From trash to treasure, one Harbor Island's glorious evolution
Stan Grossfeld
After a half-hour boat ride, the 21st century melts away. Here there are no residential houses, no cars, no electricity (except for the welcome center), no TVs, and no public WiFi. After the last boat departs, there are no people here except for the caretaker. Everything carried in must be carried out. The camp sites offer stunning sunrises over the ocean, magnificent sunsets over the skyline, and miles of unspoiled trails.
'All I see is happy birds and chill coyotes. It's my happy place,' Enkelhart said. 'That's the cheesiest thing I think I've ever said in my life, but I mean it.'
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Spectacle Island was named because it resembles a pair of eyeglasses, two drumlins separated by a narrow spit.
Campers arrive at Spectacle Island for the first overnight camping trip. The island is a carry in, carry out experience.
Stan Grossfeld
It used to be a dump, literally. It had a horse rendering plant, and grease reclamation facility. There was a smallpox quarantine hospital here and ships with known cases were required to stop and quarantine there. It had two hotels in the 19th century until the cops busted them for illegal gambling.
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In the 1920s, 100 people resided here, and they even had a little red schoolhouse. In the '30s, the final factory closed, and it became Boston's garbage dump from 1935 to 1959.
In 1992, the Big Dig sediment was used to fill in and cap off the landfill. The highest part of the island is now 255 feet and affords amazing views in all directions. After the planting of thousands of trees and shrubs, the park opened to the public in 2006.
The National Parks Service calls it 'trash turned into treasure.'
Camping was allowed in the spit of land between the two drumlins on Spectacle Island.
Stan Grossfeld
This event quickly sold out. One hundred campers paid $39.19 to have the 114-acre island all to themselves after hours. That included a park ranger guided sunset nature walk, musical bingo, and art activities, Subway sandwiches for dinner, and a continental breakfast on Sunday. After Saturday night's sunset, there were s'mores by the fire on the beach. Everyone seemed to channel their inner 10-year-olds.
It's a nature lover's delight. Rangers reported a white-tailed deer was spotted on the island this season and the list of birds seen here looks like an Audubon Who's Who.
Each direction offers amazing views.
A swinging hammock in the shade is the place to be on a summer's day at Spectacle Island.
Stan Grossfeld
Neighboring Long Island Hospital looks haunted. The airport runway is like clockwork with planes at peak times landing two minutes apart. The boat traffic on President Roads, Boston's main shipping lane, is hustle and bustle with everything from cruise ships to giant tankers. The Port of Boston's Conley Terminal in South Boston looks bigger and more formidable from the sea.
Star gazing isn't great, as it's too close to the city lights, which gives full moon intensity light to the island.
Advertisement
Rebecca Smerling, director of programs for Boston Harbor Now, calls Spectacle 'the jewel of the harbor cleanup.'
Campers with headlamps look for sea glass and other artifacts.
Stan Grossfeld
'I was talking to some people who don't even have a car,' Smerling said, 'and they just love the idea that they could take the subway [and ferry] to a camping site.'
There's a small beach with a designated swimming area and a shower and changing areas. But there's also a posted sign warning visitors that pieces of asbestos have been found on the beaches at Spectacle Island
Sometimes weird things happen here.
Campers of all ages toast marshmallows for s'mores on the beach at night.
Stan Grossfeld
'A full horse jaw will come up occasionally (from) when it was a horse-rendering plant,' Smerling said.
The overnight is quiet except for a bunch of coyote pups who kick up a ruckus and some boaters who anchor in the harbor and party into the night.
Sunday morning predawn, one camper sits with his back to the city and the ocean comes to life out toward the Graves Light. Next to him is the Krystle Campbell Gazebo, dedicated to the former Spectacle Island catering manager who died in the Boston Marathon bombings. Her smiling photo brings a tinge of sadness.
Rook Zheng of Stoneham climbs to the top of the southern drumlin of Spectacle Island to view the sunrise.
