If you don't have the time (or budget) for a big cross-country trek to a national park, why not check out a state park? These often overlooked but equally stunning spaces deliver just as much fresh air and scenery with fewer crowds, lower costs and much easier access. Need a little inspiration? Google Maps analyzed direction requests since Memorial Day 2025 to rank the 10 most visited state parks in the country this year. Consider this a list of your next back-to-nature getaways.
RECOMMENDED: These are the most-visited national parks in the U.S.
At number one is Watkins Glen State Park in New York’s Finger Lakes region. This two-mile stretch of gorges crams in 19 waterfalls, winding trails and plenty of opportunities for picnicking or fishing for rainbow trout. It’s an all-seasons stunner, but summer means swimming in the Olympic-size pool or camping under the stars.
Second place goes to Liberty State Park in New Jersey—best known for its Statue of Liberty views and picnic-friendly waterfront. Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, a rainforest wonder with the aptly named Trail of Ten Falls, comes in at number three.
The full top 10 spans coast to coast: Starved Rock State Park in Illinois lures hikers with sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls, while Letchworth State Park in New York brings Grand Canyon energy to the East. Hammonasset Beach in Connecticut is a sandy escape, Point Lobos in California offers sea otter spotting, Warren Dunes in Michigan boasts 260-foot sand dunes and Blue Spring in Florida is a manatee hangout.
Jones Beach in New York closes out the list at number ten with miles of oceanfront boardwalk. You can check out the full list below—happy travels!
Ten most visited state parks in the U.S.
- Watkins Glen State Park, New York
- Liberty State Park, New Jersey
- Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
- Letchworth State Park, New York
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California
- Dunes State Park, Michigan
- Blue Spring State Park, Florida
- Jones Beach State Park, New York