Witnessing the natural beauty of this country’s collection of national parks is a sight to behold. And while the park itself may be the reason you arrive in the first place, they don't have to be the only reason you stay.
Some of the country's best national parks are found next to gateway towns that are destinations in their own right, offering historic downtowns, memorable restaurants, hotels, and outdoor adventures—and all away from the national park crowds.
From Gold Rush history outside Yosemite to cowboy culture near Yellowstone, these towns give you a chance to experience the character of the region while still keeping some of America's most spectacular landscapes within easy reach.
In this article
Mariposa, California
About 40 miles from Yosemite Valley via Highway 140, Mariposa is a Gold Rush-era town that makes an excellent basecamp for exploring Yosemite National Park.
The historic downtown has a laid-back, Old West feel with wooden storefronts, shops, and restaurants like the 1850 Restaurant + Brewing Company, which serves steaks, burgers, and California comfort food.
On a recent visit to Mariposa, I stayed in the upscale cabins at Wildhaven Yosemite, where you can also book safari tents. The property just added a swimming pool, which will be a great spot for lounging after a day in the park.
Fall brings all sorts of festivals to the area, such as the Mariposa County Fair and Sierra Cider's apple picking weekends. While you're in town, the Mariposa Museum & History Center is the place to go to learn about the area's Native American and pioneer history.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, but it’s much more than an entry point.
Rather, this coastal Maine town packs enough New England character to warrant a few days for exploring. Located on Mount Desert Island, the walkable downtown is lined with boutiques, galleries, and seafood restaurants, and from here, you can take a whale-watching cruise, kayak in Frenchman Bay, or stroll the scenic Shore Path.
The Harborside Hotel, a classic waterfront property overlooking Frenchman Bay, is an excellent option for an overnight stay, or go for the intimate Acadia Hotel–Downtown, where historic charm pairs with a central location.
Seafood is likely at the top of your must-try list when visiting Bar Harbor, and for good reason. The Travelin' Lobster is a great option for lobster rolls, lobster salad, lobster bisque, and more. If you're looking for seafood and the best blueberry pie in the land, check out Side Street Café.
Estes Park, Colorado
Located at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is Estes Park, a classic Colorado mountain town with a family-friendly vibe.
Here, you'll find plenty of rock stores, taffy shops, and souvenir stores for a souvenir with a sense of place. When I visited a few years ago with my kids, we spent an afternoon at Estes Park Mountain Shop trying out indoor rock climbing—the perfect activity when the rain thwarted our national park plans.
YMCA of the Rockies is always my choice for where to stay in Estes Park, as you'll find cabins and lodges that are big enough for even multi-generational groups. Plus, they have loads of activities. I took my kids roller skating for the first time while staying there, and we also rented snowshoes on-site for a day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
When you've worked up an appetite, head to Bird & Jim for hearty, seasonal Colorado fare or Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Brew for a no-frills spot where you can rehash your day on the trails.
Moab, Utah
With rust-red cliffs and the Colorado River as its backdrop, Moab is one of the country's most adventure-focused gateway towns. It's the jumping-off point for both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, but the town itself has enough outdoor recreation to fill several days without stepping foot in either park.
The downtown feel is distinctly Western and outdoorsy, with mountain bikers, climbers, off-roaders, and hikers filling its cafés and gear shops. Beyond the national parks, you can mountain-bike the Slickrock Trail, raft the Colorado River, take a 4x4 tour, or watch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Stay at Red Cliffs Lodge, where rustic cabins sit along the Colorado River, or choose Hoodoo Moab, a stylish hotel within walking distance of downtown. Fuel up after a day on the trails at Miguel's Baja Grill, or choose from 14 food trucks at Moab Food Truck Park.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
If you’re looking to explore the wave-like dunes of White Sands National Park, Las Cruces isn’t just convenient, it’s enticing on its own.
The town is dotted with adobe architecture, desert landscapes, local wineries, and strong Mexican and Southwestern influences. For a feel of it all, spend some time in Mesilla, the historic village centered around a leafy plaza lined with adobe buildings, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
After exploring White Sands' surreal gypsum dunes, return to Las Cruces to dine at La Posta de Mesilla, housed in a former Butterfield Stagecoach station.
For a taste of the region's wine country, explore the Mesilla Valley Wine Trail, where high-desert vineyards produce distinctive wines.
Back in town, Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces fills downtown streets with local food and handmade goods if you time your visit right.
Cody, Wyoming
About an hour from Yellowstone's East Entrance, Cody is a Western destination with plenty of personality.
Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, the town leans into its frontier heritage with historic buildings, Western shops, galleries, and a lively summer rodeo scene. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the must-see, with five museums devoted to Western art, Native American culture, natural history, and the life of Buffalo Bill.
For a dose of old-school Wyoming, stay at the historic Irma Hotel, which Buffalo Bill opened in 1902 and named for his daughter, Irma. Then grab a drink and dinner at the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, known for its famous bar made from over 2,000 silver dollars.
In summer, the Cody Nite Rodeo has nightly bull riding and barrel racing. Add fly-fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and scenic drives, and Cody easily merits a few days of its own.
The Shortcut
Moab, Cody, and Las Cruces have enough on their own to fill the days you'd otherwise spend driving into a park.
Cody's main hotel was opened by Buffalo Bill and named for his daughter, and the bar down the street is made of silver dollars.
Bar Harbor is walkable, and the water is the center of it all: whale watching, kayaking, and one very good lobster roll.
Mariposa and Estes Park are the best options if you're bringing kids or want a downtown you can walk in an afternoon.