Stan Grossfeld
Rook Zheng of Stoneham thought about sleeping in but instead hiked to the top of the South Drumlin for the views. She got treated to a sunrise that looked like a living Grateful Dead logo. Sunshine Daydream, indeed.
'Oh my ... that was amazing. Glad I woke up. That was definitely worth it,' said Zheng, a biotech researcher.
She thinks that to make Spectacle camping accessible on a regular basis like Peddocks Island is a tough call.
'It's debatable. It's a really nice trail,' she said. 'If you start doing campsites, then you inevitably change the landscape of this island.'
Advertisement
On the ride back, most campers raved about the experience.
A camper watches boat traffic on President Roads at dawn.
Stan Grossfeld
John Harris of Topsfield had visited there a half century ago when he was 14, accompanying his mother, who lived there with her family in the early 1930s. Her photo is even in the historical video in the welcome center.
'There were no structures left,' Harris said. 'We went up the island just trying to see where she lived. She found a rock. It was round like a bowling ball and she remembers as a child rolling that across the floor. They would use that to weigh down a plate atop the sauerkraut to keep the cabbage submerged in vinegar. And we brought it home.'
A happy camper takes a joyous shower after swimming at Spectacle Island.
Stan Grossfeld
He said the Spectacle Island rebirth would have pleased his mother, who passed away in 2015.
'Now, it looks great. When the Big Dig came, the soil out there was barren, and I never thought anything would flourish,' Harris said. 'But now, looking at it, it's amazing what they've done.'
At dawn, tents surround the Krystle Campbell Gazebo, dedicated to the former Spectacle Island catering manager who died in the Boston Marathon bombings.
Stan Grossfeld
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CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
MBTA to offer late-night weekend service on subways, certain bus routes in Boston area
The MBTA will soon be adding late-night weekend service to subway lines, as well as popular bus routes in the Boston area. Starting Aug. 24, service will be extended by about an hour on all subway lines, as well as eight frequent bus routes, on Friday and Saturday nights. Some bus routes will have later service seven nights a week, and certain ferries will also run later, the T said. "We have been able to get to the point where we've improved our system, we've built up the workforce, where we can now strategically add extended service on our subway system," MBTA General Manager Phil Eng told the agency's Board of Directors on Tuesday. Right now, subway trains make their final stops between midnight and 1 a.m. on the weekends. Eng said extending service at night will help businesses and people who work late. The MBTA is also going fare-free after 9 p.m. for five consecutive Friday and Saturday nights, starting Sept. 5 through Oct. 4. "We're doing this within our operational budget," Eng said. "It is super exciting." The Red, Orange, Blue, Green and Mattapan Lines will all see nearly an hour of extended service on Friday and Saturday nights. Bus routes 1, 22, 39, 66, 110, SL1, SL3 and SL5 will also run about an hour later on Friday and Saturday nights. The busy Route 23, 28, 57, 111 and 116 bus lines will have an extra hour of service every night of the week, the MBTA said. On the water, the Hingham/Hull ferries will run an hour later on Friday evenings. Service is being extended to 10 p.m. on the Charlestown and East Boston ferries on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Boston Globe
From trash to treasure, one Harbor Island's glorious evolution
The sun rises to the right of the Graves Light. Stan Grossfeld After a half-hour boat ride, the 21st century melts away. Here there are no residential houses, no cars, no electricity (except for the welcome center), no TVs, and no public WiFi. After the last boat departs, there are no people here except for the caretaker. Everything carried in must be carried out. The camp sites offer stunning sunrises over the ocean, magnificent sunsets over the skyline, and miles of unspoiled trails. 'All I see is happy birds and chill coyotes. It's my happy place,' Enkelhart said. 