When vacation time calls, look to the national parks for some of the most satisfying and least costly alternatives. Open year round, national parks offer activities across the country. For outdoor adventure or indoor discovery — try a venture into the national parks.
There are almost 400 national parks to choose from so if you need a little help picking one, you're at the right place. Travel Tips can get you started. Park Lodging will help you find a place to sleep.
You can Find a Park to search for events and activities (see the Plan Your Visit section for each park), participate in one of the many Institutes and Field Schools or save some money and come on one of the days we waive entrance fees. You can browse our weekly getaway series for inspiration. You can even volunteer to help us take care of the national parks while you're here.
There's an adventure out there for everyone — plan yours soon!
July 7-22
Cedar Breaks National Monument,
Utah
Celebrate the spectacular abundance of wildflowers in bloom! Guided hikes are offered twice daily; pick up your wildflower checklist at the visitor center. Take a self-guided walk or take part in family-friendly games and activities scheduled on weekends. The Zion Canyon Field Institute is sponsoring photography and journaling classes.
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July 8-10
Great Basin National Park,
Nevada
Learn about the great diversity of invertebrates at Great Basin. This year's events focus on arachnids and will include workshops, night collecting hikes, programs for kids and families, and opportunities for arachnologists and entomologists to share ideas.
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July 12
Point Reyes National Seashore,
California
In the annual "Night of Nights", historic Morse code radio station KPH returns to the air in commemoration of the closing of commercial Morse operation in the United States.
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Wednesdays-Sundays through November 3
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park,
District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia
Drift back in time on a mule-drawn ride along the historic C&O Canal on an 1870's packet boat. These one-hour tours start near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. Schedule is subject to change due to weather and canal conditions. Please call 301-767-3714 for schedule updates.
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