12 National Park Experiences That Go Beyond Hiking

There is nothing quite like our national parks. From Maine to California, we have parks with incredible scenery, fascinating history, and countless recreational activities. While many of the best U.S. national parks are home to unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy hiking trails (we are looking at you, Angel’s Landing!), we often overlook many of the other activities these parks offer. Below are 12 unbelievable experiences you can have in America’s national parks—no hiking required. Some of these national park experiences are a bit relaxing, while others will cause your heart to race, but what they all have in common is that they will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

1. Airboat Tour, Everglades National Park — Florida

There is something almost mystical about Everglades National Park. This unique destination is home to incredible wildlife, distinctive landscapes, and diverse ecosystems that will capture your attention the minute you arrive. While there are several ways you can explore Everglades National Park, such as a tram tour or a larger boat, I recommend an airboat tour, especially during the dry season between October and May. It's absolutely one of the most unique things to do in national parks.

There are several places where you can ride an airboat through Everglades National Park, but I have had personal experience at Everglades Safari Park. On our tour, we saw birds of all shapes and sizes, multiple alligators, and my personal favorite—massive iguanas. Visit the National Park Service website for any alerts and to help plan your visit to Everglades National Park.

2. Sandboarding at White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park is unique as it features rare white gypsum sand. This type of sand dissolves when it comes in contact with water. While much of this state park is off-limits for preservation reasons, the areas you can explore are breathtaking and offer activities such as hiking, backcountry camping, horseback riding, and more. However, sandboarding is one of the most bucket-list-worthy activities at this national park.

Sandboarding is essentially sledding down the large sand dunes. You are welcome to bring your own sleds to White Sands, or to purchase waxed plastic snow saucers from the gift shops. Some of the best places in the park for sledding include the Roadrunner Picnic Area and the Alkali Flat Trailhead. You must go sandboarding in designated areas to protect the park's fragile environment, and it's best to visit the park between fall and spring, as temperatures can reach triple digits in the summer. Visit the National Park Service website for current conditions and alerts at White Sands National Park

3. Soak in mineral water, Hot Springs National Park — Arkansas

There are many bucket-list-worthy activities at Arkansas’s Hot Springs National Park. However, for a remarkable experience in this park, how about soaking in the water? The thermal water in this national park is approximately 4,000 years old, and while there are no outdoor springs to soak in, there are some historic bathhouses where you can enjoy this relaxing mineral water.

Buckstaff Bathhouse is the longest continuously run bathhouse in the state and has been in operation since the early 1900s. Today, you can soak in the water and enjoy a variety of spa services. Keep in mind that soaking at Buckstaff Bathhouse is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you don’t want to soak in the water but still want to touch the mineral water, there are two places within the national park where the water is cool enough to touch: Display Spring and Hot Water Cascade. Head to the NPS website to help plan your visit.

4. Fly fishing, Yellowstone National Park — Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana

When many individuals head into Yellowstone National Park, they visit natural wonders like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, but there is nothing quite like throwing in a line and fly-fishing in the park. Yellowstone offers some of the best fishing in this area of the country, and more than 50,000 visitors spend time fishing within the park each year.

There are many incredible destinations for fly fishing in Yellowstone, including along the Madison River and the Gardner River. If you are new to fly fishing, there are many guided fishing tours available. But whether you take a tour or go on your own, make sure to obtain the correct permit before hopping in the water, and always be aware of your surroundings. It isn't uncommon to see bears and moose near the water. Visit the NPS website to help plan ahead for your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

5. Cave Touring in Mammoth Cave National Park — Kentucky

When visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, we strongly recommend taking a guided cave tour. These tours not only allow you to explore this unique natural wonder but also to learn about the area, the creatures that call it home, and more. Tour route availability depends on the season, and reservations are strongly recommended, as tours sell out quickly.

Even better, at Mammoth Cave National Park, there are a variety of tour options, including wheelchair-accessible, lantern, and crawling tours. Make sure that before you book any specific tour, you read the description carefully to ensure it is the type of experience you desire. Visit the NPS website to help plan your trip to Mammoth Cave.

6. Whitewater rafting in the Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park — Texas

If you are up for a bit of an adventure at Big Bend National Park, head to the river. Here, you can choose from several river trips along the Rio Grande that will not only let you see this park in a whole new way, but you may also see wildlife of all sizes on your adventure.