'That's the cheesiest thing I think I've ever said in my life, but I mean it.' Advertisement Spectacle Island was named because it resembles a pair of eyeglasses, two drumlins separated by a narrow spit. Campers arrive at Spectacle Island for the first overnight camping trip. The island is a carry in, carry out experience. Stan Grossfeld It used to be a dump, literally. It had a horse rendering plant, and grease reclamation facility. There was a smallpox quarantine hospital here and ships with known cases were required to stop and quarantine there. It had two hotels in the 19th century until the cops busted them for illegal gambling. Advertisement In the 1920s, 100 people resided here, and they even had a little red schoolhouse. In the '30s, the final factory closed, and it became Boston's garbage dump from 1935 to 1959. In 1992, the Big Dig sediment was used to fill in and cap off the landfill. The highest part of the island is now 255 feet and affords amazing views in all directions. After the planting of thousands of trees and shrubs, the park opened to the public in 2006. The National Parks Service calls it 'trash turned into treasure.' Camping was allowed in the spit of land between the two drumlins on Spectacle Island. Stan Grossfeld This event quickly sold out. One hundred campers paid $39.19 to have the 114-acre island all to themselves after hours. That included a park ranger guided sunset nature walk, musical bingo, and art activities, Subway sandwiches for dinner, and a continental breakfast on Sunday. After Saturday night's sunset, there were s'mores by the fire on the beach. Everyone seemed to channel their inner 10-year-olds. It's a nature lover's delight. Rangers reported a white-tailed deer was spotted on the island this season and the list of birds seen here looks like an Audubon Who's Who. Each direction offers amazing views. A swinging hammock in the shade is the place to be on a summer's day at Spectacle Island. Stan Grossfeld Neighboring Long Island Hospital looks haunted. The airport runway is like clockwork with planes at peak times landing two minutes apart. The boat traffic on President Roads, Boston's main shipping lane, is hustle and bustle with everything from cruise ships to giant tankers. The Port of Boston's Conley Terminal in South Boston looks bigger and more formidable from the sea. Star gazing isn't great, as it's too close to the city lights, which gives full moon intensity light to the island. Advertisement Rebecca Smerling, director of programs for Boston Harbor Now, calls Spectacle 'the jewel of the harbor cleanup.' Campers with headlamps look for sea glass and other artifacts. Stan Grossfeld 'I was talking to some people who don't even have a car,' Smerling said, 'and they just love the idea that they could take the subway [and ferry] to a camping site.' There's a small beach with a designated swimming area and a shower and changing areas. But there's also a posted sign warning visitors that pieces of asbestos have been found on the beaches at Spectacle Island Sometimes weird things happen here. Campers of all ages toast marshmallows for s'mores on the beach at night. Stan Grossfeld 'A full horse jaw will come up occasionally (from) when it was a horse-rendering plant,' Smerling said. The overnight is quiet except for a bunch of coyote pups who kick up a ruckus and some boaters who anchor in the harbor and party into the night. Sunday morning predawn, one camper sits with his back to the city and the ocean comes to life out toward the Graves Light. Next to him is the Krystle Campbell Gazebo, dedicated to the former Spectacle Island catering manager who died in the Boston Marathon bombings. Her smiling photo brings a tinge of sadness. Rook Zheng of Stoneham climbs to the top of the southern drumlin of Spectacle Island to view the sunrise. Stan Grossfeld Rook Zheng of Stoneham thought about sleeping in but instead hiked to the top of the South Drumlin for the views. She got treated to a sunrise that looked like a living Grateful Dead logo. Sunshine Daydream, indeed. 'Oh my ... that was amazing. Glad I woke up. That was definitely worth it,' said Zheng, a biotech researcher. She thinks that to make Spectacle camping accessible on a regular basis like Peddocks Island is a tough call. 'It's debatable. It's a really nice trail,' she said. 'If you start doing campsites, then you inevitably change the landscape of this island.' Advertisement On the ride back, most campers raved about the experience. A camper watches boat traffic on President Roads at dawn. Stan Grossfeld John Harris of Topsfield had visited there a half century ago when he was 14, accompanying his mother, who lived there with her family in the early 1930s. Her photo is even in the historical video in the welcome center. 