The world is full of natural wonders, and national parks offer some of the most extraordinary ways to experience them. From roaring geysers to lush rainforests, these protected areas showcase the planet’s beauty while conserving wildlife and landscapes for future generations.
Here are 10 must-see national parks around the globe.
1. Yosemite National Park – USA
Yosemite National Park/Mick Haupt/Unsplash
Nestled in California, Yosemite National Park spans over 750 miles of hiking trails and is renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and glaciers. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s, it’s home to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and Valley View — a paradise for photographers and adventure seekers alike.
2. Galapagos National Park – Ecuador
Galápagos land iguana in Plaza Sur Island, Galápagos National Park/Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia Commons
A volcanic archipelago hundreds of miles off Ecuador’s coast, the Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory of wildlife. About 97% of the islands are protected, with UNESCO recognition cementing their global importance. Visitors may encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, making this park a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Banff National Park – Canada
Banff National Park/Jacky Huang/Unsplash
Canada’s first national park, Banff, was established in 1885 as a hot springs reserve. Today, it covers vast areas of the Canadian Rockies, boasting over 1,000 glaciers, three world-class ski resorts, thousands of hiking trails, and more than 2,000 campsites. The turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are just a taste of the park’s awe-inspiring scenery.
4. Yellowstone National Park – USA
Yellowstone National Park/Meina Yin/Unsplash
America’s first national park, Yellowstone, spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, covering 2.2 million acres. Known for Old Faithful and its geothermal wonders, Yellowstone is also home to diverse wildlife and Yellowstone Lake — one of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America — set atop the Yellowstone Caldera, the continent’s largest supervolcano.
5. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Serengeti National Park/Ryan Louderback/Unsplash
Famed for the Great Migration, the Serengeti offers one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. Covering 5,700 square miles, the park is home to the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos — and hosts Africa’s largest lion population. Visitors can witness wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traversing the plains in an annual migration that’s truly unforgettable.
6. Khao Sok National Park – Thailand
Khao Sok National Park/Colton Duke/Unsplash
One of the world’s oldest rainforests, Khao Sok in southern Thailand, is a biodiversity hotspot. Established in 1980, it’s home to hundreds of bird species, reptiles, insects, and over 200 plant types. Visitors can explore limestone cliffs, emerald lakes, and dense jungle trails just a few hours from Phuket, making it a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
7. Torres del Paine National Park – Chile
Glacier lakes at Torres del Paine National Park/Olga Stalska/Unsplash
On the edge of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine is known for its dramatic granite peaks, glaciers, and striking landscapes. Covering over 445,000 acres, it offers multi-day treks like the W Trek and O Circuit, as well as sights like the Grey Glacier. The park is one of Chile’s most visited protected areas, offering a pristine wilderness experience.
8. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia
Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park/Mike Swigunski/Unsplash
Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its 16 interconnected lakes and countless smaller bodies of water, all linked by cascading waterfalls. Visitors can explore seven scenic walking routes and four hiking trails through forested landscapes that change dramatically with each season, making it a year-round destination.
9. Kruger National Park – South Africa
Kruger National Park/Deborah Varrie/Unsplash
One of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, Kruger spans roughly 5 million acres. Visitors can see the Big Five, Nile crocodiles, hippos, and rare bird species. The park offers self-drive safaris, guided tours, and stays in public camps or private lodges, along with cultural highlights like the Masorini and Thulamela archaeological sites and ancient Bushman rock art.
10. Guilin and Lijiang River National Park – China
Guilin and Lijiang River National Park/Dan Lundberg/Wikimedia Commons
Famous for its karst mountains and the meandering Li River, this park in Guangxi Zhuang is instantly recognisable from the 20 yuan note. Highlights include the Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where natural rock formations resemble horses, and the Reed Flute Cave, filled with stalactites and stalagmites — a dream destination for nature and photography lovers.
Source: CNBC
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