As a travel writer, I’ve visited all 50 states — from the rocky headlands of New England to the emerald waters of the Pacific and back again.
On every journey from sea to shining sea, I’m always struck by the wondrous diversity of America’s landscapes. And although most travelers prioritize national parks for outdoor excursions, state parks are underrated (and often less crowded) gateways to the nation’s wild beauty.
From the Mojave Desert to the redwood forests, here’s what I say are the top 10 state parks to visit across the US and why I recommend visiting them.
The towering cliffs of Kauai’s Nāpali Coast feel like a paradise.
I’d been at sea for hours, drinking Mai Tais and spotting dolphins, before I laid eyes upon the jagged, green cliffs of Kauai’s Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park.
The majestic coastline was both breathtaking and familiar — an otherworldly site I recognized from “Jurassic Park.” Whether by land, air, or sea (my personal favorite), this natural wonder must be seen to be believed.
Big Sur is Northern California at its finest, with ancient redwoods and sweeping Pacific views.
I was driving up the Pacific Coast Highway this spring when I encountered a California dreamscape I vividly remembered from childhood road trips — the coastal redwoods and misty marine layer of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
I stayed at the luxe Alila Ventana Big Sur, and spent my days hiking below thousand-year-old trees and whale-watching on the emerald waters of the Pacific.
This state park is filled with scenic trails and opportunities to see the region’s famous redwoods.
Adventure — and maybe views of the aurora borealis — awaits in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains.
If you truly want to venture into the wild, head north to Anchorage, where I spent last winter heli-skiing at Alaska Glacier Lodge in Chugach State Park, a 495,000-acre expanse of jagged mountaintops and snow-covered valleys.
The views and skiing are equally exhilarating in wintertime — especially if you witness the northern lights.
There’s more to the shore at pristine Island Beach in New Jersey.
The Jersey Shore typically suggests a very specific type of good time in popular culture — the Asbury Park boardwalk, beach bars at Seaside Heights.
But, last summer, I discovered a different side of the coast at Island Beach State Park, a 10-mile barrier island of white-sand beaches, coastal forest, and rolling sand dunes between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic — an unspoiled idyll perfect for a lazy afternoon of kayaking, surf fishing, and sunbathing (sans the crowds).
Discover an otherworldly desert landscape in Nevada’s Valley of Fire.
Nevada’s surreal topography is just as wild as the all-night casinos along the Vegas Strip.
And, conveniently, my next choice is a mere hour’s drive from the glittering lights of Sin City — head 50 miles northeast to Valley of Fire State Park, where you’ll feel as though you’ve arrived on the moon, rather than just the Mojave Desert.
Expect undulating rock formations of faded gold and burnt orange beneath an endless southwest sky.
Explore the rocky headlands of New England at Two Lights State Park.
Venture north to Maine to Two Lights State Park, a 41-acre preserve in Cape Elizabeth overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay.
I chanced upon this magnificent Maine wilderness on a sailing trip from Portland last fall, enchanted by the rugged coastline that was blessedly free of tourists — even during peak foliage season.
Two Lights is perfect for hiking in the headlands, with sweeping views of the navy New England waters below.
The west is still wild — and the bison run free — at Custer State Park in South Dakota.
I’ve always found South Dakota to be one of the more overlooked states in the Mountain West, especially compared to Montana or Colorado.
This is a shame, as Custer State Park is the quintessential Western escape — 71,000 acres of roaming elk and bison herds, whose numbers far outnumber any human visitors.
Plus, it’s ideal for all-season adventure, from horseback riding and swimming in the summer to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Escape to the Cape at Nickerson State Park in Massachusetts.
The Cape Cod seashore is a celebrated East Coast hideaway, and for good reason. It simply doesn’t get better than a summer weekend on this iconic peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean.
And of all the neighborhoods, Brewster is my favorite — more rugged and remote than Hyannis, and quieter than nearby Chatham.
During a recent June visit, I spent days there exploring the biking and hiking trails of Nickerson State Park, a 1,900-acre property with freshwater sandy beaches along glacial ponds and rolling pine forests.
It’s the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon in New England.
Head west to Lake Tahoe, an all-season escape in the mountains.
For my next choice, we’re heading across the country and swapping the salty Atlantic Ocean for the fresh waters of Lake Tahoe.
The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park system covers more than 14,000 acres of sandy shores and backcountry. I first visited in the summer and spent hours swimming and kayaking through the aquamarine waters.
Since then, I’ve returned nearly every winter — ostensibly for skiing, but often to hike through the forested mountain paths up to Monkey Rock, and enjoy panoramic views of the glittering lake below (a sight that doesn’t get old with repeat visits).
Maui’s ʻĪao Valley State Park is one of the most heavenly parts of Hawaii.
The Road to Hana gets all the attention, but travelers can visit an equally magnificent Maui landscape at ʻĪao Valley State Monument.
It wasn’t until my third visit to the island that I discovered this 4,000-acre nature preserve, west of Wailuku in central Maui. The lush green mountains rise precipitously up toward the sky — especially Kūkaʻemoku, a 1,200-foot peak also known as the ʻĪao Needle.
Non-resident visitors must book reservations, but they’ll be rewarded with a fairly crowd-free environment. Be sure to embark on the 0.6-mile loop and visit the ethnobotanical garden.
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