'There were no structures left,' Harris said. 'We went up the island just trying to see where she lived. She found a rock. It was round like a bowling ball and she remembers as a child rolling that across the floor. They would use that to weigh down a plate atop the sauerkraut to keep the cabbage submerged in vinegar. And we brought it home.' A happy camper takes a joyous shower after swimming at Spectacle Island. Stan Grossfeld He said the Spectacle Island rebirth would have pleased his mother, who passed away in 2015. 'Now, it looks great. When the Big Dig came, the soil out there was barren, and I never thought anything would flourish,' Harris said. 'But now, looking at it, it's amazing what they've done.' At dawn, tents surround the Krystle Campbell Gazebo, dedicated to the former Spectacle Island catering manager who died in the Boston Marathon bombings. Stan Grossfeld @font-face { font-family: BentonSansCond-Regular; src: url(" format('woff2'), url(" format('woff'); } @font-face { font-family: BentonSansCond-Bold; src: url(" format('woff2'), url(" format('woff'); } .dipupnext_hed { font-family: "MillerHeadline-Bold", "Times New Roman", Times, Georgia, serif; letter-spacing: .75px; text-align: center; font-size: 1.25em; line-height: 1; margin-top: 3px; color: #000; width: 100%; font-weight: 600; } .dipupnext_cap_cred { font-family: "BentonSansCond-Regular", "Times New Roman", Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: .5px; text-align: left; margin: 3px 0px 5px 0px; font-weight: 200; color: #000; text-decoration: none; text-align: center; } .dipupnext_photo { max-width: 100%; height: auto; padding-top: 15px; opacity: 1; } .dipupnext__form:hover { opacity: .5; text-decoration: underline .5px; } .dipupnext__form{ opacity: 1; } .picupnext__container { width: 100%; position: relative; margin: 0 auto; } .dipupnext__content { width: 100%; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 3fr; } .cdipupnextcontainer { display: block; width:100%; height: auto; margin:0 auto; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; overflow: hidden; } .upnext { font-family: "BentonSansCond-Bold", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.15; margin-top: .5rem; letter-spacing: 0px; color: #000; padding: 8px 8px 4px 8px; margin-top: 5px; letter-spacing: .5px; } .upnext:before, .upnext:after { background-color: #000; content: ""; display: inline-block; height: 1px; position: relative; vertical-align: 4px; width: 32%; } .upnext:before { right: 0.3em; margin-left: -50%; } .upnext:after { left: 0.3em; margin-right: -50%; } .theme-dark .upnext:before { background-color: #fff; } .theme-dark .upnext:after { background-color: #fff; } .theme-dark .upnext { color: #fff; } .theme-dark .dipupnext_cap_cred { color: #fff; } .theme-dark .dipupnext_hed { color: #fff; } @media screen and (min-width: 800px){ .dipupnext__content { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; grid-column-gap: 40px; } } UP NEXT Stan Grossfeld can be reached at
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Forbes
Best National Parks In The U.S. 2025
F rom awe-inspiring rock formations to lush rainforests to crystalline lakes, the best national parks in the U.S. showcase a diverse array of natural beauty. These sites offer profound glimpses into the country's most protected landscapes. Whether you're prepping for a hike or traveling with your boat in tow, there are an abundance of outdoor activities available at each—making these excellent destinations for your next family trip. While assembling our list of parks, we reached out to Eric Kaps, a preservationist with the National Parks Service, for insights on the most standout destinations. Popular options include Acadia National Park for its rich New England coastline, Yellowstone National Park for its stunning volcanic geysers and Yosemite National Park for its boundless mountain vistas. Here are the best U.S. national parks we recommend visiting, plus where to stay near each one. Sunrise at the tunnel view vista point at the Yosemite National Park. getty Who Will Love It: Hikers of all levels; photographers; large groups All-Star Attractions: Mist Trail; Glacier Point; Bridalveil Fall; Mirror Lake What Not To Miss: Biking through Yosemite Valley Where To Stay: Firefall Ranch; AutoCamp Yosemite; The Moonstone Retreat As one of the first federally protected pieces of land in the United States, the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park continue to stand the test of time. The splendor of