National Parks - Happier Place

Costa Rica’s Most Popular National Park: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Worth it?

beach cove surrounded by jungle, Manuel Antonio National Park, Punta Catedral seen from Playa Gemelas

Is Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s most popular national park worth a visit despite the crowds? Absolutely! Here’s why…

What Is National Park Week? And How Can You Get In for Free?

National Park Week at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, red rock formations against snow-covered peaks and blue sky

National Park Week takes place in late April across all U.S. National Parks and other NPS sites. Entry is free on the first day. But this week is about much more than free admission.

Shark Valley: Close Encounters with Wildlife in Everglades National Park (Florida)

Alligator and snowy egret, Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, Florida, Happier Place

Visit Shark Valley to discover the “True Everglades,” be awed by close encounters with wildlife, and take in the spaciousness of the vast River of Grass and the big subtropical sky.

See It To Believe It: Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, tall sand dunes and snow-peaked mountains

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of those places you really have to see to believe. The scale! The contrast! It looks like part of the Sahara Desert was dropped into the Rocky Mountains.

Most Popular: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina + Tennessee)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park road over the peaks Happier Place

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is (by far) the most-visited National Park in the USA. Maybe because it’s conveniently located? Maybe because it’s awesome? Probably both. Also: it’s free!

(Literally) Awesome: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

Painted Wall in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado - Happier Place

The moment you come upon the deep, dark canyon, you’ll be amazed. But it’s when you see the magnificent Painted Wall that you know the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is truly awesome.

This Rocks, Naturally: Arches National Park (Utah)

Double Arch in Arches National Park Utah - Happier Place

Arches National Park might be the most rewarding U.S. park because of the easy access to incredible views. Some of the best sights can be seen right from the car. And you’ll love the photos you’ll take!

Wild West Icon: Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

Saguaro cactus at sunset in Saguaro National Park Arizona - Happier Place

The unusual Saguaro National Park is a stunning nature getaway that’s especially enjoyable during the cooler months. Named after the iconic Saguaro cactus, it’s a must-visit for all who have dreamed of seeing the Wild West.

Continue reading Wild West Icon: Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

Much More Than Just a National Park: Mesa Verde (Colorado)

Mesa Verde National Park - Cliff Palace - Cliff Dwelling - Happier Place

The Mesa Verde National Park in South-Western Colorado is not only a stunning nature park, but also the largest archeological preserve in the USA and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Four Parks In One: Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, view of La Sal Mountains, Utah, Happier Place

Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, features an incredible desert landscape of canyons, mesas, buttes, and rivers. It’s a must-see for explorers, photographers, hikers, cyclists, four-wheelers and even river folk.