February 2026
The 6 Best State Parks to Visit in the USA in 2026
With over 6,500 state parks in the USA covering a land mass of approximately 14 million acres, these lesser-known gems are often overlooked yet rich in scenic beauty, home to outstanding trails and typically less crowded. Discover the top six State Parks to put on your must-visit list
this year... FROM East...
Enjoy White Sand Beaches in Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park, Paradise Coast
Florida’s
Boasting one of the most pristine stretches of beaches in the world, Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park offers a secluded escape across a single mile of coastline and 166-acres, just west of North Naples. This tranquil haven features soft white sand beaches, perfect for shelling, paddleboarding and sunbathing, with shorebirds and wildlife in abundance for avid wildlife fans. The park is open from 8am to sundown
and is one of the most idyllic spots in the region
for catching the gorgeous Gulf sunsets. Entry fee: £5 per vehicle (up to 8 people) or £3 for single-occupant vehicles.
paradisecoast.com Hike to Hidden Viewpoints at Castlewood State Park, St Louis, Missouri Just outside St Louis, Castlewood State Park offers sweeping bluff-top views over the Meramec River and some of the region’s most storied trails, once a famed 1920s resort spot, now a haven for hikers,
cyclists and
wildlife lovers. Explore rugged ridgelines, riverside paths and hidden viewpoints that feel far from the city yet are remarkably easy to reach. Fly directly to St Louis from London
www.nitravelnews.com
www.nitravelnews.com
Heathrow on the new flight path launching in April 2026.
Castlewood
State Park is a 30-35 minute drive from downtown. Entry is free.
explorestlouis.com Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Memphis, Tennessee A visit to Bluff City isn’t just about hearing the blues.
minutes,
Within 20 visitors
can transport from the music mecca to the great outdoors. Perched on the Chickasaw Bluffs, Shelby Forest delivers wild beauty in every direction. Visitors can paddle
among ancient bald cypress and tupelo (swamp loving trees) rising from shadowy swamps, relax on a sandy beach edging the mighty Mississippi, spend a night in a cabin or campsite, and hike more than 20 miles of trails. Fly to Memphis via Chicago or St Louis, then drive 13 miles Highway 51. Entry fee: £4 per vehicle.
Memphistravel.com
…To West
Discover Beautiful Shorelines at Deception Pass State Park State of Washington Under
two hours
from Seattle, Deception Pass State Park boasts 14.6 miles of saltwater shoreline and three lakes spanning 4,000 acres.
Visitors can search for sea stars
STATESIDE IN 2026 | 17
and neon anemones in tidal pools, hike through coastal old-growth forests, fish for salmon, or kayak the calm bays and lakes. Encompassing two neighbouring islands; Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island, the park is connected by Canoe Pass Bridge and Deception Pass Bridge - an architectural gem that was completed in 1935. Entry fee: free, with nominal parking charges.
stateofwatourism.com Admire the Towering Treeline at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California As California’s oldest state park, Big Basin
is home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods. The park offers plenty of gentle, scenic rambles including a 4-mile Sequoia Loop which includes waterfall sightings as well as a 5-mile Redwood Loop Trail which takes visitors to some of the park’s tallest trees. Located in just over an hour’s drive south of San Francisco and with a vehicle reservation fee of just £8, it offers a great chance to explore some nature a stone’s throw from the city. Entry fee: £8
visitcalifornia.com Stroll through red-rock country at Red Rocks State Park, Sedona, Arizona Located just off the main street of Sedona is the stunning Red Rocks State Park. Travellers can explore five miles of interconnecting trails which are perfect for those seeking a less strenuous and more scenic stroll through red-rock country. Those looking for a more educational experience can join the daily morning guided walks with a naturalist who shares details on the science behind the impressive rock formations plus tips on spotting local wildlife that calls the park home. For a more
thrilling experience
of the Red Rocks, opt for a Pink Jeep Tour through the spectacular sandstone landscape.
visitarizona.com
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