
Wonder awaits on a national parks adventure. Discover stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and heart-pumping activities on a vacation of a lifetime.
They’re called America’s best idea for a reason, and they are always worth exploring. On a National Park tour, you’ll actively explore and experience these protected lands; stepping off the beaten path and discovering a world that not every visitor gets to witness. This is where the true adventure takes place.
The varied geography and climate of the parks offer a range of activities from hiking and biking to rafting, fishing, and even relaxing by a campfire. National Park adventure vacations combine travel with action, allowing you to experience the environment with activities that are ideally suited for your destination.
To help you sort through all the information, we’ve developed a National Parks Vacation Planning Guide. Download it today for expert insights and planning information we’ve gathered over the decades.
Finding the Best National Parks to Visit
When looking for the best national parks to visit, consider what you'd like to see and do, then consult the experts who explore them for fun. Several of America’s most incredible national parks are our weekend playgrounds, while others have left an indelible mark on our souls after visiting. Read our list of the best national parks to visit and consider adding one or two of them to your own must-visit list.
Small Group National Park Vacations for Adults and Families
National Parks vacations are a great way for families to connect while exploring some of the most unique places on earth. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the epic views of the Grand Canyon, there are countless treasures for families to experience on a national parks vacation. In a small group led by seasoned pros, you’ll have unparalleled insider access and enjoy included activities that are geared towards families. Looking for an adult-only national parks vacation? We offer those, too! Our expertise spans generations, allowing you to fully experience your destination in a way that’s fun and memorable.
Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
Moments From National Park Adventure Vacations
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National Park Adventure FAQs
Accommodation
We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.
Transport
We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimize your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!
Meals
Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!
Guides
Our trips are all led by experienced guides who are very proud to work with us and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.
As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.
We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!
Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.
You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.
We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:
- vegan (no meat or animal products)
- vegetarian (no meat products)
- pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
- no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
- no pork (eat chicken & fish)
- gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
- lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
- picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)
You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or in your Account.
Why Travel With Us
Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
Award-winning guides lead the way
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
You’ll never need to sweat the details
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.