Best national park sites for summer water adventures and fall colors
Whether you're looking to cool off along a scenic shoreline, paddle across a reservoir, or witness the vibrant colors of autumn, national park sites across the West offer unforgettable experiences in every season. Explore our recommendations for water-filled summer escapes and spectacular fall destinations below.
Best parks for summer splashing
Looking to beat the heat? From lakes and reservoirs to seashores and scenic waterways, these national park sites offer refreshing ways to enjoy summer outdoors. Discover destinations perfect for paddling, swimming, boating, fishing, and unforgettable days on the water.
Looking for more national parks for swimming, diving, and splashing?
Channel Islands National Park
At Channel Islands National Park, trade crowded beaches for island adventures. Kayak through sea caves, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and discover a coastal wilderness unlike anywhere else in California.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Just beyond the city, hidden beaches, coastal trails, and ocean views create the perfect summer escape. Explore Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, where mountains meet the Pacific.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Stretching across three stunning reservoirs, Curecanti National Recreation Area is a paradise for boating, paddling, fishing, and soaking in Colorado’s dramatic canyon scenery.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Wide-open skies, quiet coves, and endless opportunities for recreation make Lake Meredith a favorite destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping on the Texas High Plains.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Discover one of the nation's premier water recreation destinations. From kayaking and paddleboarding to boating and beachside relaxation, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers countless ways to cool off in the desert.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Sparkling mountain waters, hidden waterfalls, and forested shorelines make Whiskeytown National Recreation Area an ideal destination for swimming, paddling, hiking, and summer adventure.
Chase fall colors across the West
As summer fades, national park sites transform with brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson. From mountain forests and river valleys to scenic byways and historic landscapes, fall offers cooler temperatures, vibrant scenery, and unforgettable opportunities to experience the beauty of the season.
Want more fall national park recommendations?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Home to some of Texas’s most spectacular fall colors, Guadalupe Mountains National Park comes alive with brilliant shades of gold and orange trees transform McKittrick Canyon into an autumn oasis.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Discover a surprising side of Texas fall. Cypress-lined waterways, hardwood forests, and diverse ecosystems create colorful seasonal landscapes perfect for hiking, paddling, and photography in the Big Thicket.
White Sands National Park
Fall's cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the dazzling white gypsum dunes in New Mexico's White Sands National Park. Enjoy comfortable days, stunning sunsets, and unforgettable views beneath wide-open desert skies.
Great Basin National Park
Aspen groves glow with vibrant yellow leaves against a backdrop of towering peaks and ancient bristlecone pines at Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Crisp mountain air and scenic drives make fall one of the park’s most rewarding seasons.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Experience a striking contrast of seasons as golden cottonwoods and colorful mountain slopes frame North America's tallest dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. Cooler temperatures and crisp fall days make autumn a quieter time to explore this remarkable landscape.