While there are several canyons you can explore, we recommend the Santa Elena Canyon. In this canyon, you will float next to cliff walls up to 1,500 feet tall. If you wish to explore this canyon, we strongly suggest traveling with a guide, as this river becomes quite technical with a Class IV rapid at certain water levels. This adventure is for individuals who are looking for a little more heart-racing experience. You should also check the water conditions and levels before you go, and the National Park Service website for any alerts at Big Bend.

7. Geocaching in Petrified Forest National Park — Arizona

Do you want to go on a real-life treasure hunt? You can when you go geocaching in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. With this unique experience, you will search for hidden containers in the park, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices. There are different ways you can search for geocaches, and you never know what unique things you will find. Plus, there are different types of geocaches to search for, from physical to virtual options. Visit the NPS website to help plan your visit.

8. Observe coastal brown bears at Katmai National Park — Alaska

One of the best places in the world for viewing brown bears is Katmai National Park, where approximately 2,200 brown bears—which are significantly larger than inland grizzlies—are believed to live. And while there are several backcountry destinations in this Alaska park where you can observe brown bears, we recommend heading to Brooks Camp. Here, you’ll find four viewing platforms along the river that offer clear, safe spots for watching these remarkable creatures.

However, for a truly bucket-list-worthy experience, it is crucial that you time your visit just right. The best time to view brown bears at Brooks Camp is in July and September. Typically, mid-July is when you’ll see the most bears along the river due to the abundance of salmon this time of the year. Visit the NPS website for more on visiting Katmai National Park.

9. Rock Climbing at Joshua Tree National Park — California

Did you know that Joshua Tree National Park has more than 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 boulder problems for you to explore? This results in dozens of paths for all ability levels and for those looking for a little adventure. If climbing is new to you, consider a guided day experience or even take a class.

Keep in mind that some areas in Joshua Tree may have seasonal climbing closures to protect nesting raptors. Other areas may be closed due to dangerous conditions or other factors. You can learn more about current closures on the National Park Service website.

10. Snorkel or scuba dive in Biscayne National Park — Florida

If you are seeking a more adventure-filled experience, head to Biscayne National Park. Scuba and snorkel tours are available that take you to the reef, shipwrecks, and areas filled with wildlife. And you may not only see remarkable things in the water as you snorkel and scuba dive, but you may also see wildlife playing along the surface as you travel out to the snorkeling destination. If snorkeling or scuba diving in the waters is a little too much for you, consider full-day sailboat tours where you can snorkel around the boat or just sit back and look for animals such as dolphins, rays, and sea turtles.

This national park is also home to the Maritime Heritage Trail, a series of historic shipwrecks dating back nearly a century. Access to these sites is by boat only. Visit the NPS website for more, including park alerts.

11. Helicopter ride in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park — Hawaii

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and it’s certainly a bucket list destination for all visitors to the island. And while you are at the park, there are many things you can do, from hikes to scenic drives, but for some unforgettable views, there’s nothing quite like a helicopter tour.

There are many companies that offer helicopter rides over the volcanoes and several other areas of the island. Some helicopter tours are short and sweet, offering beautiful views of the park and creating one of the most memorable national park experiences you could have. Others are several hours long and will take you all around the island and near several enchanting natural wonders. Head to the NPS website for park alerts, including volcano eruptions.

12. Ride an e-bike in Zion National Park — Utah

Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and many people come to this Utah park for its incredible hiking trails, including the infamous Angel's Landing trail. However, there is so much more to do, such as exploring on a guided e-bike tour. As you ride through the park, your guide will not only teach you about the geography and history of the area, but they’ll also tell you about many of the incredible features you’ll see along your way, such as the Court of the Patriarchs and the Temple of Sinawava. Plus, this is a great way to see many of the sights without needing to take the shuttle, which you will have to wait for and are crowded at times. In my opinion, an e-bike tour is one of the best national park experiences in the USA. Visit the NPS website for more.

What To Know Before Planning A National Park Adventure

Many National Parks in the USA charge an entry fee; however, if you plan to visit a particular park more than once or several parks in a year, consider purchasing an annual National Parks Pass. You should also check current park conditions on the National Park Service website, which will indicate whether certain roads or sections are closed due to damage, storms, extreme heat, etc. Also, consider the best time of year for visiting a national park. For example, you probably won't want to go sandboarding at White Sands in New Mexico or rock climbing at Joshua Tree in the California desert during the summer when temperatures often reach triple digits, or snorkeling at Biscayne in Florida during the rainy season. The time of year you choose will be a big part of your national park experience.

What other national park attractions would you add to this list? What are some of your favorite national parks in the country? If you're planning to visit a national park in the summer, check out our national park reservations guide.

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