Presidents' Day weekend is the perfect opportunity for a quick, refreshing adventure before the spring season kicks into high gear. It's a chance to escape the routine, explore a new place, and make the most of that extra day off.
We've picked five national parks that are perfect for a 3-day Presidents' Day getaway. These parks are accessible and offer a fantastic winter experience, whether you're looking for desert sun, snowy mountains, or coastal beauty.
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Adventure: With its mild, sunny days, February is an ideal time to explore the unique desert landscape of Joshua Tree. The park offers a perfect mix of scenic drives, accessible hikes, and world-class rock climbing, all under the iconic, twisted branches of the Joshua trees.
What to Do: Drive the main park road and stop for short hikes at the Cholla Cactus Garden and Skull Rock. Catch the sunset from Keys View, with its panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. For a bit more adventure, hike the 4-mile Ryan Mountain trail for 360-degree views of the park.
Pro Tip: The park is very popular on holiday weekends. Arrive early to avoid long entrance lines. Lodging and campgrounds book up far in advance, so look for options in the nearby towns of Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Adventure: A winter trip to Shenandoah offers a completely different perspective on this classic park. With the leaves off the trees, the views from Skyline Drive open up, revealing the rolling hills and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful time to visit.
What to Do: Drive a section of the scenic Skyline Drive, which is often open in the winter, weather permitting. Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Look for frozen waterfalls, like the one at Dark Hollow Falls, which can be a stunning sight in the cold.
Pro Tip: Check the park's website for the current status of Skyline Drive, as sections can close due to ice and snow. Many park facilities are closed in winter, so come prepared with your own food and water. The nearby town of Luray is a good base for lodging.
3. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
The Adventure: Escape the cold and soak up the desert sun in Saguaro National Park. February offers perfect hiking weather and beautiful, low-angled light that makes the giant saguaro cacti and the surrounding mountains glow.
What to Do: The park is split into two districts. In the west (Tucson Mountain District), drive the scenic Bajada Loop Drive and hike to see ancient petroglyphs at Signal Hill. In the east (Rincon Mountain District), the Cactus Forest Drive is a paved loop with numerous trailheads and pullouts offering incredible views.
Pro Tip: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, located just outside the west district, is a world-class zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden, and is a must-do when visiting the area.
4. Olympic National Park, Washington
The Adventure: Olympic is like three parks in one, and a three-day weekend gives you just enough time to sample its incredible diversity. You can explore a wild, rugged coastline, walk through a temperate rainforest, and see snow-capped mountains, all in one trip.
What to Do: Spend a day exploring the coastal beaches, like Rialto Beach or La Push. The next day, walk the Hall of Mosses trail in the Hoh Rainforest, where the trees are draped in green. On your third day, drive up to Hurricane Ridge (if the road is open) for stunning mountain views.
Pro Tip: The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain and dress in layers. Check the road status for Hurricane Ridge before you go, as it is only open on weekends in the winter, weather permitting.
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The Adventure: There is nothing on Earth quite like the sight of Bryce Canyon's red rock hoodoos covered in a blanket of fresh snow. A Presidents' Day trip offers a chance to see this unique landscape at its most magical.
What to Do: Drive the park road to viewpoints like Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points. For a truly unique experience, rent a pair of snowshoes and hike a portion of the Rim Trail or even venture down into the canyon on the Navajo Loop trail.
Pro Tip: The air is thin and cold at Bryce Canyon's high elevation (over 8,000 feet). Dress warmly and take it easy to acclimate. The nearby town of Bryce provides lodging and services.
Final Thoughts
An extra day off is a gift. Use it to do something memorable. A quick trip to a national park is the perfect way to recharge, to explore, and to come back with a story to tell. Grab your America the Beautiful Pass and make this Presidents' Day one for the books.
