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Condé Nast TravelerOct 18, 2026
The Best East Coast National Parks, According to Someone Who's Visited Them All
From oceanside cliffs to fall foliage hot spots, here’s a top-down look at the best national parks east of the Mississippi.
17 things in this story
- Flamingo areaNeighborhoodRent a kayak to explore marked canoe trails.
- Port of the Islands ResortHotelFunky parkside lodging, chic and Floridian.
- Flamingo LodgeHotelModern rooms with water views inside the park.
- Elsewhere
- The Claremont HotelHotelBar Harbor, United StatesQuintessential Bar Harbor seaside experience with sunny decor.
- Big Meadows LodgeHotelShenandoah National Park, United StatesHistoric, dog-friendly, in-park lodging on Skyline Drive.
- Skyline DriveSightShenandoah National Park, United States105-mile scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Jordan Pond HouseRestaurantAcadia National Park, United StatesFamous popover pastries at an antique teahouse.
- Asticou HotelHotelMount Desert Island, United StatesHistoric stay with forested, coastal views.
- Boardwalk Loop TrailTrailCongaree National Park, United StatesAccessible 2.6-mile trail for glimpses of bald cypress knees.
- Graduate by HiltonHotelColumbia, United StatesColorful, central, and pet-friendly stay in Columbia.
- Hotel TrundleHotelColumbia, United StatesModern decor in historic brick building with local coffee.
- Old Rag MountainTrailShenandoah National Park, United StatesFormidable hike for the best views of rolling Virginia farmlands.
- Glen Gordon LodgeHotelHuntley, United StatesOld-world quarters in a pastoral setting near Huntley.
- The SwagHotelGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesHomey cabins with excellent dining and service.
- Blackberry FarmHotelGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesSecond-to-none dining and service.
- Home2Suites by HiltonHotelFlorida City, United StatesNo-frills location near Florida City.
- Reefhouse ResortHotelFlorida Keys, United StatesElevated beach stay in the Keys.
