The National Park Service (NPS) celebrated a historic milestone in 2024, with nearly 331.9 million recreational visits across its 433 sites. This record-breaking number surpasses the previous high of 330.9 million visits set in 2016. From breathtaking national parks to historic battlefields and memorials, more visitors than ever explored the wonders of America’s preserved lands.
A Historic Year for NPS Attendance
The increase of 6.36 million visits from 2023 marks a 2% growth in overall attendance. The NPS attributes this surge to a renewed interest in outdoor recreation and travel. Notably, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a diverse expanse of coastal and forested land in California, dethroned the long-reigning Blue Ridge Parkway as the most visited site. Blue Ridge Parkway saw temporary closures due to Hurricane Helene’s impact in September, contributing to its slight dip in visitors.
The NPS also expanded in 2024, adding four new sites to its roster, further attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
Top 10 Most Visited NPS Sites of 2024
Leading the list, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area saw an impressive 17.18 million visits, a nearly 15% increase from 2023. The site, which spans from San Mateo County to Marin County in California, features historic military installations, scenic coastal areas, and lush redwood forests.
The full top 10 NPS sites in 2024 were:
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area (17.18 million visits)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (16.73 million)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million)
- Gateway National Recreation Area (8.92 million)
- Lincoln Memorial (8.47 million)
- Gulf Islands National Seashore (7.80 million)
- Natchez Trace Parkway (7.36 million)
- George Washington Memorial Parkway (6.78 million)
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (6.41 million)
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial (5.29 million)
The Lincoln Memorial, ranking fifth, was the most-visited NPS site that does not cover a vast natural area.
America’s Most Popular National Parks
When focusing solely on national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park retained its top spot with 12.19 million visits. The Tennessee-North Carolina border park is famous for its misty mountains, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking trails.
The battle for second place was intense, with Zion National Park in Utah (4.94 million visits) overtaking Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park (4.91 million visits) in 2024. Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite National Parks also maintained strong attendance.
The 10 most-visited national parks in 2024 were:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million)
- Zion National Park (4.94 million)
- Grand Canyon National Park (4.91 million)
- Yellowstone National Park (4.74 million)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (4.15 million)
- Yosemite National Park (4.12 million)
- Acadia National Park (3.96 million)
- Olympic National Park (3.71 million)
- Grand Teton National Park (3.62 million)
- Glacier National Park (3.20 million)
Despite their popularity, national parks made up only 28% of total NPS visits in 2024, proving that historic sites, battlefields, and memorials continue to attract millions.
Record-Breaking Numbers Amid Staffing Cuts
While 28 NPS sites set new visitation records, the milestone came amid controversy. The New York Times reported that the Trump administration attempted to downplay the surge in visitors, with an NPS memo stating that news releases were not issued, though the numbers were quietly posted online. Additionally, mass staff layoffs—around 1,000 positions—raised concerns about the ability of the park service to manage future crowds.
Looking Ahead for National Parks
The record-breaking numbers in 2024 highlight the enduring appeal of America’s national parks and protected sites. With more visitors flocking to these natural and historic treasures, the importance of sustainable tourism and proper funding remains a critical issue. As new sites are added and policies evolve, the National Park Service continues to be a cornerstone of conservation and recreation for millions.