this area was initially preserved via President Abraham Lincoln's Yosemite Grant Act in 1864, and has since drawn in millions of visitors every year with its breathtaking vistas and teeming wildlife. In its 1,200-plus square miles of vast wilderness, you can hike up granite cliffs, bike through sweeping valleys and picnic alongside countless waterfalls; rafting, fishing and swimming are also popular pastimes at Merced River—perfect for cooling off during the warmer months. For photographers, postcard-esque vistas are waiting around every turn. And as you wind down for the day, be sure to stop by popular eateries like Curry Village Pizza Deck and The Mountain Room for tasty, refreshing meals. Firefall Ranch: For a true luxury resort experience amongst the rolling hills of Yosemite, reserve an elegant one- or two-bedroom cottage at Firefall Ranch. Fine dining and rejuvenating spa facilities are a staple here, as are guided tours throughout the valley. AutoCamp Yosemite: A premier getaway for glampers, the airstreams, cabins and tents at AutoCamp Yosemite all offer luxe amenities (think kitchenettes, spa-inspired bathrooms and flat-screen TVs) while still centering guests in the valley wilderness. After a long day in the outdoors, retreat here for modern comforts. The Moonstone Retreat: With four sleek bedrooms that sleep up to eight, this multilevel vacation rental is ideal for large groups and families. Serene views of the Merced River Canyon are present throughout, along with a variety of high-end amenities like a hot tub, yoga studio and heated floors. Glacier National Park View of Glacier Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. getty Glacier National Park, Montana Who Will Love It: Lake lovers; backpackers; glacier seekers All-Star Attractions: Grinnell Glacier Trail; Lake McDonald; Hidden Lake Trail; Saint Mary Lake What Not To Miss: Driving or biking down the Going-To-The-Sun Road Where To Stay: Many Glacier Hotel; Après Whitefish; River Haus Throughout Glacier National Park, over 700 dazzling lakes are carved into steep valleys, with waters reflecting off historic glacier melts to create colorful mosaics along their surfaces. Grab a pair of binoculars and traverse 700-plus miles of unspoiled hiking trails—or take a cold plunge in the park's endless lakes if you're up for an adventure. For more uninterrupted views of panoramic vistas, gather the family together for an unforgettable drive or bike ride down the Going-To-The-Sun Road: a scenic mountain path that's been a highlight of the park since 1934. Where To Stay: Many Glacier Hotel: The rustic charm of Many Glacier Hotel is not to be missed. The Swiss chalet-inspired property is bordered by the majestic Swiftcurrent Lake; inside, lodgings feature old-world sensibilities and warm wood paneling. Après Whitefish: Just 25 minutes from the park lies this idyllic boutique stay, complete with elevated amenities (like an espresso bar, high-quality linens and a sauna) and sophisticated, minimalist suites. The largest accommodations can sleep up to five, while others welcome adventurous duos or solo travelers. River Haus: Mid-century chic pervades throughout this four-bedroom home, which is said to be the closest to the park's entrance. Colorfully decorated rooms are flooded with modern amenities and natural light; outdoors, a firepit, barbecue grill and hammock beckon the whole family. Olympic National Park Creek on the way to Sol Duc Falls at the Olympic National Park. getty Olympic National Park, Washington Who Will Love It: Rainforest fanatics; appreciators of biodiverse ecosystems; sunset seekers All-Star Attractions: Hoh Rain Forest; Rialto Beach; Hurricane Ridge; Ruby Beach What Not To Miss: Tidepools teeming with undersea critters at Rialto Beach Where To Stay: Kalaloch Lodge; Lake Crescent Lodge; Waterfront Tiny Home 'This is one of my favorite national parks in the Pacific West,' says Kaps, and for good reason. For one, the park encompasses nearly one million acres of land across different ecosystems, including rainforests, an ocean-lapped coastline and incredible, dynamic mountainscapes. With so much land to cover, the activities available here are practically endless: You can spend the day cruising down Lake Crescent on a boat, dip your toes into tidepools at Ruby Beach (look for sea stars, anemones and all sorts of critters) or hike through miles of lowland wilderness, mountain trails and mossy rainforest. For spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountainous valley, embark