Brand USA Invites Travellers to Discover America’s Iconic and Lesser-Known Parks

Brand USA is encouraging travellers to look beyond the usual highlights and discover the full breadth of America’s protected landscapes, from world-famous national parks to lesser-known national monuments and state parks that offer equally memorable experiences. The invitation comes as the U.S. National Park Service continues its mission to protect 63 national parks and more than 400 additional sites across the United States and its territories, each showcasing a unique slice of the country’s natural beauty, history and culture.

From dramatic mountain ranges and vast desert canyons to wildlife-rich wetlands, historic trading posts and underwater marine sanctuaries, America’s parks offer experiences that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, families and travellers seeking quieter, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

According to Brand USA, while iconic parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon are globally recognised for good reason, some of the most rewarding travel experiences can be found by pairing these headline destinations with nearby lesser-known parks. Visiting during shoulder seasons and exploring alternative sites also allows travellers to enjoy fewer crowds, better value and a deeper connection with local landscapes and communities.

Planning Ahead: New Visitor Policies and Pass Options

Travellers planning a U.S. national parks itinerary should take note of updated visitor policies introduced by the U.S. Department of the Interior. From 1 January, new fee schedules have been implemented at 11 of the most visited national parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and Grand Canyon, with a US$100 non-resident surcharge for visitors aged 16 and above.

For international visitors planning to explore multiple parks, the US$250 America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass may offer better value. Valid for 12 months, the pass covers entrance fees and applicable surcharges at participating parks, making it a cost-effective option for travellers visiting three or more destinations. Brand USA also recommends checking official National Park Service and state park websites for seasonal updates, closures and travel advisories before departure.

Iconic Parks Paired with Hidden Gems

Across the country, Brand USA highlights how travellers can enrich their itineraries by combining famous parks with nearby monuments and historic sites.

In Maine, Acadia National Park continues to draw visitors with its sunrise views from Cadillac Mountain and rugged Atlantic coastline. Just beyond, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers dark sky stargazing, remote hiking and a deeper connection to Wabanaki heritage, while Saint Croix Island International Historic Site provides an educational glimpse into early European settlements in North America.

In Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park’s glowing hoodoos and stargazing opportunities can be complemented by explorations of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park, where layered sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and fruit orchards reveal the geological diversity of the Colorado Plateau.

Florida’s Everglades National Park, known for its subtropical wetlands and wildlife such as the Florida panther, pairs naturally with Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne National Park. Together, these parks offer kayaking, boardwalk hikes, coral reef snorkelling and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, both on land and underwater.

In Montana, Glacier National Park’s alpine scenery and Going-to-the-Sun Road can be balanced with historically rich sites like Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and Big Hole National Battlefield, where visitors gain insight into the American West, ranching traditions and pivotal moments in Indigenous and U.S. history.

Beyond the Big Names

Brand USA also spotlights how lesser-known destinations across the country deliver unforgettable experiences without the crowds.

In Arizona, travellers visiting the Grand Canyon can extend their journey to Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments, where ancient Puebloan ruins and volcanic landscapes offer striking contrasts to the canyon’s vastness. Nearby Walnut Canyon and Hubbell Trading Post add cultural depth through preserved cliff dwellings and Navajo trading history.

In California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks showcase towering giant sequoias and dramatic mountain scenery, while nearby Manzanar National Historic Site and Devils Postpile National Monument add layers of cultural reflection and geological wonder. Further west, Channel Islands National Park and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve highlight coastal ecosystems and marine biodiversity accessible only by boat or scenic coastal trails.

Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, celebrated for its jagged peaks and abundant wildlife, connects naturally with Devils Tower National Monument and Fort Laramie National Historic Site, where geological marvels and frontier history meet living history demonstrations and ranger-led programs.

A Nationwide Tapestry of Nature and History

From the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, the United States offers extraordinary diversity across every region. In the Pacific Northwest, Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks present alpine meadows, rainforests and volcanic landscapes, while Alaska’s remote parks such as Denali, Katmai and Gates of the Arctic promise unmatched wilderness, wildlife viewing and profound solitude for experienced adventurers.

Beyond the mainland, travellers can explore tropical rainforests in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque, coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands, volcanic landscapes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and culturally rich sites in Guam and American Samoa, each offering distinct ecosystems and living heritage within the U.S. park system.

Encouraging Responsible and Meaningful Travel

Brand USA emphasises that America’s parks are not just scenic backdrops, but living landscapes that protect ecosystems, preserve history and support local communities. By encouraging travellers to explore lesser-known sites, travel outside peak seasons and plan thoughtfully, the organisation aims to promote more sustainable tourism while helping visitors experience a fuller picture of the United States.