This national park was just ranked the top destination for 2026

Travelers continue to seek out nature escapes in 2026, with 40 percent of U.S. travelers planning to visit national parks and wilderness areas, according to HomeToGo’s latest Travel Trends survey. Each national park is unique, with varied landscapes and available activities, but HomeToGo's new analysis of the national parks ranks them all based on affordability, crowd levels and ease of access. One massive park in California tops them all.

The number one national park for 2026 is Death Valley National Park, a place that defies expectations in every sense. Known as the lowest, hottest and driest national park in the United States, it stretches across more than 3 million acres of stark desert beauty. But don’t let the extremes scare you off. What you’ll find here is not just heat, but a surprisingly diverse landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

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The park features vast desert basins, jagged mountain peaks and bursts of color from formations like the famous Artists Palette, where mineral-rich hills glow in shades of pink, gold and green. At Zabriskie Point, one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, sunrise turns the badlands into a shifting canvas of light and shadow.

Exploring Death Valley is as flexible as you want it to be. You can take it slow with scenic drives that wind through dramatic terrain or get out on foot with hikes ranging from the easy Salt Creek Interpretive Trail to the more demanding climb up Wildrose Peak. Ranger-led programs offer a deeper look into the park’s geology and wildlife, while film buffs can track down spots featured in Star Wars.

What really sets Death Valley apart this year, though, is its accessibility. Despite its remote feel, it scores high for convenience and comes in as one of the most budget-friendly destinations, with nearby accommodations averaging just over $40 per night per person.

California parks rank high in general, with Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National and State Parks all landing in the top 20.

If you're looking to answer the call of the wild this year, check out the full ranking here for inspiration.

Top national parks to visit in 2026, according to HomeToGo:

1. Death Valley, CA/NV
2. Petrified Forest, AZ
3. Shenandoah, VA
4. Everglades, FL
5. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
6. Sequoia, CA
7. Saguaro, AZ
8. Yellowstone, WY/MT/ID
9. Badlands, SD
10. Grand Canyon, AZ