are some great guided programs at the park to help you learn about the unique ecosystem. You can also take a guided horseback ride into the scenic amphitheater. 

Located on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater, Yonder Escalante allows campers to pitch a tent, or to rent a partial glass cabin or airstream. Each night, you can cook on a personal fire, then head to the community marshmallow roast to make s’mores and meet other travelers. 

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is filled with sugar maples and centuries-old hemlocks that can be seen as you walk across wooden bridges over babbling brooks and streams. You will also come across the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, built in 1805, along with the stunning gardens around the perimeter.

The Woodstock Inn and Resort calls itself Vermont’s most beautiful address, and with good reason. The landscaped grounds lead to a warm and welcoming home away from home. Each of the guest rooms exude historic charm, and the restaurant boasts a farm-to-table menu made with produce from the resort’s onsite garden. 

Walk in the steps of John Smith and Pocahontas at Historic Jamestowne, home to the first English colony in North America. The onsite museum talks about the history of Native Americans in this area, along with the start of slavery in 1619. Around the park, you’ll see live excavations and learn about what the archeology team is digging up. 

Sip wine and a dip in the pool at Wedmore Place at the Williamsburg Winery, located 30 minutes away in historic Williamsburg. Each of the rooms is themed to a different region of Europe and many have wood-burning fireplaces.

Mount Rainier National Park is a diverse ecosystem with plenty to see and do. At the heart of the park is Mount Rainier, which takes climbers 14,410 feet above sea level to the summit. The mountain is actually an active volcano with a glaciated peak, where melting water flows into five major rivers. Lower in the park, you’ll find wildflower-filled meadows and lush forests. Nature enthusiasts and hikers will enjoy being able to trek through several types of terrain. 

When it’s time for a break, head to the Suncadia Resort, set on some 6,000 acres with a variety of accommodations, including timeshares. Around the resort, you can explore 40 miles of hiking trails, tee-off at three golf courses, and pamper yourself at the spa. 

White-water rafters will love the Gauley River National Recreation Area, where more than 30 miles of river passes through gorges and valleys. The Gauley River is known for its class V+ rapids, which makes it one of the more exciting and dangerous white-water rivers in the eastern U.S.

The Resort at Glade Springs is just minutes away from the Gauley River and West Virginia’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park. While staying here, the staff can arrange other activities like golf or a spa day.

Just off the northwestern tip of Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore encompasses 21 different islands and 12 miles of coastline along Lake Superior, with sea caves and forests. Along the way, check out the nine historic lighthouses, some of which can be toured and climbed to see the panoramic views from the top. 

The Old Rittenhouse Inn is ideal for a long weekend getaway. The Inn is actually composed of three historic houses, all with views of Lake Superior. At The Landmark Restaurant, guests can indulge in a five-course dinner that shows off regional cuisine.

At Grand Teton National Park, you can explore more than 200 miles of hiking trails, float in the serene Snake River, or just sit and take in the wonder of nature with the mountains as the backdrop. Grand Teton National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country so be aware that the park gets busy quickly, and you will have better luck seeing what you want if you get there early in the day. 

Snake River Sporting Club is 20 miles from the entrance to the national park and downtown Jackson. The resort sits on 1,000 acres of land, with plenty to do—including fly-fishing, golf, and archery. There are a large number of lodges to rent at Snake River, each with their own unique style and activities.