Revive yourself with these rejuvenating national park getaways
America’s national parks offer unparalleled beauty, world-class hiking trails, and awe-inspiring rock formations. Explore the great outdoors and get ready to make a lifetime of beautiful summer memories.
By Paul Oswell | May 3, 2022 (Updated February 19, 2026)
Getting outdoors and into nature can be a revitalizing experience, especially if you’re trying to remove the stresses and strains of daily life. Hiking or kayaking while surrounded by some of the country’s best and most memorable scenery is inspiring whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. You don’t have to skimp on accommodations, either, when you can stay at beautiful hotels located near national parks.
Seattle
The Pacific Northwest is a go-to region for fans of outdoor exploration. Seattle is blessed) with a panoramic choice of stunning landscapes to explore surrounded by mountainous national parks, coated in lush, evergreen forests. Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and North Cascades National Park all provide world-class hiking trails and are accessible on day trips from the city. You’ll want to make the most of your valuable time, and a helicopter and hiking tour can have you in the stunning wilderness of Mount Rainier National Park within 40 minutes of taking off from downtown Seattle. Your concierge at The Lodge at St. Edward Park, an SLH Hotel can arrange a bespoke exploration of any of the region’s national parks. Experience the tranquility of nature at the boutique hotel that is nestled within a 326-acre forest by Lake Washington. Head out to nearby national parks before returning to your hotel for afternoon tea, board games in the library, or a relaxing yoga session. Fuel your stay with dinner at Cedar + Elm and enjoy local, seasonal, and sustainable dishes.
Las Vegas
The glitz and glamor of Las Vegas make for a destination that’s full of attractions. If you’re looking to find fun outside of the bright lights and endless excitement of the casinos, however, the striking Nevada wilderness offers welcome tranquility. The most popular day trip is undoubtedly a jaunt to the awe-inspiring rock formations of Grand Canyon National Park. Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas’ helicopter tour takes you over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, before descending 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon to enjoy light bites and a sparkling Champagne toast. If you’re more of a hiking aficionado, then either a helicopter or a high-end four-wheel drive transfer can take you into the heart of Zion National Park. An oasis in the city is also important, and Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers just that — a sanctuary to relax and revitalize in the midst of Sin City. If being in the middle of the action is more your style, then Resorts World Las Vegas has all the attractions you might need, not to mention a wealth of accommodation choices. There’s the tasteful suites of Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World or plush, estate-style villas at Crockfords Las Vegas LXR Hotels & Resorts. Your concierge can help you decide on and arrange your perfect wilderness adventure, as well as guide you through the many relaxation options, from on-site shows and concerts to the finest of dining in the 40-plus food and beverage experiences.
Atlanta
Beautiful national parks offer the perfect complement to the urban sprawl of Atlanta. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is one of the most visited in Georgia, and it provides a bucolic playground for city dwellers and visitors alike. The river gently winds some 50 miles from Buford Dam in Lake Lanier northwest of the city limits, to Peachtree Creek, just a few miles from downtown Atlanta. A plethora of outdoor activities are possible on and around the Chattahoochee River, and the farther north you head, the more placid you can expect the surroundings to be. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are the most popular pastimes along the river, and the park has an open shoreline and dedicated picnic areas with walking trails for you to enjoy. Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead in north Atlanta is ideally located if you’re looking for a sumptuous base from which to explore the Chattahoochee River and its surroundings. Soothe aching muscles with any number of treatments at Waldorf Astoria Spa, a spacious sanctuary complete with vitality pools and couples’ suites. Refuel for the next day’s adventures at Brassica Restaurant, a fusion of French brasserie sensibilities with classic Southern hospitality.
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California, and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
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