on a hike to Hurricane Ridge, a popular viewpoint 4,242 feet above the rest of the park. Where To Stay: Kalaloch Lodge: Perched between miles of unspoiled beach and a shrouded forest lies the rustic Kalaloch Lodge, a nature-focused retreat with plenty of accommodations (spread out between two lodges and a variety of gorgeous cabins) to go around. To make the most of your stay, reserve a cabin along the bluff for a front-row view of stellar Pacific sunsets. Lake Crescent Lodge: Since 1915, this historic property has welcomed countless guests (including President Franklin D. Roosevelt) inside its spacious guestrooms along the shores of Lake Crescent. In addition to a casual dining venue, the hotel also now hosts boat rentals. Waterfront Tiny Home: This remodeled 1920s cabin pulls out all the stops for tiny home luxury—think modern tech, a kitchen equipped with high-end Smeg appliances and a waterfront hot tub. The porthole-lined getaway has just enough room for two, making this a great option for couples seeking a bit of privacy. Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone River crashes over the Lower Falls in Yellowstone's Grand Canyon. getty Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho Who Will Love It: Geology nerds; families; wildlife lovers All-Star Attractions: Upper Geyser Basin; Grand Prismatic Spring; Artist's Point What Not To Miss: Seeing Old Faithful erupt Where To Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch; Yellowstone Peaks Hotel; Eagles Wings Mountain House In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant designated this site as the very first national park in the United States with the signing of the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act. Today, it remains a hotspot (pun intended) for its geothermal splendor: Among its 2.2 million acres, the land is home to around half of the world's active geysers, like the famous Old Faithful. Between sweeping mountain ranges and a vast amount of mudpots and hot springs, the geological marvel of the region has been crafted by millions of years of volcanic phenomena. On your next expedition to the park, we recommend hiking to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for awe-inspiring views of the cascading Lower Falls. Wildlife peepers, meanwhile, should camp out at Lamar Valley to see bison, elk and a whole other host of native critters. Where To Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch: As far as luxury dude ranches go, Lone Mountain surpasses others in terms of the vast amount of activities available. After awakening at sunrise, families here can try their hand at everything from horseback riding, fly-fishing and archery to axe-throwing—all against the backdrop of the Montana Rockies. Yellowstone Peaks Hotel: The pinnacle of boutique luxury, this 21-cabin hotel evokes a unique sense of peaceful serenity. Artfully decorated units here all have Japanese soaking tubs, sleek kitchens and spacious living rooms outfitted with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding landscape. Eagles Wings Mountain House: After a long day of outdoor adventure, laidback relaxation awaits in this private, 35-acre mountain house flanked by continuous Montana panorama. Standout 5-star amenities include a stargazing glass ceiling, seven-person hot tub, exclusive sauna and miles of private hiking land. Acadia National Park Autumn vegetation in the Acadia National Park, with Otter Cliffs in distance. getty Acadia National Park, Maine Who Will Love It: Seaside dwellers; coastline explorers; leaf peepers All-Star Attractions: Cadillac Summit; Thunder Hole; Otter Cliff What Not To Miss: Biking along the historic carriage roads Where To Stay: Harborside Hotel, Spa And Marina; Hearthside Inn; Acadia Yurts As the crowning jewel of the Northeast, the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park regularly stuns guests with its biodiverse woodlands, craggy coasts and glacier-carved peaks—like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. 'I worked for Acadia for a season back in 2019 and spent much of those 6 months hiking the 161 miles of trails, picking blueberries and bird watching the island's bald eagles, loons and puffins,' says Kaps, who additionally recommends stargazing at Cadillac Summit. Other wildlife visitors in the area include moose and bears amongst the forest, plus the occasional whale sighting down by the sea. For dramatic fall foliage vantages, venture along the park's nature trails as September and October rolls around. Or, if warm, seaside stays are more your style, check out the coastline in the summer: 'Outside the two weeks in July where temperatures are pretty high, it's hard to find a place with such perfect weather and beautiful views,' says Kaps. Where To Stay: Harborside Hotel, Spa And Marina: This seaside resort is comprised of 211 coastal chic suites perched on the picturesque Frenchman's Bay. Between day-long visits to the nearby national park, visitors here can enjoy quintessential regional seafood bites or unwind at the private pools and artisanal spa. Hearthside Inn: New England inns are a historic backbone of the Northeast, and the Hearthside Inn is no exception. At this charming boutique stay, peace, quiet and classic comforts are all a priority, along with chef-curated breakfasts and charming afternoon teas. Acadia Yurts: For those looking to be in the center of nature, reserve your spot at one of Acadia Yurts' seven tiny homes. The rentals are spread out on 5 acres of land and feature colorful interiors, fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas—a.k.a., cozy modern comforts amidst the park's leafy greenery. Grand Canyon National Park Scenic view of the Horseshoe Bend at sunset in Grand Canyon National Park. getty Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Who Will Love It: Family roadtrippers; stargazers; geology enthusiasts; multi-level hikers All-Star Attractions: Havasu Falls; Desert View Watchtower; Mather Point; Canyon Rim Trail What Not To Miss: Sunset views at Mather Point Where To Stay: El Tovar Hotel; Bright Angel Lodge; Grand Canyon Desert Cabin The Grand Canyon National Park's reputation precedes itself. For hundreds of years, its breathtaking rock formations, with vibrant palettes of oranges and reds, have persisted as a World Heritage marvel. Throughout the area, a far-flung network of trails takes you through the region's complex erosional history as sky-high metamorphic rocks surround trekkers. And if you're not the most seasoned hikers, there's always something else for the whole family among the park's million-plus, storied acres. Repeat visitors particularly love rafting down the Colorado River, hopping on mule rides along the South Rim and stopping by Native American artisanal markets. According to Kaps, among the Inter-Mountain region parks, this one is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime visit. Where To Stay: El Tovar Hotel: Built in 1905, architects initially designed this hotel to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa. Each of its 78 rooms is individually decorated for a distinctly unique feel, with elegant views overlooking the landscape of rock formations. Bright Angel Lodge: Another historic stay, Bright Angel Lodge overflows with ample historic charm, as evidenced by its renovated 19th-century cabin accommodations. After a tiring trek out on the trails, the lodge's very own Harvey House Café serves up plenty of family-friendly fare like gourmet burgers and fajitas. Grand Canyon Desert Cabin: Seeking a more secluded getaway for the whole family? This cozy cabin is just a short drive away from the parks, with enough room to sleep up to eight. Between the comfy linens, renovated kitchen and gorgeous porch views, this rental is the ultimate idyllic stay. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched and reported on hundreds of hotels, resorts and stays around the world This story was written by Forbes Vetted lifestyle editorial assistant Whitney Bruno. Bruno has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted. Deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel vertical, edited this story. She has over two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics and has visited multiple national parks on this list. Bruno gained additional input from Eric Kaps, a preservationist at the National Parks Service. An experienced professional who regularly travels from park to park for work projects, Kaps shared key insights on the best areas to visit. How We Chose The Best National Parks In The U.S. We curated our list based on extensive research, expert insights and personal stays. For this story, we considered testimonials from websites like TripAdvisor, and more. As every vacation is different, we chose parks across a range of regions in the U.S., from the North East and inter-mountain areas to the Pacific West. To ensure the diversity of our list, we selected various accommodations catering to different price points, group sizes and demographics.
